State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance Flashcards

24 sample cards from the Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as per the Constitution?

   Lok Sabha: maximum 552 (530 from states + 20 from UTs + 2 nominated Anglo-Indians, the nominated provision lapsed in 2020). Rajya Sabha: maximum 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated).

2. What is the normal term of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?

   Lok Sabha: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier). Rajya Sabha: permanent body, never dissolved; one-third of members retire every 2 years (each member's term is 6 years).

3. What is a Money Bill, who certifies it, and what is the Rajya Sabha's power over it?

   A Money Bill (Article 110) deals only with taxation/expenditure matters; it is certified by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes within 14 days, which the Lok Sabha may accept or reject.

4. What is the quorum for a sitting of either House of Parliament?

   The quorum is one-tenth (1/10) of the total number of members of that House.

5. How is the Governor of a state appointed, and what is his term/qualification?

   Appointed by the President (holds office during the pleasure of the President). Must be a citizen of India and at least 35 years old. Normal term is 5 years.

6. What are the discretionary powers of a Governor?

   Reserving a bill for the President's consideration, recommending President's Rule (Article 356), appointing CM when no party has a clear majority, and dismissing a Council of Ministers that has lost majority confidence.

7. Who appoints the Chief Minister of a state, and to whom is the state Council of Ministers responsible?

   The Governor appoints the Chief Minister. The state Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).

8. What is the difference between the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council in a state?

   Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is the lower house, directly elected, can be dissolved (5-year term). Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) is the upper house, indirectly elected, a permanent body that is not dissolved; one-third retire every 2 years.

9. How can a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) be created or abolished in a state?

   By Parliament passing a law, but only after the concerned State Legislative Assembly passes a resolution by a special majority (Article 169).

10. On which lists do the Union and States legislate, and which level prevails on the Concurrent List in case of conflict?

    Three lists in the Seventh Schedule: Union List, State List, Concurrent List. On the Concurrent List, in case of conflict, Central law prevails over State law (Article 254).

11. To whom do residuary powers belong in India, and under which article?

    Residuary powers (subjects not in any of the three lists) belong to the Union Parliament under Article 248 and Entry 97 of the Union List.

12. Under which Articles can Parliament legislate on State List subjects, and give two such grounds.

    Article 249 (if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by 2/3 majority in national interest) and Article 252 (when two or more states request it). Also during a National Emergency (Article 250).

13. What is the composition and tenure of the Supreme Court of India?

    It has the Chief Justice of India and (currently) up to 33 other judges (34 total). Judges hold office until the age of 65 years.

14. What is the qualification to become a Supreme Court judge?

    Must be a citizen of India and either: a judge of a High Court for 5 years, OR an advocate of a High Court for 10 years, OR a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.

15. What is the difference between the original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

    Original (Article 131): disputes between Centre and states/states inter se. Appellate (Articles 132-134): appeals from High Courts. Advisory (Article 143): President may seek SC's opinion on legal/public-importance matters (not binding).

16. What is the retirement age of High Court judges, and who appoints them?

    High Court judges retire at age 62. They are appointed by the President (CJI and Governor are consulted; in practice via the collegium system).

17. What is the composition of the Election Commission of India and how are its members appointed/removed?

    It is a multi-member body: the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners. They are appointed by the President. The CEC can be removed only like a Supreme Court judge (by impeachment).

18. Under which Article is the Election Commission established, and what does it conduct?

    Article 324. It conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice President (it does NOT conduct local body/panchayat/municipality elections - those go to State Election Commissions).

19. What is the difference between UPSC and State Public Service Commission, and who appoints/removes their members?

    UPSC (Article 315) recruits for All-India and Central services; SPSC recruits for state services. UPSC members are appointed by the President; SPSC members by the Governor. In both cases, members can be removed only by the President (after SC inquiry).

20. Who is called the 'Guardian of the Public Purse', and under which Article is the office established?

    The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), established under Article 148. He audits accounts of the Union and states and submits reports to the President/Governor.

21. What is the tenure of the CAG, and how can he be removed?

    The CAG holds office for 6 years or until age 65, whichever is earlier. He can be removed only in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge (by impeachment for proved misbehaviour or incapacity).

22. Who constitutes the Finance Commission, how often, and what is its main function?

    Constituted by the President under Article 280, normally every 5 years. Its main function is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues (net proceeds) between the Centre and the states (vertical and horizontal devolution).

23. Who is the highest law officer of the country, under which Article, and what is his key limitation?

    The Attorney General of India (Article 76), appointed by the President. He is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India. Limitation: he cannot advise against the Government of India or take up cases against it (he is not a full-time/salaried government servant and can engage in private practice).

24. Which body among NHRC, CIC, Lokpal and Lokayukta is a statutory body and which deals with corruption complaints against public functionaries?

    NHRC, CIC and Lokpal/Lokayukta are all statutory (non-constitutional) bodies. The Lokpal (at Centre) and Lokayukta (in states) deal with corruption complaints against public functionaries, established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. NHRC was set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and the CIC under the RTI Act, 2005.

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