Civics Polity

Legislature and Parliament

1,499 Questions

Legislature and Parliament topics cover the structure, functions, and legislative procedures of the lawmaking bodies. This collection focuses on the passage of bills, parliamentary committees, and the roles of different houses. These questions are highly relevant for civil services and state public service commission examinations.

Money billsParliamentary committeesLegislative proceduresRajya Sabha rulesState legislaturesImpeachment process

Legislature and Parliament Questions

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements about the President's rule under Article 356:

A. Its proclamation must be approved by either house of the Parliament within two months from its issue date. B. It cannot be extended for a period of more than 3 years. C. The proclamation should be passed by either house of Parliament by a special majority.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

  1. A, B and C

  2. Only A

  3. Only B and C

  4. Only A and B

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Both the statements are correct.

Multiple choice

The members of the Constituent Assembly were

  1. elected by the people

  2. elected by the British Parliament

  3. elected by the Provincial Assemblies

  4. nominated by the British Government

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Constituent Assembly members were elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies established under the Government of India Act 1935. Each province was allotted a specific number of seats based on its population. The elections were held in 1946, and the Assembly first met in December 1946 to draft India's Constitution.

Multiple choice

The representation to states in the Rajya Sabha is given on the basis of

  1. An equal number of seats to each state

  2. In proportion to their size

  3. In proportion to their population

  4. In accordance with their resources
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Rajya Sabha representation is based on the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, which allocates seats to states and union territories. The allocation is primarily proportional to population, though smaller states get some minimum representation. Equal representation applies to Lok Sabha seats from states, not Rajya Sabha.

Multiple choice

The Parliamentary term Crossing the Floor means:

  1. An attempt to occupy the seat of some other parliamentarian

  2. Leaving a House by a minister in between in order to attend the other House

  3. Walk out to boycott the proceedings of the House

  4. Leaving the opposition to join the party in power or vice-versa by a Parliamentarian
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

'Crossing the Floor' refers to a parliamentarian changing their party allegiance - leaving the opposition to join the ruling party or vice versa. This is called 'crossing the floor' because members physically move across the chamber to sit with their new party. It does not refer to temporarily leaving the house (walkout) or occupying someone else's seat.

Multiple choice

Vote on Account means:

  1. Budget presented in the Parliament to cover the Deficit left by the last budget

  2. Allowing the Government to withdraw an amount for a period with the consent of Parliament

  3. The Speaker exercising his vote when the parliament is divided equally on any issue

  4. Vote for a bill after RBI sanctions it
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Vote on Account is a special provision allowing the government to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund to meet essential expenditures for a limited period (usually 2-3 months) when the full budget cannot be passed immediately. This happens during elections or transition periods. It is not about deficits, the Speaker's vote, or RBI sanctions. The amount is typically limited to 1/6th of the previous year's budget.

Multiple choice

The Rajya Sabha can be dissolved by

  1. Lok Sabha

  2. Constitutional amendment

  3. President

  4. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Rajya Sabha is a permanent chamber that cannot be dissolved under any circumstances. Unlike the Lok Sabha which has a fixed term of 5 years and can be dissolved earlier, the Rajya Sabha has continuous representation with one-third of its members retiring every two years. This permanent nature ensures stability and continuity in the legislative process.

Multiple choice

With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:

  1. A member of the Lok Sabha cannot be arrested by the police under any case when the Parliament is in session.

  2. Members of the Indian Parliament have the privilege of exemption from attendance as witnesses in the law courts.

Which of these statement is or are correct ?

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 2 alone is correct. Article 105(2) grants MPs exemption from attendance as witnesses in courts. Statement 1 is incorrect because MPs can be arrested in criminal cases even during session - Article 105 only protects them from arrest in civil cases 40 days before/after/during session.

Multiple choice

Parliament can legislate matters in the State list

  1. by wish of the President

  2. if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution

  3. under any circumstances

  4. by asking the legislature of the concerned state
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Under Article 249, Parliament can legislate on State List matters if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by 2/3 majority. This resolution is valid for one year and can be extended, used for implementing international agreements or national treaties.