Civics Polity

Legislature and Parliament

1,426 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 civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

What is 'zero hour'?

  1. When the proposals of the opposition are considered

  2. When matters of utmost importance are raised

  3. Interval between the morning- and afternoon sessions

  4. When a Money Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The time immediately following the Question Hour has come to be known as "Zero Hour". It starts at around 12 noon (hence the name) and members can, with prior notice to the Speaker, raise issues of utmost importance during this time.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

Match the following:
Parliamentary Terms
A. Starred Question
B. Unstarred Question
C. Short Notice Question
Meaning
1. One asked by a member on matters of public importance of an urgent nature
2. One for which the Concerned minister has to lay on the table a written answer
3. One for which an oral answer is required to be given by a minister on the floor of the House

  1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3

  2. A - 2, B - 1, C - 3

  3. A - 3, B - 1, C - 2

  4. A - 3, B - 2, C - 1
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The correct meanings are as follows:

  • Starred Question: One for which an oral answer is required to be given by a minister on the floor of the House
  • Unstarred Question: One for which the Concerned minister has to lay on the table a written answer
  • Short Notice Question: One asked by a member on matters of public importance of an urgent nature.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

The Lok Sabha is called in session for at least how many times in a year?

  1. Twice

  2. Once

  3. Thrice

  4. Four times
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Unlike other institutions, Parliament does not work throughout the year. Indian constitution specifies that ‘six months shall not intervene’ between the last sitting of one session and the first sitting of the next. This provision effectively ensures that Parliament meets at least twice a year. Over the years, parliamentary convention has evolved towards having three sessions in a year— the Budget (February to May), Monsoon (July to August/September) and Winter (November to December) sessions.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

The quorum required to hold meetings of the legislative chambers is what fraction of the total membership of the House?

  1. 1/3

  2. 1/4

  3. 1/6

  4. 1/10
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The quorum required to hold meetings of the legislative chambers is one-tenth of the total membership of the House. Article 100 of the Constitution of India stipulates that at least 10% of the total number of members of the House must be present to constitute the quorum to constitute a meeting of either House of Parliament. For example, if the House has the total membership of 250, at least 25 members must be present for the House to proceed with its business.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

The quorum for Joint Sitting of the Indian Parliament is _______________________.

  1. One-twelfth of the total number of members of the House

  2. One-sixth of the total number of members of the House

  3. One-tenth of the total number of members of the House

  4. Two-third of the total number of members of the House
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Option C is the correct answer. The quorum for Joint Sitting of the Indian Parliament is One-tenth of the' total number of members of the House. The quorum required to hold meetings of the legislative chambers is one-tenth of the total membership of the House. Article 100 of the Constitution of India stipulates that at least 10% of total number of members of the House must be present to constitute the quorum to constitute a meeting of either House of Parliament. For example, if the House has the total membership of 250, at least 25 members must be present for the House to proceed with its business.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. In Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based

  2. In the case of a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha no conditions of admissibility have been laid down in the Rules

  3. A motion of no-confidence, once admitted, has to be taken up within ten days of the leave being granted

  4. Rajya Sabha is not empowered to entertain a motion of no-confidence
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Option A is the correct answer. In Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based.  A no-confidence motion can be moved only in the Lok Sabha. If the government has to demonstrate its strength on the floor of the House, it can have a motion of confidence. However, the opposition parties (or any member) can move a motion expressing want of confidence (no confidence) in the Council of Ministers.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

Prorogation of the House means______________________.

  1. a House has been brought in session

  2. the session of the House has been terminated

  3. the House itself stands terminated

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Prorogation is the end of a session. A prorogation puts an end to a session. The time between the Prorogation and reassembly is called Recess. Prorogation is the end of a session and not the dissolution of the house {in case of Lok Sabha, as Rajya Sabha does not dissolve}.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

With reference to the conduct of government business in the Parliament of India, the term 'closure' refers to _______________________.

  1. suspension of debate at the termination of a day's sitting of the Parliament

  2. a rule of legislative procedure under which further debate on a motion can be halted

  3. the termination of a parliamentary session

  4. refusal on the part of the government to have the opposition look at important document
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Option B is the correct answer. With reference to the conduct of government business in the Parliament of India, the term 'closure' refers to a rule of legislative procedure under which further debate on a motion can be halted. Closure is one of the means by which a debate may be brought to a close by a majority decision of the House, even though all Members wishing to speak have not done so. 

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

How many members of the Lok Sabha must support a motion of 'no confidence' in the government, before it can be admitted by the Speaker?

  1. 20

  2. 25

  3. 35

  4. 50
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option D is the correct answer. 50 members of the Lok Sabha must support a motion of 'no confidence' in the government, before it can be admitted by the Speaker. . In Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based.  A no-confidence motion can be moved only in the Lok Sabha. If the government has to demonstrate its strength on the floor of the House, it can have a motion of confidence. However, the opposition parties (or any member) can move a motion expressing want of confidence (no confidence) in the Council of Ministers.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

The questions asked in the Parliament during "Question Hour" are of what types ?

  1. Starred questions

  2. Unstarred questions

  3. Neither starred questions, nor unstarted questions

  4. Both starred and unstarred questions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A member of the House may ask questions from the Government on matters of public interest. The first hour on every working day of the House is reserved for questions unless otherwise decided by the Speaker. This hour is known as Question Hour. There are three types of questions:
i) Starred questions ii) Unstarred questions iii) Short notice questions.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

Sometimes the members get the normal work of the State Legislature suspended temporarily to discuss matters of urgent public importance It is done through _______________.

  1. Suspensory Veto

  2. Adjournment motion

  3. No-confidence motion

  4. Cut-motion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Sometimes the members get the normal work of the State Legislature suspended temporarily to discuss matters of urgent public importance this extraordinary  procedure called as Adjournment motion. Subject to the provisions of these rules , a motion for an adjournment of the business of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance maybe made with the consent of the Speaker.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

If a question asked by a Member of Parliament is a starred one he will get ___________.

  1. A written answer

  2. An oral answer

  3. Answer in the Zero hour

  4. No answer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A Starred Question is one to which a member desires an oral answer in the House and which is distinguished by an asterisk mark. When a question is answered orally, supplementary questions can be asked thereon. Only 20 questions can be listed for oral answer on a day.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

An impeachment motion against the President, in order to be passed by a House, should be supported by _________.

  1. Not less than one-third members present and voting in the House

  2. Not less than two-third members of total membership of the House

  3. The simple majority of the House

  4. The special majority of the House
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Violation of constitution is the only ground on which a President can be impeached. The impeachment charges can be initiated in either of the houses of the Parliament with at least one-fourth members of that house signing the charges. To pass the motion each house has to pass the resolution with not less two-thirds of majority.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

'Zero hour' in the working Indian Parliament means ____________.

  1. The first hour of the session

  2. The period when the privilege motion is accepted

  3. The period before the 'Question hour'

  4. The interval between the end of question hour and the taking up of the next agenda
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In the parliamentary parlance, it is referred as the time gap between the end of Question Hour and the beginning of the regular business. Zero Hour doesn’t find a mention in the Rules of Procedure and hence it’s considered an informal procedure for the members of Parliament to raise matters of serious importance. The other rationale behind naming it so can be traced to the fact that it starts at 12 noon.

Multiple choice civics why do we need a parliament? parliamentary procedures parliamentary system parliamentary system and procedures

What is 'zero hour'?

  1. When the proposals of the opposition are considered

  2. When the matters of utmost importance are raised

  3. When a money bill is introduced in the Lok sabha

  4. Interval between the morning and the evening sessions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Zero Hour is a parliamentary device in India where members can raise matters of urgent public importance without prior notice. It starts immediately after the Question Hour.