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
What was the initial verdict delivered by the Sindh Chief Court concerning the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer:
Dissolution was ultra vires and void
The Sindh Chief Court, presided over by Chief Justice Sir George Constantine, ruled that the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad was unconstitutional. The court held that the Assembly was a sovereign body and that the Governor-General lacked the legal authority to dissolve it, declaring the act ultra vires and void. This decision was later challenged and overturned by the Federal Court.
2
What was the ruling of the Sindh Chief Court regarding the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in the mid-1950s?
Answer:
Dissolution was ultra vires and void
In the case of Tamizuddin Khan v. Federation of Pakistan, the Sindh Chief Court initially ruled that the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly by the Governor-General was ultra vires and void. This decision was later challenged and overturned by the Federal Court, which focused on procedural technicalities rather than the merits of the dissolution itself, marking a critical moment in Pakistan's constitutional history.
3
On what date did Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad dissolve the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan?
Answer:
24 October, 1954
Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad dissolved the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on October 24, 1954. This controversial executive action triggered a significant constitutional crisis, leading to the landmark Tamizuddin Khan case, which tested the limits of executive authority versus the legislative body's sovereignty.
4
In which court was the legal challenge against the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan initiated by its speaker?
Answer:
Sindh Chief Court and afterward Federal Court
The dissolution of the Constituent Assembly by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad in 1954 was challenged by Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan, the Speaker of the Assembly. He filed a writ petition in the Sindh Chief Court, which ruled in his favor. The government subsequently appealed this decision to the Federal Court of Pakistan, which overturned the ruling, marking a significant moment in Pakistan's constitutional history.
5
Which Speaker of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan legally challenged Governor-General Ghulam Mohammad's dissolution of the government led by Khawaja Nazim-ud-Din?
Answer:
Maulvi Tamiz-ud-Din Khan
Maulvi Tamiz-ud-Din Khan, the Speaker of the Constituent Assembly, filed a historic lawsuit in the Sindh Chief Court challenging the Governor-General's dissolution of the assembly. This case, known as the Tamiz-ud-Din Khan case, became a landmark in Pakistan's constitutional history, highlighting the struggle between executive authority and legislative independence during the early years of the state's formation.
6
What primary argument was used to challenge the Governor-General's authority to dissolve the Constituent Assembly?
Answer:
The Assembly was not a sovereign body and the Governor-General had the authority to dissolve it.
The challenge to the dissolution rested on the argument that the Constituent Assembly was a sovereign body, and therefore, the Governor-General lacked the legal prerogative to dissolve it. The opposing view, which the courts eventually adopted, argued that the assembly was not fully sovereign and remained subject to executive oversight. This debate highlighted the tension between the legislative and executive branches regarding the limits of power in the newly formed state.
7
On what primary legal grounds was the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly challenged by the Speaker?
Answer:
Assembly is sovereign body and Governor-General had no power to dissolve it
The Speaker of the Constituent Assembly, Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan, challenged the dissolution by arguing that the Assembly was a sovereign body created to frame the constitution. He contended that the Governor-General, as an appointee, lacked the constitutional authority to dissolve a body that held supreme legislative power, thereby asserting the supremacy of the legislature over executive actions.
8
Under which specific legal provision did Maulvi Tamiz-ud-Din Khan file his writ petition challenging the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in 1954?
Answer:
223-A of the Government of India Act, 1935
Maulvi Tamiz-ud-Din Khan challenged the Governor-General's dissolution of the Constituent Assembly by filing a petition in the Sindh Chief Court under Section 223-A of the Government of India Act, 1935. This section had been inserted into the Act to empower High Courts to issue prerogative writs. This case became a landmark in Pakistan's constitutional history, leading to the famous 'doctrine of necessity' ruling by the Federal Court, which significantly impacted the nation's legal and political trajectory.
9
Which of the following principles was not established by the S.R. Bommai v. Union of India case regarding the application of Article 356?
Answer:
If a new political party assumes power at the Centre, it has the authority to dismiss Ministries formed by other parties in the States
The landmark S.R. Bommai case (1994) placed significant checks on the central government's power to impose President's Rule under Article 356. The Supreme Court ruled that the proclamation is subject to judicial review and that the assembly cannot be dissolved until Parliament approves the proclamation. The court explicitly rejected the notion that a new central government can dismiss state governments simply for political differences.
10
What official reasons were provided by the Governor-General for the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer:
All of them
Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad justified the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly by citing a general failure of the body to perform its duties. He accused the members of inactivity, incompetence, and corruption, arguing that the Assembly had lost the confidence of the people and was no longer capable of fulfilling its mandate to draft a constitution for the nation.