1. With reference to 'key functions of a Constitution', which of the statements given below is/are correct?
(1) The Constitution provides a set of basic rules that allows for optimal coordination amongst members of a society.
(2) It decides on how the government is to be constituted.
(3) The Constitution limits the powers of government by empowering citizens with fundamental rights.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The first function of a Constitution is to provide a set of basic rules that allow for optimal coordination amongst members of a society. It thus prevents disputes and discrimination over various aspects of life.
Statement 2 is correct: The second function of a Constitution is to specify who has the power to make decisions in a society. It decides how the government will be constituted. Example, Indian Constitution provisions for the formation of a Parliamentary form of government.
Statement 3 is correct: Third function of a Constitution is to set some limits to what a government can impose on its citizens. These limits are fundamental in the sense that the government may never trespass them. e.g. Fundamental Rights.
Source: Class 11th NCERT Indian Constitution at Work; chapter 1: pages 3, 5 and 6.
2. With reference to the Rajya Sabha, consider the following statements:
(1) All the States and Union Territories have representation in it.
(2) It is a directly elected body like the Lok Sabha.
(3) The term of Rajya Sabha is six years.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(a) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Statements 1 & 2 are incorrect: The Rajya Sabha represents all the States and the two Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry, respectively in the Parliament. Residents of the State elect members to the State Legislative Assembly; the elected members of which in turn elect members of the Rajya Sabha. Hence, it is an indirectly elected body, whereas the Lok Sabha is a directly elected body.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years and not Rajya Sabha itself. After completion of the term of 6 years, a member can get re-elected for another term of 6 years. All members do not complete their terms at the same time. Every two years, one-third members complete their term and elections are held for those vacated seats only. Thus, the Rajya Sabha is never dissolved. Therefore, it is called as the permanent house of the Parliament.
Source: 11th NCERT Indian Constitution at Work; Pages no-104, 105, 106.
3. With reference to the ‘Special status of Jammu & Kashmir under Article 370 of the 'Indian Constitution’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(1) Jammu & Kashmir has a separate Constitution and a Flag.
(2) The Union Government can impose Financial Emergency in the State.
(3) No emergency due to internal disturbance can be declared in the State without the concurrence of the Governor of the State.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
Special status with respect to the State of J&K (Art. 370).
Statement 1 is correct: The President has issued two Constitutional orders in concurrence with the Government of J&K making large parts of the Constitution applicable to the State. As a result, though J&K has a separate Constitution and a flag, the Parliament’s power to make laws on subjects in the Union List now is fully accepted.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Union Government cannot impose a financial emergency in the State and the Directive Principles do not apply in J&K.
Statement 3 is incorrect:
A difference between the other Indian States and the State of J&K is that no emergency due to internal disturbances can be declared in J&K without the concurrence of the State and not the Governor.
Source: Class 11th- Indian Constitution at Work (page No. 170)
4. Which of the pairs given below are correctly matched?
Constitutional Amendment Act : Provision
1. Second Amendment Act : Abolished upper population limit for a Parliamentary Constituency
2. Sixty-First Amendment Act : Reduced age of voting rights from 21 to 18 years
3. Ninety-First Amendment Act : Size of the Council of Ministers not to exceed 15% of Amendment Act the strength of the Lok Sabha
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Second Constitutional Amendment Act 1952 removed the upper population limit for a parliamentary constituency by amending Article 81(1)(b) of the Constitution. 61st Constitutional Amendment Act 1989 reduced the age for voting rights from 21 to 18 enhancing the scope of universal adult franchise.
91st Constitutional Amendment Act 2003: Amended Article 75(1). Included clause 1A: The total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed fifteen per cent of the total number of members of the House of the People.
Source: 11th NCERT Indian Constitution at Work; Chapter 3, 9; Page no. 66, 72, 209.
5. In the context of ‘Indian Judiciary’, which of the following statements are correct?
(1) Both the Supreme Court and the High Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution.
(2) Indian Judiciary acts as the guardian of the Fundamental Rights.
(3) Indian Judiciary is one of the most powerful judiciaries in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
The Supreme Court and the High Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution of the country. They can declare null and void; any law of the Legislature or the actions of the Executive, whether at the Union level or at the State level, if they find such a law or action against the Constitution. Thus, they can determine the Constitutional validity of any legislation or action of the Executive in the country, when it is brought to their notice.
Statement 2 is correct.
The powers and the independence of the Indian Judiciary allow it to act as the guardian of the Fundamental Rights.
Statement 3 is correct.
Indian Judiciary is among one of the most powerful judiciaries in the world due to active exercise of Judicial Review which has led to Judicial Activism.
Source: NCERT Class 9th: Democratic Politics Chapter 5; Pg. 91-92