Indian Polity & Constitution MCQs

Notes:
Knesset is the unicameral national legislature of Israel. As the legislative branch of the Israeli government, the Knesset passes all laws, elects the President and Prime Minister, approves the cabinet, and supervises the work of the government. In addition, the Knesset elects the State Comptroller. It also has the power to waive the immunity of its members, remove the President and the State Comptroller from office, dissolve the government in a constructive vote of no confidence, and to dissolve itself and call new elections. The Prime Minister may dissolve the Knesset. The Knesset is located in Givat Ram, Jerusalem.

Notes:
Though the constitution came into force on 26^th Nov 1950. Some provisions relating to citizenship, Elections, Provisional Parliament, temporary and transitional provisions were given immediate effect of 26^th Nov 1949
The articles which came into force on 26^th Nov 1949 include articles 5, 6, 8, 9, 60, 324, 366, 372, 388, 391, 392 and 393

Notes:
The three methods of amendment of the constitution are as follows:

1. By Simple Majority of Parliament Some changes such as admission, formation of new states and making changes into territorial boundaries of the states, abolition and creation of legislative councils etc. can be done like any other ordinary law by simple majority.
2. By Special Majority of the Parliament Most of the provisions of the constitution need to be amended by special majority i.e. majority of more than 50% of total membership and 2/3rd members present and voting. Some of the amendments included in it are Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles etc.
3. By Special Majority of the Parliament and Ratification by half of the State Legislatures There are a few provisions in which interest of the states and federal features of the constitution may be involved. Such bills first need to be passed on both the houses of the parliament and then need to secure ratification by half of the state legislatures. Examples include those related to Centre-State Relations, Election of the President etc.

Notes:
During national emergency, all the basic freedoms guaranteed by article 19 automatically get suspended. During emergency, President can suspend all other fundamental rights also except Article 20 (protection in respect of conviction for offences) and Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty). Such suspension needs parliamentary approval.

Notes:
The government might have to sometimes make laws which violates equality in order to attain the objectives of DPSP. For such instances the supreme court of India held that when article 31A comes in article 14 goes out.

Notes:
The term ‘armed rebellion’ did not exist in the original constitution but was inserted by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978) replacing the original term ‘internal disturbance.

Notes:
The Supreme Court of India has original jurisdiction in cases involving disputes between different states, or between the federal government and a state. This means that such cases can only be filed directly with the Supreme Court, rather than being heard by a lower court first. The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction in cases involving the interpretation of the Constitution of India.

Notes:
The 5th Schedule of the Constitution deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any state, except in the 4 states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram which has been dealt separately in 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Notes:
A writ is a formal written order issued by a government entity in the name of the sovereign power. There are five types of Writs – Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo warranto.

Notes:
The Government of India Act of 1919 provided for the creation of a new office of the High Commissioner for India in London and transferred to him some of the functions hitherto performed by the Secretary of the State of India.