QUIZ – 2020: INSIGHTS STATIC QUIZ, 10 January 2020 – Polity

Solution: c)

The function of a constitution is to

• provide a set of basic rules that allow for minimal coordination amongst members of a society.
• specify who has the power to make decisions in a society. It decides how the government will be constituted.
• set some limits on what a government can impose on its citizens. These limits are fundamental in the sense that government may never trespass them.
• enable the government to fulfil the aspirations of a society and create conditions for a just society.
• ensure that a dominant group does not use its power against other less powerful people or groups. Every society is prone to this tyranny of the majority. The Constitution usually contains rules that ensure that minorities are not excluded from anything that is routinely available to the majority

A constitution does not always specify for a democracy. Syrian constitution is an example.

Solution: b)

The President is an integral part of the Parliament of India, and enjoys the following legislative powers.

• He can send messages to the Houses of Parliament, whether with respect to a bill pending in the Parliament or otherwise.
• He decides on questions as to disqualifications of members of the Parliament, in consultation with the Election Commission.
• He can make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. In the case of Puducherry also, the President can legislate by making regulations but only when the assembly is suspended or dissolved.

Solution: b)

The President has the veto power over the bills passed by the Parliament, that is, he can withhold his assent to the bills.

The President has veto power with respect to state legislation also. A bill passed by a state legislature can become an act only if it receives the assent of the governor or the President (in case the bill is reserved for the consideration of the President).

Solution: b)

Gram panchayat has a Secretary who is also the secretary of the Gram Sabah. This person is not an elected person but is appointed by the state government, to oversee panchayat activities. He is responsible for calling the meetings of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat and keep a record of the proceedings.

Solution: b)

All High courts in India have a territorial jurisdiction not confined to a single state. Union territories jurisdiction would come under different state’s high court.