Indian Polity: Parliament & Constitutional Bodies: questions and answers
Study every question with its correct answer and explanation.
1. Under Article 80, what is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
- A. 238
- B. 245
- C. 250
- D. 552
Answer: 250
Article 80 fixes the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha at 250: up to 238 representatives of the states and Union Territories, plus 12 members nominated by the President for expertise in literature, science, art and social service. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body — it is never dissolved, and about one-third of its members retire every second year.
2. Who presides over a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament called under Article 108?
- A. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- B. The Vice-President of India
- C. The President of India
- D. The Chief Justice of India
Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
A joint sitting, summoned by the President to resolve a deadlock between the Houses over an ordinary bill, is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, or in their absence the Deputy Speaker. There is no provision for a joint sitting on a Money Bill or a Constitution Amendment Bill.
3. For how many days at most can the Rajya Sabha hold back a Money Bill passed by the Lok Sabha?
- A. 7 days
- B. 14 days
- C. 30 days
- D. 6 months
Answer: 14 days
Under Article 109, the Rajya Sabha must return a Money Bill within 14 days, with or without recommendations, which the Lok Sabha is free to accept or reject. Whether a bill is a Money Bill (as defined in Article 110) is decided by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and that decision is final.
4. Who is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
- A. The President of India
- B. The Prime Minister
- C. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- D. The Vice-President of India
Answer: The Vice-President of India
Under Articles 64 and 89, the Vice-President is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, while its Deputy Chairman is elected from among its own members. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament.
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5. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is provided for under which Article?
- A. Article 76
- B. Article 148
- C. Article 280
- D. Article 324
Answer: Article 148
Article 148 provides for the CAG, appointed by the President, who audits the accounts of the Union and the states and is often called the 'guardian of the public purse'. Under Article 151, the CAG's reports on Union accounts are submitted to the President, who has them laid before Parliament.
6. Which Article vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission of India?
- A. Article 312
- B. Article 315
- C. Article 324
- D. Article 356
Answer: Article 324
Article 324 gives the Election Commission control over elections to Parliament, the state legislatures and the offices of the President and Vice-President. The Commission was set up on 25 January 1950, a date observed since 2011 as National Voters' Day.
7. Under Article 280, the President constitutes a Finance Commission at what interval?
- A. Every year
- B. Every three years
- C. Every five years (or earlier if needed)
- D. Every ten years
Answer: Every five years (or earlier if needed)
Article 280 requires a Finance Commission every five years, or earlier if the President considers it necessary, to recommend how tax revenues are shared between the Union and the states. The first Finance Commission, set up in 1951, was chaired by K. C. Neogy.
8. Which Article provides for President's Rule in a state when its constitutional machinery fails?
- A. Article 352
- B. Article 360
- C. Article 370
- D. Article 356
Answer: Article 356
A proclamation under Article 356 must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months to remain in force. In the S. R. Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court laid down important safeguards against the misuse of this power.
9. Which Article of the Constitution deals with a Financial Emergency?
- A. Article 360
- B. Article 352
- C. Article 356
- D. Article 368
Answer: Article 360
Article 360 lets the President proclaim a Financial Emergency if the financial stability or credit of India is threatened, but it has never been used. By contrast, a National Emergency under Article 352 has been proclaimed three times — in 1962, 1971 and 1975.
10. The Attorney General of India, the highest law officer of the Union, is appointed under which Article?
- A. Article 124
- B. Article 76
- C. Article 148
- D. Article 165
Answer: Article 76
Under Article 76 the President appoints the Attorney General, who, under Article 88, has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament but cannot vote. The corresponding law officer of a state, the Advocate General, is appointed under Article 165.