Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
41
Under Article 49 of the Constitution, who becomes the Acting President if the President of Pakistan is absent or unable to perform his duties?
Answer:
The Chairman of the Senate
The Chairman of the Senate is second in the line of succession. If the office of the President becomes vacant or the President is unable to function, the Chairman of the Senate acts as the President until a new President is elected or the President returns.
42
Who presides over the sittings of the Senate?
Answer:
The Chairman
The Senate is presided over by the Chairman of the Senate. In his absence, the Deputy Chairman takes the chair. Both are elected by the Senators from among themselves for a three-year term.
43
Which of the following describes the Senate's power regarding 'Money Bills' (Budget)?
Answer:
The Senate can only make recommendations on Money Bills
In Pakistan, Money Bills (including the Annual Budget) originate in and are passed by the National Assembly. While the Senate can debate the bill and make recommendations, the National Assembly is not legally bound to accept them, and the bill can be passed without the Senate's formal approval.
44
What is the minimum age requirement for a person to be elected as a Senator in Pakistan?
Answer:
30 years
Under Article 62 of the Constitution, a person must be at least 30 years old to be a member of the Senate. This is higher than the age requirement for the National Assembly, which is 25 years.
45
Who elects the Senators representing the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)?
Answer:
The National Assembly
Because Islamabad is a federal territory without its own provincial assembly, its representatives in the Senate (two general seats, one woman, and one technocrat) are elected by the members of the National Assembly.
46
How are the members of the Senate from the provinces elected?
Answer:
By the Provincial Assemblies
Senators representing the provinces are elected by the members of their respective Provincial Assemblies. This is an indirect election using the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote (STV).
47
What is the term of a member of the Senate of Pakistan?
Answer:
6 years
Senators are elected for a six-year term. However, the Senate is a continuous body, meaning it is never dissolved as a whole; instead, half of its members retire every three years after completing their terms.
48
Following the 25th Amendment and the merger of FATA with KP, what is the current total membership of the Senate (once all transitions are complete)?
Answer:
96
Previously, the Senate had 104 members, including 8 from FATA. Following the 25th Amendment (FATA-KP merger), the 8 FATA seats are being phased out as members complete their terms. The permanent strength of the Senate will settle at 96 members.
49
What is the primary purpose of the Senate in Pakistan's federal system?
Answer:
To give equal representation to all federating units
The Senate is known as the 'House of the Federation.' Its primary role is to ensure that all provinces have an equal voice in the federal legislative process, regardless of their population size, thereby protecting the interests of smaller provinces.
50
The Senate of Pakistan was first established under which constitution?
Answer:
1973 Constitution
The Senate was created by the 1973 Constitution to provide equal representation to the federating units, making Pakistan's parliament bicameral for the first time. The previous constitutions of 1956 and 1962 provided for a unicameral legislature.