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 political science constitutional amendment constitutional amendment powers of lok sabha powers of lok sabha powers and functions of rajya sabha and lok sabha

As per provisions under Article 107 of the Constitution of India, except a money Bill or Financial Bill, any Bill can originate __________________.

  1. In either House of Parliament

  2. In Lok Sabha

  3. In Rajya Sabha

  4. In joint sitting of Parliament
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Any bill except Money Bill and Financial Bill can be originated in either House of the Parliament and shall be deemed to be passed if it is approved by both the Houses of the Parliament.

Multiple choice political science constitutional amendment constitutional amendment powers of lok sabha powers of lok sabha powers and functions of rajya sabha and lok sabha

After a Bill has been passed by Parliament and sent to the President for his consideration _______________.

  1. He can refuse to sign it

  2. He has to sign it

  3. He can change certain clauses of the bill

  4. He can send it back for reconsideration
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A bill becomes an Act only when it is given assent by the President. After bill is passed by both the Houses of the Parliament it is presented to the President for his assent. He may either give his assent or withhold his assent. The President can return the bill if it is not money bill for the reconsideration of the Parliament. However, if the bill is passed again by the Parliament, with or without amendments, the president has to give assent to the bill.

Multiple choice political science constitutional amendment constitutional amendment powers of lok sabha powers of lok sabha powers and functions of rajya sabha and lok sabha

Which of the following statement is/are true?

  1. No bill can become a law unless agreed by Rajya Sabha

  2. No bill can become a law unless agreed by Lok Sabha

  3. No bill can become a law unless agreed by both the Houses

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

After a Bill has been passed by both Houses, it is presented to the President for his assent. The President can assent or withhold his assent to a Bill or he can return a Bill, other than a Money Bill, for reconsideration. If the Bill is again passed by the Houses, with or without amendment made by the President, he shall not withhold assent therefrom. But, when a Bill amending the Constitution passed by each House with the requisite majority is presented to the President, he shall give his assent thereto. A Bill becomes an Act of Parliament after being passed by both the Houses of Parliament and assented to by the President.

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

The winter session of the Parliament is convened between ____________.

  1. January-March

  2. February-May

  3. July-August

  4. November-December
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A parliament session is a duration in which its business is conducted. There are three parliament sessions in a year:

  • Budget Session: February to May
  • Monsoon Session: July to September
  • Winter Session: November to December

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

The Lok Sabha can remove the Union Government from office by passing a no-confidence motion.

  1. True

  2. False
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

If the house feels that the government does not enjoy majority, then they can move a 'no-confidence' motion. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. The motion is admitted for discussion when a minimum of 50 members of the house supports the motion. If the motion is passed, the Government is bound to vacate the office.

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

Adjournment of the House means suspension of the sitting of the House by the Speaker.

  1. True

  2. False
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Adjournment of the House means suspension of the work for a specified time which may be hours, days or weeks. It is done by the presiding officer of the house. It does not affect the bills or any other business pending before the House and the same can be resumed when the House meets again.

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.