1. Assertion (A): Under Article 368, the Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution.
Reason (R): The Parliament is the Supreme Legislative body elected by the People of India.
Code :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- Article 368 of the Constitution of India lets Parliament change the Constitution.
- This means Parliament can add, change, or remove parts of the Constitution, but they cannot change the ‘basic structure’.
- This was decided by the Supreme Court in 1973.
- Parliament has the power to change the Constitution because they are the highest law-making body elected by the people of India.
- So both points (A) and (R) are true and (R) explains (A).
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2. Minimum how many times the Parliament has to meet in a year:
(a) Once
(b) Twice
(c) Thrice
(d) Four times
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (b) Twice
- The President is required by Article 85(1) to make sure that Parliament meets at least twice a year, with no more than six months between their last sitting in one session and the first sitting in the next session.
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3. What should be the interval between the two consecutive sessions of Parliament?
(a) Four Month
(b) Six Month
(c) 1 Year
(d) Fixed by the President
[39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (b) Six Month
- The President must make sure that Parliament meets at least twice a year.
- This means that there must not be more than six months between the end of one session and the start of the next session.
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4. Consider the table given below :
| Parliament |
| (Council of States) |
(House of the People) |
| Not more than 250 members 12 nominated not more than 238 representatives of States and Union Territories |
Not more than 552 members and not more than 530 representatives of States plus not more than 2 nominated Anglo-Indians and X. |
Which one of the following will fit in the place marked ‘X’?
(a) Ministers who are not members of Parliament but who have to get themselves elected to either House of Parliament within six months of assuming office
(b) Not more than 20 nominated members
(c) Not more than 20 representatives of Union Territories
(d) The Attorney General who has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of either House of Parliament
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (c) Not more than 20 representatives of Union Territories
- The Parliament of India is composed of three entities:
- the President
- the Lok Sabha
- the Rajya Sabha
- The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, is structured as follows:
- The Lok Sabha comprises a maximum of 530 representatives elected directly from territorial constituencies within the states.
- It includes up to 20 representatives from Union Territories.
- In the event that the President determines that the Anglo-Indian community is not adequately represented in the Lok Sabha, the President has the authority to nominate up to two members from that community to the House of the People.
- It is important to note that the provision for the nomination of Anglo-Indian community members in the Lok Sabha was not extended beyond the specified date of January 25, 2020, as per the Constitution (One Hundred and Fourth Amendment) Act, 2019.
- Therefore, for the purpose of this question, ‘X’ represents the 20 representatives from Union Territories.
- As a result, option (c) is the correct choice.
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5. Which of the following are/is stated in the Constitution of India?
1. The President shall not be a member of either House of Parliament.
2. The Parliament shall consist of the President and the two Houses.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) Both 1 and 2
(c) 1 alone
(d) 2 alone
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (b) Both 1 and 2
- The Parliament of India is made up of the President, the Lok Sabha (the House of People), and the Rajya Sabha.
- The House of People has a maximum of 530 representatives from the States, chosen by a direct vote, 20 representatives from the Union Territories, and potentially two representatives from the Anglo-Indian Community if the President believes they are not adequately represented.
- Note: The Constitution (One Hundred and Fourth Amendment) Act, 2019 did not extend the nomination of the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha beyond the date of January 25, 2020.
- Therefore, ‘X’ represents 20 representatives of UTs, making option (c) the correct answer.
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6. Formation of Parliament is completed by –
(a) Only House of the People
(b) House of the People and Prime Minister
(c) House of the People, Council of States and Prime Minister
(d) House of the People, Council of States, and President.
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (d) House of the People, Council of States, and President.
- The Parliament of India is made up of three parts:
- the President
- the Lok Sabha
- the Rajya Sabha
- The Lok Sabha is made up of up to 530 representatives from each state who are elected directly from their state’s constituencies.
- It also includes up to 20 representatives from the Union Territories.
- The President can choose to add two members of the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha if they feel they are not adequately represented.
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7. Which of the following constitutes the Indian Parliament?
(a) President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
(b) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and Prime Minister
(c) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs
(d) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and Parliament Secretariat.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015, Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- India’s Parliament is made up of three parts: the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
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8. Who/which of the following is not an integral part of Parliament?
(a) President
(b) Vice-President
(c) Lok Sabha
(d) Rajya Sabha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]
Ans. (b) Vice-President
- The Constitution states that there will be a Parliament for the Union which has 3 parts:
- the President
- the Council of States
- the House of People
- The Vice President is not included in this Parliament.
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9. The Officers of the Parliament include –
1. Speaker, Lok Sabha
2. Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha
3. Secretary-General, Lok Sabha
4. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) All the four
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (d) All the four
- The Constitution of India states that the Officers of Parliament are the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha, and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
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10. The membership of a Parliament/Legislative Assembly membership may be terminated if he remains absent without informing to respective House for a term of –
(a) 60 days
(b) 90 days
(c) 120 days
(d) 150 days
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (a) 60 days
- Article 101 of the Constitution talks about when a member of either House of Parliament can lose their seat.
- If a member is absent from all meetings for 60 days, their seat can be declared vacant.
- However, days when the House is not meeting due to prorogation or an adjournment over four days are not counted towards the 60 days.
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11. For the first time, an MP/MLA was disqualified from the membership on the grounds of remaining absent from sixty consecutive meetings of the House without permission. He was a member of –
(a) Council of States
(b) House of People
(c) Punjab Legislative Assembly
(d) Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (a) Council of States
- In 2000, Barjinder Singh Hamdard, who was an Independent Member of Parliament from the Council of States in Punjab, was declared disqualified from the House for not attending for 60 days without permission.
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12. Which one of the following provisions deals with the privileges and immunities of the Members of Parliament under the Constitution of India?
(a) Article 104
(b) Article 105
(c) Article 82
(d) Article 117
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (b) Article 105
- The Constitution states in Article 105 what powers, rights, and protections are given to Parliament, its members, and any committees they form.
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13. Which one of the following is not a collective privilege of the members of Parliament?
(a) Freedom of debates and proceedings.
(b) The Rights to regulate the internal matters of the Parliament
(c) Freedom from attendance as Witness.
(d) The privileges of excluding strangers from the house.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) Freedom from attendance as Witness.
- Parliamentary privileges encompass a set of distinct rights that are enjoyed collectively by each House of Parliament and individually by its members.
- These privileges are crucial for the efficient and effective discharge of their responsibilities.
- Some of the collective privileges of Parliament members include:
-
- Authority to restrict the publication of debates and proceedings.
- Power to exclude individuals who are not members of the House.
- Ability to regulate and govern their own procedures and the conduct of their business.
- Ability to impose penalties on both members and non-members for offenses that breach privileges or show contempt towards the House.
- Immunity from arrest and legal processes within the House premises without the permission of the chairman/speaker.
- Right of members to promptly receive information regarding the arrest, detention, conviction, imprisonment, or release of fellow members.
- It’s important to note that freedom from being compelled to attend as a witness is an individual privilege granted to Parliament members.
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14. Privilege motion can be raised against a Minister when he –
(a) Loses confidence in the Government.
(b) Absent himself for a long time.
(c) Withholds facts of a case or gives distorted versions of facts.
(d) Limit value.
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (c) Withholds facts of a case or gives distorted versions of facts.
- According to the laws of Parliament, a Privilege Motion can be brought against a Minister if they hide or twist facts about a situation.
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15. Who among the following has the right to vote in the elections to both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha?
(a) Elected members of the Lower House of the Parliament
(b) Elected members of the Upper House of the Parliament
(c) Elected members of the Upper House of the state Legislature
(d) Elected members of the Lower House of the State Legislature
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (d) Elected members of the Lower House of the state Legislature
- Members of the Lower House of the state Legislature, known as the Legislative Assembly, have the right to vote in elections for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, as well as for the President of India.
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16. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Only the Rajya Sabha and not the Lok Sabha can have nominated members
(b) There is a Constitutional provision for nominating two members belonging to the Anglo-Indian community to the Rajya Sabha
(c) There is no Constitutional bar for nominated members to be appointed as a Union Minister
(d) A nominated member can vote both in the Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (a) & (c) Only the Rajya Sabha and not the Lok Sabha can have nominated members & There is no Constitutional bar for nominated members to be appointed as a Union Minister
- The Constitution (One Hundred and Fourth Amendment) Act, 2019 stopped the nomination of members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha after 25 January 2020.
- This means that the nomination of Anglo-Indian members in the Lok Sabha has ended.
- According to Article 54, only elected members of the Houses of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies can vote for the election of the President, but there is no restriction on nominated members becoming Ministers, as long as they become a member of Parliament within six months of their appointment.
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17. Union Parliament may legislate on any subject of State List –
1. To Implement International Agreements
2. By consent of State
3. When Proclamation of Emergency is in operation.
4. In the national interest and after a resolution passed by the Council of States with a 2/3 majority.
Choose the correct option using the codes given below:
(a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 2,3 and 4
(c) 1,2 and 4
(d) All of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (d) All of the above
- The Parliament is allowed to make laws about any subject on the State List in the following situations:
- implementing an international agreement, treaty, or convention (Article 253),
- if two or more states agree to it (Article 252)
- if it’s in the national interest and the Council of States passes a resolution by a 2/3 majority (Article 249) during an emergency (Article 357).
- Therefore, option (d) is the right answer.
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18. Parliament may legislate on any subject of State List when-
(a) There is assent of the President
(b) Resolution thereof has been passed by the State
(c) In any situation
(d) General permission of the State Legislative Assembly has been received
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (b) Resolution thereof has been passed by the State
- The Parliament can make laws about anything on the State List in any of the following cases:
- when an international agreement, treaty, or convention needs to be implemented (Article 253)
- when two or more states agree (Article 252)
- when the national interest requires it and a resolution is passed by the Council of States with a 2/3 majority (Article 249); and when an emergency is declared (Article 357).
- Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
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19. The Indian Parliament cannot legislate on a subject of state-list unless –
1. The President of India directs it to do so.
2. The Rajya Sabha passes a resolution that it is necessary to do so in the national interest,
3. The Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha certifies that the legislation is necessary.
4. There is a national emergency.
Considering the above statements, select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Code :
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (d) 2 and 4
- The Parliament can make laws about anything on the State List in all of the following cases:
- when an international agreement, treaty, or convention needs to be put into action
- when two or more states agree to it
- when the Council of States agrees to it by a 2/3 majority in the national interest
- when the proclamation of emergency is in effect.
- Therefore, option d is the correct answer.
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20. The Parliament can make law for the whole or any part of India for implementing International Treaties –
(a) With the consent of all the states
(b) With the consent of the majority of states
(c) With the consent of the states concerned
(d) Without the consent of any state
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006, I.A.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (d) Without the consent of any state
- Article 253 allows the Parliament to pass laws about State List matters without the need for permission or consent if it is necessary to carry out a treaty, agreement, convention, or decision from an international conference, association, or other body.
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21. Under which article of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament can make laws on State List subject for giving effect to international agreements?
(a) Article – 252
(b) Article – 249
(c) Article – 250
(d) Article – 253
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (d) Article – 253
- Article 253 gives the Parliament the power to make laws about state matters without needing permission or consent if the implementation of any international agreement or decision must be carried out.
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22. Who can legislate on the subjects which are not included in any of the lists of subjects given in the Constitution?
(a) Supreme Court
(b) Parliament
(c) State Legislature
(d) Regional Councils
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015]
Ans. (b) Parliament
- Article 248 of the Indian Constitution states that the Parliament has the authority to pass laws on any topic that is not already listed in the State or Concurrent List.
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23. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) All the members of the Council of States are elected by State Legislative Assemblies.
(b) As the Vice-President is the ex-offi Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, only a member of the Rajya Sabha can contest for the office of the Vice-President.
(c) A point difference between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha is that while a candidate for Lok Sabha can contest from any State in India, a candidate for the
Rajya Sabha should ordinarily be a resident of the State from where he is contesting.
(d) The Constitution of India explicitly prohibits the appointment of a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha to the post of minister.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (*)
- In 2003, the People’s Representative Act, of 1951 was changed so that the rule that a candidate running for a Rajya Sabha seat in a specific state had to be a voter in that state was taken away.
- The Supreme Court confirmed the legality of this amendment in 2006.
- Before this change, option (c) was correct and the other options were wrong.
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24. Which of the following procedures will enable the adoption of a Money Bill that was once passed by the Lok Sabha but was amended by the Rajya Sabha?
(a) It will go to the President.
(b) The Lok Sabha will have to pass it with a 2/3rd majority of the members sitting and voting.
(c) A Joint session of the two Houses will be called.
(d) It will be deemed to have been passed if the Lok Sabha passes it again either by accepting or rejecting the amendments.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (d) It will be deemed to have been passed if the Lok Sabha passes it again either by accepting or rejecting the amendments.
- Article 109 states that the Lok Sabha has special powers when it comes to Money Bills. Only the Lok Sabha can introduce Money Bills. The Rajya Sabha can only keep the Money Bill for up to 14 days and cannot make any changes or reject it. The Lok Sabha can then accept or reject the Money Bill, with or without any recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha.
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25. Consider the following:
Assertion (A): Recommendations of the Rajya Sabha, after a Money Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha and transmitted to the Rajya Sabha, have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha within 14 days from the receipt of recommendations and then get them incorporated in the Bill.
Reason (R): Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
[U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
- Article 109 states that the Lok Sabha has the power to introduce a Money Bill.
- It can be held by the Rajya Sabha for a maximum of 14 days, but it cannot be changed or turned down.
- The Lok Sabha will have the option to accept or reject the Money Bill if it is sent back by the Rajya Sabha with or without recommendations.
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26. The Speaker can ask a member of the House to stop speaking and let another member speak. This phenomenon is known as:
(a) Decorum
(b) Crossing the floor
(c) Interpellation
(d) Yielding the floor
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (d) Yielding the floor
- In order to uphold the esteemed tradition of the Parliamentary System and ensure the smooth functioning of Parliamentary Democracy, it is crucial for members of Parliament to adhere to a certain code of conduct both inside and outside the House.
- Their behavior should contribute to the dignity of Parliament and its members as a whole.
- The following phenomena are described as follows:
- While the House is in session, it is expected that every member enters and leaves the chamber with decorum, ensuring that their actions do not disrupt the proceedings of the House.
- Members are prohibited from “crossing the floor,” which means they should not pass between the chair and another member who is speaking. It is also expected that members do not leave the chamber when the Speaker is addressing the House. When the Speaker rises to speak or calls for “order,” every member should promptly return to their seat.
- Interpellation is a parliamentary procedure wherein a Government official is demanded to provide an explanation for a particular Act or policy.
- The Speaker of the House has the authority to interrupt a member of Parliament while speaking and allow another member to speak instead. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as yielding the floor.
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27. ‘Zero Hour’ is the contribution of which country to the Parliamentary System?
(a) India
(b) America
(c) Britain
(d) Switzerland
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (a) India
- Zero Hour is an Indian development in the way of running Parliament.
- It started in the 1960s when issues of great importance and urgency were raised by members just after Question Hour (the hour when questions were asked).
- In Lok Sabha, it is usually between 12-1 pm after the Question Hour.
- In Rajya Sabha, it is between 11 am-12 pm before the Question Hour.
- Note that in Lok Sabha, the Question Hour is 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and in Rajya Sabha (since 2014) it is 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
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28. Zero Hour’ in the working of the Indian Parliament means
(a) The first hour of the Session
(b) When privilege motions are accepted
(c) Hour before question hour
(d) The time immediately following the question hour
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (d) The time immediately following the question hour
- Zero Hour is an Indian invention in the rules of Parliament.
- It started in the 1960s when important and urgent matters started being brought up by members after the Question Hour, with or without permission from the chairman.
- Now, in the Lok Sabha, it is usually from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and in the Rajya Sabha, it is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Question Hour in the Lok Sabha is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and in the Rajya Sabha (since 2014) it is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
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29. What could be the maximum time limit of “Zero Hour” in the Lok Sabha?
(a) 30 minutes
(b) One hour
(c) Indefinite period
(d) Two hours
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (b) One hour
- Zero Hour is an Indian development in Parliament.
- It started in the 1960s when members wanted to discuss important and urgent topics, sometimes with permission from the chairperson, and other times without.
- In the Lok Sabha, Zero Hour usually happens from 12pm to 1pm, after the Question Hour.
- In the Rajya Sabha, it happens from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., before the Question Hour.
- The time for Question Hour in the Lok Sabha is 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and in the Rajya Sabha, it’s from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (since 2014).
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30. Time of zero-hour in Parliament is :
(a) 9 am to 10 am
(b) 10 am to 11 am
(c) 11 am to 12 noon
(d) 12 noon to 1.00 pm
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]
Ans. (c & d) 11 am to 12 noon & 12 noon to 1.00 pm
- Zero Hour is an Indian invention related to how Parliament works.
- It dates to the 1960s when MPs started raising important, urgent issues either with the chairman’s permission or without.
- In Lok Sabha, it is usually between 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm after question hour, while in Rajya Sabha it is from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon before question hour.
- Question hour in Lok Sabha is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and in Rajya Sabha (from 2014) it is from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.
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31. Zero Hour in political jargon refers to
(a) Day when no business in Parliament is done
(b) Suspended motion
(c) Adjourned time
(d) Question-answer session
[45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (d) Question-answer session
- During the designated time, the members can bring up important topics, especially those that cannot wait.
- This is a time for asking and answering questions.
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32. Under Rule 377 of Rules and Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the maximum number of matters that can be raised by Lok Sabha members in one day are
(a) 19
(b) 20
(c) 21
(d) 22
[R.A.S/R.T.S (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (*)
- Things that can’t be brought up under the rules for Questions, Short Notice Questions, Calling Attention, and Motions can be brought up under Rule 377.
- To do this, a written notice needs to be given to the Secretary-General which includes the exact thing to be brought up.
- The Speaker must also agree to the matter before it can be raised.
- In a meeting with the party leaders in 2015, the Speaker decided that the number of things that can be raised under Rule 377 would be increased from 20 to 30 per day so that more members can have their issues heard.
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33. The Parliament can make any law for the whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties –
(a) With the consent of all the states
(b) With the consent of the majority of states
(c) With the consent of the states concerned
(d) Without the consent of any state
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) Without the consent of any state
- The Indian Constitution states that the National Parliament can pass laws to make sure India follows international agreements, treaties, and obligations.
- Entry 14 in the seventh schedule of the Constitution gives the Union the right to make laws related to agreements with other countries.
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34. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) A Money Bill is introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
(b) A Money Bill can be introduced in either of the two Houses of Parliament.
(c) A Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
(d) A Money Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]
Ans. (d) A Money Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- Only the Lok Sabha can introduce a Money Bill.
- The Speaker’s decision on whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not is final and they don’t need to consult anyone.
- Money Bills cannot be discussed in a joint session of Parliament.
- The Rajya Sabha has 14 days to return the Money Bill after receiving it.
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35. A Money Bill passed by Lok Sabha is deemed to have been passed by Rajya Sabha also when no action is taken by the Rajya Sabha within
(a) 10 days
(b) 14 days
(c) 15 days
(d) 16 days
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) 14 days
- Only the Lok Sabha can propose a Money Bill.
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha will make the final decision if anyone questions if it is a Money Bill or not.
- The Speaker does not have to consult anyone.
- The Money Bill can not be discussed by all of Parliament together.
- The Rajya Sabha can only hold the Bill for up to 14 days.
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36. If a Money Bill is accepted in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha can withhold it a maximum of up to –
(a) 6 months
(b) 4 months
(c) 1 month
(d) 14 days
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (d) 14 days
- A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- The Speaker decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, and does not have to ask anyone for their opinion.
- Money Bills cannot be discussed in a joint session of Parliament.
- The Rajya Sabha must return a Money Bill within 14 days of receiving it, meaning it can be withheld for a maximum of 14 days.
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37. Rajya Sabha can delay the Finance Bill sent for its consideration by Lok Sabha for a maximum period of-
(a) One month
(b) One year
(c) Seven days
(d) Fourteen days
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (d) Fourteen days
- A Money Bill has to be sent back to the House of People within 14 days.
- An ordinary Bill does not have a time limit.
- The question in this case only included 14 days, so the Finance Bill is considered a Money Bill.
- All Money Bills are Financial Bills and have to be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
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38. In how many days does Rajya Sabha have to return the Money Bill to the Lok Sabha?
(a) Within 12 days
(b) Within 14 days
(c) Within 16 days
(d) Within 18 days
[U.P. Lower (Pre) 2009, U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013, U.P.R.O./A.R.O (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (b) Within 14 days
- If it’s a Money Bill, the Council of State must send it back to the House of People within 14 days.
- There’s no time limit for other types of Bills.
- That’s why the Finance Bill is considered a Money Bill.
- All Money Bills must be first introduced in the Lok Sabha.
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39. Which of the following Bills can NOT be first introduced in Rajya Sabha?
(a) Ordinary Bill
(b) Constitutional Amendment Bill
(c) State Reorganisation Bill
(d) Money Bill
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (d) Money Bill
- A proposed law, or Bill, can be put forward in either of the two Houses of Parliament.
- However, a Money Bill can only be suggested in the Lok Sabha with the President’s approval.
- It cannot be put forward in the Rajya Sabha.
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40. When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament, it has to be passed by –
(a) A simple majority of members present and voting
(b) Three-fourth majority of members present and voting
(c) Two-third majority of the Houses
(d) Absolute majority of the Houses
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) A simple majority of members present and voting
- Article 108(4) states that if a Bill, with any agreed-upon amendments, is passed by more than half of the members of both Houses present and voting at a joint sitting, it is considered to have been passed by both Houses.
- This means that only a majority of members are present and voting is needed.
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41. Who presides over the joint session of both the Houses of the Parliament?
(a) Speaker
(b) Vice-President
(c) President
(d) Prime Minister
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010, Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) Speaker
- Article 118 of India’s Constitution is related to how things are done.
- When two Houses of Parliament get together, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the leader.
- If the Speaker isn’t there, the Deputy Speaker of the House takes over.
- If they’re both absent, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of States will lead.
- If nobody is present, the people at the meeting will decide who will be in charge.
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42. Who among the following is authorized to preside over the joint session of the Parliament?
(a) President of India
(b) Vice-President of India
(c) Prime Minister of India
(d) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013, U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013, U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013, Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A (Pre) 2007, U.P.P.C.S (Mains) 2006]
Ans. (d) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- Article 118 of the Constitution of India is about the rules for how meetings between the Lok Sabha and the Council of States should be run.
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha typically presides over joint sessions, but if they are absent then the Deputy Speaker will take over.
- If both of them are absent, the people in the meeting will decide who will preside.
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43. A Joint Session of both Houses of Parliament is concerned
1. For the election of the President of India
2. For the election of the vice-President of India
3. To pass the Bill relating to the amendment of the Constitution
4. To discuss and pass such a Bill where both Houses have a different opinion
Select your answer from the following code –
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 2
(d) only 4
[40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (d) only 4
- Article 108 of the Constitution states that if both Houses of Parliament disagree on a Bill, a joint session is called.
- This session is led by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
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44. Consider the following statements:
1. The joint sitting of both Houses of the Parliament in India is sanctioned under Article 108 of the Constitution
2. The first joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was held in the year 1961
3. The second joint sitting of both Houses of the Indian Parliament was held to pass the Banking Service Commission (Repeal), Bill
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Article 108 of the Constitution of India mentions a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament in India.
- The first joint session happened in 1961 over the Dowry Prohibition Bill, which the two Houses eventually agreed on.
- The second session took place in 1978 about the Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill of 1977.
- The third joint session was held in March 2002 concerning the Anti-Terrorism Bill (POTA).
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45. The 1st joint meeting of both Houses of the Indian Parliament was held in connection with
(a) Dowry Abolition Bill
(b) Hindu Code Bill
(c) Bank Nationalisation Bill
(d) Gold Control Bill
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (a) Dowry Abolition Bill
- Article 108 of the Indian Constitution talks about having joint meetings of both the Houses of Parliament.
- The first joint session was held in 1961 to agree on a Dowry Prohibition Bill.
- The second meeting was in 1978 for a Banking Service Commission Repeal Bill.
- The third session was in 2002 for an Anti-Terrorism Bill.
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46. A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha calls for a joint sitting of the Parliament during the passage of
1. Ordinary Legislation
2. Money Bill
3. Constitution Amendment Bill
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) Only 1
- Article 108 of the Indian Constitution talks about having a joint meeting between the two Houses of Parliament to solve any disagreements.
- Money Bills do not need a joint sitting as the Rajya Sabha cannot stop the Bill and must return it within 14 days of receiving it.
- An Amendment Bill in the Constitution must be passed by each House according to Article 368, so a joint sitting is only used for regular Bills.
- Option (a) is the right answer.
|
47. A joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha can take place to resolve deadlock over :
(a) Ordinary Legislation
(b) Money Bill
(c) Constitutional Amendment Bill
(d) Appropriation Bill
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (*)
- Article 108 of the Constitution of India states that if the two Houses of Parliament cannot agree on a Bill, they must meet together to try to resolve the issue.
- This does not apply to Money Bills, as the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House) cannot block the passage and must return it within two weeks.
- For a Constitution Amendment Bill, both Houses must pass it, as stated in Article 368.
- This means that joint sitting is only for ordinary Bills. So, option (a) is the correct answer.
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48. With reference to the special address of the President of India, which of the following/statements is/are correct?
1. The President addresses the joint meeting of both houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session after each general election of the house of the people and at the commencement of the first session of each year.
2. The President in his address informs the Parliament of the causes of its summons.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Codes:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (c) Both 1 and 2
- The President of India holds all executive power and is assisted by the Prime Minister and a Council of Ministers.
- The constitution states that the President will speak to both houses of parliament twice each year.
- They will address them at the beginning of the first session after each election and again at the beginning of the first session of each year.
- In these speeches, the President will explain the government’s plans and goals for the year ahead.
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49. Which of the following expressions is appropriate regarding the message to call a joint sitting of both houses under Article 108 of the Constitution of India?
(a) Intention of the President
(b) Direction of President
(c) Wisdom of the President
(d) Consent of President
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (a) Intention of the President
- The President of India has the power to call a joint sitting of the Parliament.
- This meeting is led by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, or if the Speaker is not present, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Deputy-Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
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50. What will happen if the President summons a joint session of Parliament and in the meantime Lok Sabha is dissolved?
(a) A joint session will be held at the scheduled time
(b) Joint session will be canceled
(c) A joint session will be held after the composition of the New Lok Sabha
(d) Bill will be lapsed
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (a) A joint session will be held at the scheduled time
- If a bill has been approved by one house of Parliament and sent to the other house, both houses will sit together in certain cases:
- The bill is rejected by the other House
- The Houses have finally disagreed as to the amendments to be made in the Bill
- If the other House of Parliament has not passed the Bill after 6 months of receiving it, the President can tell the Houses (either while they are sitting or publicly if they are not) to come together for a joint sitting to discuss and vote on the Bill.
- Hence option (a) is correct.
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51. A legislative bill may be introduced in which House of Parliament?
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Either House of Parliament
(d) None of the above
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (c) Either House of Parliament
- Legislative Bills can be proposed in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
- Money Bills must only be proposed in the Lok Sabha and Bills related to establishing All-India services must be proposed in the Rajya Sabha.
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52. With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements:
1. A private member’s bill is a bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President of India.
2. Recently, a private member’s bill has been passed in the Parliament of India for the first time in its history.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- A private member’s Bill is a Bill presented by someone who is not a Minister.
- When a person who is not a Minister wants to introduce a Bill, they need to tell the House in advance and ask for permission.
- If the Bill has already been published, no permission is needed.
- Since independence, around 12 private Bills have been passed, so neither of the two statements is true.
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53. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation.
2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, that has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) 2 only
- According to the Indian Constitution, a Bill that is waiting to be passed in Parliament will not be canceled because of prorogation.
- This means that statement (1) is wrong.
- Article 107(4) of the Indian Constitution states that a Bill that has not been passed by the House of People will not be canceled if the House of People is dissolved.
- This means that statement (2) is correct.
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54. Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2. While the nominated members of Both Houses of Parliament have no voting right in the presidential elections, they have the Right to Vote in the election of the Vice-President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) Only 2
- Statement 1 is wrong.
- The Vice-President is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, but the Deputy Chairman is a member of the Rajya Sabha and is chosen from among them.
- Statement 2 is true.
- The people who get to vote in the Presidential election are the Members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
- But for the Vice-Presidential election, all the Members of Parliament, whether elected or nominated, get to vote.
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55. Who has the right to issue money from the Consolidated Fund of India?
(a) Comptroller and Auditor General
(b) Finance Minister of India
(c) Authorized Minister
(d) None of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (d) None of the above
- The Indian Constitution states that all money received by the Government of India, including revenue and loans, will be put into one fund called the Consolidated Fund of India.
- Parliament is in charge of this fund and no money can be taken out of it without permission from Parliament.
- This means that the Parliament needs to give their permission to allow the money to be used according to the Budgetary provisions of Article 114.
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56. Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution is related to the Contingency Fund?
(a) Article 265
(b) Article 266
(c) Article 267
(d) Article 268
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (c) Article 267
- Parliament can create a Contingency Fund in India, and put money in it from time to time.
- This money will be under the control of the President, who can use it to pay for unexpected costs before Parliament gives permission for the spending through Articles 115 or 116.
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57. Which one of the following expenditures is not charged to the Consolidated Fund of India?
(a) Salary and allowances of the Chief Justice of India
(b) Salary and allowances of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
(c) Salary and allowances of the Prime Minister of India.
(d) Salary and allowances of the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]
Ans. (c) Salary and allowances of the Prime Minister of India.
- The Indian Constitution says that the money spent on the salaries and allowances of the President, Chief Justice of India, Judges of High Courts, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Council of States, and Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha must come from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- However, voting on this expenditure is not allowed.
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58. Which one of the following is not a mandatory expenditure charged to the Consolidated Fund of India?
(a) Debt Charges for which the Government of India is liable.
(b) Salary and Pension of the members of the Election Commission of India.
(c) Pension payable to Judges of High Courts.
(d) Allowances of Deputy Chairman of Council of States.
[U.P.P.C.S (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (b) Salary and Pension of the members of the Election Commission of India.
The following expenses shall be categorized as expenditures charged on the Consolidated Fund of India:
- The remuneration and allowances of the President, as well as other expenses related to the President’s office.
- The salaries and allowances of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Council of States, and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of the People.
- Debt charges for which the Government of India is responsible, including interest, sinking fund charges, redemption charges, and other expenses associated with raising loans and servicing and redeeming debt.
- The salaries, allowances, and pensions payable to Judges of the Supreme Court.
- The pensions payable to Judges of the Federal Court.
- The pensions payable to Judges of any High Court that exercises jurisdiction over any area within the territory of India or previously had jurisdiction over any area within a Governor’s Province of the Dominion of India before the commencement of this Constitution.
- The salary, allowances, and pension payable to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
- Any funds required to fulfill judgments, decrees, or awards issued by courts or arbitral tribunals.
- Any other expenses designated as such by the Constitution or by legislation passed by Parliament.
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59. Which one of the following expenditures is not charged to the Consolidated Fund of India?
(a) Salary and allowances of the President of India
(b) Salary and allowances of the Vice-President of India
(c) Salary and allowances of the Justices of the Supreme Court of India
(d) Salary and allowances of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (b) Salary and allowances of the Vice-President of India
- The Indian Constitution, in Article 112, states that the Vice-President’s salary and allowances are not paid for using money from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- This means that option (b) is the correct answer.
- Note: The Vice-President of India, who is also the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, is paid salary and allowances from the Consolidated Fund of India.
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60. Which is the largest item under Non-plan Expenditure of the Central Government?
(a) Defence
(b) Subsidy
(c) Interest Payment
(d) Pension
(e) None of These
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) Interest Payment
- Non-plan expenditure is mostly money the government spends on everyday things, but also includes money used to buy or build something.
- It makes up most of the government’s total spending.
- The biggest part of Non-Plan Expenditure is what the government pays for Interest Payment.
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61. The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from –
(a) The President of India
(b) The Parliament of India
(c) The Prime Minister of India
(d) The Union Finance Minister
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (b) The Parliament of India
- The Indian Constitution says that the Parliament must agree to any money being taken out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
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62. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:
1. The Department of Revenue is responsible for the preparation of the Union Budget that is presented to the Parliament.
2. No amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without authorization from the Parliament of India.
3. All the disbursements made from the Public Account also need authorization from the Parliament of India.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) 2 only
- The Ministry of Finance is responsible for making the Union Budget which is then presented to Parliament.
- Therefore, statement 1 is wrong.
- No money can be taken out of the Consolidated Fund of India without the permission of the Parliament of India as stated in Article 114(3) of the Constitution.
- Thus, statement 2 is correct.
- Money that is spent from the public account does not need the approval of the Parliament of India.
- The control of this account is in the hands of the government.
- Therefore, statement 3 is also incorrect.
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63. How can the President spend from the Contingency Fund?
(a) In times of natural calamity
(b) After Authorisation of Parliament.
(c) Before Authorisation of Parliament.
(d) Cannot spend.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]
Ans. (c) Before Authorisation of Parliament.
- The Contingency Fund of India is set up by the Indian Constitution, which gives the President of India the ability to use the fund without needing to get approval from Parliament.
- The fund is to be used for unexpected costs.
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64. All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the
(a) Contingency Fund of India
(b) Public Account
(c) Consolidated Fund of India
(d) Deposits and Advances Fund
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (c) Consolidated Fund of India
- All the money collected by the central government in taxes and other payments is deposited into the Consolidated Fund of India, as stated in the Indian Constitution.
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65. Money Bill has been defined by the Constitution under Article:
(a) 109
(b) 110
(c) 111
(d) Both (b) and (c)
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (b) 110
- Article 109 – Special Procedure in Respect of Money Bills.
- Article 110 – Definition of Money Bill
- Article 111 – Permission on Bills
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66. Who among the following decides whether a particular Bill is a Money Bill?
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
(d) The Cabinet
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
- The Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision will be the final say if there is ever a question about whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, according to Article 110 (3).
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67. Who certifies the money bill?
(a) President
(b) Vice-President
(c) Speaker
(d) Council of Ministers
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) Speaker
- The Speaker of the Loksabha has the final say on whether a bill is a money bill or not.
- No one can challenge his decision in court, in either house of parliament, or even to the president.
- When a money bill is sent to the Rajya Sabha and then presented to the president for approval, the speaker will sign a certificate confirming that it is a money bill.
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68. Which one of the following statements about a Money Bill is not correct?
(a) A Money Bill can be tabled in either House of Parliament
(b) The Speaker of Lok Sabha is the final authority to decide whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not
(c) The Rajya Sabha must return a Money Bill passed by the Lok Sabha and send it for consideration within 14 days
(d) The President can not return a Money Bill to the Lok Sabha for reconsideration
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (a) A Money Bill can be tabled in either House of Parliament
- Only the Lok Sabha can introduce a Money Bill.
- The Rajya Sabha has very little power over this.
- They can delay it for up to two weeks.
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69. A Money Bill under the Constitution of India is tabled in the –
(a) Rajya Sabha
(b) Public Accounts Committee
(c) Lok Sabha
(d) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha simultaneously
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015, 63rd B. P.S.C. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) Lok Sabha
- Only the Lok Sabha can introduce a Money Bill.
- The Rajya Sabha has very little power over this matter.
- The Rajya Sabha can delay the Bill for a maximum of 14 days.
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70. Of the following statements, which one is not correct?
(a) The Rajya Sabha is powerless in money matters.
(b) Money Bill is introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
(c) The Rajya Sabha has to pass the Money Bill within 14 days after it has been passed by the Lok Sabha.
(d) The Rajya Sabha may pass or return the Money Bill with some recommendations to the Lok Sabha.
[53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (b) Money Bill is introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
- The Constitution of India states that a Money Bill cannot be started in the Rajya Sabha.
- It must be passed in the Lok Sabha first and then sent to the Rajya Sabha, which has 14 days to make any recommendations.
- The Lok Sabha can choose to accept or reject any of these recommendations.
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71. Which one of the following subjects is not included in the provisions of the Money Bills?
(a) Provision regarding taxes
(b) Provision regarding borrowings
(c) Provision regarding custody of the Consolidated and Contingency Funds
(d) Provision for imposition of fines or penalties
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (d) Provision for imposition of fines or penalties
- The Constitution states that taxes, loans, and the management of the Consolidated and Contingency Funds are part of what is in the Money Bill.
- However, fines and punishments do not appear in the Money Bill.
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72. What constitutes the definition of a money bill under Article 110 of the Indian Constitution?
(a) The imposition, abolition, alteration, or regulation of any tax
(b) The regulation of borrowings of money
(c) The appropriation of money out of the consolidated fund of India
(d) Declaration of any expenditure to be charged on the consolidated fund of India
(e) None of the above / More than one of the above
[66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re-Exam), 2020]
Ans. (e) None of the above / More than one of the above
- The Indian Constitution’s Article 110 states that a bill is considered a money bill if it covers any of the following topics:
- taxes,
- borrowing money,
- using money from the Indian government’s main fund,
- increasing the amount of money spent on the fund.
- All of the listed options would be true, so the answer is option (e).
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73. Regarding the Money Bill, which of the following statements is not correct?
(a) A bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions relating to imposition, abolition, remission, alteration, or regulation of any tax.
(b) A Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India.
(c) A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of money out of the Contingency Fund of India.
(d) A Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India.
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2018]
Ans. (c) A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of money out of the Contingency Fund of India.
- The Parliament passed a law called the Contingency Fund of India Act, of 1950.
- This money is given to the President of India in case of unexpected expenses.
- It is looked after by the Finance Secretary on behalf of the President and is managed by the executive, not by the Legislative.
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74. A Bill which merely involves expenditure and does not include any of the matters specified in Article 110 can be:
(a) Initiated only in Lok Sabha
(b) Initiated in either House of Parliament
(c) Initiated only in Rajya Sabha
(d) Initiated only in joint sessions of both Houses of Parliament
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (b) Initiated in either House of Parliament
- Financial Bills can be put into two groups.
- The first group includes Bills that have provisions listed in Article 110(1) (a) to (f) of the Constitution, and these are called financial Bills under Article 117(1).
- The second group includes Bills that involve spending from the Indian government’s combined funds, and these are also called financial Bills under Article 117(3).
- These Bills can be put forward in either House of Parliament, but the President’s endorsement is required for either House to pass the Bill.
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75. Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to control of Parliament on a budget?
(a) Parliament does not have any role in the creation of the budget.
(b) Parliament has the power to move on the charged expenditure on the Consolidated Fund.
(c) Parliament has no power to impose a tax without the recommendation of the President.
(d) Parliament has no power to increase any tax without the recommendation of the President.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (b) Parliament has the power to move on the charged expenditure on the Consolidated Fund.
- The money spent from India’s Consolidated Fund does not need to be approved by Parliament, but they can still talk about it in both Houses of Parliament.
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76. Which of the following are the methods of Parliamentary control over public finance in India?
1. Placing Annual Finance Statement before the Parliament.
2. Withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of India only after passing the Appropriation Bill.
3. Provisions of supplementary grants and accounts.
4. A periodic or at least a mid-year review of the program of the Government against macroeconomic forecasts and expenditures by a Parliamentary Budget Office.
5. Introducing Finance Bill in the Parliament.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 3, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5
- The Parliament has control over how money is spent.
- This is laid out in Articles 114, 115, 116, and 107 of the Indian Constitution.
- These articles cover when money can be taken from the consolidated fund when supplementary grants and votes on the account can be given, the process of introducing and passing bills, and presenting the annual financial statement to Parliament.
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77. In India, which of the following reviews the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?
1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
3. Finance Commission
4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
5. NITI Aayog
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2 and 5
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) ) 1 and 2
- In India, there are 24 committees made up of representatives from both houses of parliament that focus on specific government ministries.
- They look at how the regulators within their departments are doing.
- Parliament also creates temporary committees to look into the workings of certain regulators.
- For example, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Allocation of 2G Spectrum looks at spectrum pricing and granting of telecom licenses.
- The Finance Commission, NITI Aayog, and the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission do not have any role to play in assessing independent regulators in different sectors.
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78. Which of the following is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the union budget in the Parliament?
(a) Department of Revenue
(b) Department of Economic Affairs
(c) Department of Financial Services
(d) Department of Expenditure
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (b) Department of Economic Affairs
- The Department of Economic Affairs is in charge of making and presenting the Union Budget to Parliament.
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79. If the annual Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha…
(a) The Budget is modified and presented again
(b) The Budget is referred to the Rajya Sabha for suggestions
(c) The Union Finance Minister is asked to resign
(d) The Prime Minister submits the resignation of the Council of Ministers
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (d) The Prime Minister submits the resignation of the Council of Ministers
- If the yearly budget presented by the Union is not approved by the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister must give up their position and the whole Council of Ministers must resign.
- This means that the government no longer has enough support from the Lok Sabha.
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80. If the budget is disclosed before being introduced in the Legislative Assembly, what will happen?
(a) The Council of Ministers will have to resign
(b) The Chief Minister will have to resign
(c) The Finance Minister will have to resign
(d) All of the above
(e) None of the above
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) The Finance Minister will have to resign
- The Finance Minister and their team present the budget.
- A minister has to swear to keep it a secret when they take office.
- If the budget is revealed before being presented to the government, the Finance Minister will have to step down and face the consequences of the Official Secrets Act from 1923.
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81. Under which of the following taxes the total amount payable by an individual is limited by the Constitution?
(a) Corporation tax
(b) Estate Duty
(c) Succession Duty
(d) Tax on profession, trade, and callings
[UP.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002]
Ans. (d) Tax on profession, trade, and callings
- The Constitution says that any person paying taxes to the State or to any local authority cannot pay more than 2,500 Rupees per year.
- This amount was changed to 2,500 Rupees after the 60th Amendment Act in 1988, which replaced the amount of 250 Rupees.
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82. The Economic Survey is presented in Parliament every year
(a) Before presentation of the Budget for the coming year
(b) After the presentation of the Budget for the coming year
(c) After the presentation of the Finance Bill
(d) And has no relation with the presentation of the Budget
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (a) Before presentation of the Budget for the coming year
- Every year, the Economic Survey is presented to Parliament before the Budget for the next year is announced.
- The Survey includes info about the current year’s economy, including how it has progressed and what the financial situation of each sector is.
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83. ‘Votes on Account’ permits the Union Government to:
(a) Go for a public loan
(b) Borrow money from the Reserve Bank of India
(c) Give grant-in-aid to States
(d) Withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India for a specific period
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (d) Withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India for a specific period
- Article 116 of the Indian Constitution says that if the Appropriation Bill isn’t accepted, the Union government can use Vote on Account to get permission from the law to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India.
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84. Vote on Account is meant for
(a) Vote on the report of CAG
(b) To meet unforeseen expenditure
(c) Appropriating funds pending the passing of the budget
(d) Budget
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Appropriating funds pending the passing of the budget
- When the Government needs funds quickly and doesn’t have enough time to pass a full budget before the start of the new financial year, they can use a special provision called Vote-on-Account.
- This is allowed by Article 116(1)(a) of the Constitution.
- It ensures that the Government has enough money to run the country.
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85. Votes on Account in the Parliament is necessary
(a) When Government expenditure is more than Government revenue
(b) For financing big projects in which huge amount of money is required
(c) When the regular budget is not expected to be passed in time
(d) None of the above
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) When the regular budget is not expected to be passed in time
- When the Government does not have enough time to pass a full budget before the start of a new financial year, they use a special provision called Vote-on-Account.
- This is allowed by the Constitution in Article 116(1)(a).
- It ensures that the Government has enough money to run the country while the full budget is prepared.
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86. What is the difference between ‘Vote-on-Account’ and ‘interim budget’?
1. The provision of a ‘Vote-on-Account’ is used by a stable Government, while an ‘interim budget’ is a provision used by a caretaker Government.
2. A ‘Vote-on-Account’ only deals with the expenditure in the Government’s budget while an ‘interim budget’ includes both expenditure and receipts.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (b) 2 only
- The Finance Minister presents the government’s spending plan to Parliament for approval.
- This is called a Vote-on-Account or sometimes an Interim Budget.
- An Interim Budget is more than just the spending, it also includes what money is coming in and the expected expenses.
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87. Estimates of expenditure are submitted to the Parliament of India in the form of –
(a) Ad hoc Funds
(b) Excess Grants
(c) Supplementary Grants
(d) Demands for Grants
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) Demands for Grants
- The Budget must be approved by the Lok Sabha through Demands for Grants.
- The Lok Sabha can decide to pass, reject, or reduce the amount of the grant.
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88. Which one of the following statements is correct regarding the submission of the Money bill?
(a) The Finance Bill is presented in Rajya Sabha.
(b) It can be presented in either House of Parliament.
(c) It cannot be presented in Lok Sabha.
(d) It is presented in Lok Sabha.
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (d) It is presented in Lok Sabha.
- The Hindi version of the UPPSC question paper used the term “Finance Bill”, while the English version of the question paper used the term “Money Bill”.
- The commission’s intention here is actually to refer to the Money Bill, not the Finance Bill.
- According to Article 109 of the Constitution, a special process must be followed in regard to Money Bills.
- This article also says that Money Bills can only be presented in the Lok Sabha, and not the Rajya Sabha.
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89. The Finance Bill of the Indian Government is presented in –
(a) Upper House
(b) Legislative Assembly
(c) Legislative Council
(d) Lower House
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (d) Lower House
- According to the law, the President must recommend any bill or change that affects the topics listed in Article 110.
- This bill or change cannot be brought up in the Council of States without the President’s recommendation.
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90. The stages in normal financial legislation include –
1. Presentation of the Budget
2. Discussion on the Budget
3. Passing of Appropriation Bill
4. Vote on Account
5. Passing of the Finance Bill
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
- The usual process for financial laws includes presenting the Budget, talking about it, and passing the Appropriation and Financial Bills.
- However, voting on account, credit, and special grants (Article 116) is not part of the financial laws.
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91. Prior sanction of the President of India is required before introducing a Bill in the Parliament on –
1. Formation of a new State
2. Affecting taxation in which States are interested
3. Altering the boundaries of the States
4. Money bill
Considering the above statements, select the correct answer from the code given below:
Code :
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) All of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (d) All of the above
- The President of India must approve before any Bill is presented in Parliament for any matter.
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92. Which of the following proposals is related to the Union Budget?
(a) Censure Motion
(b) Calling Attention
(c) Cut motion
(d) Adjournment motion
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (c) Cut motion
- Censure is when people express their strong dislike of a government’s policies.
- Calling Attention is when members of a government can ask a minister to explain something important.
- Cut Motion is when members of the Lok Sabha can oppose a demand in a Financial Bill.
- An Adjournment Motion is when members of the House draw attention to something important.
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93. What is the meaning of Guillotine in Parliamentary Procedure?
(a) To stop the debate on the bill
(b) To continue the debate on the bill
(c) Boycott of the house by members
(d) To adjourn the house
(e) To adjourn the house for the day
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (a) To stop the debate on the bill
- A closure Motion is a motion put forward by a member of the House to end the discussion on a topic.
- There are four types of Closure Motion, one of them being the Guillotine.
- In the Guillotine, the clauses of a bill or resolution that have not been discussed are also put to vote because there is not enough time (the time set aside for the discussion is up).
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94. According to the Law enacted by Parliament in December 1989, the legal age for a citizen to become major is:
(a) 23 years
(b) 22 years
(c) 20 years
(d) 18 years
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (d) 18 years
- The 61st Amendment Act, of 1988 changed the minimum age requirement for voting from 21 to 18 years old.
- This amendment to Article 326 of the Constitution allowed the young people of the country to have their voices heard and take part in the political process.
- This was done by amending the Representation of the People Act, of 1951.
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95. The Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament for Railway Zones is constituted by which of the following?
(a) President of India
(b) Ministry of Railways
(c) Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
(d) Ministry of Transport
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012, I.A.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (c) Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
- The government department in charge of Parliament has set up Consultative Committees for each Railway Zone.
- MPs from those areas have been chosen to be part of these Committees.
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96. With reference to Indian Polity, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The Planning Commission is accountable to Parliament
(b) The president can make an ordinance only when either of the two Houses of Parliament is not in session
(c) The minimum age prescribed for appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court is 40 years
(d) The National Development Council is constituted of the Union Finance Minister and the Chief Ministers of all the States
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (b) The president can make an ordinance only when either of the two Houses of Parliament is not in session
- The Prime Minister of India is the head of the National Development Council, so it cannot exist without them.
- Option (d) is incorrect.
- According to Article 123 of the Constitution, if the President believes that it is necessary to take action quickly, they can issue an ordinance to do so.
- Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
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97. Examine the following statements and choose the correct answer from the given options-
1. Right to Property is not a Fundamental Right now.
2. Rajya Sabha can stop a Financial Bill.
3. In the Preamble of the Indian Constitution Secular and Democratic words were added by the 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution.
4. Any dispute of the Parliament can be resolved by the system of Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (a) 1 and 2
- If the Finance Bill is not a Money Bill, the Rajya Sabha can treat it like any other regular Bill.
- If it is a Money Bill though, the Rajya Sabha can only postpone it for 14 days.
- The 42nd Amendment Act changed the Indian Constitution’s Preamble to “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic” and changed the phrase “Unity of the Nation” to “Unity and Integrity of the Nation”.
- Statement 3 is wrong because there is no provision in the Constitution for the Lok Sabha Speaker to resolve a dispute between the two Houses of Parliament.
- The 44th Amendment Act made the Right to Property a legal right rather than a fundamental right.
- Option A is the correct answer.
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98. Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
(a) The Committee on Public Accounts
(b) The Committee on Estimates
(c) The Committee on Public Undertakings
(d) The Committee on Petitions
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (b) The Committee on Estimates
- Parliament does a lot of work and has limited time to look into all matters.
- To help with this, Parliamentary Committees are formed.
- The Committee on Public Accounts is made of 15 members elected by the Lok Sabha and 7 members nominated by the Rajya Sabha.
- It looks at the expenses of the government and the reports from the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
- The Estimates Committee is made of 30 members elected by the Lok Sabha and has the goal of making the government more efficient.
- The Committee on Public Undertakings is made up of 15 members elected by the Lok Sabha and 7 members from the Rajya Sabha.
- It looks at the reports of the Public Undertakings and the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
- The Committee on Petitions is made up of 15 members in the Lok Sabha and 10 members in the Rajya Sabha.
- It looks at petitions presented to the House and representations from individuals and associations.
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99. Which of the following are the Financial Committees of the Indian Parliament
(A) Estimates Committee
(B) Public Accounts Committee
(C) Committee on Public Undertakings
(D) Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowance for Members of Parliament
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Codes:
(a) (A), (C), and (D)
(b) (A), (B), and (D)
(c) (A), (B), and (C)
(d) (B), (C), and (D)
[R.A.S/R.T.S (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) (A), (B), and (C)
- The Financial Committee is one of the six types of Standing Committees.
- The Financial Committee is of 3 types –
- Public Account Committee
- Estimate Committee
- Committee on Public Undertakings
- The Housekeeping Committee has a Joint Committee which takes care of salaries and allowances for Members.
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100. Which is the largest committee of the Indian Parliament?
(a) The Public Accounts Committee
(b) The Estimate Committee
(c) The Committee on Public Undertakings
(d) The Committee on Petitions
[U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (b) The Estimate Committee
- The Estimate Committee is the biggest of all the committees in Parliament.
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101. With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation?
(a) Committee on Government Assurances
(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
(c) Rules Committee
(d) Business Advisory Committee
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2018]
Ans. (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
- Due to its size and the diverse range of functions it performs, Parliament faces challenges in effectively deliberating on the issues that come before it.
- To aid in the fulfillment of its duties, Parliament is supported by a number of committees.
- The Committee on Government Assurance is responsible for examining the assurances, promises, and commitments made by ministers during parliamentary sessions.
- It assesses the extent to which these assurances have been fulfilled and provides reports accordingly.
- The Committee on Subordinate Legislation examines and reports to the House on whether the executive branch is properly exercising the powers delegated to it by Parliament or conferred upon it by the constitution to create regulations, rules, sub-rules, and bye-laws.
- The Rules Committee focuses on matters concerning the procedure and conduct of business within the House.
- It reviews and recommends necessary amendments or additions to the rules governing the House.
- The Business Advisory Committee plays a role in regulating the schedule and agenda of the House, ensuring an organized and efficient functioning of parliamentary proceedings.
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102. Tenure of the members of the Estimates Committee is of
(a) Two years
(b) One year
(c) Three years
(d) Four years
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (b) One year
- Parliament is too large to consider all the matters that come up, and its tasks are many and complicated.
- To help with its duties, it is supported by several committees.
- This committee looks at the promises made by ministers in the House of Representatives and reports back on how well they have been kept.
- The Committee on Subordinate Legislation looks at how the government is using its power to make official rules and regulations given to them by Parliament or the Constitution.
- They report back to the House about this.
- The Rules Committee looks at how business is done in the House and suggests changes to the House’s rules if needed.
- The Business Advisory Committee is responsible for setting the agenda and schedule for the House.
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103. Which of the following is not a tool of Parliamentary control over Public expenditures?
(a) Public Accounts Committee
(b) Comptroller and Auditor General of India
(c) Estimates Committee
(d) Committee on Public Undertakings
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (b) Comptroller and Auditor General of India
- Article 148 of India’s Constitution sets out the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
- He has authority over any other authority that is specified by a law passed by Parliament.
- The CAG is not controlled by Parliament when it comes to managing public expenses, unlike other options.
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104. The members of the Standing Committee of Parliament are taken from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in which ratio?
(a) Two and one respectively.
(b) Three and one respectively.
(c) Four and one respectively.
(d) In equal numbers from both the Houses.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]
Ans. (a) Two and one respectively.
- There are two types of Parliamentary Committees:
- Standing Committees
- Ad-hoc Committees
- Standing Committees are made up of three Financial Committees:
- Estimates,
- Public Accounts
- Public Undertakings
- The ratio of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members in all other joint committees is usually 2:1, with some exceptions.
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105. The Provision for the Calling Attention Notices has restricted the scope of which of the following?
(a) Short duration discussion
(b) Question Hour
(c) Adjournment Motion
(d) Zero Hour
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (c) Adjournment Motion
- India has introduced a new Parliamentary procedure called “Calling Attention” where questions and additional questions can be asked.
- This is a parliamentary procedure that allows Parliament to draw a minister’s attention to any urgent public matters.
- It is similar to an Adjournment Motion, but it doesn’t include condemnation of the minister.
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106. What is correct about the starred question?
(i) The answer is given orally
(ii) The answer is given in written
(iii) Supplementary questions can be asked
(iv) Supplementary questions cannot be asked
(v) Answers can be discussed.
(vi) The speaker controls the answer
Codes :
(a) (ii) (iv)
(b) (i) (iii)
(c) (v) (vi)
(d) (iii) (v)
(e) (ii) (vi)
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (b) (i) (iii)
- A starred question is a question asked in the House that will be answered out loud.
- It is marked with an asterisk (*).
- After the answer is given, additional questions can be asked.
- Only 20 questions can be answered out loud per day.
- An unstarred question is not answered out loud and no extra questions can be asked.
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107. The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through –
1. Adjournment motion
2. Question hour
3. Supplementary questions
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- The Indian Parliament oversees the activities of the Council of Ministers by using Adjournment Motion, Question Hour, and Supplementary Question.
- An adjournment motion is used to bring attention to an urgent public issue that needs to be addressed quickly and cannot wait for a starred question, discussion, or resolution.
- Question Hour is the first hour of each Parliament meeting usually used for asking and answering questions.
- Questions asked to a Minister can be in three forms:
- a starred question which can be asked orally in the House and followed by supplementary questions
- an unstarred question that cannot be asked orally and no supplementary questions can be asked
- a short-notice question that is about something important and can be asked with shorter notice than a regular question and can be followed by supplementary questions.
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108. In the Parliament of India, the purpose of an adjournment motion is –
(a) To allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance
(b) To let opposition members collect information from the ministers
(c) To allow a reduction of a specific amount in demand for a grant
(d) To postpone the proceedings to check the inappropriate or violent behavior on the part of some members
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) To allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance
- The goal of an adjournment motion in the Indian Parliament is to make room for a conversation about something of great public significance.
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109. What is the object of “Cut Motion”?
(a) To put a check on the policies of the Government
(b) To stop the functioning of the ruling party
(c) To move a proposal to reduce expenditure in the Budget proposals
(d) Rejection of complete financial dealings of the Government
(e) None of the above / More than one of the above
[66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re-Exam), 2020]
Ans. (c) To move a proposal to reduce expenditure in the Budget proposals
- A “Cut Motion” is a proposal to lower the amount of money requested in grants.
- Its purpose is to make the House aware of the issue stated in the motion.
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110. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:
1. The Ministries/Departments of the Government of India are created by the Prime Minister on the advice of the Cabinet Secretary.
2. Each of the Ministries is assigned to a Minister by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (b) 2 only
- The Prime Minister does not create the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India based on the recommendation of the Cabinet Secretary.
- The Cabinet Secretary is the leader of the Cabinet Secretariat and chairman of the Civil Services Board.
- The President of India decides which Minister is assigned to each Ministry based on the Prime Minister’s advice.
- Therefore, statement (1) is wrong and statement (2) is right.
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111. The Secretariat of Parliament of India is –
(a) Under Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
(b) Under President
(c) Independent of the Government
(d) Under the Supreme Court
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (c) Independent of the Government
- In January 1926, Vithalbhai J. Patel, the President of the Central Legislative Assembly, suggested that the Parliament of India have its own secretariat, separate from the Executive.
- The Constitution states that each house of Parliament will have its own independent secretariat, which is not part of the government.
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112. In which year was the Office of the Parliamentary Secretary created first time in Independent India?
(a) 1951
(b) 1952
(c) 1957
(d) 1962
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (b) 1952
- The Parliamentary Secretary position was started in 1952.
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113. Sovereignty of the Indian Parliament is restricted by –
(a) Powers of the President of India
(b) Judicial review
(c) Leader of the opposition
(d) Powers of the Prime Minister of India
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (b) Judicial review
- The Parliament is the most powerful law-making group, but the laws they make cannot change the main parts of the Constitution.
- The Supreme Court has the power to check if the laws made by the Parliament are legal.
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114. The Golden Jubilee of the Indian Parliament was celebrated on –
(a) 01-01-1997
(b) 15-08-1997
(c) 26-01-2002
(d) 13-05-2002
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (d) 13-05-2002
- The Indian Parliament marked its 50th anniversary on May 13, 2002, which marked 50 years since its founding on May 13, 1952.
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115. Who was the Nationalist leader to be elected as Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925?
(a) Moti Lal Nehru
(b) Vitthalbhai Patel
(c) Vallabhbhai Patel
(d) C.R. Das
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (b) Vitthalbhai Patel
- In 1925, Vitthalbhai Patel was chosen to be the first Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly.
- He was Speaker from August 24, 1925 to April 28, 1930.
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116. Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
2. The Committee on Public Accounts comprises Members of Lok Sabha, Members of Rajya Sabha, and a few eminent persons of industry and trade.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (a) 1 only
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the chairperson of the Committee on Public Accounts.
- This committee has 15 members from the Lok Sabha and 7 members from the Rajya Sabha.
- It is helped by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and it makes sure that public money is used following what Parliament has decided and it notices any wasteful or unnecessary spending.
- So, statement (2) is wrong.
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117. Consider the following statements:
1. While members of the Rajya Sabha are associated with Committees on Public Accounts and Public Undertakings, members of the Committee on Estimates are drawn entirely from the Lok Sabha
2. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs works under the overall direction of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
3. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs nominates members of Parliament on Committees, Councils, Boards, and Commissions, etc. set up by the Government of India in various ministries.
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- The Committee on Public Accounts and the Committee on Public Undertakings have fifteen members chosen by the Lok Sabha and seven members from the Rajya Sabha, making a total of 22.
- The Estimates Committee has thirty members elected every year by the Lok Sabha.
- So statement one is correct.
- The Cabinet Committee runs the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
- Statement two is also accurate.
- The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs nominates members of Parliament to committees, councils, and boards set up by the Indian Government in various Ministries.
- Statement three is also true.
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118. Read the following statements related to the Cabinet Committees and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Cabinet Committees are not mentioned in the constitution.
Statement II: Cabinet Committees are set up by the Prime Minister according to the exigencies of the time and requirements of the situation.
Statement III: If the Prime Minister is a member of the Committee, he may not necessarily be the Chairman of the Committee.
Statement IV: Parliamentary Affairs Committee is chaired by the Prime Minister.
(a) All statements are true
(b) Statements I, II, and III are true, but Statement IV is false.
(c) Statements II, III, and IV are true but Statement I is false.
(d) Statements I and II are true, but Statements III and IV are false.
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S.C. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (d) Statements I and II are true, but Statements III and IV are false.
- The Constitution doesn’t mention Cabinet Committees, so they are separate from the Constitution.
- Rules of Business say they can be created. So Statement I is correct.
- The Prime Minister decides when to create Cabinet Committees, depending on the situation.
- Statement II is true. In most cases, the Prime Minister is the Chairperson of Cabinet Committees. Sometimes other Cabinet Ministers, the Finance Minister, or the Home Minister can be the chairperson, but if the Prime Minister is a member, he is always the chairperson.
- Statement III is not true.
- The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs is chaired by the Minister of Defence, not the Prime Minister.
- Statement IV is false.
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119. In which of the following Committees there is no representation of the Rajya Sabha?
(a) Public Accounts Committee
(b) Committee on Public Undertakings
(c) Estimates Committee
(d) Committee on Government Assurances
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (c) Estimates Committee
- Cabinet Committees aren’t mentioned in the Constitution, so they are unofficial.
- The Rules of Business say they must be set up. Statement I is true.
- The Prime Minister sets up Cabinet Committees when necessary.
- Statement II is true. Most of the time, the Prime Minister is the Chair of the Committee, but sometimes other Cabinet Ministers, the Finance Minister, or the Home Minister chair them.
- Statement III is false.
- The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs is chaired by the Minister of Defence, not the Prime Minister. Statement IV is false.
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120. The Public Accounts Committee presents its report to
(a) Parliament
(b) The President
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Finance Minister
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (a) Parliament
- Every year, the Public Accounts Committee is made up of no more than 22 members, 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
- Its purpose is to look at the audit report created by the Comptroller and Auditor General and to present it to Parliament.
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121. The Public Accounts Committee submits its reports to-
(a) The Comptroller and Auditor General
(b) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
(c) The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
(d) The President of India
[53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011, Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]
Ans. (b) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- The Public Accounts Committee sends its report to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
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122. The main function of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament is-
(a) To examine the financial account of the government and report of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
(b) To appoint to higher posts of public sector units.
(c) To examine the policy according to financial provision.
(d) None of the above.
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (a) To examine the financial account of the government and report of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
- The Public Accounts Committee is a group in Parliament that looks after public spending.
- Its job is to look at the reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and present them to each House of Parliament.
- It aims to show any misuse of public money and suggest action against those responsible.
- It also double-checks the spending based on the Comptroller’s report.
- The member of the opposition in the Lok Sabha is normally the chair of this committee and they present their report to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
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123. The Public Accounts Committee has the following members:
Give the correct answer from the code given below:
| Lok Sabha |
Rajya Sabha |
Total |
| (a) 11 |
05 |
16 |
| (b) 15 |
07 |
22 |
| (c) 10 |
05 |
15 |
| (d) 17 |
10 |
27 |
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (b) 15(Lok Sabha) + 07(Rajya Sabha) = 22
- The Public Accounts Committee consists of a small group of people.
- There are only 22 members, 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
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124. Consider the following statements
The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts
1. consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha.
2. scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of the Government.
3. examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3
(d) All of these
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) 2 and 3
- The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is not made up of many members.
- It only has 22 members, 15 of which are from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
- The PAC looks through the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, which includes looking at the money and financial accounts of the Government of India.
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125. Who nominates the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the Indian Parliament?
(a) The Speaker of Lok Sabha
(b) The Prime Minister
(c) The President
(d) The Chairman of Rajya Sabha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014, U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013, U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006, U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (a) The Speaker of Lok Sabha
- The Speaker chooses the boss of the Public Accounts Committee from the members of the committee.
- Before 1967, the leader of the committee was always from the ruling party.
- The committee can have up to 22 members, 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
- In 1967, the Speaker chose a member of the opposition as the leader and this has been the practice since then.
- Ministers cannot be chosen as members of the committee.
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126. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the code given below the lists:
| List-I |
List-II |
| A. Public Accounts Committee |
1. Ad hoc Committee |
| B. Committee on Petitions |
2. Standing Committee |
| C. Joint Committee on Stock Market Scam |
3. Financial Committee |
| D. Departmental Committees |
4. Functional Committee |
Code :
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
| (a) |
1 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| (b) |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
| (c) |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
| (d) |
4 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (c) 3412
- The matched list is as follows:
-
| Public Accounts Committee |
Ad hoc Committee |
| Committee on Petitions |
Standing Committee |
| Joint Committee on Stock Market Scam |
Financial Committee |
| Departmental Committees |
Functional Committee |
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127. Members of the Rajya Sabha are not associated with –
1. Public Accounts Committee
2. Estimates Committee
3. Committee on Public Undertakings
Choose your answer from the given code.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 3
(c) Only 2
(d) 1 and 3
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (c) Only 2
- The Estimates Committee was first established in 1950 and is made up of 30 members of the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament).
- It does not include any members of the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament).
- The Committee on Public Accounts and the Committee on Public Undertakings have 22 members, 15 of whom are elected from the Lok Sabha each year and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
- Note: The Estimates Committee is the largest committee among the given options.
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128. Which is the largest Committee of the Indian Parliament?
(a) Public Account Committee
(b) Estimates Committee
(c) Committee on Public Undertakings
(d) Committee on Petitions
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (b) Estimates Committee
- This Estimates Committee was set up in 1950 and includes 30 members elected each year from the Lok Sabha.
- No members from the Rajya Sabha are included.
- The Committee on Public Accounts and the Committee on Public Undertakings consists of 22 members, including 15 elected from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
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129. The Estimates Committee is constituted of the members of–
(a) Both the Houses
(b) The Rajya Sabha
(c) The Lok Sabha
(d) None of these
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (c) The Lok Sabha
- The Estimates Committee was established in 1950 and is made up of 30 members from the Lok Sabha (lower house).
- No members from the Rajya Sabha (upper house) are included.
- Meanwhile, the Committee on Public Accounts and Public Undertakings consists of a total of 22 members, 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
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130. Which of the following is the Financial Committee of Parliament in India?
1. Public Account Committee.
2. Estimates Committee.
3. Committee on Public Undertakings
Select the correct answer from the codes given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- The Indian Parliament has three financial committees:
- the Public Accounts Committee
- the Estimates Committee,
- the Public Undertakings Committee
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131. Which one of the following is not a Standing Committee of Parliament?
(a) Committee on Public Accounts
(b) Estimates Committee
(c) Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs
(d) Committee on Public Undertakings.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]
Ans. (*)
- Parliamentary Committees are divided into two main types:
- Standing Committees
- Ad-hoc Committees
- Additionally, there are several other committees.
- The main Standing Committees are the Estimates Committee, the Public Accounts Committee, and the Committee on Public Undertakings.
- In 1993, the Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee set up 17 departments related to the Standing Committees, and in 2004, the number of departments was increased to 24.
- One of the departmental Standing Committees is the Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs.
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132. On which of the following, a Parliamentary Committee has not been set up?
(a) Public Undertakings
(b) Government Assurances
(c) Estimates
(d) Welfare of Minorities
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012]
Ans. (d) Welfare of Minorities
- The Public Undertakings Committee in Parliament looks at the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report (if there is one) about public sector companies.
- They also check how well the public sector enterprises are managed and running.
- The House of Representatives makes sure that any promises or resolutions made by government ministers are followed through.
- The Estimates Committee of Parliament looks at how funds are spent and makes sure money is not wasted.
- Since no Parliamentary committee has been created to look after the welfare of minority groups, a Minority Commission has been set up instead.
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133. The Joint Parliamentary Committee set up for probing the 2G spectrum issue, consists of
(a) 15 members from each of the two Houses.
(b) 20 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha
(c) 18 members from Lok Sabha and 12 members from Rajya Sabha
(d) 16 members from Lok Sabha and 14 members from Rajya Sabha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (b) 20 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha
- On February 24, 2011, the Lok Sabha and on March 1st, 2011, the Rajya Sabha both agreed to form a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the 2G spectrum scandal.
- The committee included 30 members of Parliament with 20 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.
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134. The Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the 2G Scam is headed by
(a) Murli Manohar Joshi
(b) P.C.Chacko
(c) A.B. Vardhan
(d) Sitaram Yechuri
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010, R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (b) P.C.Chacko
- P.C. Chacko was chosen as the chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee to investigate the 2G spectrum scam and then presented his findings to the Speaker of Lok Sabha Meira Kumar.
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135. In what way does the Indian Parliament exercise control over the administration?
(a) Through Parliamentary Committees
(b) Through Advisory Committees of various ministries
(c) By making the administrators send periodic reports
(d) By compelling the executive to issue writs
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (a) Through Parliamentary Committees
- The Parliament holds the government accountable by forming committees such as the Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and Standing Committee.
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136. The Officers of the Parliament include
1. Speaker, Lok Sabha
2. Dy. Speaker, Lok Sabha
3. Secretary General of Lok Sabha
4. Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes :
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 1, 2 and 3
(c) Only 1, 3 and 4
(d) All the four
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) All four
- Each House of Parliament has its own officers.
- The Lok Sabha has a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker, and the Rajya Sabha has a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman.
- Additionally, a group of chairmen in the Lok Sabha and a group of Deputy Chairmen in the Rajya Sabha are appointed.
- The Secretary-General is the leader of the Secretariat of both Houses and is a permanent officer chosen by the Speaker of the House.
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