1. Prologue
  2. Constitution: Basics
  3. Executive
  4. Legislature
  5. NDC, Planning commission
  6. Rights Issue

Prologue

  • Out of the 100 Questions in CSAT-2013, there were 18 questions from Indian Polity. In 2012 too, they had asked 18 questions from Polity.
  • All questions were ‘static’ in nature. No question from Current affairs related with Polity e.g. various acts and bills passed in 2012-13, various committees and their reports, constitution of 14th Finance commission etc.
  • Anyways, doesn’t mean your current affairs preparation has gone in vain because whatever you had prepared in current affairs, should help in mains/essay/interview (or atleast let’s hope so hahaha)
  • Among the polity MCQs asked, the topicwise internal breakup looks like this
Basics History, FR, FD, DPSP, Amendment 4
Executive PM, Ministers, Attorney general, governor 4
Legislature Money bill, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha etc. 4
Non-constitutional bodies Planning comm, NDC 3
Rights issue
  • Tribal rights (PESA, Forest rights Act)
  • rights of poor (for free legal aid)
 3
Total 18

chart-csat2013-polity

Majority of these Polity questions can be solved with the help of

  1. Indian Polity by M.Laxmikanth
  2. India 2013 (Yearbook): Chapters on Polity, Justice and Law, Welfare.

Constitution: Basics

1. With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were

  1. directly elected by the people of those Provinces
  2. nominated by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
  3. elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
  4. selected by the Government for their expertise in constitutional matters

Laxmikanth Page 2.1 seats (in constitutional assembly) allocated to each British province were to be decided among the three principal communities – Muslims, Sikh and General. The representatives of each community were to be elected by the members of that community in the provincial legislative assembly and voting was to be done by the method of proportional representation by the means of single transferable vote

Hence answer is (C) elected by the provincial legislative assembly.

2. ‘Economic Justice’ the objectives of Constitution has been as one of the Indian provided in

  1. the Preamble and Fundamental Rights
  2. the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
  3. the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy
  4. None of the above

Preamble: Justice…social, economic and political.

DPSP Art. 38: To promote welfare of people by securing a social order permeated by justice-Social, economic and political- and to minimize the inequalities of income, status, facilities and opportunities.

Hence answer is (B)

3. According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?

  1. Fundamental Rights
  2. Fundamental Duties
  3. Directive Principles of State Policy
  4. Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

Directive principles of state policy because they guide executive on how to govern.

4. Consider the following statements

  1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.
  2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Laxmikanth page 10.1

An amendment of the Constitution can be initiated by introduction of a bill in either house of the Parliament.=> 1st statement is wrong.

If the bill seeks to amends the Federal provisions of the Constitution, it must also be ratified by the legislatures of half of the states by a simple majority.=>2nd statement is also wrong.

Final answer (D) neither 1 nor 2.

Executive

1. In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the parliamentary government?

  1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament.
  2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament.
  3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Laxmikanth page 11.1: features of parliamentary government –>1) Nominal and real executives.

President is head of the state and PM is head of the government. Art. 74 provides for council of ministers headed by PM (=head of government)……

Hence Statement 3 is incorrect. Any option involving #3 is wrong.

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Thus we’re left with Answer (A) 1 and 2 only.

2. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
  2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India.
  3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for Legislation.
  1. only 1
  2. only 2 and 3
  3. only 1 and 3
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Laxmikanth Page 21.3 Article 75 clearly states that the Council of Minister is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha => statement #1 is incorrect

Laxmikanth Page 21.3, Article 75 also contains principle of individual responsibility. It states that the ministers hold office during the pleasure of the president=> Statement #2 is correct.

Eliminate answer choices accordingly and thus we’re left with final answer (B) only 2 and 3.

By the way, Laxmikanth page 20.3: It is the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate to the president all decisions of councils of Minister relating to the administration of the affairs of union and proposal for legislation=> Statement #3 is also correct.

3. Consider the following statements:

Attorney General of India can

  1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
  2. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
  3. speak in the Lok Sabha
  4. vote in the Lok Sabha

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 4
  3. 1, 2 and 3
  4. 1 and 3 only

Laxmikanth Page 42.1

He has the right to speak and to take part in the proceedings of both the Houses of Parliament or their joint sittings and in any committee of the Parliament of which he may be named a member, but without the right to vote.

Thus, first three statements are correct, fouth is wrong.

Final answer (C) 1, 2 and 3 only.

4. Which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time
  2. The Judges of the High Court of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President
  3. No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post
  4. In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support

Laxmikanth Page number 24.5 The Constitution does not lay down any grounds upon which a governor may be removed by the president. Hence answer is (C)

Legislature

1. The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties

  1. with the consent of all the States
  2. with the consent of the majority of States
  3. with the consent of the States concerned
  4. without the consent of any State

Laxmikanth pg. 13.3, constitution empowers parliament to make laws on any matter in state list under five extra ordinary circumstances

  1. Rajya sabha passes resolution
  2. national emergency
  3. states make a request
  4. to implement international agreements
  5. during president’s rule.

Hence Answer is D.

2. Consider the following statements: The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (PAC)

  1. consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha
  2. scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of Government
  3. Examines the report of CAG.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct? `

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
  • It has 22 members (15 from LS, 7 from Rajya Sabha). Meaning #1 is false
  • Function of the committee does include examination of appropriation account and finance account of Government. (ref Laxmikanth Page 22.35 or India 2013 yearbook page 32).=> Statement #2 is correct.
  • Statement #3 is correct also correct (ref Laxmikanth Page 22.35 or India 2013 yearbook page 32
  • Answer (B) only 2 and 3.

3. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
  2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Laxmikanth Page 22.11, Deputy chairman is elected by the Rajya Sabha itself, among its members=> Statement #1 is incorrect.

Laxmikanth Page 19.1, Vice President Subtopic: Election–>Bullet no.1  It (electoral college for VP)  consists of both elected and nominated members of parliament (in case of president only elected members) =>Statement #2 is correct.

Hence final answer (B) only 2.

4. What will follow if a Money Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?

  1. The Lok Sabha may still proceed with the Bill, accepting or not accepting the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha
  2. The Lok Sabha cannot consider the Bill further
  3. The Lok Sabha may send the Bill to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration
  4. The President may call a joint sitting for passing the Bill

Laxmikanth page 22.33, Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject a money bill. The Lok Sabha can either accept or reject all or any of recommendation of the Rajya Sabha. In both cases, the money bill is deemed to have passed by the two houses.

Hence answer is (A).

NDC, Planning commission

1. Consider the following statements:

  1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
  2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
  3. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1,2 and 3

NDC is not an ‘organ’ of planning commission. It is an advisory body that approves the Five year plans=>statement 1 is false.

Laxmikanth appendix 4: Concurrent list, point #20: Economic and social planning =>#2 is correct.

Laxmikanth page 30.10: voluntary provisions: devolution of powers and responsibilities upon panchayats to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.=> #3 is correct.

Thus final answer (B) 2 and 3 only.

2. Who among the following constitute the National Development Council?

  1. The Prime Minister
  2. The Chairman, Finance Commission
  3. Ministers of the Union Cabinet
  4. Chief Ministers of the States

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 1, 3 and 4 only
  3. 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Composition of NDC given on page 45.1 of Laxmikanth.

Chairman Finance commission is not a member of NDC. Hence any option involving #2 is wrong.

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 1, 3 and 4 only
  3. 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Thus we’re left with (B).

3. Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?

  1. National Development Council
  2. Planning Commission
  3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
  • Laxmikanth page 45.1 like it (National Development council) is neither a constitutional or statutory body.
  • Laxmikanth page 14.4, Zonal councils are statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies.
  • Hence answer is (D) 1,2 and 3 do not find mention in constitution.

Rights Issue

1. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?

  1. To provide self-governance
  2. To recognize traditional rights
  3. To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
  4. To free tribal people from exploitation

PESA doesn’t deal with creation of autonomous regions in tribal areas hence Answer (C).

2. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

  1. State Forest Department
  2. District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
  3. Tahsildar /Block Development Officer / Mandai Revenue Officer
  4. Gram Sabha

http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=77574

Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the Gram Sabha has been assigned …..To initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both that may be given….

Answer is (D)

3. With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements :

  1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity.
  2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programs and schemes throughout the country.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

lolz @NALSA and SALSA

Both statements are correct as per Page 628, India 2013 (Yearbook) hence answer (C).

Answerkeys for remaining topics, coming soon + thanks Mr. Palas Nuwal and Mr.Shiva Ram for providing inputs.