Static Quiz 25 January 2025 (Indian Polity)

Q1.a
Explanation:

1.President can declare a National Emergency on the ground of ‘internal disturbance’.
• Incorrect: The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 replaced the term “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion”. Therefore, a National Emergency cannot be declared on the ground of “internal disturbance.”

2.The president can proclaim a National Emergency only after receiving a written recommendation from the cabinet.
• Correct: Under Article 352, the President can declare a National Emergency only upon receiving a written recommendation from the Cabinet. This ensures that the decision has the concurrence of the Cabinet, not just the Prime Minister.

3.The proclamation of National Emergency must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months from the date of its issue.
• Incorrect: Originally, the period for approval was two months. However, the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 reduced the period to one month from the date of proclamation for parliamentary approval.

4.Lok Sabha has no control over the revocation of the National Emergency.
• Incorrect: The 44th Amendment introduced a safeguard wherein the Lok Sabha can pass a resolution disapproving the continuation of the National Emergency. The President must revoke the emergency if such a resolution is passed by the Lok Sabha.

Q2.c
Explanation:
1. Fundamental Rights : France
◦ Incorrect: The concept of Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights (1791), which guarantees individual freedoms and rights. France’s influence was more on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, but not specifically on the Fundamental Rights.

2. Directive Principles of State Policy : Ireland
◦ Correct: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution were inspired by the Irish Constitution (1937), which contained similar provisions guiding the state in ensuring social and economic welfare.

3. Residual Powers with Centre : Canada
◦ Correct: The Canadian Constitution (1867) provides that residual powers (those not enumerated in the constitution) remain with the central government, which influenced the Indian Constitution’s provision of residual powers being vested with the Centre under Article 248.

4. Parliamentary Form of Government : Britain
◦ Correct: The Indian Parliament system is based on the British parliamentary system. India adopted the system of responsible government, where the executive is responsible to the legislature, which was a feature of the British system.

• Only three pairs are correctly matched.
Correct answer: (c) Only three.

Q3.b
Explanation:
• Finance Commission: Consists of a chairman and four members appointed by the President.
• Qualifications: Chairman with public affairs experience; members with expertise in finance, public service, and judicial qualifications.
• Reappointment: Eligible for reappointment.
• Parliamentary Power: Determines qualifications and selection process.

Q4.b
Explanation:
• Fundamental Duties: Inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, with one added in 2002 (86th Amendment).
• Article 51-A: Lists the duties.
• Recommendation: Based on the Swaran Singh Committee’s recommendations.

Q5.b
Explanation:
1. A bill seeking to amend the Constitution can be initiated in the state legislature.
◦ Incorrect: A constitutional amendment bill can only be introduced in either house of Parliament and not in the state legislature. State legislatures can only ratify the amendment if it involves federal provisions (as per Article 368).

2. A private member can initiate a constitutional amendment bill.
◦ Correct: A private member (not just a minister) can indeed introduce a constitutional amendment bill in either House of Parliament.

3. Each house of the Parliament must pass the constitution amendment bill separately.
◦ Correct: A constitutional amendment bill must be passed by both Houses of Parliament separately by a special majority (i.e., a majority of the total membership and two-thirds majority of those present and voting).