Indian Parliament and US Senate Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What role does the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha play when the Chairman is absent?

  • Presides over the Rajya Sabha (correct)
  • Represents the Lok Sabha
  • Exercises a casting vote
  • Decides on questions of privilege

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the authority to exercise a casting vote in the event of a tie.

True (A)

What is the primary function of the Chairman during the sessions of the Rajya Sabha?

Presiding over the sessions and maintaining order.

The Deputy Chairman assists the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in carrying out their duties and represents the Rajya Sabha on various __________.

<p>forums</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following functions to their respective roles in the Rajya Sabha:

<p>Casting Vote = Chairman Presiding over Sessions = Chairman Assisting in Duties = Deputy Chairman Representing the Rajya Sabha = Chairman</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many Senators are there in the United States Senate?

<p>100 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Members of the UK House of Lords are directly elected by the public.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term length for Senators in the United States?

<p>Six years</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Union List contain?

<p>Subjects on which only the Parliament can legislate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The financial relations in India between the Union and States involve only the Union government making decisions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Finance Commission in India's federal structure?

<p>To recommend the distribution of taxes between the Centre and the States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ List contains subjects on which both the Union and State governments can legislate.

<p>Concurrent</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements of the federal structure with their descriptions:

<p>Union List = Only Parliament can legislate State List = Only State Legislatures can legislate Concurrent List = Both governments can legislate Residual Powers = Not listed in any category</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge in the federal setup in India?

<p>Inter-State Disputes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

States in India have no autonomy in managing their own affairs.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the federal setup in India?

<p>It maintains unity amidst diversity and allows states to have a say in national governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following subjects is NOT under the jurisdiction of state legislatures?

<p>Criminal law (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Concurrent List allows for both the Union and State legislatures to legislate, with the Union law prevailing in the case of a conflict.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What power does the Union Parliament have over matters not mentioned in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists?

<p>Residuary powers</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Union Parliament can legislate on issues like __________ and _________ under its residuary powers.

<p>information technology, cybersecurity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following subjects with their corresponding legislative list:

<p>Marriage and Divorce = State Legislature Criminal Law = Concurrent List Information Technology = Residuary Powers Electricity = State Legislative Subjects</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for the Union Parliament's ability to enact ordinances?

<p>When both Houses are not in session (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

State legislatures have the exclusive power to legislate on issues pertaining to trade unions.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What topics are included in the Concurrent List?

<p>Education, forests, marriage and divorce, criminal law</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of state legislatures must ratify amendments that affect the federal structure?

<p>Half (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court of India can alter the basic structure of the Constitution through amendments.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two main types of requirements are there for constitutional amendments?

<p>Procedural and Substantive Requirements</p> Signup and view all the answers

For amendments relating to _____, special procedures are required to alter or reduce their scope.

<p>Fundamental Rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following amendment requirements with their descriptions:

<p>Basic Structure Doctrine = Parliament cannot alter the fundamental structure of the Constitution. Two-thirds Majority = Required to pass a constitutional amendment in Parliament. Judicial Review = Allows courts to verify adherence to basic structure. Ratification by State Legislatures = Required for certain amendments affecting federal powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the Basic Structure Doctrine?

<p>Two-party system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A proposal for constitutional amendment must be approved by a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of majority is needed in Parliament to pass an amendment affecting the federal structure?

<p>Two-thirds majority</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a money bill NOT allowed to be amended by?

<p>Rajya Sabha (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Rajya Sabha has the authority to amend a money bill.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame for the Rajya Sabha to return a money bill?

<p>14 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

A vote of _____ must be supported by at least 50 members in the Lok Sabha.

<p>No-Confidence Motion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following financial terms with their definitions:

<p>Vote on Account = Interim approval for government expenditure Supplementary Grants = Funding for additional expenditure Excess Grants = Covering actual expenditure beyond the budget No-Confidence Motion = Motion for the resignation of the Council of Ministers</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a No-Confidence Motion to be successful?

<p>Simple majority in the Lok Sabha (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Lok Sabha can pass supplementary grants to cover additional expenses.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the actual expenditure exceeds the approved budget, the Lok Sabha may pass an _____ grant.

<p>excess</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a no-confidence motion passes?

<p>The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers resign (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A motion of confidence is passed when the government seeks approval for a specific action.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must ministers do if they lose a vote of confidence?

<p>Resign from their post</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ presides over the joint sitting of both Houses.

<p>Speaker of the Lok Sabha</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Lok Sabha have a decisive role in legislative deadlocks?

<p>It represents the people's directly elected representatives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Lok Sabha can amend money bills in joint sittings with the Rajya Sabha.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of parliamentary debates in the Lok Sabha?

<p>To discuss and scrutinize executive policies</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their roles:

<p>No-Confidence Motion = Results in resignation of the Prime Minister Question of Confidence = Endorses government policies Joint Sitting = Resolves legislative deadlocks Speaker of Lok Sabha = Presides over joint sittings</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dual Governance

India's federal structure involves two levels of government: the Union (central) and the State. This means that the same people are governed by both authorities.

Union List

Subjects listed here are under exclusive control of the Parliament, e.g., defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy.

State List

Subjects listed here are under exclusive control of State Legislatures, e.g., police, public health, agriculture.

Concurrent List

Both the Union and State governments can make laws on these subjects, e.g., criminal law, marriage.

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Residual Powers

Any powers not listed on the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists belong to the Union government.

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Finance Commission

A body formed every five years to recommend how tax revenue should be split between the Union and states.

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Inter-State Disputes

Conflicts arise between states over water resources, borders, etc., straining relations between the Union and states.

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Governor's Role

The Governor is the representative of the President in a state, and sometimes their actions can be seen as favoring the Union government.

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What does the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha do?

The Deputy Chairman presides over the Rajya Sabha when the Chairman is absent and assists the Chairman in carrying out their duties.

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What are some key functions of the Rajya Sabha Chairman?

Presiding over sessions, maintaining order, ensuring procedures are followed, deciding on privilege matters, casting a tie-breaking vote, and representing the Rajya Sabha.

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How is the US Senate different from the Rajya Sabha?

The US Senate has 100 members with equal representation for each state, unlike the Rajya Sabha's system of representation based on states' populations.

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What is unique about the US Senate's membership?

Members serve six-year terms, unlike the rotating system in the Rajya Sabha, and they are not rotated in classes like in India.

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Who presides over meetings in the UK House of Lords?

The Lord Speaker presides over sessions, like the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha.

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What are the key differences between the UK House of Lords and Rajya Sabha?

The House of Lords is not elected directly, has a mix of membership including life peers and bishops, and lacks the same state representation as the Rajya Sabha.

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What is the main role of the US Vice President regarding the Senate?

The US Vice President serves as the ex-officio President of the Senate and has the power to cast a tie-breaking vote.

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What is the role of the Speaker of the House of Commons in the Senate?

The Speaker of the House of Commons presides over the Senate's meetings, like the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha.

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What does 'concurrent' mean in this context?

The Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution refers to subjects where both the Union (central) and State governments have the power to make laws. This allows both levels to address issues together.

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Give an example of a subject on the Concurrent List.

Criminal law is one example. Both the Union and State governments can make laws related to crimes, ensuring consistency across the country while allowing for regional nuances.

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When does the Union law prevail?

If there is a conflict between a law made by the Union government and a law made by a State government on the same subject on the Concurrent List, the Union law will prevail.

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What are 'residuary' powers?

Residuary powers refer to the authority of the Union Parliament to make laws on any subject that is not specifically mentioned in the Union List, State List, or Concurrent List.

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Give an example of a modern issue covered by residuary powers.

Information technology is one example. Since it is a relatively new field, the Union Parliament has the power to regulate it, ensuring a consistent national approach.

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What is an ordinance?

An ordinance is a law that can be made by the Union Parliament when both Houses are not in session. It is a temporary measure until the Parliament can convene.

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When can the Union Parliament use ordinances?

The Union Parliament can only use ordinances when both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council Of States) are not in session.

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What happens to an ordinance after Parliament resumes?

Once the Parliament resumes, an ordinance must be presented to be approved or rejected within six weeks. If not approved, it will automatically expire.

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Constitutional Amendment Process

The process by which changes are made to India's Constitution involves several stages, including proposal, debate, voting, and ratification.

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Procedural Requirements for Amendments

The process of amending the Constitution involves specific steps: a bill is introduced, debated, voted upon, and then sent to the President for assent.

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Substantive Requirements for Amendments

The Constitution's basic structure, including features like federalism and fundamental rights, cannot be altered by amendments.

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Judicial Review of Amendments

Courts have the power to examine amendments to ensure that they don't contradict or violate the Constitution's basic structure.

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Amendments Affecting the Federal Structure

Changes to the distribution of power between the central government and state governments require special approval from state legislatures.

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Amendments Relating to Fundamental Rights

Changing fundamental rights, like freedom of speech or equality, requires a very specific process due to their importance.

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Amendment Bill's Journey

A bill begins as a proposal, goes through debate and voting, and then requires the President's approval.

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Ratification of Amendments

Some amendments need approval (ratification) from a majority of state legislatures, ensuring wider acceptance of changes.

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What happens if a No-Confidence Motion passes in India?

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers must resign, leading to either a new government formation or fresh elections. This is a significant power of the Lok Sabha over the executive.

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How can the Lok Sabha express confidence in the government?

The Lok Sabha can pass a motion of confidence to endorse the government's policies. This is typically done when the government seeks approval for a specific action or policy.

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How does the Lok Sabha hold the executive accountable?

The Lok Sabha engages in debates on executive policies, allowing for scrutiny and questioning of ministers. Ministers must defend their actions and policies during these debates.

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What happens to a minister who loses a vote of confidence?

If a minister fails to gain a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha, they must resign from their position. This underlines the Lok Sabha's control over the executive.

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How does the Lok Sabha resolve a deadlock between the two houses?

If the Rajya Sabha rejects a bill or there is a disagreement over amendments, a joint sitting of both houses can be convened to resolve the issue.

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Who presides over a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sitting, ensuring that decisions are aligned with the will of the people as represented in the Lok Sabha.

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Why is the Lok Sabha's majority important in a joint sitting?

The Lok Sabha has a larger membership, so its majority holds greater influence in deciding the outcome of a joint sitting. This reflects the democratic principle that the people's directly elected representatives should have a decisive role in law-making.

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What is the Lok Sabha's unique power regarding money bills in a joint sitting?

The Lok Sabha has the exclusive authority to amend and pass money bills in joint sittings. If there is a deadlock, the Speaker can convene a joint sitting to pass the bill with the majority vote.

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What is a Money Bill?

A bill that deals with financial matters primarily. It focuses on issues like taxes, government borrowing, and managing the national treasury.

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What special power does the Lok Sabha have over Money Bills?

The Lok Sabha can pass Money Bills with or without amendments and send them to the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can only suggest changes, not block or amend the bill.

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How does the Rajya Sabha influence a Money Bill?

While the Rajya Sabha cannot amend a Money Bill, it can suggest changes. The Lok Sabha can choose to accept or reject these suggestions.

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What is a No-Confidence Motion?

A motion brought by the Lok Sabha against the Council of Ministers (the government) to express lack of confidence and demand their resignation.

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How is a No-Confidence Motion passed?

At least 50 Lok Sabha members need to support the motion, and then it needs to be passed by a simple majority vote.

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What are Vote on Account, Supplementary Grants, and Excess Grants?

These are special mechanisms allowing the Lok Sabha to approve government spending in different situations: interim approval before the budget, extra funds if needed, or covering overspending.

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Why are Vote on Account, Supplementary Grants, and Excess Grants important?

These processes provide parliamentary oversight and ensure that the government spends funds responsibly and transparently.

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How does the Lok Sabha exert control over the Council of Ministers?

The Lok Sabha has the power to bring a No-Confidence Motion, which, if passed, forces the Council of Ministers to resign. This ensures the government is accountable to the people's representatives.

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Study Notes

Federal Setup in India

  • India's government is a federal system, dividing power between a central (Union) authority and regional (state) authorities.
  • This system balances power, maintaining unity amidst diversity.

Structure of the Federal Government

  • Three levels of government:
    • Union Government:
      • President (ceremonial head of state).
      • Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha – legislative bodies).
      • Executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers).
    • State Governments:
      • Governor (appointed by the President).
      • Legislature (unicameral or bicameral).
      • Executive (Chief Minister and Council of Ministers).
    • Local Governments:
      • Panchayats (village councils).
      • Municipalities (urban local bodies).

Features of the Indian Federal System

  • Unitary Bias: India's system, while federal, has some unitary features, like the President's power to dismiss state governments.
  • Dual Governance: Citizens are governed by both the Union and State governments.
  • Division of Powers:
    • Union List: matters on which only the Parliament can legislate (e.g., defense, foreign affairs).
    • State List: matters on which only state legislatures can legislate (e.g., police, public health).
    • Concurrent List: matters on which both Union and State governments can legislate (e.g., criminal law).
    • Residual Powers: powers not listed above belong to the Union government.

Importance of the Federal Setup

  • Maintains unity amidst diversity in India.
  • Allows states to participate in national governance.
  • Manages cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity.

Challenges in the Federal Setup

  • Inter-State Disputes: disagreements over water resources, borders.
  • Financial Imbalances: unequal revenue generation between states.
  • Role of the Governor: concerns about governors influencing state governments.
  • Coordination between Centre and States: need for effective collaboration.

Financial Relations

  • Finance Commission: recommends the distribution of taxes between the Centre and States.
  • Autonomy of States: states have control over their internal matters (except specified areas in the Union and Concurrent Lists).

Past Examples in India

  • Keshavananda Bharati Case (1951): highlighted the Supreme Court's role in preserving the federal structure.
  • Inter-State River Disputes (1962): showed the complexity of water-sharing issues.
  • Shah Bano Case (1989): showcased the tension between Union and state personal laws.
  • S.R. Bommai Case (2006): clarified the powers of the President in dismissing state governments.

Structure and Function of the Union Parliament

  • Bicameral Legislature:
    • Lok Sabha (House of the People)
      • Directly elected.
      • More powerful in law-making.
      • Initiates money bills.
    • Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
      • Represents states and union territories.
      • Acts as a revising chamber.

Lok Sabha: Term, Composition, Qualifications, and Vacation of Seats

  • Five-year term (can be dissolved earlier).
  • 545 members (532 elected from states, 2 from UTs, and 1 Anglo-Indian if nominated).
  • Qualifications include citizenship, minimum age, and absence of criminal record.
  • Seats can be vacated by resignation, disqualification, or death.
  • A "quorum" is the minimum number of members present for business.

Parliamentary Procedures

  • Sessions: Budget, Monsoon, and Winter sessions.
  • Voting: Quorum requirements.
  • Question Hour: MPs ask questions to the government.
  • Zero Hour: MPs raise un-scheduled issues.
  • Motions: Adjournment, No-Confidence, Censure motions.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

  • Elected by the Lok Sabha members.
  • Key role in maintaining order and decorum.
  • Important functions related to parliamentary procedure.
  • Crucial in the Indian Parliamentary system.

Rajya Sabha

  • Composition: 250 members.
  • Representation of states and union territories.
  • Key functions: Lawmaking, oversight, constituent functions.
  • Difference of its structure and function from Lok Sabha.

Powers and Functions of the Union Parliament

  • Legislative: Union, State, Concurrent lists, residuary powers.
  • Constituent: amending the Indian Constitution.
  • Executive: powers related to ministers, appointment, and control.
  • Judicial: impeachment, removal of judges.

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Union Government in India PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the roles within the Indian Parliament, specifically the Rajya Sabha, and compare it with the structure of the US Senate. This quiz covers topics related to the Deputy Chairman, the Chairman's functions, and key legislative terms. Additionally, explore the financial relations in India and the composition of global legislative bodies.

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