1. With reference to the ‘Electoral System in India’, consider the following statements:
(1) In Proportional Representation (PR) system one or more representatives can be elected from a constituency while in First Past the Post (FPTP) system, each constituency elects only a single representative.
(2) The Indian Constitution has provisions of Proportional Representation (PR) system.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. In PR system, there could be more than one candidate representing the constituency, while FPTP has single member constituencies only. Statement 2 is also correct. The Indian Constitution provides for Proportional Representation (PR) system for election of the President, the Vice President, and for the elections to the Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishads/Legislative Councils.
Source: Indian Constitution at Work, Class 11 (NCERT), page no 59.
2. With reference to the ‘Vice-President of India’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(1) He is elected by an electoral college comprising of elected members of both the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures.
(2) The Lok Sabha has no role to play in the removal of the Vice-President.
(3) The Constitution of India mentions no ground for removal of the Vice President.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) None of the above
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Vice-President, like the President, is elected not directly by the people but by the method of indirect election. He is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament. Hence, members of State Legislature are not part of the electoral college.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Vice President may be removed from his office by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. Statement 3 is correct. He can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority (i.e. a majority of the total members of the House) and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. But no such resolution can be moved unless at least 14 days’ advance notice has been given. Notably, no ground has been mentioned in the Constitution for his removal.
Source: NCERT Class 11th Chapter 4, Indian Constitution at work; Pg. 88
3. Which of the following are limitations of the Indian Constitution?
(1) Centralized idea of national unity.
(2) Certain socio-economic rights were made Directive Principles of State Policy rather than being part of the Fundamental Rights.
(3) Non-absolute nature of Fundamental Rights.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 and 2 are correct: Limitations of the Constitution: The Indian Constitution has a centralized idea of national unity. Certain socio-economic rights were made Directive Principles of State Policy rather than being part of the Fundamental Rights. Statement 3 is incorrect: Though it is true that we have reasonable restrictions on the Fundamental Rights and they are not absolute in nature like the American Constitution, but reasonable restrictions are not a limitation of Indian Constitution. They help in framing laws based on equity. Example: Special provision for women/children under article 15(4).
Source: Class 11th NCERT Indian Constitution at Work; chapter 10, page 238
4. With reference to the ‘Amendment of the provisions of the Indian Constitution under Article 368’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
(1) There is no provision for joint session in case of disagreement between the two Houses of the Parliament.
(2) The President cannot send an Amendment Bill back for reconsideration once the Bill is passed by the Parliament.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Article 368 specifies the amendment procedure for specified provisions. All amendments to the Constitution are initiated only in the Parliament. Similarly, after the passage in the Parliament and in some cases, in State legislatures, no referendum is required for ratification of the amendment. An Amendment Bill, like all other Bills, goes to the President for his assent, but in this case, the President has no powers to send it back for reconsideration. The amendment has to be passed by both the Houses of Parliament by special majority separately (and ratified by half of the State Legislatures in some cases) and there is no provision for a joint session in case of disagreement.
Source: NCERT 11th Indian Constitution at Work chapter 9, page no- 201,202.
5. Consider the following statements:
(1) The Executive has the powers and responsibility to protect the fundamental rights from violations.
(2) Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights both are mainly to protect the well-being of individuals.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Judiciary has the powers and responsibility to protect the fundamental rights from violations by actions of the government. Executive as well as legislative actions can be declared illegal by the judiciary if these violate the fundamental rights or restrict them in an unreasonable manner. Hence, statement (1) is incorrect.
Fundamental Rights mainly protect the rights of individuals (political) while directive principles ensure the well-being of the entire society (socio-economic). However, at times, when government intends to implement Directive Principles of State Policy, it can come in conflict with the Fundamental Rights of the citizen. Hence, statement (2) is also incorrect.
Source: Indian Constitution at Work Class XI; Page: 29, 30 and 46.