25 MCQs Quiz: Working of Institutions in India
25 MCQs Quiz: Working of Institutions in India
Test your knowledge on how our democratic institutions function in India. Read through 25 multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to sharpen your understanding.
Question 1
Which institution in India is considered the supreme law-making body?
Answer: c) The Legislature
The Legislature, comprising the Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), is responsible for making and amending laws in India.
Question 2
Who is responsible for implementing policies in India?
Answer: b) The Executive
The Executive, led by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, takes decisions and implements policies with the help of the civil services.
Question 3
What is the main function of the judiciary in India?
Answer: c) Conduct judicial review to ensure constitutional compliance
The judiciary reviews both legislative and executive actions to ensure they adhere to the Constitution, thereby safeguarding citizens' rights.
Question 4
What was the subject of the Office Memorandum issued on August 13, 1990?
Answer: b) Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes in civil services
The Office Memorandum introduced a 27% reservation for SEBC, expanding job reservations beyond Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Question 5
Which commission's recommendations led to the reservation policy implemented via the Office Memorandum?
Answer: b) Mandal Commission
The Mandal Commission (Second Backward Classes Commission) recommended extending reservations to include socially and educationally backward classes.
Question 6
In the Indian parliamentary system, who holds the final decision-making power when there is a disagreement between the two Houses?
Answer: c) A joint session of both Houses (with the majority of Lok Sabha prevailing)
If the two Houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) disagree, a joint session is convened where the larger membership of the Lok Sabha ensures that their decision prevails.
Question 7
Which of the following is NOT part of the political executive?
Answer: c) Civil servants
Civil servants form the permanent executive and provide administrative continuity, unlike elected political executives.
Question 8
Who appoints the Prime Minister in India?
Answer: b) The President
The President appoints the Prime Minister, selecting the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha.
Question 9
What is the typical composition of the Cabinet in India?
Answer: c) About 25 Cabinet ministers
The Cabinet is the inner circle of the Council of Ministers and typically includes around 25 senior ministers responsible for key policy decisions.
Question 10
What does "ministerial collective responsibility" mean?
Answer: c) All ministers must publicly support the Cabinet's decisions
This principle ensures unified leadership as every minister in the Cabinet must support decisions made collectively.
Question 11
Which statement best describes the role of the President of India?
Answer: b) The President is mainly a ceremonial head who acts on the advice of the Cabinet
The President of India functions as a figurehead and exercises powers largely based on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Question 12
Which of the following is TRUE about the judiciary in India?
Answer: b) The judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional
Through judicial review, the judiciary can strike down laws or executive actions that are not in line with the Constitution.
Question 13
What is an Office Memorandum in the context of Indian governance?
Answer: b) A formal government order implementing a policy decision
An Office Memorandum is used by government departments to officially communicate and implement significant policy decisions.
Question 14
Who modifies government orders after judicial review if needed?
Answer: c) The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reviews government decisions and directs modifications to bring them in line with constitutional requirements.
Question 15
Which House of Parliament is primarily responsible for financial matters?
Answer: a) Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha has overriding authority on financial matters, including the passage of money bills and budget approvals.
Question 16
Why does a civil servant's signature on a government order not imply decision-making authority?
Answer: a) The decision is taken collectively by the political leadership
Civil servants execute decisions made by elected officials; their signature merely confirms the implementation of a decision already agreed upon at a higher level.
Question 17
What is the correct sequence of events in the reservation policy's formulation?
Answer: b) Mandal Commission report, Cabinet decision, Office Memorandum issuance, followed by Supreme Court review
This sequence illustrates how commissions’ recommendations lead to government action and subsequent judicial review to ensure constitutional compliance.
Question 18
Who can remove a judge from the Supreme Court of India?
Answer: c) An impeachment motion in Parliament with a two-thirds majority in both Houses
Judges are protected by the security of tenure and can only be removed through a rigorous impeachment process in Parliament.
Question 19
Which statement best describes judicial independence?
Answer: b) Judges decide cases without political influence
Judicial independence ensures that judges base their decisions on legal principles and constitutional interpretation rather than external pressures.
Question 20
What is one effect of coalition politics on the Prime Minister's authority?
Answer: b) It requires broad consensus, thereby limiting unilateral decisions
In coalition governments, the Prime Minister must accommodate diverse opinions, which restricts the ability to make decisions alone.
Question 21
Which statement is true regarding the legislative process in India?
Answer: b) The President's assent is required for a law to become effective
Even after Parliament passes a law, it becomes binding only after the President gives assent.
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