Constitutional Bodies — Set 3
Constitution Special · संवैधानिक निकाय · Questions 21–30 of 160
The Election Commission of India is responsible for elections to?
Correct Answer: C. Parliament, State Legislatures, President and Vice-President
Under Article 324, the Election Commission of India superintends, directs and controls elections to: (1) Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), (2) State Legislative Assemblies and Councils, (3) the office of the President, and (4) the office of the Vice-President. Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities are conducted by State Election Commissions. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections.
The UPSC Chairman's removal process is similar to?
Correct Answer: B. A Supreme Court judge
Under Article 317, the Chairman or any member of the UPSC shall only be removed from office by order of the President on the ground of misbehavior after the Supreme Court, on reference being made to it by the President, has reported that the Chairman or member ought to be removed. This process is similar to a Supreme Court judge's removal. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
Cultural and Educational Rights under Articles 29-30 protect?
Correct Answer: B. Rights of linguistic and religious minorities
Articles 29-30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities. Article 29 gives every section of citizens the right to conserve its distinct language, script, or culture. Article 30 gives religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The State shall not discriminate against minority institutions in granting aid. These rights protect the diverse cultural fabric of India.
Abolition of untouchability is provided under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 17
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable under law. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (earlier Untouchability Offences Act 1955) was enacted to give effect to Article 17. Article 17 applies not only against the State but also against private individuals, making it one of the unique Fundamental Rights.
Article 16 provides equality of opportunity in matters of?
Correct Answer: B. Public employment
Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence. Article 16(3) allows Parliament to make laws prescribing residence requirements for certain state employment. Article 16(4) allows reservation for backward classes inadequately represented in state services.
The Finance Commission Chairman must be a person with?
Correct Answer: D. Fixed qualifications prescribed by Parliament
Under Article 280, the Finance Commission consists of a Chairman and four other members who shall be appointed by the President. Parliament is empowered to determine by law the qualifications required for appointment as members and the manner in which they shall be selected. The 15th Finance Commission was chaired by N.K. Singh.
Abolition of titles is provided under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 18
Article 18 abolishes titles and provides that no title (except military or academic distinctions) shall be conferred by the State. No citizen shall accept any title from a foreign State without the President's consent. No person holding an office of profit under the State shall accept any present, emolument, or office from any foreign State without the President's consent. This article promotes republicanism and equality by eliminating hereditary distinctions.
Right to Education as a Fundamental Right was added by which Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer: A. 86th Amendment 2002
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A which provides for free and compulsory education to all children between 6 and 14 years as a Fundamental Right. Accordingly, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) was enacted in 2009. The 86th Amendment also amended Article 45 (Directive Principle) and Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) to reflect this change. India became the 135th country to make education a fundamental right.
What is the major difference between Election Commission and Finance Commission?
Correct Answer: B. Election Commission is permanent; Finance Commission is constituted every 5 years
The Election Commission of India is a permanent constitutional body under Article 324 that conducts elections continuously. The Finance Commission, on the other hand, is constituted by the President under Article 280 every five years (or earlier if necessary) and its tenure ends after submitting its report. The Finance Commission is temporary in nature.
Which Fundamental Right was deleted by the 44th Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer: A. Right to Property
The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 deleted the Right to Property (Article 31) from the list of Fundamental Rights. Now property rights are only a legal right under Article 300-A which states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. The 44th Amendment was passed by the Janata government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The right to property as a Fundamental Right was always controversial due to land reform legislation.