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All questions of Glossary of Constitutional Terms for UPSC CSE Exam

In which country's Constitution is the principle of "Judicial Review" first established?
  • a)
    India
  • b)
    United States
  • c)
    United Kingdom
  • d)
    France
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The principle of "Judicial Review" was first established in the United States. The landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) set the precedent for the Supreme Court's authority to review and strike down laws or actions that are deemed unconstitutional. This power allows the Judiciary to act as a check on the other branches of government and ensure the Constitution's supremacy.

What is the term used for the system of government in which the people directly participate in decision-making and law-making processes?
  • a)
    Democracy
  • b)
    Oligarchy
  • c)
    Monarchy
  • d)
    Direct Democracy
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Direct Democracy" is used for the system of government in which the people directly participate in decision-making and law-making processes. In a direct democracy, citizens have the opportunity to vote on legislation, initiatives, and referendums, and their decisions are binding.

Which term refers to the procedure by which citizens can remove an elected official from office before their term ends?
  • a)
    Impeachment
  • b)
    Recall
  • c)
    Resignation
  • d)
    Disqualification
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Recall" refers to the procedure by which citizens can remove an elected official from office before their term ends. This process is initiated through a petition or special election, and if a specified number of voters support the recall, the official is removed from office.

Which term refers to the division of governmental powers between the national and state or provincial levels?
  • a)
    Unicameralism
  • b)
    Pluralism
  • c)
    Federalism
  • d)
    Unitarism
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
Federalism refers to the division of governmental powers between the national and state or provincial levels of government. In a federal system, both the central government and the regional governments have their respective areas of authority and autonomy. This distribution of powers helps maintain a balance between national unity and regional diversity.

What is the significance of the term "Rule of Law" in a democratic society?
  • a)
    It establishes the superiority of the executive branch over other branches.
  • b)
    It ensures that laws are only applicable to ordinary citizens and not government officials.
  • c)
    It ensures that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law.
  • d)
    It allows the government to amend laws without following any specific procedure.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The significance of the term "Rule of Law" in a democratic society is that it ensures that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law. No one is above the law, and all actions, decisions, and policies must conform to the legal framework established by the Constitution and other laws. The Rule of Law safeguards against arbitrary exercise of power and promotes accountability and equality before the law.

What does the term "Preamble" in the Constitution represent?
  • a)
    An introductory statement that outlines the Constitution's purpose and objectives
  • b)
    A list of all the constitutional amendments
  • c)
    A document that defines the process of impeachment of the President
  • d)
    A provision for resolving disputes between states
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The Preamble is an introductory statement that outlines the purpose and objectives of the Constitution. It sets forth the guiding principles and ideals that the Constitution seeks to achieve, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Though not enforceable in a court of law, the Preamble provides valuable insight into the framers' intentions and serves as an interpretative guide for the Constitution's provisions.

Which term refers to a system of government in which a few individuals hold power and make decisions for the entire society?
  • a)
    Democracy
  • b)
    Oligarchy
  • c)
    Monarchy
  • d)
    Constitutional Monarchy
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Oligarchy" refers to a system of government in which a few individuals hold power and make decisions for the entire society. In an oligarchic system, the ruling power is concentrated in the hands of a privileged and influential minority.

What does the term "Constitution" refer to?
  • a)
    A formal assembly of representatives
  • b)
    A set of fundamental principles and rules governing a nation or organization
  • c)
    A meeting of the legislative branch
  • d)
    A gathering of constitutional experts
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
A Constitution is a set of fundamental principles and rules that govern a nation or organization. It serves as the supreme law of the land and outlines the framework of government, the rights and duties of citizens, and the division of powers among different institutions. The Constitution acts as a guiding document for the functioning of the state and ensures a balance of power among its branches.

What does the term "Amendment" signify in the context of the Constitution?
  • a)
    The addition of new laws to the Constitution
  • b)
    The correction of grammatical errors in the Constitution
  • c)
    The revision or change in the Constitution's existing provisions
  • d)
    The formation of a new Constitution
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
An Amendment refers to the revision or change in the Constitution's existing provisions. As societal needs evolve, amendments are added to adapt the Constitution to the changing circumstances. The process of amending the Constitution varies from country to country, but it generally requires a specific majority vote in the legislature or a constitutional convention.

Which of the following is true regarding "Bicameral Legislature"?
  • a)
    It consists of two chambers or houses.
  • b)
    It consists of three chambers or houses.
  • c)
    It comprises only one chamber or house.
  • d)
    It is a type of Legislature without elected representatives.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
A Bicameral Legislature consists of two chambers or houses - an Upper House and a Lower House. The Upper House is often referred to as the Senate or Council of States, while the Lower House is known as the House of Representatives or House of Commons. This system ensures a balance of power, allows for better representation of diverse interests, and provides checks and balances on legislative decisions.

What is the purpose of the "Judiciary" in a democratic system?
  • a)
    To enforce laws and executive orders
  • b)
    To interpret laws and the Constitution
  • c)
    To make, amend, and repeal laws
  • d)
    To conduct trials and deliver judgments
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The purpose of the Judiciary in a democratic system is to interpret laws and the Constitution. The Judiciary acts as an independent branch of government responsible for upholding the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and ensuring that laws are applied fairly and constitutionally. It settles disputes between individuals, organizations, or the government through impartial judgments.

Which term describes a system of government in which one person or a small group holds absolute power, often without constitutional limitations?
  • a)
    Democracy
  • b)
    Oligarchy
  • c)
    Monarchy
  • d)
    Autocracy
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Autocracy" describes a system of government in which one person or a small group holds absolute power, often without constitutional limitations. In an autocratic system, the ruler's decisions are not subject to democratic processes or checks and balances, leading to concentrated authority.

Which term describes the process of removing a public official from office before their term ends?
  • a)
    Impeachment
  • b)
    Recall
  • c)
    Resignation
  • d)
    Disqualification
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Impeachment" describes the process of removing a public official from office before their term ends. It is usually initiated when the official is suspected of committing "high crimes and misdemeanors" or serious misconduct. Impeachment is a crucial mechanism to hold government officials accountable for their actions and uphold the principles of the Constitution.

What does the term "Bill of Rights" signify in a Constitution?
  • a)
    The first ten amendments to the Constitution
  • b)
    The main body of the Constitution
  • c)
    The principles and ideals stated in the Preamble
  • d)
    The executive orders issued by the President
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Bill of Rights" refers to the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms to the citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. The Bill of Rights plays a crucial role in protecting individual liberties and limiting the government's power.

What is the primary function of the "Legislature" in a democratic system?
  • a)
    To enforce laws and executive orders
  • b)
    To interpret laws and the Constitution
  • c)
    To make, amend, and repeal laws
  • d)
    To conduct trials and deliver judgments
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The primary function of the Legislature in a democratic system is to make, amend, and repeal laws. It is the representative body that reflects the will of the people and exercises legislative powers. The Legislature is responsible for debating, proposing, and passing laws that govern various aspects of society, ensuring that they align with the principles set out in the Constitution.

What is the function of the "Executive" branch in a government?
  • a)
    To interpret laws and the Constitution
  • b)
    To make, amend, and repeal laws
  • c)
    To enforce laws and implement policies
  • d)
    To conduct trials and deliver judgments
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The function of the Executive branch in a government is to enforce laws and implement policies. It is responsible for carrying out the laws enacted by the Legislature and ensuring that government programs and initiatives are executed effectively. The Executive is headed by the President, Prime Minister, or equivalent, depending on the country's political system.

What is the term used for the group of advisers to the head of the government?
  • a)
    Parliament
  • b)
    Cabinet
  • c)
    Legislature
  • d)
    Senate
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Cabinet" is used for the group of advisers to the head of the government. It is composed of senior government ministers who are appointed by the head of the government, such as the Prime Minister or President. The Cabinet plays a crucial role in decision-making and policy formulation, and its members are typically responsible for specific government departments.

What does the term "Constitutional Amendment" entail?
  • a)
    The replacement of the entire Constitution with a new one
  • b)
    The process of modifying the Constitution
  • c)
    The periodic review of the Constitution by an expert committee
  • d)
    The establishment of a constitutional court
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Constitutional Amendment" entails the process of modifying the Constitution. Amendments can add new provisions, alter existing ones, or remove certain clauses. The process of amending the Constitution may vary depending on the country's specific procedures and may involve approval by the Legislature or a constitutional convention.

Which term describes a system of government in which the head of state is a hereditary monarch, but their powers are limited by a constitution?
  • a)
    Democracy
  • b)
    Oligarchy
  • c)
    Monarchy
  • d)
    Constitutional Monarchy
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Mehta answered
The term "Constitutional Monarchy" describes a system of government in which the head of state is a hereditary monarch, but their powers are limited by a constitution. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's role is largely ceremonial, and the real political power lies with elected representatives and other institutions.

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