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.

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Legislature and Parliament Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a reason why a senator might filibuster a bill?

  1. To delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

  2. To force concessions from the majority party.

  3. To change the rules of the Senate.

  4. To express their opposition to a bill.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Filibusters are used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill, to force concessions from the majority party, or to express opposition to a bill. They cannot be used to change the rules of the Senate.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a way to end a filibuster?

  1. By filing a cloture motion.

  2. By having the Senate vote to adjourn.

  3. By having the Senate vote to table the bill.

  4. By having the President veto the bill.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A filibuster can be ended by filing a cloture motion, having the Senate vote to adjourn, or having the Senate vote to table the bill. A presidential veto cannot end a filibuster.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a type of filibuster?

  1. A talking filibuster.

  2. A silent filibuster.

  3. A cloture motion.

  4. A quorum call.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A cloture motion is a procedure used to end debate on a bill, not to delay or prevent a vote. A talking filibuster is a filibuster in which a senator speaks continuously on the Senate floor. A silent filibuster is a filibuster in which a senator simply objects to a bill without speaking. A quorum call is a procedure used to determine whether there are enough senators present to conduct business.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a reason why a senator might filibuster a bill?

  1. To delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

  2. To force concessions from the majority party.

  3. To change the rules of the Senate.

  4. To express their opposition to a bill.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Filibusters are used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill, to force concessions from the majority party, or to express opposition to a bill. They cannot be used to change the rules of the Senate.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a way to end a filibuster?

  1. By filing a cloture motion.

  2. By having the Senate vote to adjourn.

  3. By having the Senate vote to table the bill.

  4. By having the President veto the bill.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A filibuster can be ended by filing a cloture motion, having the Senate vote to adjourn, or having the Senate vote to table the bill. A presidential veto cannot end a filibuster.

Multiple choice

How often does the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights meet?

  1. Once a year

  2. Twice a year

  3. Three times a year

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

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights meets twice a year, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Multiple choice

What is the National Emergencies Act of 1976?

  1. A law that limits the President's emergency powers

  2. A law that expands the President's emergency powers

  3. A law that requires the President to seek congressional approval before declaring a national emergency

  4. A law that gives the President broad authority to declare national emergencies
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The National Emergencies Act of 1976 limits the President's emergency powers.

Multiple choice

What is the significance of a presidential veto?

  1. It can prevent a bill from becoming law.

  2. It can force Congress to reconsider the bill.

  3. It can send a message to Congress about the President's priorities.

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

A presidential veto can prevent a bill from becoming law, force Congress to reconsider the bill, and send a message to Congress about the President's priorities.

Multiple choice

What are the grounds for a presidential veto?

  1. The President believes the bill is unconstitutional.

  2. The President believes the bill is unwise or harmful.

  3. The President believes the bill is too expensive.

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

The President can veto a bill for any reason.

Multiple choice

How often does Congress override a presidential veto?

  1. Very often

  2. Occasionally

  3. Rarely

  4. Never
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Congress rarely overrides a presidential veto. Since 1789, there have been 100 veto overrides, an average of less than one per year.

Multiple choice

What happens if the Conference Committee is unable to reach an agreement?

  1. The bill is sent back to the House and Senate for further debate

  2. The bill is killed

  3. The President can call a special session of Congress to consider the bill

  4. The Supreme Court can decide the issue
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

If the Conference Committee is unable to reach an agreement, the bill is sent back to the House and Senate for further debate.

Multiple choice

Which chamber of Congress is considered the upper chamber?

  1. The Senate

  2. The House of Representatives
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Senate is considered the upper chamber of Congress, while the House of Representatives is considered the lower chamber.

Multiple choice

Which chamber of Congress is considered the more powerful chamber?

  1. The Senate

  2. The House of Representatives
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Senate is generally considered the more powerful chamber of Congress, as it has the power to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties.

Multiple choice

What is the process by which a bill becomes a law?

  1. Introduction

  2. Committee consideration

  3. Floor debate

  4. Presidential signature
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

A bill becomes a law through the following process: introduction, committee consideration, floor debate, and presidential signature.

Multiple choice

Who is typically allowed to participate in floor debate?

  1. Only the sponsor of the bill or resolution.

  2. Only the committee members who worked on the bill or resolution.

  3. All legislators who are members of the assembly.

  4. Only the leaders of the majority and minority parties.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In most legislative assemblies, all members are allowed to participate in floor debate, regardless of their party affiliation or committee membership.