President, PM & Parliament — Set 8
Constitution Special · राष्ट्रपति, PM और संसद · Questions 71–80 of 160
The Pro Tem Speaker in Lok Sabha is appointed to?
Correct Answer: B. Preside over the first meeting of the newly constituted Lok Sabha and administer oaths to new members
A Pro Tem Speaker is appointed by the President to preside over the first sitting of a newly elected Lok Sabha and to administer oaths to newly elected members. The Pro Tem Speaker typically holds office until the regular Speaker is elected. The Pro Tem Speaker is usually the senior-most member of the House.
The Budget Session of Parliament is the longest session. When does it typically begin?
Correct Answer: B. January-February
The Budget Session of Parliament is the longest of the three sessions (Budget, Monsoon, Winter). It typically begins in late January or early February and continues until May. The Union Budget is presented on February 1 (changed from the last day of February in 2017). The Budget Session is divided into two parts with a recess in March.
Which constitutional provision prohibits members of Parliament from holding any office of profit?
Correct Answer: C. Article 102
Article 102(1)(a) disqualifies a person from being a member of Parliament if they hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any State Government. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act defines exemptions. This provision is meant to ensure members are free from executive influence.
Which Parliamentary procedure allows members to raise matters of urgent public importance for a short duration?
Correct Answer: C. Short Duration Discussion (Rule 193)
Rule 193 (Short Duration Discussion) allows members to raise matters of urgent public importance. An Adjournment Motion is moved to adjourn House business to discuss an urgent matter of public importance — it is rarely admitted. A Calling Attention Motion draws the attention of a minister to an urgent matter. Zero Hour is an informal device for raising urgent matters.
A 'No Confidence Motion' against the government can be moved in?
Correct Answer: B. Lok Sabha only
A motion of no confidence can be moved only in the Lok Sabha (under Article 75(3) the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha). If the motion is passed (by simple majority), the government must resign. In the Rajya Sabha, a censure motion can be moved against individual ministers but not a no-confidence motion against the entire government.
The Presiding Officer of the Rajya Sabha is called?
Correct Answer: B. Chairman
The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In his absence, the Deputy Chairman presides. The Chairman/Deputy Chairman is elected by Rajya Sabha members. The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha is elected by Rajya Sabha members, unlike the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha who is also elected by Lok Sabha members.
The President's Rule can be imposed under Article 356 when?
Correct Answer: B. The constitutional machinery in a state fails
Under Article 356, the President can issue a proclamation assuming to himself the functions of the state government when the constitutional machinery in a state has failed. The proclamation requires Parliamentary approval within two months by a simple majority. After the SR Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court held this power is subject to judicial review.
Parliament exercises financial control over the executive through?
Correct Answer: B. Annual Financial Statement and Demands for Grants
Parliament exercises financial control over the executive through the Annual Financial Statement (Budget), Demands for Grants, Appropriation Bills, and Finance Bills. The Public Accounts Committee and Estimates Committee help in scrutinizing public expenditure. No taxes can be levied and no money can be spent from the Consolidated Fund without Parliamentary approval.
The President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together called?
Correct Answer: C. Address under Article 87
Article 87 requires the President to address both Houses of Parliament assembled together at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each year. This Presidential address outlines the government's policy agenda. It is different from a joint sitting under Article 108 for resolving legislative deadlocks.
Under Article 108, a Joint Sitting of Parliament cannot be convened for?
Correct Answer: C. A Money Bill
Under Article 108, a joint sitting cannot be convened for a Money Bill (as Rajya Sabha has no power to reject it — it can only delay it for 14 days) or for a Constitutional Amendment Bill. A joint sitting is only for ordinary bills where there is a deadlock between the two Houses. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.