The Parliament Archives

151. Which one of the following is NOT a power of the Lok Sabha?

Which one of the following is NOT a power of the Lok Sabha?

[amp_mcq option1=”Makes laws on matters included in the Union and Concurrent Lists” option2=”Can introduce and enact money and non-money bills” option3=”Can initiate procedure for removal of Vice-President of India” option4=”Amends the Constitution of India” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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The Lok Sabha has powers regarding lawmaking on Union and Concurrent Lists, introduction and enactment of bills (including Money Bills, with special powers), and amendment of the Constitution (jointly with Rajya Sabha). However, the power to initiate the procedure for the removal of the Vice-President rests solely with the Rajya Sabha (Article 67(b)). The Lok Sabha only participates in agreeing to such a resolution after it has been passed by the Rajya Sabha.

The initiation of the removal of the Vice-President is an exclusive power of the Rajya Sabha.

Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. Constitutional amendment bills can be introduced in either House. Ordinary bills can be introduced in either House. The Lok Sabha shares the power of amending the Constitution with the Rajya Sabha, requiring a special majority in both Houses.

152. Any question pertaining to the disqualification of a member of the Lok

Any question pertaining to the disqualification of a member of the Lok Sabha on the ground of defection is decided by :

[amp_mcq option1=”The President of India” option2=”The Speaker of the Lok Sabha” option3=”The Supreme Court of India” option4=”The concerned Political Party” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

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According to the provisions of the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution of India (Anti-Defection Law), any question regarding the disqualification of a member of a House on the ground of defection is decided by the presiding officer of the House. For the Lok Sabha, the presiding officer is the Speaker. For the Rajya Sabha, it is the Chairman.

– The Tenth Schedule was added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985.
– It lays down the grounds for disqualification on account of defection.
– The decision of the Speaker (or Chairman) is subject to judicial review, as established by the Supreme Court in the Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu case (1992).

Neither the President of India, the Supreme Court directly (in the first instance), nor the concerned political party is the deciding authority on disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. The power is vested solely in the presiding officer of the respective House, although their decision can be challenged in the courts.

153. The executive is given an advance grant to meet temporary and running

The executive is given an advance grant to meet temporary and running requirements of Government of India in the beginning of the new financial year until the demands are voted by the legislature. This is known as :

[amp_mcq option1=”Vote of Credit” option2=”Vote on Account” option3=”Appropriation Bill” option4=”Advance Account” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

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The advance grant given to the executive to meet temporary requirements until demands are voted by the legislature is known as Vote on Account.

A Vote on Account allows the government to draw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for a limited period (usually a few months) at the beginning of a financial year.

The Union Budget is presented in February, but the financial year starts from April 1st. The complete budget process, including voting on demands for grants and passing the Appropriation Bill, takes time. To ensure the government can meet its essential expenditure during this interim period (April 1st until the Appropriation Bill is passed), a Vote on Account is passed by the Lok Sabha. A Vote of Credit is granted for an unexpected demand that cannot be quantified, usually related to defense or other extraordinary services. An Appropriation Bill is the legislative instrument that authorizes the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund after the demands for grants are voted.

154. Which among the following is not the strength or chief benefit of

Which among the following is not the strength or chief benefit of Bicameralism?

[amp_mcq option1=”Second chambers check the first chambers and prevent majoritarian rule.” option2=”It checks the powers of the executive.” option3=”The second chambers can act as a constitutional safeguard.” option4=”It often acts as a check on democratic rule, particularly when their members are non-elected or indirectly elected.” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

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Bicameralism refers to a legislature with two chambers or houses. Strengths include providing a check on the lower house (preventing hasty or majoritarian legislation), allowing for representation of different interests (like states in a federal system), and potentially serving as a constitutional safeguard. Statement D, which suggests that non-elected or indirectly elected second chambers act as a check on *democratic rule*, is often seen as a *weakness* or *criticism* of bicameralism from a purely democratic perspective, as it can dilute accountability and the direct will of the electorate. The question asks what is *not* a strength or chief benefit.

Bicameralism aims to provide checks and balances within the legislature, offer diverse representation, and ensure careful consideration of laws. A second chamber whose members are not directly elected can be perceived as undemocratic, which is a potential drawback, not a benefit, in the context of democratic governance.

In federal systems, the second chamber often represents the constituent states (e.g., Rajya Sabha in India, Senate in the USA). The mode of election or selection to the second chamber varies significantly across countries.

155. Which one of the following statements about Money Bill is not correct

Which one of the following statements about Money Bill is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Council of States.” option2=”The Council of States has no power to reject or amend the Money Bill.” option3=”The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the sole and final power in deciding whether a Bill is a Money Bill or otherwise.” option4=”The Council of States has no power to discuss the Money Bill.” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

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Statement D is incorrect. The Council of States (Rajya Sabha) does have the power to discuss a Money Bill. While it cannot reject or amend it, and must return it to the Lok Sabha within 14 days, it can certainly discuss the bill and make recommendations.

Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President (Article 109). The Rajya Sabha has limited powers regarding Money Bills; it cannot reject or amend them but can suggest amendments, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept. If the Rajya Sabha does not return the bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both Houses.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the final authority to certify whether a bill is a Money Bill. This decision cannot be challenged in any court or in either House of Parliament. This power of the Lok Sabha (and its Speaker) over Money Bills reflects the principle that the House directly elected by the people (Lok Sabha) has primary control over financial matters.

156. Consider the following: 1. M.A. Ayyangar 2. G.S. Dhillon 3. Balram Jak

Consider the following:
1. M.A. Ayyangar
2. G.S. Dhillon
3. Balram Jakhar
4. P.A. Sangma
How many of them were the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

[amp_mcq option1=”1″ option2=”2″ option3=”3″ option4=”4″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

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All four individuals listed served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

1. M.A. Ayyangar was the first Deputy Speaker and the second Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1956-1962). 2. G.S. Dhillon served as Speaker (1969-1975). 3. Balram Jakhar served as Speaker for two terms (1980-1989), the longest tenure for a Speaker. 4. P.A. Sangma served as Speaker (1996-1998).

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha and is elected by its members.

157. Which one among the following is the largest State in terms of seats i

Which one among the following is the largest State in terms of seats in the Rajya Sabha ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Andhra Pradesh” option2=”Bihar” option3=”Rajasthan” option4=”Karnataka” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2021

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The allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha is based on the population of each state. Among the given options, Bihar has the largest number of Rajya Sabha seats. The distribution of seats for these states is:
– Andhra Pradesh: 11
– Bihar: 16
– Rajasthan: 10
– Karnataka: 12
Comparing these numbers, Bihar has the highest number of seats among the listed states.

Rajya Sabha seats are allocated based on state population. Among the options, Bihar has the most seats.

Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of Rajya Sabha seats overall (31), followed by Maharashtra (19), Tamil Nadu (18), and then Bihar (16) and West Bengal (16). Rajasthan has 10 seats, Andhra Pradesh has 11, and Karnataka has 12.

158. Which of the following statements with regard to the privileges of the

Which of the following statements with regard to the privileges of the Members of the Parliament are correct?
1. Privileges would not be fettered by the Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.
2. Privileges must be read subject to the Articles 20-22 and Article 32 of the Constitution of India.
3. Immunity is available in relation to both civil and criminal prosecution.
4. Immunity is available in relation to freedom of speech even in his/her private or personal capacity.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 4″ option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”2 and 3″ option4=”1 and 4 only” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2020

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Statements 1 and 2 are correct regarding the privileges of Members of Parliament.

Statement 1 is correct because the freedom of speech enjoyed by MPs in Parliament under Article 105 is absolute within the House proceedings and is not subject to the restrictions applicable to the general freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a). Statement 2 is correct because parliamentary privileges, while providing certain immunities, do not place MPs above the law, particularly criminal law. They are subject to fundamental rights like those in Articles 20-22 and the right to constitutional remedies under Article 32.

Statement 3 is incorrect; immunity from prosecution is primarily for civil cases during a session, not criminal cases. An MP can be arrested and prosecuted for a criminal offense. Statement 4 is incorrect; the privilege of freedom of speech applies only to speech made within Parliament or its committees, not in their private capacity. Their speech outside Parliament is subject to ordinary laws.

159. Which one among the following is not correct about the Secretary Gener

Which one among the following is not correct about the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Secretary General is the advisor to the Speaker.” option2=”The Secretary General acts under authority in the name of the Speaker.” option3=”The Secretary General works under the Speaker with delegated authority.” option4=”The Secretary General passes orders in the name of the Speaker.” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2020

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The Secretary General of the Lok Sabha is the administrative head of the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the advisor to the Speaker. The Secretary General works under the authority and direction of the Speaker, performing duties delegated by the Speaker or as prescribed by rules. While the Secretary General acts on behalf of the Speaker and the House, they do not typically *pass orders in the name of* the Speaker. Formal orders and rulings are issued by the Speaker. The Secretary General implements decisions and manages the administration.

The Secretary General is a permanent, non-partisan officer of Parliament, distinct from the elected Speaker.

The Secretary General’s role includes advising the Speaker on parliamentary practice and procedure, authenticating bills passed by the House, preparing parliamentary papers, and managing the administrative and financial affairs of the Secretariat. They issue communications and perform actions *on behalf of* the Speaker or the House, but passing original ‘orders in the name of the Speaker’ is not the standard description of their function.

160. Rajya Sabha has exclusive jurisdiction in

Rajya Sabha has exclusive jurisdiction in

[amp_mcq option1=”creation of new States” option2=”declaring a war” option3=”financial emergency” option4=”authorizing Parliament to legislate on a subject in the State List” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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Rajya Sabha has exclusive jurisdiction in authorizing Parliament to legislate on a subject in the State List.

– Article 249 of the Constitution grants the Rajya Sabha the power to pass a resolution, by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, declaring that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest that Parliament should make laws with respect to any matter enumerated in the State List specified in the resolution.
– Upon passing such a resolution, Parliament gains the power to make laws on that specific State List subject for a period not exceeding one year, which can be extended.
– This power is unique to the Rajya Sabha as the representative body of the states, allowing it to enable central legislation on state matters when deemed necessary in the national interest.

Other exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha include initiating a resolution for the creation of new All India Services (Article 312) and approving a Proclamation of National Emergency when the Lok Sabha stands dissolved (Article 352). Creation of new states, declaration of war, and financial emergency involve the Parliament as a whole, the executive, or the President, not the exclusive jurisdiction of the Rajya Sabha.