Indian Polity & Constitution MCQs

Notes:
The President of India, according to the Indian Constitution, serves as the ceremonial head of state, similar to the British Monarch. However, unlike the British Monarch, the President of India also holds residual powers that can be exercised during an emergency. Despite this, the nature of the role is largely ceremonious, much like the Queen in the UK.

Notes:
A Judge of the Supreme Court (and also High Court) can be removed from his position by President only on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The power for investigation and proof of such misbehaviour or incapacity is vested in the parliament. Each house, in order to remove the judge, will have to pass a resolution which is supported by 2/3rd of members present and voting and majority of the total membership of the house {absolute + special majority}

Notes:
Charter act of 1813 ended the monopoly of the East India Company in India, however the company’s monopoly in trade with china and trade in tea with India was kept intact. Thus, trade with India for all commodities except Tea was thrown open to all British subjects. This lasted till 1833 when the next charter abolished the trade of the company.

Notes:
Articles 324 to 329 of Part XV of the Indian Constitution provides for the country’s electoral system. Representation of the People Act 1951 was enacted in order to regulate elections in the country.

Notes:
Following fundamental Rights available to only citizens and not foreigners:

1. Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 15)Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Article 16).
2. Six basic freedoms subject to reasonable restrictions (Article 19).
3. Protection of language, script and culture of minorities (Article 29).
4. Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions (Article 30)

Notes:
Describing the nature of DPSP, Article 37 says that directive principles are not enforceable by any court. However, at the same time the article declares that these principles are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be duty of the state to apply these principles in making laws.

Notes:
When vice president acts as the president, he ceases to be the chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Notes:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights was on the final stage of drafting at the United Nations when India’s constitution was adopted. India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Thus, Part III of the constitution is partly inspired by UDHR also.

Notes:
The office of the Speaker occupies a pivotal position in our parliamentary democracy. It has been said of the office of the Speaker that while the members of Parliament represent the individual constituencies, the Speaker represents the full authority of the House itself. She is eligible for re-election. On the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, although the Speaker ceases to be a member of the House, she does not vacate her office. The Speaker may, at any time, resign from office by writing under her hand to the Deputy Speaker. The Speaker can be removed from office only on a resolution of the House passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.

Notes:
The Constitution of India establishes a federal structure to the Indian government, declaring it to be a “Union of States”. Part XI of the Indian constitution specifies the distribution of legislative, administrative and executive powers between the Central government and the States of India.