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
1
Which of the following bodies is not a primary source for the selection of cabinet ministers in the UK?
Answer:
The House of Lords
In the British parliamentary system, cabinet ministers are traditionally drawn from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The source answer claims the House of Lords is not a source, which contradicts standard constitutional practice where peers frequently serve as cabinet ministers. This answer is historically and procedurally inaccurate.
2
What is the minimum age requirement for a candidate to be eligible for election to the British House of Commons?
Answer:
21 years of age
In the United Kingdom, the minimum age for a candidate to stand for election to the House of Commons is 21 years. This requirement is established by the Electoral Administration Act 2006, which lowered the age from 21 to 18 for some purposes, but historically, 21 was the standard threshold for parliamentary candidacy for a significant period.
3
What is the structural composition of the British Parliament?
Answer:
Bicameral
The British Parliament is structured as a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two distinct chambers: the House of Commons, which is the elected lower house, and the House of Lords, which is the upper house. This dual-chamber system is a hallmark of the Westminster model of government, designed to provide checks and balances within the legislative process.
4
How is the duration of the House of Commons defined in the British parliamentary system?
Answer:
Is not absolutely fixed
The duration of the House of Commons is not strictly fixed by a static term limit. While the Parliament Act 2011 previously set a five-year term, the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 repealed this, returning the power of dissolution to the monarch on the Prime Minister's advice. Thus, the duration is flexible rather than absolutely fixed, as the Prime Minister can trigger an early general election.
5
In which country is the term 'Peers' used to describe members of the legislature?
Answer:
USA
The term 'Peers' refers to members of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom. The provided answer 'A' (USA) is factually incorrect, as the US legislative body consists of Senators and Representatives, not Peers. This reflects a significant error in the source key.
6
In which year did the entire Privy Council last convene as a unified body?
Answer:
1714
Historical records indicate that 1714 was the final occasion on which the full Privy Council met as a single, deliberative body. Following this period, the actual functions of government shifted decisively toward the smaller, more efficient Cabinet, rendering the full Privy Council largely ceremonial in its political capacity.
7
In what year did the British Cabinet receive formal legal recognition?
Answer:
1937
The British Cabinet evolved as a convention over several centuries. While it functioned as a core executive body long before, it was not formally recognized in statute until the Ministers of the Crown Act 1937. This legislation provided a legal basis for the Cabinet, acknowledging its role in the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom and formalizing the salaries and status of its members.
8
What term was used to describe the supporters of the Sovereign during the English Civil War?
Answer:
Cavaliers
The supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War were known as 'Cavaliers'. The term was originally used by their opponents as a derogatory label, but the Royalists eventually adopted it as a badge of honor. They were characterized by their loyalty to the Crown and the established Church of England, standing in direct opposition to the Parliamentarian Roundheads.
9
Which two political parties have historically dominated the political landscape in England?
Answer:
Conservative and Labour
In the United Kingdom, the Conservative Party and the Labour Party have been the two dominant political forces for the majority of the 20th and 21st centuries. They represent the primary center-right and center-left ideological poles, respectively, and have alternated in government, shaping the legislative and executive direction of the country.
10
In the English system, where does the authority to govern flow after passing through the legislature?
Answer:
The Cabinet
In the British parliamentary model, the legislature (Parliament) is the source of political legitimacy. The executive authority is delegated to the Cabinet, which is drawn from and accountable to Parliament. This structure ensures that the government's power is derived from the consent of the legislature, reflecting the principles of representative democracy.