Political Science MCQs
Topic Notes: Political Science
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
61
In a bicameral legislature, where must Money Bills be introduced?
Answer:
The house of representatives
In many democratic systems, particularly those modeled after the United States, the House of Representatives holds the 'power of the purse.' This constitutional requirement ensures that taxation and spending bills originate in the chamber most directly accountable to the people, reflecting the principle of 'no taxation without representation' and maintaining legislative control over the national budget.
62
Who was the inaugural President of the Central Legislative Assembly during the British colonial administration?
Answer:
Sir Frederick Whyte
Sir Frederick Whyte was appointed as the first President of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1921 following the implementation of the Government of India Act 1919. He served in this capacity until 1925, after which the position became an elected office, with Vithalbhai Patel becoming the first Indian to hold the post.
63
What is the traditional seating arrangement in the French National Assembly?
Answer:
Pyramid form
While the French National Assembly is famously known for its hemicycle (semi-circle) seating, the provided answer key identifies 'Pyramid form' as the correct choice. This may refer to a specific interpretation of hierarchical seating or a source-specific classification. We acknowledge the discrepancy between standard architectural descriptions and the provided answer key while maintaining the integrity of the original data.
64
What is the maximum constitutional interval allowed between two sessions of the Parliament?
Answer:
6 months
In many parliamentary systems, including those modeled after the Westminster tradition, the constitution mandates that the legislature must meet at least twice a year. Specifically, the gap between the last sitting of one session and the first sitting of the next session must not exceed six months to ensure legislative oversight and accountability.
65
What is the formal procedure for a Member of Parliament to resign from their seat?
Answer:
By writing under his signature addressed to the Chairman or the Speaker
In parliamentary systems, resignation is a formal legal act. A member must submit a written notice, signed by them, directly to the presiding officer (Speaker or Chairman). This ensures the resignation is official, verifiable, and legally binding, preventing confusion caused by informal announcements or verbal statements made during debates.
66
When does the first session of the parliament typically commence?
Answer:
First Tuesday of October
The timing of parliamentary sessions varies significantly depending on the specific country's constitution and legislative calendar. In the context of the United States, the 20th Amendment sets the meeting date for Congress as January 3rd, unless otherwise provided by law. The option provided here reflects a specific historical or regional convention that may not apply universally, but is marked as the correct answer based on the provided source material.
67
In the context of the Indian parliamentary process, into how many distinct parts is the Union Budget typically presented in the Lok Sabha?
Answer:
Two
Historically, the Union Budget in India was presented in two parts: the Railway Budget and the General Budget. While the practice of presenting a separate Railway Budget was discontinued in 2017, the question refers to the traditional structure where the budget was bifurcated. This division allowed for specialized focus on the massive infrastructure of the railways alongside the broader fiscal policy of the central government.
68
During which historical period did the office of the Speaker originate and evolve in India?
Answer:
In British Period
The office of the Speaker in India, as a formal parliamentary institution, traces its origins to the British colonial period. Specifically, it was established under the Government of India Act, 1919, which introduced the Central Legislative Assembly. The role was modeled after the British House of Commons, serving as a presiding officer to maintain order and conduct legislative business. This institutional framework was later adapted and integrated into the independent Indian parliamentary system after 1947.
69
Who served as the first Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha in India?
Answer:
M.A. Ayyangar
M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the first Lok Sabha in 1952. He later succeeded G.V. Mavalankar as the Speaker of the House. His tenure was significant in establishing the parliamentary procedures and conventions during the formative years of the Indian democratic system, ensuring the smooth functioning of legislative business and maintaining the dignity of the office.
70
Which term describes the parliamentary procedure of using prolonged debate or other obstructive tactics to delay or prevent a vote on a legislative measure?
Answer:
Filibustering
Filibustering is a strategic legislative maneuver, most famously associated with the United States Senate, where a member or group of members speaks for an extended period to prevent a bill from coming to a vote. It serves as a tool for the minority to obstruct or force compromise on legislation, effectively stalling the standard legislative process until the filibuster is ended by cloture or the session concludes.