Polity MCQs for Prelims – 24th June 2025

Welcome to today’s curated set of MCQs from the Polity segments, specially aligned with the evolving trend of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. These questions are not just a quiz, but a resource designed to familiarize you with the exact nature of questions asked in Prelims — where static concepts are tested through a current affairs lens.

Each question below is framed using recent developments in the news and backed by clear, concise explanations to help you link dynamic events with foundational knowledge. Topics covered today include: bypolls, removal of a judge, and more...

Use this as a daily revision tool to refine your understanding, build context, and learn how UPSC frames conceptual questions from contemporary issues.

 Click Here to read the Current Affairs Total (CAT) Magazine for January 2025- April 2025.

 

Question 1 Consider the following statements:

1.The qualifications for being elected as a speaker in Lok sabha has been specified in the Constitution of India.

2. When a resolution for the removal of the speaker is under consideration he cannot take part in the proceedings of the house.

3.The decision of the speaker on the question of money bill is final and is immune from any type of judicial review.

         How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. None

 Answer: d.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Incorrect.The Constitution does not prescribe special qualifications for being elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.It simply states (Article 93) that the House of the People shall choose two of its members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.So, general qualifications to be a Member of Parliament (MP) apply, but no separate qualifications for Speaker are given in the Constitution.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. As per Article 94(c) of the Constitution, the Speaker shall not preside when a resolution for his removal is under consideration.He can, however, participate in the proceedings of the House as a member, but cannot preside.
Statement 3 is Incorrect.While Article 110(3) says the Speaker’s decision is final on whether a bill is a Money Bill, the Supreme Court in cases like the Aadhaar judgment (2018) held that judicial review is possible in cases of gross constitutional violations.So, it is not fully immune from judicial review.

 

Question 2. Consider the following statements:

1.The number of times the parliament should meet in a year has been specified in the       constitution of India.

2.President summons each House of parliament to meet from time to time at such place and time as he/she thinks fit on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Article 85(1) of the Constitution does not specify a fixed number of sessions.It only says that six months should not elapse between two sessions of Parliament.In practice, there are usually three sessions (Budget, Monsoon, and Winter), but this is not mandated in the Constitution.
Statement 2 is Correct. According to Article 85(1), the President summons each House.However, this is done on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, as per the principle of parliamentary democracy.

Question 3. With respect to Union Budget ,consider the following statements:

1.Article 112 has clearly defined the term ‘Annual Financial Statement’ that deals with estimates of receipts and expenditure.

2.Expenditure charged on the Consolidated of India is votable by  both the houses of parliament and expenditure made from Consolidated of India can only be discussed by the Parliament.

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct. Article 112 of the Constitution refers to the Annual Financial Statement (AFS), which is the Union Budget.It provides estimates of receipts and expenditures of the Government of India for the financial year.So, this statement is correct.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. Expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India is not votable in Parliament. Example: Salaries of the President, Judges of the Supreme Court, etc.Parliament can discuss these expenditures, but cannot vote on them.In contrast, votable expenditure (also from the Consolidated Fund) requires approval through a vote.

 

Question 4. Consider the following statements regarding Parliamentary Committees:

1.The constitution of india has specific provisions regarding the composition, tenure, functions etc of parliamentary committees.

2. Comptroller and Auditor General of India acts as a guide and philosopher for all financial committees ensuring transparency and accountability of the government.

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 

 a.1 only

 b.2 only

 c.Both 1 and 2

 d.Neither 1 nor 2

 Answer: d

Explanation:

Parliamentary Committees are smaller groups of Members of Parliament (MPs) formed to handle specific tasks or examine issues in detail, which cannot be efficiently handled in full Parliament sessions.The Parliament is too large to discuss every issue in depth.
Committees allow for detailed examination, expert consultation, and non-partisan discussions.They help hold the government accountable.Types of Parliamentary Committees:Standing Committees (Permanent, work every year)These are reconstituted every year and deal with ongoing functions. Examples:Public Accounts Committee (PAC),
Estimates Committee,Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs).
Ad Hoc Committees (Temporary, for specific tasks):Formed for a specific purpose and disbanded after completing their task. Examples:Select Committee on a Bill,
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) (e.g., JPC on stock market scams).

Statement 1 is IncorrectThe Constitution does not lay down specific provisions for Parliamentary Committees like composition, tenure, or functions.These are provided by Parliamentary procedures, rules, and conventions, not the Constitution.Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Statement 2 is InCorrect The CAG plays a crucial role, especially with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).He assists by providing audit reports and helping committees scrutinize government spending.Though the phrase "guide and philosopher" is not a constitutional phrase, it is commonly used in practice to describe the CAG’s advisory role.But he doesn't act as a guide for other two financial committees-Estimates committee and Committee on Public Undertaking.Hence statement 2 is incorrect. 

Question 5. Which of the following are used as a device by the Parliament to keep the executive accountable to the legislature?

1. Question Hour

2. Calling Attention Motion

3. Motion of Thanks

4.Cut Motions   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. Only two
2. Only three
3. All four
4. None of the above   

Answer: c

Explanation : Parliament holds the executive accountable through questions, motions, committees, debates, and financial scrutiny—ensuring transparency, responsibility, and responsiveness in governance. Tools used by Parliament to hold the executive accountable are

 1. Question Hour:MPs ask ministers questions about government policies and performance.Direct form of executive accountability.
  2. Calling Attention Motion:MPs can call attention to a matter of urgent public importance.Minister must respond.Helps bring urgent issues to light and forces accountability.
3. Motion of Thanks:Moved after the President’s Address.MPs can debate government policies and criticize its performance.Allows discussion and evaluation of executive actions.
 4. Cut Motions:Moved during budget discussions to reduce or eliminate allocations.If passed, it’s a direct challenge to the government's financial decisions.
All four are valid parliamentary devices to hold the executive accountable.

Some other tools that ensure accountability of executive to parliament are: Adjournment Motion,No-Confidence Motion,No-Confidence Motion, Parliamentary Committees, Censure Motion, Discussions & Debates.

Question 6. Who among the following decides the date of election of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha?

a. President

b. Speaker of the House

c. Prime Minister

d. Leader of Opposition

Answer: b    

Explanation: 

According to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the Speaker decides the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker.Although Article 93 of the Constitution provides for the post of Deputy Speaker, it does not fix a timeline or specify who sets the date.In practice, once a new Lok Sabha is formed, the Speaker schedules the election of the Deputy Speaker.

 

Question 7.Which of the following committee has recommended the constitution of the Estimates Committee?

a. Krishna Menon Committee

b.Gadgil committee

c. Justice Rohini Committee

d. John Mithai Committee  

Answer: d. 

Explanation: The Estimates Committee was recommended by the John Matthai Committee in 1950.This committee was established to reorganize the financial administration of India.Based on its recommendations, the Estimates Committee was constituted to:Examine whether money is well spent.Suggest economies and efficiency in expenditure.Recommend alternative policies for better governance.
 Krishna Menon Committee – Related to defense and foreign affairs, not financial. 

Gadgil Committee – Known for work on drought-prone areas and planning.

Justice Rohini Committee – Concerned with OBC sub-categorization.

Question 8.Which type of majority is required to clear a dead lock in a joint sitting?

a. Simple Majority

b. Effective Majority

c. Absolute Majority

d. Special Majority

Answer: a

Explanation: Under Article 108 of the Indian Constitution, if there is a deadlock between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over an ordinary bill, the President can summon a Joint Sitting of both Houses to resolve the issue.A deadlock between the two Houses arises when:Rajya Sabha rejects a bill passed by the Lok Sabha,Rajya Sabha doesn’t act on the bill for more than 6 months, or The two Houses disagree on the amendments to be made in the bill.
 Note: This is applicable only to ordinary bills, not money bills or constitutional amendment bills.In this joint sitting, members of both Houses vote together.
A Simple Majority, i.e., more than 50% of members present and voting, is enough to pass the bill.

Effective Majority = More than 50% of the effective strength (total strength minus vacancies). Not applicable here.
Absolute Majority = More than 50% of the total membership. Not needed for joint sitting.
Special Majority = Used for Constitutional Amendments, impeachment, etc., not for joint sittings.

Question 9. Which of the following is Article deals with the exclusive privilege of Rajya Sabha?

a. Article 312

b. Article 112

c. Article 110

d. Article 275 

Answer: a

Explanation: Article 312 of the Indian Constitution deals with the exclusive power of the Rajya Sabha to authorize the creation of new All India Services.If the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of members present and voting, stating that it is necessary in the national interest to create one or more All India Services, then:Parliament can create such services (e.g., Indian Forest Service, Indian Engineering Service).This power is exclusive to Rajya Sabha — the Lok Sabha has no role in passing this resolution.This makes Article 312 a special privilege of the Rajya Sabha.

 Other Options:Article 112 – Refers to the Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget).
Article 110 – Defines a Money Bill (decision rests with the Speaker, not RS).
Article 275 – Deals with grants-in-aid from the Centre to states.

Question 10. Who among the following decides the disqualification of members of parliament under anti defection law?

a. Speaker of the House

b. President

c. Election Commission

d. Supreme Court

Answer: a

Explanation: Under the Anti-Defection Law, which is governed by the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution:The authority to decide on disqualification of a Member of Parliament (MP) on grounds of defection lies with the Presiding Officer of the House:For Lok Sabha: The SpeakerFor Rajya Sabha: The Chairman (Vice President). So, the Speaker of the House decides if a member should be disqualified for defection in the Lok Sabha.However, the Speaker’s decision is not final:It can be challenged in the courts.In the Kihoto Hollohan case (1992), the Supreme Court ruled that the Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review.
 President – Has no role in anti-defection cases.
 Election Commission – Deals with disqualification under Representation of the  PeopleAct, not the Anti-Defection Law.                                                                            

Supreme Court – Can review the Speaker’s decision, but does not decide the disqualification in the first instance.