Question 1

Consider the following statements regarding the executive authorities in India's parliamentary system:

Statement I: The Prime Minister is described as the de facto executive authority.
Statement II: The President is considered the head of the government.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I is correct as the Prime Minister is the real or de facto executive. Statement II is incorrect because the President is the head of the State, not the head of the government. The Prime Minister is the head of the government.

Question 2

With reference to the Indian parliamentary system, consider the following statements:
1. The President is the nominal executive authority.
2. The Prime Minister is the head of the State.
3. The President is the de facto executive authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct; the President is the nominal (de jure) executive. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Prime Minister is the head of the government, while the President is the head of the State. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Prime Minister, not the President, is the real (de facto) executive authority.

Question 3

Consider the following pairs:
1. President : Head of the Government
2. Prime Minister : De facto executive
3. President : De jure executive
4. Prime Minister : Head of the State
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is incorrect; the President is the Head of the State. Pair 2 is correct; the Prime Minister is the real or de facto executive. Pair 3 is correct; the President is the nominal or de jure executive. Pair 4 is incorrect; the Prime Minister is the Head of the Government. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Question 4

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the power relationship between the President and the Prime Minister as per the Indian parliamentary system?
1. The President holds the position of the real executive, while the Prime Minister is the nominal executive.
2. The Prime Minister is the head of the government, exercising real executive authority.
3. The President is the head of the State, exercising nominal executive authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is incorrect as it reverses the roles; the President is the nominal executive and the Prime Minister is the real executive. Statements 2 and 3 correctly describe the roles: the Prime Minister is the head of government with real (de facto) authority, and the President is the head of State with nominal (de jure) authority.

Question 5

In the context of the Indian parliamentary system, consider the following characterizations for the office of the Prime Minister:
1. De jure executive
2. Head of the State
3. Real executive authority
4. Head of the government
How many of the above characterizations are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. The Prime Minister is the real (de facto) executive authority and the head of the government. The terms 'de jure executive' and 'Head of the State' refer to the President. Therefore, only two of the given characterizations are correct for the Prime Minister.

Question 6

Consider the following statements regarding the President's discretion in the appointment of the Prime Minister:
1. The President's discretion is absolute when no party has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha.
2. The President may exercise individual judgement in appointing a Prime Minister if the incumbent dies suddenly and there is no obvious successor.
3. The Constitution explicitly details the procedure for the President to follow when appointing the leader of a post-poll coalition.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 1 is incorrect; the President's discretion is guided by convention, typically appointing the leader of the largest party or coalition. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Constitution does not specify the procedure, which has evolved through conventions. Statement 2 is correct, as exemplified by the appointment of Rajiv Gandhi after Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.

Question 7

With reference to the appointment of the Prime Minister of India, consider the following statements:
1. A person must prove their majority in the Lok Sabha before being appointed as the Prime Minister.
2. A person who is not a member of either House of Parliament can be appointed as Prime Minister.
3. The Prime Minister must exclusively be a member of the Lok Sabha, similar to the practice in Britain.
4. The President administers an oath of secrecy to the Prime Minister before they enter office.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statements 2 and 4 are correct. A 1997 Supreme Court ruling allows a non-MP to be PM for six months. The President administers both an oath of office and an oath of secrecy. Statement 1 is incorrect; the Delhi High Court (1980) held that a PM can be appointed first and then asked to prove their majority. Statement 3 is incorrect; unlike in Britain, the Indian PM can be a member of either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha.

Question 8

Statement I: The term of the Prime Minister is not fixed, and they hold office during the pleasure of the President.
Statement II: The President can dismiss the Prime Minister at any time, irrespective of their support in the Lok Sabha.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I is correct as the PM's term is not fixed and is held 'during the pleasure of the President'. However, Statement II is incorrect. The 'pleasure of the President' is not absolute; the President cannot dismiss a Prime Minister who enjoys majority support in the Lok Sabha. Dismissal is only possible if the PM loses the confidence of the House, in which case they must resign or be dismissed.

Question 9

As per the oath of office administered by the President, the Prime Minister swears to undertake
which of the following?
1. To bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
2. To uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.
3. To promote international peace and security.
4. To do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
How many of the above commitments are part of the Prime Minister's oath of office?

Accepted Answer

Only three. The Prime Minister's oath of office includes bearing true faith and allegiance to the Constitution, upholding India's sovereignty and integrity, and doing right to all people without fear or favour. Therefore, items 1, 2, and 4 are correct. Promoting international peace and security is a Directive Principle of State Policy, not a component of the PM's oath of office.

Question 10

Consider the following statements regarding the appointment of the Prime Minister of India:
1. Article 75 of the Constitution lays down the specific procedure for the selection and appointment of the Prime Minister.
2. A person appointed as Prime Minister must be a member of the Lok Sabha at the time of appointment.
3. The appointment of a caretaker Prime Minister is a mandatory constitutional step upon the death of an incumbent Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. All three statements are incorrect. Statement 1 is incorrect; Article 75 only states the President appoints the PM, with the procedure being based on convention. Statement 2 is incorrect; the PM can be from the Rajya Sabha or even a non-MP for up to six months. Statement 3 is incorrect; this is a precedent that has been ignored, as in the case of Rajiv Gandhi's appointment in 1984, indicating it is not a mandatory constitutional rule.

Question 11

Consider the following bodies:
1. NITI Aayog
2. National Integration Council
3. Inter-State Council
4. National Water Resources Council
How many of the bodies listed above is the Prime Minister the chairman of?

Accepted Answer

All four. The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio chairman of several key bodies to facilitate coordination and policy-making at the highest level. These include the NITI Aayog, the National Integration Council, the Inter-State Council, and the National Water Resources Council.

Question 12

Consider the following statements regarding the roles of the Prime Minister of India:
1. The Prime Minister is the chief spokesman of the Union government.
2. The Prime Minister functions as the crisis manager-in-chief at the political level only during a National Emergency.
3. The Prime Minister is the political head of the services.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Prime Minister acts as the crisis manager-in-chief during various 'emergencies' at the political level, a role not exclusively limited to periods of a formally declared National Emergency. Statements 1 and 3 accurately describe the PM's roles as the chief government spokesman and the political head of the services.

Question 13

Statement I: The Prime Minister of India plays a very significant and highly crucial role in the politico-administrative system of the country.
Statement II: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stated that if any functionary under the Indian constitution is to be compared with the US president, it is the Prime Minister and not the President of the Union.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are correct. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's comparison of the Indian Prime Minister to the US President highlights the immense de facto executive power and central role the PM holds within India's politico-administrative framework. This comparison serves as a powerful justification for the assertion in Statement I that the PM's role is highly crucial.

Question 14

With reference to the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India, consider the following statements:
1. The Prime Minister plays a significant role in shaping the foreign policy of the country.
2. As the leader of the nation, the Prime Minister receives memoranda from various sections of people regarding their problems.
3. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party in power.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. The Prime Minister holds multiple key responsibilities. These include guiding the nation's foreign policy, acting as a national leader who engages directly with citizens and their concerns, and serving as the leader of the political party that holds a majority in the Lok Sabha. All the given statements accurately reflect these functions.

Question 15

Consider the following roles:
1. Chief spokesman of the Union government
2. Political head of the services
3. Crisis manager-in-chief at the political level
4. Chairman of the National Integration Council
How many of the above are roles or functions performed by the Prime Minister of India?

Accepted Answer

All four. The Prime Minister of India performs a multitude of functions. These include being the primary spokesperson for the Union government, the political head of the civil services, the chief political manager during national crises, and the chairman of key bodies like the National Integration Council. All four listed items are correct.

Question 16

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The resignation or death of an incumbent Prime Minister automatically dissolves the council of ministers.
Statement II: The Prime Minister stands at the head of the council of ministers, and the other ministers cannot function when the Prime Minister resigns or dies.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. The Prime Minister is the head of the council of ministers. The council comes into existence and continues to function on the advice of the Prime Minister. Therefore, the resignation or death of the Prime Minister leads to the automatic dissolution of the council, as stated in Statement I, because, as Statement II correctly explains, the other ministers cannot function without the Prime Minister.

Question 17

The Prime Minister advises the President with regard to the appointment of
which of the following officials?
1. Attorney General of India
2. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
3. Chairman and members of the UPSC
4. Election Commissioners
How many of the above are correct?

Accepted Answer

All four. The Prime Minister's advisory role to the President extends to the appointment of several key constitutional functionaries. This includes the Attorney General of India, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the chairman and members of the UPSC, and the election commissioners, among others. Therefore, all four officials listed are correct.

Question 18

Consider the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's relationship with the Council of Ministers:
1. The Prime Minister can only ask a minister to resign but cannot advise the President to dismiss a minister in case of a difference of opinion.
2. The resignation of any minister, other than the Prime Minister, automatically dissolves the council of ministers.
3. The Prime Minister allocates and can reshuffle various portfolios among the ministers.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is incorrect; the Prime Minister can ask a minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss them. Statement 2 is incorrect; the resignation of any minister other than the PM merely creates a vacancy, it does not dissolve the council. Statement 3 is correct; the PM has the power to allocate and reshuffle portfolios. The question asks for the incorrect statements.

Question 19

With reference to the Prime Minister's powers in relation to the Parliament, consider the following statements:
1. The Prime Minister advises the President with regard to summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the Parliament.
2. The Prime Minister can recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President at any time.
3. The Prime Minister announces government policies exclusively on the floor of the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the Prime Minister advises the President on summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Lok Sabha. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the PM is the leader of the Lower House (Lok Sabha), government policies can be announced on the floor of either House of Parliament, not exclusively the Lok Sabha.

Question 20

In the context of the Prime Minister's role as the principal channel of communication with the President,
how many of the following duties are correctly stated?
1. To communicate to the President all decisions of the council of ministers relating to administration and legislation.
2. To furnish such information relating to the administration of the Union as the President may call for.
3. To submit for the consideration of the council of ministers any matter on which a minister has taken a decision but the council has not considered it, if the President so requires.
4. To recommend persons who can be appointed as ministers by the President.

Accepted Answer

Only three. The first three statements correctly describe the specific duties of the Prime Minister as the channel of communication between the President and the council of ministers. The fourth statement, while a power of the Prime Minister, relates to the formation of the council of ministers, not the specific constitutional duty of communication between the President and the already-formed council.

Question 21

Consider the following pairs:
1. Article 74 : Duties of Prime Minister
2. Article 75 : Council of Ministers to aid and advise President
3. Article 78 : Furnishing of information to the President
4. Article 88 : Rights of Ministers as respects the Houses
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Article 74 deals with the Council of Ministers aiding and advising the President. Article 75 contains other provisions related to Ministers, such as their appointment. Article 78 outlines the duties of the Prime Minister, including furnishing information to the President. Article 88 concerns the rights of Ministers in Parliament. Therefore, only pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched.

Question 22

With reference to the relationship between the President and the Council of Ministers, consider the following statements:
1. The President must always act in accordance with the initial advice tendered by the Council of Ministers.
2. The President has the power to require the Council of Ministers to reconsider the advice given to him.
3. After reconsideration, the President is constitutionally bound to act in accordance with the advice tendered.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. The President can require the Council of Ministers to reconsider its advice once. Therefore, the President is not bound by the initial advice. However, after such reconsideration, the President is obligated to act in accordance with the advice tendered. Thus, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

Question 23

Consider the following statements regarding the duties of the Prime Minister towards the President:
1. It is a duty to communicate to the President all decisions of the council of ministers relating to the administration of the Union.
2. The Prime Minister is obligated to furnish only such information relating to the administration of the Union as he or she deems appropriate.
3. If the President requires, a matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister must be submitted for the consideration of the council of ministers.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Prime Minister's duty is to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation as the President may call for, not just what the PM deems appropriate. Statements 1 and 3 accurately describe the duties of the Prime Minister as per constitutional provisions.

Question 24

Consider the following statements regarding the Union Council of Ministers:
1. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
2. Other ministers are appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Chief Justice of India.
3. The ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President.
4. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the House of the People.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only three statements. Statement 2 is incorrect; other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, not the Chief Justice. Statement 1 is correct as the President appoints the PM. Statement 3 is correct as ministers hold office during the President's pleasure. Statement 4 is correct as collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) is a key feature. Therefore, three statements are correct.

Question 25

Statement I: The President can require the Prime Minister to submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but which has not been considered by the council.
Statement II: This provision upholds the principle of collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Statement I is a correct description of one of the Prime Minister's duties under Article 78. Statement II provides the underlying constitutional principle for this duty. The President's power to enforce consideration by the entire council ensures that any decision becomes a collective one, for which the entire council is responsible to the Lok Sabha. Thus, the procedure in Statement I is a mechanism to enforce the principle in Statement II.

Question 26

How many of the following descriptions have been used by constitutional experts to describe the role of the Prime Minister?
1. A moon among lesser stars
2. The captain of the ship of the state
3. The pivot around which the entire governmental machinery revolves
4. The key-stone of the constitution

Accepted Answer

All four. All four descriptions are mentioned in the text as analogies for the Prime Minister's role. These include 'inter stellas luna minores (a moon among lesser stars)', 'the captain of the ship of the state', 'the pivot around which the entire governmental machinery revolves', and 'the key-stone of the constitution'.

Question 27

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The Prime Minister is described as being central to the formation, life, and death of the cabinet.
Statement II: The Prime Minister's role is often described as 'primus inter pares' (first among equals), which is considered an adequate appreciation of their modern position.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I accurately reflects the description of the Prime Minister's relationship with the cabinet. Statement II is incorrect because the text explicitly states that describing the Prime Minister as 'primus inter pares' is 'for too modest an appreciation of the Prime Ministers position' in the modern context, implying it is an understatement of their power.

Question 28

Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the Prime Minister's role:
1. R.H. Crossman argued that the post-war era saw the transformation of cabinet government into Prime Ministerial government.
2. Humphrey Berkely suggested that the British system's primary strength lies in the balanced power between Parliament and the Prime Minister.
3. The descriptions of the Prime Minister's role in the British parliamentary system are considered inapplicable to the Indian context.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct as the text attributes this view to R.H. Crossman. Statement 2 is incorrect; Humphrey Berkely described the Prime Minister's 'super-ministerial powers' as a 'basic defect,' not a strength of balance. Statement 3 is incorrect as the text explicitly states that 'The same description holds good to the Indian context too.'

Question 29

Consider the following pairs:
Description : Interpretation/Analogy
1. Primus inter pares : A sun around which planets revolve
2. Inter stellas luna minores : A moon among lesser stars
3. Captain of the ship of the state : The pivot of governmental machinery
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only one pair. Pair 1 is incorrect; 'Primus inter pares' means 'first among equals', which the text contrasts with the more powerful 'sun' analogy. Pair 2 is correctly matched as the text provides this exact translation. Pair 3 is incorrect; 'Captain of the ship of the state' and 'the pivot of governmental machinery' are two distinct metaphors used to describe the Prime Minister's role, not an interpretation of one another.

Question 30

With reference to the role of the Prime Minister in a parliamentary system, consider the following statements:
1. The Prime Minister is described as the 'master of the Government,' which in turn is the 'master of the country.'
2. The description of the Prime Minister as the 'keystone of the constitution' implies that all constitutional paths ultimately lead to the Prime Minister.
3. The term 'Prime Ministerial government' suggests a system where the Prime Minister's power is subordinate to that of the cabinet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they are directly supported by descriptions in the text. Statement 3 is incorrect; the concept of 'Prime Ministerial government' signifies the final transformation from cabinet government, indicating the Prime Minister's ascendancy and dominance over the cabinet, not subordination to it.

Question 31

Consider the following individuals:
1. Morarji Desai
2. P.V. Narasimha Rao
3. H.D. Deve Gowda
4. Charan Singh
How many of the individuals listed above became Prime Minister after serving as a Chief Minister of a state?

Accepted Answer

All four. The source text explicitly mentions all four individuals as having served as Chief Ministers before becoming Prime Minister: Morarji Desai (Bombay State), P.V. Narasimha Rao (Andhra Pradesh), H.D. Deve Gowda (Karnataka), and Charan Singh (Uttar Pradesh).

Question 32

Consider the following pairs:
Prime Minister : State of Chief Ministership
1. P.V. Narasimha Rao : Andhra Pradesh
2. H.D. Deve Gowda : Karnataka
3. Morarji Desai : Gujarat
4. Charan Singh : Uttar Pradesh
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only three pairs. P.V. Narasimha Rao was CM of Andhra Pradesh, H.D. Deve Gowda was CM of Karnataka, and Charan Singh was CM of Uttar Pradesh. These three pairs are correct. Morarji Desai was the Chief Minister of the erstwhile Bombay State during 1952–56, not Gujarat. Therefore, the third pair is incorrectly matched.

Question 33

Consider the following statements:
1. Morarji Desai became the first non-Congress Prime Minister after serving as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
2. P.V. Narasimha Rao was the Chief Minister of Karnataka before becoming the first Prime Minister from South India.
3. H.D. Deve Gowda was the Chief Minister of Karnataka when he was chosen to lead the United Front government.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is incorrect because Morarji Desai was the Chief Minister of the erstwhile Bombay State, not Uttar Pradesh. Statement 2 is incorrect because P.V. Narasimha Rao was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, not Karnataka. Statement 3 is correct. The question asks for the incorrect statements.

Question 34

Statement I: Both Charan Singh and V.P. Singh had served as the Chief Minister of undivided Uttar Pradesh prior to becoming the Prime Minister of India.
Statement II: Charan Singh succeeded Morarji Desai as Prime Minister, and V.P. Singh became Prime Minister in the National Front government.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation for Statement I.. The provided text confirms that both Charan Singh and V.P. Singh were Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh (Statement I). It also separately states their respective paths to the Prime Minister's office (Statement II). Both statements are factually correct, but the second statement describes the circumstances of their prime ministership and does not explain why they were both from Uttar Pradesh. The two facts are distinct and not causally linked.

Question 35

With reference to the political trajectory of individuals becoming Prime Minister of India, consider the following statements:
1. The first non-Congress Prime Minister had prior administrative experience as the Chief Minister of a State.
2. At least two individuals who served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh later became Prime Minister.
3. H.D. Deve Gowda was serving as the Chief Minister of Karnataka at the time he was selected for the post of Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. The text confirms all three statements. 1) Morarji Desai, the first non-Congress PM, was CM of Bombay State. 2) Charan Singh and V.P. Singh were both CMs of Uttar Pradesh. 3) H.D. Deve Gowda 'was Chief Minister of Karnataka when he was chosen' to be PM. This shows a pattern of state-level executive experience being a pathway to the national executive leadership.

Question 36

Consider the following situations regarding the appointment of the Prime Minister of India:
1. A coalition forms after a general election, but no single party has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha.
2. The incumbent Prime Minister dies suddenly, and the ruling party has not yet elected a new leader.
3. After the death of an incumbent Prime Minister, the ruling party unanimously elects a new leader.
4. A person who is not a member of either House of Parliament is chosen as the leader by a party with a clear majority.

In how many of the above situations can the President of India exercise personal discretion in the selection and appointment of the Prime Minister?

Accepted Answer

Only two. The President can exercise personal discretion in two situations: 1. When no party has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the President can choose the leader of the largest party or coalition. 2. When a Prime Minister dies suddenly without an obvious successor, the President can make a judgment call, as seen when Zail Singh appointed Rajiv Gandhi in 1984. However, in situation 3, if the ruling party elects a new leader, the President is bound to appoint them. In situation 4, the President has no discretion as the majority party's choice is clear, even if the person is not an MP (they have six months to become one). Therefore, only two situations allow for presidential discretion.

Question 37

With reference to the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in December 2024, consider the following statements regarding the constitutional implications of a Prime Minister's death:

1. The death of an incumbent Prime Minister automatically dissolves the Council of Ministers.
2. The death of a former Prime Minister creates a constitutional vacuum in the current government structure.
3. The death of any other Union Minister, apart from the Prime Minister, merely creates a vacancy which the incumbent Prime Minister may or may not choose to fill.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct. The static text explicitly states that the resignation or death of an incumbent Prime Minister automatically dissolves the council of ministers. Statement 3 is also correct, as the text contrasts the PM's death with that of any other minister, which only creates a vacancy. Statement 2 is incorrect; the passing of a former Prime Minister, such as Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2024, does not have any constitutional effect on the functioning of the current government and does not create a vacuum. Therefore, only two statements are correct.

Question 38

Consider the following statements regarding the impact of the proposed 130th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2025, on the existing constitutional relationship between the President and the Prime Minister:

1. The Bill modifies the doctrine of 'pleasure of the president' under Article 75(2) by introducing a condition for automatic cessation of a minister's office, independent of the President's discretion.
2. The Bill's provision for automatic removal of a minister, if the Prime Minister fails to advise the President, effectively bypasses the PM's duty to communicate such decisions under Article 78.
3. The proposed amendment strengthens the principle of collective responsibility under Article 75(3) by ensuring swift removal of ministers facing serious charges, thereby enhancing legislative oversight.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct as the Bill introduces an automatic removal mechanism based on detention, which operates independently of the President's 'pleasure' (which is conventionally exercised on the PM's advice). Statement 2 is correct because if the PM fails to advise removal, the office ceases automatically, bypassing the formal communication channel stipulated in Article 78 for such matters. Statement 3 is incorrect; critics argue that the Bill *dilutes* collective responsibility to the legislature (Article 75(3)) by shifting the trigger for removal to investigative agencies and executive action, rather than a test on the floor of the House.

Question 39

Considering the recent debate on the Prime Minister's tenure, analyze the following statements regarding the erosion of checks on executive power as envisioned by the Constituent Assembly:

1. The Fifty-Second Amendment Act, 1985, which introduced the anti-defection law, inadvertently weakened the 'daily assessment' of the executive by limiting a legislator's ability to vote against the party whip on a confidence motion.
2. The Supreme Court's judgment in Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu (1992) declared the anti-defection law unconstitutional, thereby restoring the power of individual MPs to hold the government accountable.
3. The Supreme Court's ruling in Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006), which upheld the removal of the domicile requirement for Rajya Sabha members, potentially allows a Prime Minister to secure a parliamentary seat without facing a direct election, thus bypassing a form of 'periodic assessment'.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct; the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule) compels MPs to vote along party lines, weakening the no-confidence motion as a tool for 'daily assessment'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Supreme Court in Kihoto Hollohan upheld the constitutionality of the anti-defection law, it did not declare it unconstitutional. Statement 3 is correct; by allowing individuals to be elected to the Rajya Sabha from any state regardless of their residence, it provides a route to Parliament that bypasses direct electoral accountability, which is a form of 'periodic assessment'. Therefore, only two statements are correct.

Question 40

In the context of Article 75 and the appointment of the Prime Minister, which of the following statements is NOT a correct reflection of the established constitutional conventions and judicial interpretations?

Accepted Answer

A person who is not a member of either House of Parliament is constitutionally barred from being appointed as Prime Minister, even for a temporary period.. Statement (c) is incorrect. The Supreme Court held in 1997 that a person who is not a member of either House of Parliament can be appointed as Prime Minister for a maximum period of six months. Within this time, they must become a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha; otherwise, they cease to be the Prime Minister. All other statements accurately reflect the constitutional position and historical precedents.

Question 41

Match the following constitutional provisions, amendments, and judgments (List I) with their correct implications regarding the office and powers of the Prime Minister (List II).

List I (Provision/Judgment)
1. Article 75
2. Fifty-Second Amendment Act, 1985
3. 1997 Supreme Court Judgment
4. Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2003

List II (Implication)
A. A non-member of Parliament can be appointed PM for a six-month period.
B. Removed the domicile requirement for Rajya Sabha membership, a move later upheld by the Supreme Court.
C. States the fundamental principle that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President.
D. Introduced the Tenth Schedule, which impacts the dynamics of no-confidence motions.

Accepted Answer

1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B. The correct matches are:
1. Article 75 explicitly states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President (1-C).
2. The Fifty-Second Amendment Act, 1985, introduced the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law), which is crucial to the functioning of confidence motions (2-D).
3. A 1997 Supreme Court judgment affirmed that a person not belonging to either House can be appointed PM for six months (3-A).
4. The Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2003, removed the domicile requirement for Rajya Sabha candidates, a change upheld in the Kuldip Nayar case (4-B).

Question 42

Considering the recent debate on the Prime Minister’s tenure and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's concept of 'daily assessment' of executive responsibility, how many of the following have been identified as factors that have weakened this parliamentary check on the Prime Minister?

1. The Fifty-Second Constitutional Amendment (1985), which introduced the anti-defection law.
2. The Supreme Court's judgment in Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu (1992), which upheld the constitutionality of the anti-defection law.
3. The amendment to the Representation of the People Act in 2003, which removed the domicile requirement for Rajya Sabha members.
4. The 1980 Delhi High Court ruling that a person can be appointed Prime Minister before proving their majority in the Lok Sabha.

Accepted Answer

Only three. Statements 1, 2, and 3 are identified in the current affairs storyline as factors weakening parliamentary accountability. The anti-defection law (1) and its judicial upholding (2) limit a legislator's ability to vote against the party whip, neutralizing the no-confidence motion. The removal of the Rajya Sabha domicile requirement (3) is cited as a 'loophole' allowing a leader to bypass direct electoral accountability. Statement 4, while a fact about the PM's appointment, is not directly related to the weakening of ongoing 'daily assessment' of an incumbent PM in the manner the other factors are.

Question 43

In the context of the Prime Minister's appointment, tenure, and accountability, match the following constitutional/legal events (List I) with their correct implications (List II).

List I (Event)
1. Delhi High Court Judgment (1980)
2. Fifty-Second Amendment (1985)
3. Supreme Court Judgment (1997)
4. Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006)

List II (Implication)
A. A person can be appointed PM for six months without being a Member of Parliament.
B. Upheld the removal of the domicile requirement for Rajya Sabha members, impacting the 'Rajya Sabha Loophole'.
C. A person can be appointed PM first and then asked to prove their majority in the Lok Sabha.
D. Introduced the Tenth Schedule, which has been argued to weaken parliamentary checks on the executive.

Accepted Answer

1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B. The correct matches are: The 1980 Delhi HC judgment (1) allowed a PM to be appointed before proving a majority (C). The 52nd Amendment (2) introduced the anti-defection law or Tenth Schedule (D). The 1997 Supreme Court judgment (3) established the six-month rule for non-MPs to be appointed PM (A). The Kuldip Nayar case (4) upheld the amendment to the Representation of the People Act, removing the domicile requirement for the Rajya Sabha (B).

Question 44

With reference to the constitutional provisions, conventions, and judicial interpretations governing the Prime Minister's office in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

Article 75 of the Constitution explicitly states that the President must appoint the leader of the party with a clear majority in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister.. Statement (a) is incorrect. Article 75 only states that 'the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President'. The practice of appointing the leader of the majority party is a strong and established convention of the parliamentary system, not an explicit command within the article itself. The other statements are correct and reflect the information provided in the static and current affairs content.

Prime Minister

Unlock All Questions