Test: Parliamentary System - 1 - UPSC MCQ

• Statement-I: The Prime Minister can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha, leading to fresh elections.
  Correct. As per Article 85(2)(b) of the Indian Constitution, the President can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister when the government loses the confidence of the House or when fresh elections are required. However, the President has some discretion in cases where a government loses a majority.

• Statement-II: Ministers in the parliamentary system are accountable to the Parliament for their actions.
   Correct. This is a fundamental principle of parliamentary democracy. Ministers, both individually and collectively, are responsible to the Lok Sabha under Articles 75(3) and 93 of the Constitution

• While both statements are correct, the principle of ministerial accountability to Parliament does not directly explain why the Prime Minister can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha. Ministerial accountability is about governance and responsibility, whereas dissolution of the Lok Sabha is about the tenure and functioning of the House.

Thus, option (b) is correct: Both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

1. India operates under a republican system - Britain operates under a monarchy: Correctly matched. India is a republic with an elected Head of State, whereas Britain has a hereditary monarchy.

2. India's Parliament has limited powers due to a written Constitution - Britain's Parliament is sovereign: Correctly matched. India's Parliament is constrained by a written Constitution, federalism, judicial review, and protection of fundamental rights, while Britain's Parliament is sovereign with no such written constitution limiting its powers.

3. Prime Minister in India must be a member of the Lok Sabha - Prime Minister in Britain must be a member of the House of Commons: Incorrectly matched. In India, the Prime Minister can be a member of either the Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). In Britain, the Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons.

4. Ministers in India must be members of Parliament - Non-members cannot serve as ministers in Britain: Incorrectly matched. In India, non-members can serve as ministers for a maximum of six months before they must get elected to either house of Parliament. In Britain, ministers are typically members of Parliament, but the statement is phrased ambiguously.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

• The governor can also prorogue the House which is in session: Correct
  Under Article 174 of the Constitution, the Governor has the power to prorogue the State Legislature. Prorogation is the formal ending of a session of the legislature and can be done even if the House is in session.

• Unlike an adjournment, a prorogation terminates a session of the House: Correct
   An adjournment merely suspends the sitting of the House for a specific time (hours, days, or weeks), but the session continues. In contrast, prorogation formally ends a session of the House.

Therefore,Correct Answer - Option C

• A Money Bill cannot be introduced in the legislative council: Correct
  According to Article 198 of the Constitution, a Money Bill can only be introduced in the legislative assembly of a state and not in the legislative council (if the state has a bicameral legislature).

• It can be introduced in the legislative assembly only and that too on the recommendation of the governor: Correct
  A Money Bill can be introduced in the legislative assembly only, and it must have the prior recommendation of the governor as per Article 207 of the Constitution.

• Every such bill is considered to be a government bill and can be introduced only by a minister: Correct.
  A Money Bill is always a government bill and can only be introduced by a minister, not a private member.
   

Therefore,Correct Answer- Option D

• The Parliament can create new all-India services except for an all-India judicial service, if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution declaring that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest to do so : Correct.
  Under Article 312 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament can create new all-India services, including civil services, if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution declaring that it is necessary in the national interest. However, an all-India judicial service requires a separate provision, and is not included under this general provision for creating new services.

• Such a resolution in the Rajya Sabha should be supported by two-thirds of the members present and voting : Correct.
  According to Article 312, a resolution in the Rajya Sabha for creating new all-India services must be supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.

Therefore,Correct Answer- Option B

Statement 1: An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only : Incorrect
 An amendment to the Constitution can be introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, not just in the Lok Sabha. According to Article 368, a bill to amend the Constitution can be introduced in either House of Parliament, and both Houses must pass it for it to become law.

Statement 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 : Incorrect
 If the amendment affects the federal structure (such as altering the powers between the Centre and the States or the representation of States in Parliament), it must be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the States (not all states), as per Article 368.
Therefore,Correct Answer- Option D

The correct option is: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Explanation:

• Statement-I: "Parliamentary systems often lack continuity in long-term policies due to government tenure uncertainties." This is correct because in parliamentary systems, changes in government can lead to shifts in policies, which can disrupt long-term planning.

• Statement-II: "The system provided better representation for various sections, interests, and regions, fostering national unity and inclusivity." This is also correct because parliamentary systems typically offer better representation of diverse groups through proportional representation and coalition governments, which can enhance national unity and inclusivity.

However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I. While both statements are true, they address different aspects of parliamentary systems. Statement-I discusses policy continuity, while Statement-II discusses representation and inclusivity.

Adjourn Motion: An adjournment motion is a motion used to adjourn the proceedings of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific matter of urgent public importance. It is used to interrupt the normal business of the House to address an urgent issue.

Censure Motion: A censure motion is a motion moved by a member in either House of Parliament expressing a strong disapproval of or condemnation of actions or policies of the government or ministers.

Closure Motion: Closure motion is a procedural motion used in the Parliament to bring an end to the debate on a matter under discussion. It aims to hasten the legislative process by limiting further debate and moving to a vote.

Hence, option D is correct.

• Morarji Desai - Unstable Government:Correct
  Morarji Desai’s government (1977–1979) was marked by political instability due to internal divisions within the Janata Party, resulting in a short tenure and collapse of the government.

• Indira Gandhi - No Continuity of Policies: Incorrect
  Indira Gandhi’s tenure (1966–1977 and 1980–1984) was characterized by strong central authority and continuity of policies, particularly during her Emergency period and her return to power in 1980. This statement does not accurately describe her governance.

• K.M. Munshi - Familiarity with the System: Correct
  K.M. Munshi, a member of the Constituent Assembly, strongly advocated for preserving familiar systems while drafting the Constitution, emphasizing the need for continuity in governance systems derived from colonial practices.

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar - Preference for More Responsibility: Correct.
  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized the importance of responsibility and accountability in governance, advocating for the inclusion of detailed safeguards and democratic responsibilities in the Constitution.

Therefore,Correct Answer : Option C

1. The Legislative Council can remove the Council of Ministers by passing a no-confidence motion: Incorrect
    In a state with a bicameral legislature, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Legislative Assembly, not the Legislative Council (Article 164). The Legislative Council does not have the power to pass a no-confidence motion to remove the Council of Ministers.

2. Legislative Council can discuss and criticize the policies and activities of the government because the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council: Incorrect
   While the Legislative Council can discuss and criticize the policies and activities of the government, the Council of Ministers is not collectively responsible to the Legislative Council. The collective responsibility lies solely with the Legislative Assembly.
   Therefore,Correct Answer- Option D

1. The Prime Minister can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha, leading to fresh elections before the term ends. This statement is correct as per the powers vested in the Prime Minister under the parliamentary system of India, where the executive can dissolve the lower house before the completion of its term.
2. The American President can dissolve the House of Representatives. This statement is incorrect. In the American presidential system, the President does not have the authority to dissolve the House of Representatives. The legislative branch operates independently of the executive.
3. The American presidential system operates under the doctrine of separation of powers. This statement is correct. The American system is based on the separation of powers, where the legislative, executive, and judicial branches function independently to prevent the concentration of power and ensure a system of checks and balances.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The scheme of Youth Parliament was started on the recommendation of the Fourth All India Whips Conference. Its objectives are: 1. to acquaint the younger generations with practices and procedures of Parliament; 2. to imbibe the spirit of discipline and tolerance cultivating character in the minds of youth; Band 3. to inculcate in the student community the basic values of democracy and to enable them to acquire a proper perspective on the functioning of democratic institutions. The ministry of parliamentary affairs provides necessary training and encouragement to the states in introducing the scheme.

Statement-I correctly distinguishes between the Indian republican system and the British monarchy. India operates as a republic, while Britain has a hereditary monarchy.
Statement-II correctly highlights the difference in the eligibility criteria for Prime Ministers in India and Britain. In Britain, the Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons, while in India, they can be from either house of Parliament. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I but presents an additional contrast between the two systems.

Under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament has the power to make laws for the whole or any part of India to implement international treaties, agreements, or conventions. This power can be exercised without requiring the consent of any state, even in areas that may otherwise fall under the State List in the Seventh Schedule.
This provision ensures that India can fulfill its international obligations effectively and uniformly across the country.
Therefore, Correct Answer- Option D

The correct answer is:

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Explanation:

• Statement-I is correct: In a parliamentary system, the executive (government) is accountable to the legislature (parliament). If the government loses the confidence of the majority in the legislature, it must resign.

• Statement-II is also correct: In a presidential system, the executive (president) is not accountable to the legislature and typically serves a fixed term. The president does not rely on the legislature's confidence to remain in office.

While both statements are correct, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I because they describe different systems of government rather than a cause-and-effect relationship between the two statements.

1. The Prime Minister can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha: Power to dissolve the legislature - Correct. The Prime Minister can indeed advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha, leading to fresh elections.

2. Ministers operate under the principle of secrecy: Take an oath of secrecy administered by the Prime Minister - Incorrect. Ministers take an oath of secrecy, but it is administered by the President, not the Prime Minister.

3. The American President is both the head of state and the head of government: Elected through an electoral college - Correct. The American President is both the head of state and the head of government and is elected through an electoral college.

4. Ministers in the parliamentary system are accountable to the Parliament: Accountability ensured through question hours and no-confidence motions - Correct. Ministers in the parliamentary system are indeed accountable to the Parliament, and this accountability is ensured through mechanisms like question hours and no-confidence motions.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

Total members in Rajya Sabha are 245. Total members in Lok Sabha are 545. UP has the highest number of seats in Lok Sabha. Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland have just 1 seat in Lok Sabha.

1. Articles 74 and 75: Focus on the parliamentary system at the Centre.

- Correct. These articles establish the framework for the parliamentary system, including the roles of the Council of Ministers and the Prime Minister at the Centre.

2. Articles 163 and 164: Relate to the states' parliamentary system.

- Correct. These articles pertain to the structure and functions of the parliamentary system at the state level, similar to Articles 74 and 75 at the Centre.

3. The President: Real executive, leading the government.

- Incorrect. The President of India is the nominal executive and a ceremonial head of state, not the real executive.

4. The Prime Minister: Ceremonial head of state.

- Incorrect. The Prime Minister is the real executive, leading the government and making day-to-day decisions, not a ceremonial head of state.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Let's examine each statement in detail:

1. In the British parliamentary system, the Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons.
- This statement is correct. In the United Kingdom, it is a constitutional convention that the Prime Minister is a member of the House of Commons. This ensures that the Prime Minister is directly accountable to the elected house of Parliament.

2. India's Parliament holds sovereignty similar to the British Parliament due to federalism.
- This statement is incorrect. Unlike the British Parliament, which holds sovereignty, the Indian Parliament does not have similar absolute powers. India's Parliament operates within the constraints of a written Constitution, federalism, judicial review, and the protection of fundamental rights.

3. The concept of a "shadow cabinet" exists in the Indian parliamentary system.
- This statement is incorrect. The "shadow cabinet" is a feature unique to the British parliamentary system, where opposition members are prepared for future ministerial roles. This concept does not exist in the Indian parliamentary system.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.