President, PM & Parliament — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. One-tenth of total membership

Under Article 100(3), the quorum of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) is one-tenth of the total membership of the House. Since Lok Sabha has 543 members, the quorum is approximately 55 members. If quorum is not present, the Speaker must adjourn the House or suspend the sitting.

Correct Answer: B. Reducing the amount in Demand for Grants

A 'Cut Motion' is a device to reduce the amount sought in a Demand for Grant by the government. There are three types: Disapproval of Policy Cut (reducing amount to Re 1), Economy Cut (reducing by a specific amount), and Token Cut (reducing by Rs 100 to ventilate a grievance). Cut Motions are votes of no-confidence in a specific grant.

Correct Answer: B. Appointing a Prime Minister when no party has clear majority

While the President usually acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, the President acts in personal discretion when no single party/coalition has a clear majority in Lok Sabha. In such situations, the President uses personal judgment to invite the leader most likely to command confidence to form the government. Other discretionary powers include accepting the PM's resignation.

Correct Answer: B. Article 312

Article 312 empowers the Rajya Sabha (by resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members present and voting) to create new All-India Services common to the Union and States, if it is in the national interest. This is a special power of the Rajya Sabha — the Lok Sabha cannot do this unilaterally. Existing All-India Services include IAS, IPS, and IFS.

Correct Answer: B. President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Article 79 provides that there shall be a Parliament of the Union consisting of the President and two Houses known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). The President is an integral part of Parliament even though the President does not sit in either House. Presidential assent is required for all bills to become law.

Correct Answer: B. A party official who ensures members vote according to party lines

A 'Whip' in Parliament refers to a directive issued by a political party to its members to vote in a particular way. It is also the title of a party official who issues such directives. When a three-line Whip is issued, members are required to attend and vote as directed — violation can lead to anti-defection proceedings under the Tenth Schedule.

Correct Answer: B. Article 280

The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under Article 280 every five years to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and the States and among the States themselves. It also recommends principles governing grants-in-aid to states. The 15th Finance Commission (2021-26) was chaired by N.K. Singh.

Correct Answer: B. Supreme Court under Article 143

Article 143 empowers the President to refer any question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion (Advisory Opinion). The Supreme Court may give its opinion after hearing, though the opinion is advisory and not binding on the President. This is known as the President's Reference.

Correct Answer: B. Article 324

Article 324 establishes the Election Commission of India and vests superintendence, direction and control of preparation of electoral rolls, and conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice President. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections.

Correct Answer: D. All three Defence Forces

Under Article 53, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union is vested in the President of India. However, the exercise of this supreme command is regulated by law. In practice, the President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) coordinates between the three services.