10. What is the meaning of Guillotine in parliamentary procedure?
[CGPSC Civil Service 2017 (Paper I)]
(a) To stop debate on a Bill
(b) To continue debate on a Bill
(c) Boycott of the House by members
(d) To adjourn the House
(e) To adjourn the House for the day
Answer: (a) To stop debate on a Bill
Explanation: Guillotine is a parliamentary procedure that brings discussion to an end at the allotted time and puts outstanding matters to a vote. It is particularly used during discussion of demands for grants, so unfinished business can be disposed of on schedule.
9. The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2016]
(a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of total membership.
(b) Lok Sabha by at least two-thirds of total membership.
(c) Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of total membership.
(d) Rajya Sabha by at least two-thirds of members present and voting.
Answer: (d) Rajya Sabha by at least two-thirds of members present and voting.
Explanation: Article 249 empowers Rajya Sabha to authorise Parliament to legislate on State List subjects when national interest requires it. The resolution needs support from at least two-thirds of members present and voting, preserving a special role for the Council of States.
8. There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2015]
(a) Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people.
(b) Parliament can amend the Constitution.
(c) Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved.
(d) Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (d) Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Explanation: Article 75(3) explicitly establishes collective ministerial responsibility to the Lok Sabha. The executive survives only while enjoying the elected House’s confidence. Direct elections and bicameralism can occur in other systems, but legislative confidence is the decisive parliamentary characteristic.
7. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:
1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
2. A No-Confidence Motion can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which statements are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2014]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The Constitution does not use the expression “no-confidence motion”, although Article 75(3) requires the Council of Ministers to retain Lok Sabha confidence. Rule 198 governs the motion’s procedure, and it can be moved only in the Lok Sabha.
6. Consider the following statements:
1. The Council of Ministers at the Centre is collectively responsible to Parliament.
2. Union Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President of India.
3. The Prime Minister communicates proposals for legislation to the President.
Which statements are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2013]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is wrong because collective responsibility is specifically to the Lok Sabha, not both Houses. Article 75(2) provides tenure during the President’s pleasure, while Article 78 requires the Prime Minister to convey Cabinet decisions and legislative proposals to the President.
5. In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in parliamentary government?
1. Cabinet members are members of Parliament.
2. Ministers hold office while enjoying confidence in Parliament.
3. The Cabinet is headed by the Head of State.
Select the correct answer.
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2013]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Cabinet ministers ordinarily belong to Parliament, and the ministry must retain Lok Sabha confidence. A non-member appointed minister must enter either House within six months. The Cabinet is led by the Prime Minister, whereas the President is head of state.
4. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution requires every Cabinet Minister to be a sitting member of Lok Sabha only.
2. The Union Cabinet Secretariat operates under the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
Which statement(s) is/are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2009]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are incorrect. Union ministers may sit in either parliamentary House, and a non-member can serve for up to six consecutive months. The Cabinet Secretariat operates under the Prime Minister’s charge, not under the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
3. Assertion (A): The Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Reason (R): Members of either House of Parliament are eligible to become Union Ministers.
Select the correct answer.
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2007]
(a) Both A and R are true and R correctly explains A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (d) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Assertion A is false because Article 75(3) makes the ministry collectively responsible to Lok Sabha alone. Reason R is true: members of either House may be appointed ministers. Eligibility for ministerial office does not give Rajya Sabha the power to dismiss a ministry.
2. Which one of the following statements regarding a no-confidence motion is NOT correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2004]
(a) In the Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based.
(b) In the case of a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha, no conditions of admissibility have been laid down in the Rules.
(c) A no-confidence motion, once admitted, has to be taken up within ten days of the leave being granted.
(d) Rajya Sabha is not empowered to entertain a no-confidence motion.
Answer: (a) In the Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based.
Explanation: A no-confidence motion need not state grounds against the government; it simply tests whether the ministry retains Lok Sabha support. Under Rule 198, leave requires the requisite member support, and discussion is scheduled within ten days of leave being granted.
1. The term of the Lok Sabha:
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2002]
(a) Cannot be extended under any circumstances.
(b) Can be extended by six months at a time.
(c) Can be extended by one year at a time during the proclamation of Emergency.
(d) Can be extended for two years at a time during the proclamation of Emergency.
Answer: (c) Can be extended by one year at a time during the proclamation of Emergency.
Explanation: Article 83(2) normally fixes the Lok Sabha’s tenure at five years. During a national Emergency, Parliament may extend this term by law for one year at a time, but no extension can continue beyond six months after the Emergency ends.
