Q130. Which Constitutional Amendment reduced the voting age in parliamentary elections from 21 to 18?
[SSC CHSL (24 November 2025)]
(A) 42nd
(B) 44th
(C) 61st
(D) 69th
Answer: (C) 61st
Explanation: The Constitution (Sixty-first Amendment) Act, 1988 changed Article 326 to lower the voting age from twenty-one to eighteen years. It enlarged the electorate for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections.
Q129. Which Article grants Rajya Sabha the special power to enable creation of an All India Service?
[SSC CGL (13 September 2025)]
(A) Article 249
(B) Article 312
(C) Article 368
(D) Article 108
Answer: (B) Article 312
Explanation: Article 312 permits Parliament to create new All India Services when Rajya Sabha declares by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting that doing so is necessary or expedient in the national interest.
Q128. Consider:
1. A Rajya Sabha resolution under Article 249 may operate for one year.
2. Only Rajya Sabha’s concurrence can extend President’s Rule.
Which is correct?
[SSC CGL (24 September 2025)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both
(D) Neither
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: An Article 249 resolution lasts up to one year and may be renewed. Extension of President’s Rule under Article 356 requires parliamentary approval through the constitutionally prescribed process; it is not an exclusive Rajya Sabha power.
Q127. Consider:
1. Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved.
2. About one-third of its elected members retire every two years.
Which is correct?
[SSC CGL (19 September 2025)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both
(D) Neither
Answer: (C) Both
Explanation: Both statements describe the Council of States. Rajya Sabha is a permanent House, with staggered six-year terms for members and approximately one-third retiring every second year. This prevents a complete simultaneous turnover of membership.
Q126. Choose the correct sequence for passage of a Money Bill:
A. Introduction in Lok Sabha;
B. Passage there;
C. Transmission to Rajya Sabha;
D. Presidential assent.
[SSC CGL (13 September 2025)]
(A) B–A–C–D
(B) A–B–C–D
(C) A–C–B–D
(D) C–A–B–D
Answer: (B) A–B–C–D
Explanation: A Money Bill originates in Lok Sabha, must be passed by it, then goes to Rajya Sabha for recommendations within fourteen days. After the constitutional process is completed, it is presented for presidential assent.
Q125. Which one of these statements about the Parliament of India is correct?
[UPSC NDA I (2025)]
(A) Most Rajya Sabha members are elected through proportional representation by single transferable vote
(B) President nominates the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
(C) Lok Sabha cannot dissolve before five years
(D) Lok Sabha MPs elect Rajya Sabha members
Answer: (A) Most Rajya Sabha members are elected through proportional representation by single transferable vote
Explanation: The elected members of Rajya Sabha are chosen by elected members of State Assemblies using proportional representation with the single transferable vote. The Deputy Chairman is elected by Rajya Sabha members; Lok Sabha can be dissolved early.
Q124. Consider:
1. A Bill pending in Lok Sabha lapses when that House dissolves.
2. A Bill passed by Lok Sabha but pending in Rajya Sabha also lapses.
3. A Bill for which joint sitting has been notified lapses.
Which is correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2024)]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) All three
Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Article 107 provides that pending Lok Sabha Bills and Bills passed by Lok Sabha but awaiting Rajya Sabha lapse upon dissolution. However, a Bill for which the President has already notified an intention for joint sitting does not lapse.
Q123. Regarding the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, consider:
1. It was initially an ad hoc committee.
2. Only MPs can complain about an MP.
3. It does not consider matters that are sub judice.
Which statements are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2024)]
(A) 1 and 2
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 1 and 3
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (C) 1 and 3
Explanation: The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee began as an ad hoc committee, and matters pending before courts are excluded from its consideration. A complaint may originate from a non-member through the prescribed parliamentary process, making statement 2 incorrect.
Q122. Consider:
1. The Finance Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before Parliament on behalf of the Prime Minister.
2. A demand for grant requires presidential recommendation.
Which is correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2024)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both
(D) Neither
Answer: (B) 2 only
Explanation: Under Article 112, the President causes the Annual Financial Statement to be laid before both Houses. Article 113 requires the President’s recommendation before a demand for grant is made. The first statement wrongly invokes the Prime Minister.
Q121. For Money Bills, consider:
1. Article 109 contains special procedure.
2. Introduction in Rajya Sabha is prohibited.
3. Rajya Sabha can make recommendations but not reject the Bill.
4. Lok Sabha must accept Rajya Sabha recommendations.
Which are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2024)]
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 1 and 4 only
(C) 2, 3 and 4 only
(D) All four
Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Articles 109–110 govern Money Bills. Such a Bill originates in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha may only recommend changes within fourteen days. Lok Sabha may accept or reject any recommendations. Therefore statement 4 is incorrect.
