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India officially attained the status of a republic on August 15, 1947.
Answer: False
Explanation: India officially became a republic on January 26, 1950, when its Constitution was adopted. August 15, 1947, marks India's Independence Day.
The Government of India Act of 1935 was instrumental in introducing elections to the Imperial Legislative Council.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto reforms) introduced elections to the Imperial Legislative Council. The Government of India Act of 1935 focused on provincial autonomy and the establishment of a federal structure.
During the period between 1947 and 1950, India functioned as a fully independent republic governed by its own constitution.
Answer: False
Explanation: Between 1947 and 1950, India was an independent dominion within the Commonwealth. Its constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the establishment of the republic.
India adopted its Constitution on January 26, 1950, thereby replacing the Governor-General with the President as the constitutional head of state.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Constitution of India was adopted on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a republic and replacing the Governor-General with the President as the head of state.
As of 2019, India was recognized as the world's smallest democracy, possessing fewer than 100 million eligible voters.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2019, India was recognized as the world's largest democracy, with approximately 900 million eligible voters.
Prior to 1909, the governance structure of British India incorporated substantial representation from elected Indian officials.
Answer: False
Explanation: Before 1909, governance in British India was largely dominated by British officials, with limited or no representation from elected Indian officials in the legislative councils.
On what specific date did India officially adopt its Constitution and thereby establish itself as a republic?
Answer: January 26, 1950
Explanation: India officially adopted its Constitution and became a republic on January 26, 1950, a date commemorated as Republic Day.
Which specific legislative act enacted during British rule introduced elections to the Imperial Legislative Council?
Answer: Indian Councils Act of 1909
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto reforms, introduced the principle of elections to the Imperial Legislative Council.
What was India's political status during the period spanning August 15, 1947, to January 26, 1950?
Answer: An independent dominion within the Commonwealth
Explanation: Between August 15, 1947, and January 26, 1950, India was an independent dominion within the Commonwealth of Nations, prior to becoming a republic.
Which constituent body was primarily responsible for drafting India's constitution during the interim period of 1947-1950?
Answer: The Constituent Assembly
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly of India was tasked with and responsible for drafting the nation's constitution during the period following independence and preceding the establishment of the republic.
As of 2019, what distinction did India hold concerning its democratic status and the number of eligible voters?
Answer: World's largest democracy with ~900 million voters
Explanation: In 2019, India was recognized as the world's largest democracy, boasting approximately 900 million eligible voters.
Droupadi Murmu serves as the Prime Minister of India and is the de facto head of the executive.
Answer: False
Explanation: Droupadi Murmu is the President of India, the constitutional head of state. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, serves as the de facto head of the executive.
In India, executive power is vested in the Prime Minister, who exercises it autonomously without requiring presidential counsel.
Answer: False
Explanation: Executive power is constitutionally vested in the President, though exercised by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on the President's behalf, acting on their advice.
The Prime Minister of India holds the position of de jure commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: The President of India is the de jure commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
The President of India is responsible for appointing the Attorney General and judges of the Supreme Court, typically following recommendations from relevant bodies.
Answer: True
Explanation: The President appoints key officials such as the Attorney General and Supreme Court judges, usually based on the advice and recommendations of constitutional bodies and committees.
The Prime Minister of India receives the credentials of ambassadors representing foreign nations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The President of India receives the credentials of ambassadors from foreign countries. The Prime Minister receives credentials from Commonwealth high commissioners.
The President's constitutional power to grant pardons, particularly in cases involving capital punishment, is exercised exclusively upon the Prime Minister's counsel.
Answer: False
Explanation: The President's power to grant pardons is an independent power, not solely exercised on the Prime Minister's advice.
The President appoints the Prime Minister, who is constitutionally required to be a member of the minority party in the Lok Sabha.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is typically the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha.
The Union Council of Ministers comprises the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and Ministers of State, with the Cabinet functioning as the principal decision-making body.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Union Council of Ministers is structured to include the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and Ministers of State. The Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, serves as the core executive decision-making body.
Article 53(1) of the Constitution vests executive power in subordinate officers, excluding the President.
Answer: False
Explanation: Article 53(1) explicitly vests the executive power of the Union in the President, who may exercise it directly or through subordinate officers.
Key responsibilities of the Prime Minister of India encompass presiding over cabinet meetings and initiating legislation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Prime Minister leads the executive government, chairs cabinet meetings, allocates portfolios, and plays a crucial role in proposing and guiding legislation through Parliament.
The President of India functions as the de facto commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: The President of India is the de jure commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The Prime Minister, as the head of government, exercises significant influence over military affairs.
Who holds the position of the constitutional head of state in the Republic of India?
Answer: Droupadi Murmu
Explanation: The President of India, currently Droupadi Murmu, serves as the constitutional head of state.
As stipulated by Article 53(1) of the Constitution, in whom is the executive power of the Union primarily vested?
Answer: The President
Explanation: Article 53(1) of the Constitution of India vests the executive power of the Union in the President.
Who officially holds the position of de jure commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces?
Answer: The President
Explanation: The President of India is constitutionally designated as the de jure commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
Which significant high official is appointed by the President of India, typically acting upon the advice of relevant constitutional or governmental bodies?
Answer: The Governor of a State
Explanation: The President appoints the Governor of a State, usually on the recommendation of the state's Chief Minister and the Union Council of Ministers.
Who is formally responsible for receiving the credentials of ambassadors representing foreign countries?
Answer: The President
Explanation: The President of India receives the letters of credence from ambassadors of foreign nations, signifying the formal acceptance of diplomatic representation.
The President of India possesses a unique constitutional power concerning which of the following actions?
Answer: Granting pardons, especially in death penalty cases
Explanation: The President has the independent power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of an offense, particularly significant in death penalty cases.
The Prime Minister of India is typically the leader of which political group within the Lok Sabha?
Answer: The majority party or coalition
Explanation: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is generally the leader of the political party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha constitutes the upper house of the Indian Parliament, concurrently known as the Council of States.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian Parliament, also known as the Council of States. The Lok Sabha is the lower house.
The Vice President of India serves as the chairperson and presides over the Lok Sabha.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha is presided over by its Speaker.
Members of the Lok Sabha are elected through proportional representation for a six-year term.
Answer: False
Explanation: Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by direct universal suffrage using a first-past-the-post system for a term of five years. Proportional representation and a six-year term are associated with the Rajya Sabha.
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by State legislative assemblies, and a select number are nominated by the President.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rajya Sabha members are elected by members of the State legislative assemblies through proportional representation. The President also nominates 12 members with expertise in arts, literature, science, and social services.
The Lok Sabha is a permanent legislative body that cannot be dissolved, in contrast to the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Lok Sabha is a temporary house that can be dissolved by the President, whereas the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that cannot be dissolved.
Which chamber of the Indian Parliament is designated as the 'Council of States'?
Answer: Rajya Sabha
Explanation: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian Parliament and is commonly referred to as the 'Council of States'.
What is the primary legislative role fulfilled by the Vice President of India?
Answer: Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha
Explanation: The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, presiding over its sessions.
By what primary method are members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
Answer: Election by State legislative assemblies
Explanation: Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the State legislative assemblies through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
The judicial structure of India places High Courts as the apex courts, superior to the Supreme Court.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India is the apex court, with High Courts functioning at the state level and subordinate to the Supreme Court.
The Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure are principal parliamentary legislations that govern legal matters in India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) are foundational parliamentary legislations that define criminal offenses and prescribe procedures for their investigation and trial.
Article 32 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights.
Answer: True
Explanation: Article 32, often referred to as the 'right to constitutional remedies,' grants the Supreme Court the power to issue writs (like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari) to protect fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court of India exercises jurisdiction exclusively on an appellate basis.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India possesses original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions, allowing it to hear cases directly, review lower court decisions, and offer advisory opinions.
What is recognized as the apex court within India's judicial structure?
Answer: The Supreme Court of India
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India stands as the highest court of appeal and the apex judicial authority in the country.
Which of the following is NOT identified as a primary legal framework governing matters within India?
Answer: The Constitution of the United States
Explanation: While the Constitution of India is the supreme law, the Constitution of the United States is not a primary legal framework governing matters within India. The Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Civil Procedure Code are key legislations.
The Supreme Court of India possesses which of the following categories of jurisdiction?
Answer: Original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India exercises original jurisdiction (for certain disputes), appellate jurisdiction (hearing appeals from lower courts), and advisory jurisdiction (providing opinions to the President).
The primary designation for the national governing body of India is 'State Government'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The national governing body of India is referred to as the Union Government or Central Government, not the State Government, which pertains to regional administrations.
India operates under a presidential system of government, analogous to the structure in the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: India follows a parliamentary system of government, characterized by the executive being drawn from and accountable to the legislature, distinct from the presidential system.
Article 74 of the Constitution stipulates that the President of India operates independently of the Prime Minister's counsel.
Answer: False
Explanation: Article 74 mandates that the President shall act in accordance with the advice tendered by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
In India, the Council of Ministers is accountable solely to the President and is not required to maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, meaning it must retain the confidence of the majority in the lower house to remain in power.
The Cabinet Secretary holds the position of the junior-most civil servant within the Government of India.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Cabinet Secretary is the senior-most civil servant in the Government of India and heads the Cabinet Secretariat.
Within the Indian order of precedence, a Secretary to the Government of India ranks higher than the Cabinet Secretary.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Cabinet Secretary holds a significantly higher rank in the Indian order of precedence (11th) compared to a Secretary to the Government of India (23rd).
State Election Commissions are vested with the responsibility for conducting national and state-level elections throughout India.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for national and state elections, while State Election Commissions conduct local government elections.
In India, governmental power is exclusively partitioned between the Union government and the state governments.
Answer: False
Explanation: Power is divided between the Union and state governments, but also includes local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities) established by constitutional amendments, and the judiciary operates as a separate branch.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Cabinet Secretary is assigned the 23rd position.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Cabinet Secretary holds the 11th position in the Indian order of precedence, signifying their status as the senior-most civil servant.
Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution stipulates that the Council of Ministers is responsible to the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: False
Explanation: Article 75(3) establishes the principle of collective responsibility, making the Council of Ministers responsible to the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha.
The primary responsibility of the executive branch in India is the interpretation of laws enacted by the legislature.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary role of the executive branch is the implementation and administration of laws, while the judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws.
The concept of 'fusion of powers' in the Indian context signifies the separation of the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 'fusion of powers' typically refers to the interrelation between the executive and legislative branches, as seen in parliamentary systems. India's system emphasizes separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, though with interdependencies.
The Indian Constitution mandates that the Council of Ministers functions entirely independently of the President's approval.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Council of Ministers operates on the advice of the Prime Minister and is responsible to the Lok Sabha. While the President acts on their advice, there is a constitutional framework governing their relationship.
Which term most accurately designates the national governing body of India?
Answer: Union Government
Explanation: The national governing body of India is primarily referred to as the Union Government or the Central Government.
What system of government is employed by India?
Answer: Parliamentary System
Explanation: India employs a parliamentary system of government, characterized by the executive being drawn from and accountable to the legislature.
What fundamental principle ensures responsible government, necessitating that the Council of Ministers maintain the confidence of which legislative body?
Answer: The Lok Sabha
Explanation: The principle of responsible government requires the Council of Ministers to maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament.
Who holds the position of the senior-most civil servant and serves as the head of the Cabinet Secretariat?
Answer: The Cabinet Secretary
Explanation: The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in India and heads the Cabinet Secretariat.
According to the Indian order of precedence, what is the designated rank of a Secretary to the Government of India?
Answer: 23rd
Explanation: A Secretary to the Government of India holds the 23rd rank in the Indian order of precedence.
Which constitutional body is responsible for conducting national and state elections in India?
Answer: The Election Commission of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is the autonomous body responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament of India and the state legislatures.
What is the primary function of the executive branch within the Government of India?
Answer: Daily administration and policy implementation
Explanation: The primary function of the executive branch is the day-to-day administration of the government and the implementation of policies enacted by the legislature.
Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution establishes the principle of collective responsibility, making the Council of Ministers accountable to which legislative body?
Answer: The Lok Sabha
Explanation: Article 75(3) mandates that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, ensuring accountability of the executive to the elected representatives.
Panchayats and Municipalities represent the two principal forms of local government in India, constitutionally recognized and supported.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments established Panchayats for rural areas and Municipalities for urban areas as the primary forms of local self-governance in India.
Local governments in India possess the authority to levy income tax and corporate tax.
Answer: False
Explanation: Local governments in India are empowered to levy taxes such as property tax and user charges for utilities, but not income tax or corporate tax, which are primarily levied by the Union and State governments.
India's total tax receipts, as a proportion of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exceed the average reported by OECD countries.
Answer: False
Explanation: India's total tax receipts as a percentage of GDP are generally lower than the average observed among OECD member countries.
The implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) constituted a significant tax reform enacted in India subsequent to 1991.
Answer: True
Explanation: The introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) was a major tax reform in India, replacing the sales tax system in many states after 1991, aimed at streamlining indirect taxation.
Traditionally, the annual Union budget of India is presented to Parliament on the final working day of February.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historically, the Union budget was presented on the last working day of February. However, this practice was altered starting from the fiscal year 2017-18, with the budget being presented on the first day of February.
The 'economic survey' is presented following the Union budget to assess its performance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The economic survey is presented *before* the Union budget, outlining the economic performance of the preceding year and providing context for the upcoming budget proposals.
The Finance Commission provides counsel on the distribution of powers between the Union and state governments.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Finance Commission advises on the distribution of financial resources (tax revenues) between the Union and state governments, not on the distribution of powers.
Which constitutional amendments are particularly significant for promoting democratic decentralization via local government institutions?
Answer: 73rd and 74th Amendments
Explanation: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, enacted in 1992, are crucial for establishing and strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (rural local governments) and Municipalities (urban local governments), respectively.
Which tier of government in India is empowered to levy property tax?
Answer: Local Governments
Explanation: Local governments, such as Municipalities and Panchayats, are empowered to levy property taxes as a source of revenue.
In terms of total tax receipts as a percentage of GDP, how does India's fiscal position compare to the average of OECD countries?
Answer: Lower
Explanation: India's total tax receipts as a percentage of GDP are generally lower than the average observed among OECD member countries.
Which of the following represents a significant tax reform implemented in India since 1991?
Answer: Implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT)
Explanation: The implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) was a major tax reform in India post-1991, aimed at modernizing indirect taxation.
The Hindi designation for the Government of India is 'Kendriya Sarkar'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The official Hindi designation for the Government of India is 'Bhārata Sarkāra', not 'Kendriya Sarkar'.
The Constitution of India officially recognizes solely 'India' as its short name.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Constitution of India officially recognizes both 'India' and 'Bharat' as its short names.
The term 'Bhārata Sarkāra' serves as the English translation for the Government of India.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Bhārata Sarkāra' is the Hindi term for the Government of India. The English translation is 'Government of India'.
The term 'New Delhi' is employed as a metonym representing the state judiciary.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'New Delhi' is commonly used as a metonym for the Union Government or the central administration, not the state judiciary.
What is the official Hindi designation for the Government of India?
Answer: Bhārata Sarkāra
Explanation: The official Hindi designation for the Government of India is 'Bhārata Sarkāra'.
What are the two official short names for the Republic of India as recognized by its Constitution?
Answer: India and Bharat
Explanation: Article 1 of the Constitution of India states that 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States'.
In the context of Indian governance, what does the term 'New Delhi' frequently represent as a metonym?
Answer: The Union Government
Explanation: 'New Delhi,' as the location of the central administrative apparatus, is commonly used as a metonym to refer to the Union Government or the national executive.