Parliament

1.Organisation of Parliament

• Parts of Parliament and Its Constitutional BasisImportance 4/5UPSC 1997, 2012
  Which Part and which Articles of the Constitution deal with Parliament? Remember its three parts, the year the Hindi names of the two Houses were adopted, and the other names for each House. Understand whom each House represents.
• President as an Integral Part of ParliamentImportance 5/5UPSC 1997
  The President is not a member of either House and does not attend its meetings. Why is the President still an integral part of Parliament? Remember the functions the President performs in relation to Parliament.
• British and American Patterns ComparedImportance 3/5
  In making the President a part of Parliament, did the framers follow the British or the American pattern, and why? Distinguish how the legislature is made up in Britain and in the USA. Understand how "President-in-Parliament" and "Crown-in-Parliament" differ from the idea of separation of powers, and what the label "Westminster" means.

2.Composition of the Two Houses

• Maximum and Present Strength of Rajya SabhaImportance 5/5
  Remember the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha and how it divides into elected and nominated members. Remember the present strength and its split between states, Union Territories and nominated members. Which Schedule allocates the seats?
• Representation of States in Rajya SabhaImportance 5/5UPSC 1995, 2001, 2004
  Who elects the representatives of the states, and by which voting system? Understand how seats are allotted among states, with the examples of the largest and smallest share. How does this differ from the equal representation of states in the US Senate?
• Representation of Union Territories in Rajya SabhaImportance 4/5UPSC 2012
  Remember how members from Union Territories are elected and by which voting system. Which Union Territories have seats in Rajya Sabha?
• Nominated Members of Rajya SabhaImportance 5/5UPSC 2003
  How many members does the President nominate, and from which fields? Understand the reason for having nominated members. How does the US Senate differ on this point?
• Maximum and Present Strength of Lok SabhaImportance 5/5UPSC 2003
  Remember the maximum strength of Lok Sabha and how it divides between states and Union Territories. Also remember the present strength and split, and the total number of seats reserved for SCs and STs.
• Representation of States in Lok SabhaImportance 4/5
  Understand how state members are chosen: direct election from territorial constituencies on the basis of universal adult franchise. Remember the old and new voting age and the Amendment that changed it.
• Representation of Union Territories in Lok SabhaImportance 3/5
  Who decides how Lok Sabha members from Union Territories are chosen? Remember the Act passed for this purpose and the year.
• Anglo-Indian Nominated Members of Lok SabhaImportance 4/5UPSC 2003
  Understand the former provision for nominating Anglo-Indian members: how many, and on what condition. Remember its original period, the last extension, and the Amendment that ended it, with the date. Also know how "Anglo-Indian" is defined.

3.System of Elections to Lok Sabha

• Allocation of Seats and Territorial ConstituenciesImportance 4/5
  The Constitution provides for uniform representation in two ways. Understand the rule that applies between states and the rule that applies within a state. For which states does the first rule not apply? What does "population" mean here?
• Readjustment After Each CensusImportance 5/5UPSC 2024
  What is readjusted after every census, and who decides how? Remember the years of the Delimitation Commission Acts. What did the 42nd and 84th Amendments freeze, why, and until which census (Article 82)? Understand how the 84th and 87th Amendments let constituencies be redrawn on the 1991 and then the 2001 census, without changing any state's seats. Also know what happened to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to lift the freeze.
• Reservation of Seats for SCs and STsImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  On what basis are seats reserved for SCs and STs? Remember the original period of reservation, how it has been extended, and the year it now ends. Do only SC and ST voters elect these seats? Know how the 84th and 87th Amendments refixed the reserved seats. Which Amendment reserves one-third of Lok Sabha seats for women? How does this reservation for women apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs, and when does it take effect?
• First-Past-the-Post SystemImportance 4/5UPSC 1997, 2017
  Understand territorial representation: what a single-member constituency is and how a winner is declared. Why does this system fail to give minorities their due representation?
• Proportional Representation and Its Use in IndiaImportance 4/5UPSC 1997
  What does proportional representation aim to achieve? Remember its two kinds. Which elections in India use the single transferable vote?
• Why Proportional Representation Was Not Adopted for Lok SabhaImportance 3/5UPSC 1997
  Be able to explain the two reasons for not adopting proportional representation for Lok Sabha. Also remember its five other demerits.

4.Duration of Two Houses

• Duration of Rajya Sabha and Retirement of MembersImportance 5/5
  Rajya Sabha is called a continuing chamber. Understand what this means, and remember the year it was first constituted. What fraction of members retire at regular intervals, and how are their seats filled? Can retiring members return?
• Term of Office of Rajya Sabha MembersImportance 4/5
  Is the term of a Rajya Sabha member fixed by the Constitution or by law? Remember the term and the Act that sets it. Understand how the first batch to retire was decided, and what the President's Order of 1952 dealt with.
• Term and Dissolution of Lok SabhaImportance 5/5UPSC 2004
  From when does the normal term of Lok Sabha run, and for how long? Understand the President's power to dissolve it early, and whether a court can question this. Know some Lok Sabhas that were dissolved early.
• Extension of Lok Sabha's Term During National EmergencyImportance 4/5UPSC 2002
  Remember how much the term can be extended at a time and the limit after the emergency ends. Know the one case where this was used: the extensions of the Fifth Lok Sabha and its dissolution.

5.Membership of Parliament

• Constitutional Qualifications for MembershipImportance 5/5UPSC 2017
  Remember the four qualifications the Constitution lays down, including the minimum age for each House and the oath made before a person authorised by the Election Commission. Be clear how this oath differs from the one taken on entering the House.
• Additional Qualifications Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951Importance 4/5UPSC 2017
  What must a candidate be registered as? Remember the change made in 2003 for Rajya Sabha candidates and the Supreme Court's ruling on it in 2006. Can an SC or ST member contest an unreserved seat?
• Constitutional Grounds of DisqualificationImportance 5/5UPSC 2019
  What are the five grounds of disqualification in the Constitution? Understand the exceptions to the office of profit rule: who and what is exempt.
• Disqualifications Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951Importance 4/5UPSC 2020
  Remember the eight additional grounds, including the imprisonment threshold and the government shareholding figure. Is detention under a preventive detention law a ground of disqualification? From when does a sitting member's conviction lead to disqualification, and what did the Supreme Court rule in Lily Thomas (2013)?
• Deciding Questions of DisqualificationImportance 4/5UPSC 2025
  Who decides whether a member is disqualified, and whose opinion must that authority follow? Be clear how defection cases are handled differently.
• Disqualification on Ground of DefectionImportance 5/5
  Remember the four grounds of defection under the Tenth Schedule, including the six-month rule for nominated members. Who decides in each House? What did the Supreme Court rule in Kihoto Hollohan (1992) about judicial review?
• Double MembershipImportance 4/5
  Remember what happens, and within how many days, when a person is elected to both Houses, or to two seats in one House. What is the rule when a person is elected to both Parliament and a state legislature, and where does that rule come from?
• Vacation by Disqualification, Resignation and AbsenceImportance 4/5
  Understand how a seat falls vacant in each of these three cases. To whom does a member resign, and when can the resignation be refused? Remember the period of absence that leads to vacancy and the periods left out in counting it.
• Other Cases of Vacation and Election of a Disqualified PersonImportance 3/5
  Remember the four other cases in which a seat is vacated. If a disqualified person is elected, which court can declare the election void, and where does the appeal go?
• Oath or Affirmation of MembersImportance 3/5UPSC 1997
  Remember the three parts of the oath and before whom it is made. Understand what a member cannot do until it is taken. Learn the daily penalty and the three conditions in which it applies.
• Salaries, Allowances and Pension of MembersImportance 3/5
  Who fixes the salaries and allowances of members? Does the Constitution provide for a pension, and when did pension begin? Remember the Act of 1954 that governs this. What did the 2018 revision change about how pay is revised? Know that the figures have been revised again since then.
• Salaries and Allowances of Officers of ParliamentImportance 2/5
  Know who counts as an Officer of Parliament under the Act of 1953. Understand why their pay is not put to the annual vote of Parliament.

6.Presiding Officers of Parliament

• Election and Tenure of the SpeakerImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  Who fixes the date of the Speaker's election? Remember the three ways the Speaker can leave office early, and to whom the Speaker resigns. Does the Speaker leave office when Lok Sabha is dissolved? Know the first Speaker and the present one.
• Removal of the SpeakerImportance 5/5UPSC 2024, 2025
  Remember the majority needed to remove the Speaker, the notice period and the minimum support for the motion. While the removal resolution is being considered, what can the Speaker do and not do? Be clear about how the Speaker's vote works at that time.
• Sources of the Speaker's PowersImportance 3/5
  From which three sources does the Speaker draw powers and duties? Understand why the Speaker is described as the head and guardian of the House.
• Role, Powers and Functions of the SpeakerImportance 5/5UPSC 2000
  Learn the Speaker's main powers and duties, especially the casting vote, presiding over a joint sitting, certifying money bills and deciding defection cases. Also know the bodies the Speaker heads and the committees the Speaker chairs.
• Independence and Impartiality of the SpeakerImportance 4/5UPSC 2003, 2025
  Remember the six provisions that protect the Speaker's independence, including security of tenure. Also know the Speaker's rank in the order of precedence (sixth, shared with the Chief Justice of India). How does the British Speaker's position differ from Indian practice? Understand V.V. Giri's view on why impartiality matters.
• Election, Tenure and Removal of the Deputy SpeakerImportance 4/5UPSC 2017, 2022
  Who fixes the date of the Deputy Speaker's election, and how does this differ from the Speaker's? Remember the three ways of leaving office early and to whom the Deputy Speaker resigns.
• Role and Position of the Deputy SpeakerImportance 4/5UPSC 2022
  When does the Deputy Speaker act as Speaker? Understand why the Deputy Speaker is not subordinate to the Speaker, and what special privilege the post carries on committees. How does the Deputy Speaker's vote differ when presiding and when not presiding? Remember the usual convention on which side holds the post, and whether the Deputy Speaker takes a separate oath on assuming office. Has the post been filled in recent Lok Sabhas, and what do the words "as soon as may be" in Article 93 require?
• Origin of the Offices of Speaker and Deputy SpeakerImportance 4/5UPSC 2007
  Under which Act and in which year did these offices begin, and what were they first called? Remember the first holders in the central legislature and the first elected Indian Speaker. How did the Act of 1935 change the names? Who were the first Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha?
• Panel of Chairpersons of Lok SabhaImportance 3/5
  Who nominates the panel and what is the limit on its size? Understand why a panel member cannot preside when the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are both vacant, and who performs the Speaker's duties then.
• Speaker Pro TemImportance 4/5
  Why is a Speaker Pro Tem needed? Remember who appoints and swears in the holder, who is usually chosen, and the main duties. When does the office end? Know the example from the Thirteenth Lok Sabha in 1999.
• Vice-President as Chairman of Rajya SabhaImportance 4/5
  Understand the link between the Vice-President and the office of Chairman. What happens to the Chairman's duties and pay when the Vice-President acts as President? How can the Chairman be removed?
• Chairman and Speaker ComparedImportance 5/5
  Which two powers of the Speaker does the Chairman lack? Be clear about the difference between them on membership of the House, and on voting while a removal resolution is under consideration.
• Deputy Chairman of Rajya SabhaImportance 4/5UPSC 2004, 2013
  Remember how the Deputy Chairman is elected, the three ways of leaving office, and to whom he or she resigns. When does the Deputy Chairman act as Chairman? Understand why the post is not subordinate to the Chairman and how the Deputy Chairman votes.
• Panel of Vice-Chairpersons of Rajya SabhaImportance 2/5
  Who nominates this panel, and what powers does a member have when presiding? Know when a panel member cannot preside.
• Secretariat of ParliamentImportance 2/5
  Who heads the secretariat of each House, and who appoints that officer? Know who regulates the staff.

7.Leaders in Parliament

• Leader of the HouseImportance 4/5
  Who is the Leader of the House in Lok Sabha and in Rajya Sabha? Know where the office is mentioned and what the same post is called in the USA.
• Leader of the OppositionImportance 5/5UPSC 2018
  What are the main functions of the Leader of the Opposition? Remember the Act of 1977 that gave the office statutory recognition, the status it carries, and the year of first recognition. Understand how the Leader is defined and what happens when two parties tie. Also know the strength a party needs for its leader to be recognised as Leader of the Opposition. Under whose directions is this strength laid down?
• Shadow Cabinet in BritainImportance 3/5
  Understand what the shadow cabinet is in Britain and what it does. Who described the Leader of the Opposition as the "alternative Prime Minister"?
• Whips and the Chief WhipImportance 4/5
  Is the office of whip based on the Constitution, the Rules or convention? Remember the functions of a whip. Who holds the post of government Chief Whip in each House, and what are the Chief Whip's duties?
• Recognised Parties and Groups in ParliamentImportance 2/5
  Remember the Act of 1998 and the facilities it gives. What minimum strength makes a party, and what makes a group, recognised in each House?

8.Sessions of Parliament

• Summoning and the Sessions of ParliamentImportance 5/5UPSC 2020
  Who summons the Houses, and what is the longest gap allowed between two sessions? Remember the three usual sessions and their months. Distinguish a session from a recess.
• Adjournment and Adjournment Sine DieImportance 4/5UPSC 2004
  Remember the ways a sitting can come to an end. How does adjournment differ from adjournment sine die? Who has these powers, and can that officer call the House back?
• Prorogation and How It Differs from AdjournmentImportance 5/5UPSC 2004, 2016, 2024
  Who prorogues a House, and when does this follow adjournment sine die? Be clear about what each of adjournment and prorogation ends, who does it, and what happens to pending bills and notices. How does Britain differ on bills?
• Dissolution of Lok SabhaImportance 4/5UPSC 2024
  Which House can be dissolved? Understand the two ways dissolution happens and how it differs from prorogation. Can a dissolution be undone?
• Lapsing of Bills on DissolutionImportance 5/5UPSC 2016, 2024
  What business lapses when Lok Sabha is dissolved, and what does not? Understand the six rules on which bills lapse and which survive, and the exception for assurances.
• QuorumImportance 4/5
  What fraction of members forms the quorum, and does it count the presiding officer? Remember the numbers for each House. What must the presiding officer do when there is no quorum?
• Voting in the HouseImportance 4/5
  By what majority are most questions decided, and is the presiding officer counted? When does the presiding officer vote? Understand why proceedings remain valid despite a vacancy or unauthorised voting. Follow the steps from voice vote to division in Lok Sabha.
• Methods of Voting in Lok SabhaImportance 2/5
  Know the methods used for voting in Lok Sabha. Remember the three ways of holding a division and which one is now obsolete. When are slips and a physical count used?
• Language in ParliamentImportance 3/5
  Which languages does the Constitution allow for business in Parliament? Can a member speak in the mother tongue? What was to happen to English after fifteen years, and what did the Official Languages Act, 1963 do?
• Rights of Ministers and Attorney GeneralImportance 4/5UPSC 2013
  Where can a minister or the Attorney General speak and take part, and can they vote? Understand the two reasons for this right, including the case of a minister who is not a member of either House.
• Lame-Duck SessionImportance 3/5
  What is a lame-duck session? Remember the years in which such sessions were held and their purpose. Why was there none for the Third Lok Sabha?

9.Types of Majority

• Simple MajorityImportance 5/5UPSC 2015
  What is a simple majority, and by what other names is it known? Understand the rule of Article 100. Remember the cases where a simple majority is enough, with their Articles.
• Effective MajorityImportance 5/5
  Understand how an effective majority is worked out when some seats are vacant, using the examples for each House. What phrase does the Constitution use for it? Remember the three cases of removal that need it.
• Absolute MajorityImportance 4/5
  How does an absolute majority differ from an effective majority? Remember the figures for each House. Does the Constitution require it by itself anywhere, and where does it appear?
• Special Majority-IImportance 5/5
  Understand the two-part test of this majority. Remember the seven cases where it is needed, with their Articles.
• Special Majority-IIImportance 4/5
  How does this majority differ from Special Majority-I on whose numbers are counted? Remember the case where it applies, with its Article.
• Special Majority-IIIImportance 4/5
  Which House uses this majority, and what is the test? Remember the two cases where it applies, with their Articles.

10.Devices of Parliamentary Proceedings

• Question Hour and Kinds of QuestionsImportance 5/5UPSC 2017, 2026
  When is question hour held in Lok Sabha, and how does the timing in Rajya Sabha differ? Distinguish starred, unstarred and short notice questions, including the form of answer, supplementary questions and the notice period.
• Questions to Private MembersImportance 2/5
  When can a question be put to a private member? Know the colour used to print each kind of question list.
• Zero HourImportance 5/5
  Is zero hour mentioned in the Rules of Procedure? Remember when it takes place in each House, and since when it has existed. Understand why it is called an Indian innovation.
• Principal Categories of MotionsImportance 4/5
  Whose consent is needed before a matter can be discussed on a motion? Distinguish substantive, substitute and subsidiary motions. Remember the three kinds of subsidiary motion.
• Closure Motion and Its KindsImportance 4/5
  What is the purpose of a closure motion? Distinguish simple closure, closure by compartments, kangaroo closure and guillotine closure.
• Privilege MotionImportance 3/5
  Against whom is a privilege motion moved, and on what grounds? Understand its purpose.
• Calling Attention MotionImportance 4/5
  What is a calling attention motion meant to do? Remember the year it began. Is it mentioned in the Rules of Procedure?
• Adjournment MotionImportance 5/5UPSC 2012, 2017
  What is the purpose of an adjournment motion, and how many members must support it? Why is Rajya Sabha not allowed to use it? Remember the minimum discussion time and the seven restrictions on moving it.
• No-Confidence MotionImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  Understand how Article 75 on collective responsibility gives rise to this motion. How many members must support it for admission?
• Confidence MotionImportance 3/5
  Why did the confidence motion come up as a new device? Understand who moves it and what follows if it is defeated.
• Censure Motion and No-Confidence Motion ComparedImportance 5/5UPSC 2004
  Be clear about the four differences between a censure motion and a no-confidence motion: reasons, who it can be moved against, purpose, and effect if passed.
• Motion of ThanksImportance 4/5
  On which occasions does the President address Parliament under Article 87? Which British practice does this address correspond to? Understand what happens if the Motion of Thanks is not passed in Lok Sabha, and how the debate is used.
• No-Day-Yet-Named MotionImportance 2/5
  What is a no-day-yet-named motion? Who allots time for its discussion, and in consultation with whom?
• Dilatory MotionImportance 2/5
  What is the purpose of a dilatory motion? Remember when it can be moved and what the Speaker can do if it is an abuse of the rules.
• Point of OrderImportance 3/5
  Remember what a point of order may relate to and who usually raises it. Understand why it is called an extraordinary device and why no debate is allowed on it.
• Half-an-Hour DiscussionImportance 3/5
  For what kind of matter is this discussion meant? Remember how many days a week the Speaker can allot, and that there is no motion or vote.
• Short Duration DiscussionImportance 3/5
  By what other name is it known? Remember the time limit, the days a week the Speaker can allot, and the year it began. How does it differ from a motion?
• Special MentionImportance 3/5
  What kind of matter can be raised by special mention in Rajya Sabha? What is the equivalent device in Lok Sabha?
• Nature and Objectives of ResolutionsImportance 3/5
  Understand what a resolution is and why every resolution is a substantive motion. Can the mover withdraw it freely? Remember the four objectives of a resolution.
• Kinds of ResolutionsImportance 3/5
  Distinguish private member's, government and statutory resolutions. Remember when private members' resolutions are taken up and the three kinds of government resolution.
• Resolutions and Motions DistinguishedImportance 3/5
  Is every resolution a motion, and is every motion a resolution? Understand the difference between the two as one of procedure rather than content.
• Youth Parliament SchemeImportance 2/5
  On whose recommendation was the scheme started? Remember its three objectives and the part the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs plays.

11.Legislative Procedure in Parliament

• Public Bills and Private BillsImportance 5/5UPSC 2017
  Distinguish a public bill from a private bill on introduction, policy, chance of approval, effect of rejection, notice and drafting. Understand that both follow the same general procedure.
• Classification of Bills by ContentImportance 2/5
  Remember the nine kinds of bill when classified by their content.
• Four Types of Bills by ProcedureImportance 4/5UPSC 2003
  Remember the four types of bill classified by the procedure for passing them, and the matters each deals with. Understand that the Constitution lays down a separate procedure for each.
• First ReadingImportance 3/5
  What happens at first reading, and who may introduce an ordinary bill? When is the leave of the House not needed?
• Second Reading and Its StagesImportance 4/5
  Why is second reading the most important stage? Remember its three sub-stages. What four actions can the House take at the general discussion? Understand what happens at the committee stage and the consideration stage.
• Third ReadingImportance 3/5
  What is debated at third reading, and are amendments allowed? Remember the majority needed, and what happens after the bill is passed.
• Bill in the Second HouseImportance 4/5
  Remember the four alternatives before the second House. What does a deadlock between the two Houses mean for the bill?
• Assent of the PresidentImportance 5/5UPSC 2000
  What three options does the President have, and what follows from each? Why is the President's power called a "suspensive veto"?
• Definition of a Money BillImportance 5/5UPSC 2018
  What does Article 110 say makes a bill a money bill? Understand the importance of the word "only". Remember the seven matters it covers and the three things that do not make a bill a money bill.
• Speaker's Certification of Money BillsImportance 5/5UPSC 2000
  Who decides whether a bill is a money bill? Can a court review the Speaker's certificate, and on what grounds? Know the Supreme Court's 2019 ruling in Rojer Mathew and the reference of the money-bill question to a larger bench. Remember the certificate the Speaker endorses on the bill.
• Special Procedure for Money BillsImportance 5/5UPSC 7 Years
  Where can a money bill be introduced, on whose recommendation, and by whom? What can Rajya Sabha do with it, within what time, and what happens if it does not return the bill? Remember the President's options.
• Ordinary Bill and Money Bill ComparedImportance 4/5UPSC 2011
  Be clear about the main differences between the two on introduction, the President's recommendation, Rajya Sabha's powers and time, the Speaker's certificate, joint sitting, the effect of defeat, and the President's options.
• Meaning and Kinds of Financial BillsImportance 4/5UPSC 2023
  Remember the three kinds of financial bill and their Articles. Understand how money bills relate to financial bills: are all money bills financial bills, and are all financial bills money bills?
• Financial Bills (I)Importance 4/5
  What does a Financial Bill (I) contain? In which two ways is it like a money bill? Understand how it is otherwise treated, including the amendment rule and joint sittings.
• Financial Bills (II)Importance 4/5
  What does a Financial Bill (II) contain? Where can it be introduced? Understand at which stage the President's recommendation is needed and at which it is not.

12.Joint Sitting of Two Houses

• Deadlock Situations and Bills Eligible for a Joint SittingImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  In which three situations is a deadlock deemed to occur? To which bills does a joint sitting apply, and to which does it not? Understand the reason for each exclusion.
• Six-Month Period, Lapse and DissolutionImportance 4/5UPSC 2024
  How is the six-month period counted, and which periods are left out? Be clear about the position of a bill that has lapsed on dissolution as against one where the joint sitting was notified before dissolution. What can the Houses do once the President has notified the joint sitting?
• Presiding, Quorum and Rules of a Joint SittingImportance 5/5
  Who presides at a joint sitting, and in what order? Why does the Chairman of Rajya Sabha not preside? Remember the quorum and whose rules apply.
• Passing a Bill and Amendments at a Joint SittingImportance 4/5UPSC 2015
  What majority is needed to pass the bill? Remember the two kinds of amendment that may be proposed. Understand when the larger numbers of Lok Sabha may still not decide the outcome.
• Joint Sittings Held So FarImportance 5/5UPSC 2003
  How many times has a joint sitting been held? Remember the bills passed at these sittings and the years the sittings were held.

13.Budget in Parliament

• Budget as the Annual Financial StatementImportance 5/5UPSC 2024
  Does the Constitution use the word "budget"? Remember the term it uses and the Article that deals with it. Know the financial year and the five things the budget contains.
• Separation and Merger of the Railway BudgetImportance 4/5
  On whose recommendation, and in which year, was the Railway Budget separated from the General Budget? Remember the four objectives of the separation and the year of the merger.
• Constitutional Provisions on the BudgetImportance 5/5UPSC 2012, 2024
  Remember what Articles 112 to 117 and Article 265 provide about the budget. Understand the limits on reducing and increasing demands for grants (Article 113). For an amendment to a tax proposal, when is the President's recommendation needed and when is it not (Article 117)?
• Roles of the Two Houses in the BudgetImportance 4/5UPSC 2015
  Understand the limits on Rajya Sabha in budget matters: introduction of bills, voting on demands for grants, and the time for returning a money bill.
• Charged ExpenditureImportance 5/5
  How does expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India differ from expenditure made from it? Which items are charged? Remember the ten heads.
• Six Stages of the BudgetImportance 4/5
  Remember the six stages through which the budget passes in Parliament, in order.
• Presentation of the BudgetImportance 4/5
  Who presents the budget, and what are the old and new dates of presentation? Remember the rules on presenting it in parts, on discussion that day, and on laying it in Rajya Sabha. Know the main budget documents, including the FRBM statements, and when the Economic Survey is presented.
• General Discussion on the BudgetImportance 3/5
  How long does the general discussion last, and what can be discussed? Understand what is not allowed at this stage.
• Scrutiny by Departmental CommitteesImportance 3/5
  What do the departmental standing committees do with the demands for grants? Remember how many there are, and the years they were set up and expanded.
• Voting on Demands for GrantsImportance 4/5
  When does a demand become a grant? Remember which House votes on demands and how they are presented. Which part of the budget is not voted?
• Cut MotionsImportance 5/5UPSC 2012, 2020
  Distinguish policy, economy and token cut motions and the amount each proposes to cut. Remember the eight conditions for admitting a cut motion. Understand why cut motions matter, and why they have little use in practice.
• GuillotineImportance 4/5
  What is the guillotine in the budget process? Understand how its use affects financial control.
• Appropriation BillImportance 5/5UPSC 2004, 2011, 2012
  What does the Appropriation Bill provide for, and what does it cover? Which amendments are not allowed? Understand why money cannot be withdrawn until the Appropriation Act is passed.
• Vote on Account and Interim BudgetImportance 5/5UPSC 2012
  Why is a Vote on Account needed? Remember its usual duration and share of the estimates, and the longer period in an election year. How do the Vote on Account and the Interim Budget work after the 2017 change in the budget date?
• Finance BillImportance 4/5UPSC 2004, 2012
  What is a Finance Bill, and what conditions apply to it? How do the amendments allowed differ from those on the Appropriation Bill? Remember the time limit under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, 1931.
• Supplementary, Additional and Excess GrantsImportance 4/5UPSC 2012
  Distinguish when each of these three grants is made. Which committee must approve demands for excess grants before the vote?
• Vote of Credit, Exceptional Grant and Token GrantImportance 4/5
  Distinguish the purpose of these three grants. Understand what reappropriation means, and why a vote of credit is called a "blank cheque".
• Consolidated Fund of IndiaImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  Which Article provides for it? What three kinds of receipts are credited to it? Understand the rule on withdrawing money from it.
• Public Account of IndiaImportance 5/5UPSC 2011, 2015
  What goes into the Public Account? Distinguish how it is operated from how the Consolidated Fund is operated.
• Contingency Fund of IndiaImportance 5/5UPSC 2011
  Remember the Article and the Act of 1950 behind this fund. Who controls it and who holds it? Understand how advances are made from it.

14.Multifunctional Role of Parliament

• Legislative Powers and FunctionsImportance 5/5
  Remember Parliament's powers over the Union, Concurrent and State Lists and over residuary subjects. In which five circumstances can Parliament make laws on State List subjects? Know the time limit for approving ordinances, and what delegated legislation means.
• Executive Powers and FunctionsImportance 5/5UPSC 2001, 2017
  Which devices and committees does Parliament use to control the executive? Understand collective and individual responsibility of ministers. Remember the five ways in which Lok Sabha can show lack of confidence.
• Financial Powers and FunctionsImportance 4/5
  Distinguish budgetary control from post-budgetary control. Which committees carry out the second? Understand the rule of lapse and the "March rush" that follows from it.
• Constituent Powers and FunctionsImportance 5/5
  Remember the three ways in which Parliament can amend the Constitution. Who alone can start the process of amendment under Article 368? Can a state legislature start it? Understand how the Article 169 procedure for a legislative council works, and why it is not treated as an amendment under Article 368. Understand how the basic structure limits this power, and what Kesavananda Bharati (1973) decided.
• Judicial Powers and FunctionsImportance 3/5
  Remember Parliament's judicial roles: impeachment, removal, recommending removal of certain office-holders, and punishing for breach of privilege.
• Electoral Powers and FunctionsImportance 3/5
  In which elections does Parliament take part? Which officers do the Houses elect? Remember the Acts Parliament has made to regulate elections.
• Other Powers and FunctionsImportance 2/5
  Remember the five further functions of Parliament, such as its role in emergencies, state legislative councils, state boundaries and the courts.

15.Ineffectiveness of Parliamentary Control

• Factors Weakening Parliamentary ControlImportance 4/5
  Be able to explain why Parliament's control over the executive is weaker in practice than in theory. Cover the eleven factors, grouped as limits of capacity, executive dominance, weak financial and law-making control, and political behaviour.

16.Position of Rajya Sabha

• Equal Status with Lok SabhaImportance 5/5UPSC 2020
  In which eleven matters is Rajya Sabha equal to Lok Sabha? Understand the two points that need care: the removal of the Vice-President, and the responsibility of ministers.
• Unequal Status with Lok SabhaImportance 5/5UPSC 2015, 2020, 2022
  In which ten matters is Rajya Sabha weaker than Lok Sabha? Understand the joint sitting exception, where Lok Sabha's larger numbers may not win.
• Special Powers of Rajya SabhaImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  Which four powers does Rajya Sabha have that Lok Sabha does not? Remember the Article behind each of them. Understand the case of approving a proclamation of emergency, and what the reconstituted Lok Sabha must then do and within what time.
• Overall Position and Utility of Rajya SabhaImportance 4/5
  How does Rajya Sabha compare with the House of Lords and the US Senate? Be able to explain the three grounds on which its usefulness is supported.

17.Parliamentary Privileges

• Meaning of Parliamentary Privileges and Who Enjoys ThemImportance 5/5
  What are parliamentary privileges and why are they needed? Understand who enjoys them besides members, and who does not.
• Collective PrivilegesImportance 5/5
  Remember the eight privileges that each House enjoys collectively. Understand the position of press reports of proceedings after the 44th Amendment, and the exception for secret sittings. Know the examples of punishment for contempt.
• Individual PrivilegesImportance 5/5
  Understand the privilege of freedom from arrest: for how long, and in which cases. Is freedom of speech unlimited? Does the immunity for speech and votes cover bribery, and what did the Supreme Court rule in Sita Soren (2024)? Remember the exemptions from jury service and from appearing as a witness.
• Breach of Privilege and Contempt of the HouseImportance 4/5
  Are breach of privilege and contempt of the House the same thing? Understand each term and why one is not always the other, using the example of disobeying a legitimate order of the House.
• Sources of PrivilegesImportance 4/5
  Which two privileges did Article 105 originally mention, and how did it treat the others? What did the 44th Amendment change, and did it change anything in substance? Remember the five sources of privileges, since Parliament has not codified them.

18.Sovereignty of Parliament

• British Doctrine of Sovereignty of ParliamentImportance 4/5
  What does the doctrine mean? Remember Dicey's three implications and De Lolme's well-known remark on the British Parliament's power.
• Factors Limiting the Sovereignty of Indian ParliamentImportance 5/5UPSC 2021
  Be able to explain the four factors that limit the Indian Parliament's sovereignty. How does each contrast with Britain? In what way is the Indian Parliament similar to the US Congress?

1. 1.

   Consider the following statements:
   1. Parliament consists of the President, the Council of States and the House of the People.
   2. The Hindi names 'Rajya Sabha' and 'Lok Sabha' were adopted in 1954.
   3. Like the American President, the Indian President is not an integral part of the legislature.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
2. 2.

   Consider the following statements about the Rajya Sabha:
   1. Its maximum strength is fixed at 250.
   2. Twelve of its members are nominated by the President.
   3. The Fourth Schedule deals with the allocation of its seats to the states and union territories.
   4. Only three union territories are represented in it.
   How many of the above statements are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. COnly three
   4. DAll four
3. 3.

   Consider the following statements:
   Statement-I: The President nominates members to the Rajya Sabha to give eminent persons a place in it without going through an election.
   Statement-II: The American Senate has no nominated members.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
   4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
4. 4.

   Consider the following statements about the Lok Sabha:
   1. Its maximum strength is 550, of which 530 represent the states and 20 the union territories.
   2. Its members from the union territories are chosen by indirect election.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 only
   3. CBoth 1 and 2
   4. DNeither 1 nor 2
5. 5.

   Consider the following pairs:

   Constitutional Amendment Act	Provision
   1. 61st Amendment (1988)	Reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years
   2. 84th Amendment (2001)	Extended the freeze on allocation of Lok Sabha seats to states up to 2026
   3. 87th Amendment (2003)	Provided for delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the 1991 census

   How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
6. 6.

   With reference to the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:
   1. Under the 104th Amendment Act of 2019, the reservation is to last until 2030.
   2. Members for reserved seats are elected only by voters belonging to the SCs and STs.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 only
   3. CBoth 1 and 2
   4. DNeither 1 nor 2
7. 7.

   Consider the following:
   1. Members of the Rajya Sabha
   2. Members of the state legislative councils
   3. The President
   4. Members of the Lok Sabha
   For how many of the above is the single transferable vote system of proportional representation used?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. COnly three
   4. DAll four
8. 8.

   Consider the following statements:
   Statement-I: The Constitution did not adopt proportional representation for elections to the Lok Sabha.
   Statement-II: Proportional representation would be difficult for voters to understand given low literacy, and it tends to multiply political parties, causing instability.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
   4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
9. 9.

   Consider the following statements:
   1. One-third of the members of the Rajya Sabha retire every second year.
   2. The Constitution fixes the term of a member of the Rajya Sabha at six years.
   3. The President's dissolution of the Lok Sabha before five years cannot be challenged in a court of law.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
10. 10.

    Match List I with List II:

    List I (Situation)	List II (Consequence)
    A. Elected to both Houses, with no intimation of choice within 10 days	1. Both seats become vacant
    B. Member of both Parliament and a state legislature, without resigning the state seat within 14 days	2. The Rajya Sabha seat becomes vacant
    C. Elected to two seats in the same House, with no option exercised	3. The House may declare the seat vacant
    D. Absent from all meetings for sixty days without permission	4. The seat in Parliament becomes vacant

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. AA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
    2. BA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
    3. CA-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
    4. DA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
11. 11.

    Consider the following:
    1. Conviction for an offence resulting in imprisonment for two or more years
    2. Dismissal from government service for corruption or disloyalty to the State
    3. Failure to lodge an account of election expenses within the time
    4. Being a director of a corporation in which the government has at least 25 per cent share
    How many of the above are disqualifications for membership of Parliament under the Representation of the People Act, 1951?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll four
12. 12.

    With reference to disqualification on the ground of defection, consider the following statements:
    1. The question of such disqualification is decided by the President on the advice of the Election Commission.
    2. In the Kihoto Hollohan case (1992), the Supreme Court held that the Speaker's decision on it is subject to judicial review.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
13. 13.

    A person who sits or votes as a member of either House of Parliament before taking the prescribed oath is liable to a penalty of

    1. A₹100 for each day
    2. B₹1,000 for each day
    3. C₹5,000 in total
    4. D₹500 for each day
14. 14.

    With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:
    1. The date of election of the Speaker is fixed by the President.
    2. The Speaker resigns by writing to the President.
    3. The Speaker does not vacate office when the Lok Sabha is dissolved, but continues till the newly elected House meets.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 3 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
15. 15.

    Consider the following:
    1. Deciding finally whether a bill is a money bill
    2. Presiding over a joint sitting of the two Houses
    3. Acting as ex-officio chairman of the Indian Parliamentary Group
    4. Voting in the first instance on any question before the House
    How many of the above are powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll four
16. 16.

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: When a resolution for the removal of the Speaker is under consideration, the Speaker cannot preside but can vote in the first instance.
    Statement-II: When a resolution for the removal of the Vice-President is under consideration in the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President can take part in its proceedings but cannot vote.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
17. 17.

    Consider the following statements about the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha:
    1. The date of election of the Deputy Speaker is fixed by the Speaker.
    2. The Deputy Speaker is subordinate to the Speaker.
    3. When appointed a member of a parliamentary committee, the Deputy Speaker automatically becomes its chairman.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll three
    4. DNone
18. 18.

    Match List I with List II:

    List I (Person)	List II (Distinction)
    A. Frederick Whyte	1. First Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
    B. Vithalbhai J. Patel	2. First Indian and first elected Speaker of the central legislative assembly
    C. G.V. Mavalankar	3. First Speaker of the Lok Sabha
    D. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar	4. First Speaker of the central legislative assembly (1921)

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. AA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
    2. BA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
    3. CA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
    4. DA-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
19. 19.

    With reference to the Speaker Pro Tem, consider the following statements:
    1. The President appoints a member of the Lok Sabha, usually the seniormost, as the Speaker Pro Tem.
    2. The office continues for the full term of the Lok Sabha in an advisory capacity.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
20. 20.

    Consider the following statements about the Leader of the Opposition:
    1. The Leaders of Opposition in both Houses received statutory recognition in 1977.
    2. An official Leader of the Opposition was recognised for the first time in 1952.
    3. The minimum strength required for recognition is one-tenth of the total membership of the House.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll three
    4. DNone
21. 21.

    With reference to whips in Parliament, consider the following statements:
    1. The office of whip is mentioned in the Rules of the House.
    2. The Chief Whip of the government party in the Lok Sabha is the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
    3. Under the 1998 Act, a recognised party must have at least 55 members in the Lok Sabha.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B1 and 3 only
    3. C1, 2 and 3
    4. D2 and 3 only
22. 22.

    Consider the following pairs regarding the effect of dissolution of the Lok Sabha on bills:

    Bill	Effect
    1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha	Lapses
    2. A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha	Lapses
    3. A bill passed by both Houses but pending the President's assent	Does not lapse

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    1. A1 and 3 only
    2. B1 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
23. 23.

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The quorum for a meeting of either House is one-tenth of its total members, including the presiding officer.
    Statement-II: The Constitution prescribes absolute majority as a standalone requirement for removing the Speaker.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
24. 24.

    Match List I with List II:

    List I (Type of majority)	List II (Case requiring it)
    A. Simple majority	1. Impeachment of the President
    B. Effective majority	2. Removal of the judges of the Supreme Court
    C. Special majority-I	3. Removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
    D. Special majority-II	4. Approval of President's Rule

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. AA-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
    2. BA-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
    3. CA-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
    4. DA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
25. 25.

    With reference to the Question Hour, consider the following statements:
    1. An unstarred question requires a written answer, so supplementary questions cannot follow.
    2. A short notice question is asked with a notice of less than ten days and is answered orally.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
26. 26.

    Consider the following statements:
    1. The Zero Hour is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure.
    2. The Zero Hour has been in existence since 1962.
    3. The Calling Attention Motion is an Indian innovation in existence since 1954.
    4. The Calling Attention Motion is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll four
27. 27.

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The Rajya Sabha is not permitted to make use of the adjournment motion.
    Statement-II: The adjournment motion involves an element of censure against the government.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
28. 28.

    Consider the following pairs:

    Type of closure motion	Feature
    1. Kangaroo closure	Only important clauses are debated and voted; the intervening clauses are taken as passed
    2. Guillotine closure	Undiscussed clauses are also put to vote for want of time
    3. Simple closure	Clauses are grouped into parts before the debate and each part is put to vote

    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll three
    4. DNone
29. 29.

    Comparing a censure motion with a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:
    1. A censure motion must state the reasons for its adoption.
    2. A no-confidence motion can be moved against an individual minister.
    3. If a censure motion is passed, the council of ministers need not resign.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
30. 30.

    Which one of the following was NOT passed at a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament?

    1. ADowry Prohibition Bill, 1960
    2. BBanking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill, 1977
    3. CPrevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002
    4. DConstitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Bill, 1978

1. 1.

   UPSC 2003

   Which one of the following Bills must be passed by each House of the Indian Parliament separately, by special majority?

   1. AOrdinary Bill
   2. BMoney Bill
   3. CFinance Bill
   4. DConstitution Amendment Bill
2. 2.

   UPSC 1997

   If the Prime Minister of India belonged to the Upper House of Parliament

   1. Ahe will not be able to vote in his favour in the event of a no confidence motion
   2. Bhe will not be able to speak on the Budget in the Lower House
   3. Che can make statements only on the Upper House
   4. Dhe has to become a member of the Lower House within six months after being sworn in as the Prime Minister
3. 3.

   UPSC 1997

   Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists:
   List I (Functionaries)
   I. President of India
   II. Judges of the Supreme Court
   III. Members of Parliament
   IV. Ministers for the Union
   List II (Oaths or affirmations)
   A) Secrecy of Information
   B) Faithful Discharge of Duties
   C) Faith and Allegiance to the Constitution of India
   D) Upholding the Constitution and the Law

   1. AI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
   2. BI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
   3. CI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
   4. DI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
4. 4.

   UPSC 2016

   The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the

   1. ALok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
   2. BLok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership
   3. CRajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
   4. DRajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting
5. 5.

   UPSC 2013

   Consider the following statements. The Attorney-General of India can:
   1. Take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
   2. Be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
   3. Speak in the Lok Sabha
   4. Vote in the Lok Sabha
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
6. 6.

   UPSC 2003

   Consider the following statements: The function(s) of the Finance Commission is/are
   1. To allow the withdrawal of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
   2. To allocate between the States the shares of proceeds of taxes.
   3. To consider applications for grants-in-aid from States.
   4. To supervise and report on whether the Union and State governments are levying taxes in accordance with the budgetary provisions.
   Which of these statements is/are correct?

   1. AOnly 1
   2. B2 and 3
   3. C3 and 4
   4. D1, 2 and 4
7. 7.

   UPSC 2026

   Consider the following statements in respect of questions asked by the Members in the Parliament of India :
   1. Unstarred questions are those to which a Member desires an oral answer in the House.
   2. Starred questions are those to which a Member desires a written answer.
   3. No supplementary question can be asked on an unstarred question.
   Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?

   1. AAll the three statements are correct.
   2. BThere are two correct statements, that include statement 2.
   3. CThere is only one correct statement.
   4. DThere is no correct statement.
8. 8.

   UPSC 2025

   Consider the following statements :
   I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before the first meeting of the House of the People after the dissolution.
   II. According to the provisions of the Constitution of India, a Member of the House of the People on being elected as Speaker shall resign from his/her political party immediately.
   III. The Speaker of the House of the People may be removed from his/her office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then Members of the House, provided that no resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?

   1. AI and II only
   2. BII and III only
   3. CI and III only
   4. DI, II and III
9. 9.

   UPSC 2024

   Consider the following statements regarding 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' :
   1. Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha.
   2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act.
   3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes.
   Which of the statements given above are correct ?

   1. A1, 2 and 3
   2. B1 and 2 only
   3. C2 and 3 only
   4. D1 and 3 only
10. 10.

    UPSC 2024

    With reference to Union Budget, consider the following statements :
    1. The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament.
    2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
11. 11.

    UPSC 2024

    With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements :
    While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration
    1. He/She shall not preside.
    2. He/She shall not have the right to speak.
    3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
12. 12.

    UPSC 2024

    With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements :
    1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution.
    2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
    3. A bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2
    3. C2 and 3
    4. D3 only
13. 13.

    UPSC 2024

    With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements :
    1. Prorogation of a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers.
    2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die but there is no bar to the President of India prorogating the House which is in session.
    3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2
    3. C2 and 3
    4. D3 only
14. 14.

    UPSC 2023

    With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements :
    1. When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill.
    2. When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations.
    3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll three
    4. DNone
15. 15.

    UPSC 2022

    Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha ?
    1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
    2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
    3. To impeach the President of India
    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    1. A1 and 2
    2. B2 only
    3. C1 and 3
    4. D3 only
16. 16.

    UPSC 2022

    With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements :
    1. As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix.
    2. There is a mandatory provision that the election of a candidate as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party.
    3. The Deputy Speaker has the same power as of the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House and no appeal lies against his rulings.
    4. The well established parliamentary practice regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker is that the motion is moved by the Speaker and duly seconded by the Prime Minister.
    Which of the statements given above are correct ?

    1. A1 and 3 only
    2. B1, 2 and 3
    3. C3 and 4 only
    4. D2 and 4 only
17. 17.

    UPSC 2020

    Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in

    1. Athe matter of creating new All India Services
    2. Bamending the Constitution
    3. Cthe removal of the government
    4. Dmaking cut motions
18. 18.

    UPSC 2020

    Consider the following statements :
    1. The President of India can summon a session of the Parliament at such place as he/she thinks fit.
    2. The Constitution of India provides for three sessions of the Parliament in a year, but it is not mandatory to conduct all three sessions.
    3. There is no minimum number of days that the Parliament is required to meet in a year.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D2 and 3 only
19. 19.

    UPSC 2019

    Consider the following statements :
    1. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 exempts several posts from disqualification on the grounds of ‘Office of Profit’.
    2. The above-mentioned Act was amended five times.
    3. The term ‘Office of Profit’ is well-defined in the Constitution of India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B3 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
20. 20.

    UPSC 2018

    Consider the following statements :
    1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party.
    2. In the Lok Sabha, a "Leader of the Opposition" was recognised for the first time in 1969.
    3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 and 3 only
    2. B2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
21. 21.

    UPSC 2018

    Regarding Money Bill, which of the following statements is not correct ?

    1. AA bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions relating to imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax.
    2. BA Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India.
    3. CA Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the Contingency Fund of India.
    4. DA Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India.
22. 22.

    UPSC 2017

    With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements :
    1. A private member's bill is a bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President of India.
    2. Recently, a private member's bill has been passed in the Parliament of India for the first time in its history.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
23. 23.

    UPSC 2017

    The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through
    1. Adjournment motion
    2. Question hour
    3. Supplementary questions
    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
24. 24.

    UPSC 2017

    For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by

    1. Aanyone residing in India.
    2. Ba resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.
    3. Cany citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
    4. Dany citizen of India.
25. 25.

    UPSC 2017

    Consider the following statements :
    1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.
    2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker's post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker's to the Opposition.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
26. 26.

    UPSC 2016

    Which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation.
    2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
27. 27.

    UPSC 2015

    Consider the following statements :
    1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill.
    2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants.
    3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
28. 28.

    UPSC 2015

    When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament, it has to be passed by

    1. Aa simple majority of members present and voting
    2. Bthree-fourths majority of members present and voting
    3. Ctwo-thirds majority of the Houses
    4. Dabsolute majority of the Houses
29. 29.

    UPSC 2015

    With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements :
    1. The Department of Revenue is responsible for the preparation of Union Budget that is presented to the Parliament.
    2. No amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without the authorization from the Parliament of India.
    3. All the disbursements made from Public Account also need the authorization from the Parliament of India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
30. 30.

    UPSC 2014

    Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India :
    1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
    2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
31. 31.

    UPSC 2013

    What will follow if a Money Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?

    1. AThe Lok Sabha may still proceed with the Bill, accepting or not accepting the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha
    2. BThe Lok Sabha cannot consider the Bill further
    3. CThe Lok Sabha may send the Bill to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration
    4. DThe President may call a joint sitting for passing the Bill
32. 32.

    UPSC 2012

    In the Parliament of India, the purpose of an adjournment motion is

    1. Ato allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance
    2. Bto let opposition members collect information from the ministers
    3. Cto allow a reduction of specific amount in demand for grant
    4. Dto postpone the proceedings to check the inappropriate or violent behaviour on the part of some members
33. 33.

    UPSC 2012

    Consider the following statements :
    1. Union Territories are not represented in the Rajya Sabha.
    2. It is within the purview of the Chief Election Commissioner to adjudicate the election disputes.
    3. According to the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha only.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3
    3. C1 and 3
    4. DNone
34. 34.

    UPSC 2012

    Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, consider the following statements :
    1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President.
    2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election.
    3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B3 only
    3. C1, 2 and 3
    4. DNone
35. 35.

    UPSC 2012

    Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?

    1. ATo change the existing territory of a State and to change the name of a State
    2. BTo pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India Services
    3. CTo amend the election procedure of the President and to determine the pension of the President after his/her retirement
    4. DTo determine the functions of the Election Commission and to determine the number of Election Commissioners
36. 36.

    UPSC 2012

    Which of the following are the methods of Parliamentary control over public finance in India?
    1. Placing Annual Financial Statement before the Parliament
    2. Withdrawal of moneys from Consolidated Fund of India only after passing the Appropriation Bill
    3. Provisions of supplementary grants and vote-on-account
    4. A periodic or at least a mid-year review of programme of the Government against macroeconomic forecasts and expenditure by a Parliamentary Budget Office
    5. Introducing Finance Bill in the Parliament
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    1. A1, 2, 3 and 5 only
    2. B1, 2 and 4 only
    3. C3, 4 and 5 only
    4. D1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
37. 37.

    UPSC 2012

    A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha calls for a joint sitting of the Parliament during the passage of
    1. Ordinary Legislation
    2. Money Bill
    3. Constitution Amendment Bill
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
38. 38.

    UPSC 2011

    The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from

    1. AThe President of India
    2. BThe Parliament of India
    3. CThe Prime Minister of India
    4. DThe Union Finance Minister
39. 39.

    UPSC 2011

    All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the

    1. AContingency Fund of India
    2. BPublic Account
    3. CConsolidated Fund of India
    4. DDeposits and Advances Fund
40. 40.

    UPSC 2011

    When the annual Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha,

    1. Athe Budget is modified and presented again
    2. Bthe Budget is referred to the Rajya Sabha for suggestions
    3. Cthe Union Finance Minister is asked to resign
    4. Dthe Prime Minister submits the resignation of Council of Ministers
41. 41.

    UPSC 2007

    Who was the Speaker of the First Lok Sabha?

    1. AHukam Singh
    2. BG. V. Mavalankar
    3. CK. M. Munshi
    4. DU. N. Dhebar
42. 42.

    UPSC 2006

    Consider the following statements:
    1. The Rajya Sabha alone has the power to declare that it would be in the national interest for Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List.
    2. Resolutions approving the Proclamation of Emergency are passed only by the Lok Sabha.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
43. 43.

    UPSC 2004

    Consider the following statements:
    1. The Speaker of Lok Sabha has the power to adjourn the House sine die but, on prorogation, it is only the President who can summon the House.
    2. Unless sooner dissolved or there is an extension of the term, there is an automatic dissolution of the Lok Sabha by efflux of time, at the end of the period of five years, even if no formal order of dissolution is issued by the President.
    3. The Speaker of Lok Sabha continues in office even after the dissolution of the House and until immediately before the first meeting of the House.
    Which of these statements given above are correct?

    1. A1 and 2
    2. B2 and 3
    3. C1 and 3
    4. D1, 2 and 3
44. 44.

    UPSC 2004

    Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

    1. AIn Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based
    2. BIn the case of a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha, no conditions of admissibility have been laid down in the Rules
    3. CA motion of no-confidence once admitted, has to be taken up within ten days of the leave being granted
    4. DRajya Sabha is not empowered to entertain a motion of no-confidence
45. 45.

    UPSC 2004

    With reference to Indian Parliament, which one of the following is not correct?

    1. AThe Appropriation Bill must be passed by both the Houses of Parliament before it can be enacted into law
    2. BNo money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India except under the appropriation made by the Appropriation Act
    3. CFinance Bill is required for proposing new taxes but no another Bill/Act is required for making changes in the rates of taxes which are already under operation
    4. DNo Money Bill can be introduced except on the recommendation of the President
46. 46.

    UPSC 2004

    Who among the following was never the Lok Sabha Speaker?

    1. AK. V. K. Sundaram
    2. BG. S. Dhillon
    3. CBaliram Bhagat
    4. DHukum Singh
47. 47.

    UPSC 2004

    Which one of the following is the correct sequence in the descending order of precedence in the warrant of precedence?

    1. AAttorney General of India - Judges of the Supreme Court - Members of Parliament - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
    2. BJudges of the Supreme Court - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Attorney General of India - Members of Parliament
    3. CAttorney General of India - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Judges of the Supreme Court - Members of Parliament
    4. DJudges of the Supreme Court - Attorney General of India - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Members of Parliament
48. 48.

    UPSC 2003

    As per Indian Protocol, who among the following ranks highest in the order of precedence?

    1. ADeputy Prime Minister
    2. BFormer President
    3. CGovernor of a State within his state
    4. DSpeaker of Lok Sabha
49. 49.

    UPSC 2003

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    1. AOnly the Rajya Sabha and not the Lok Sabha can have nominated members
    2. BThere is a constitutional provision for nominating two members belonging to the Anglo-Indian community to the Rajya Sabha
    3. CThere is no constitutional bar for a nominated member to be appointed Union minister
    4. DA nominated member can vote both in the Presidential election
50. 50.

    UPSC 2003

    Consider the following statements:
    1. The joint sitting of the two Houses of the Parliament in India is sanctioned under Article 108 of the Constitution.
    2. The first joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was held in the year 1961.
    3. The second joint sitting of the two Houses of Indian Parliament was held to pass the Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill.
    Which of these statements are correct?

    1. A1 and 2
    2. B2 and 3
    3. C1 and 3
    4. D1, 2 and 3
51. 51.

    UPSC 2003

    Which of the following Constitutional Amendments are related to raising the number of Members of Lok Sabha to be elected from the States?

    1. A6th and 22nd
    2. B13th and 38th
    3. C7th and 31st
    4. D11th and 42nd
52. 52.

    UPSC 2002

    The term of the Lok Sabha

    1. Acannot be extended under any circumstances
    2. Bcan be extended by six months at a time
    3. Ccan be extended by one year at a time during the proclamation of emergency
    4. Dcan be extended for two years at a time during the proclamation of emergency
53. 53.

    UPSC 2001

    In what way does the Indian Parliament exercise control over the administration?

    1. AThrough Consultative Committees of various ministries
    2. BThrough Parliamentary Committees
    3. CBy making the administrators send periodic reports
    4. DBy compelling the executive to issue writs
54. 54.

    UPSC 2000

    The Speaker can ask a member of the House to stop speaking and let another member speak. This phenomenon is known as

    1. Adecorum
    2. Bcrossing the floor
    3. Cinterpellation
    4. Dyielding the floor
55. 55.

    UPSC 2000

    The State which has the largest number of seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribes in Lok Sabha is

    1. ABihar
    2. BGujarat
    3. CUttar Pradesh
    4. DMadhya Pradesh
56. 56.

    UPSC 2000

    Which one of the following statements about a Money Bill is not correct?

    1. AA Money Bill can be tabled in either House of Parliament
    2. BThe Speaker of Lok Sabha is the final authority to decide whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not
    3. CThe Rajya Sabha must return a Money Bill passed by Lok Sabha and send it for consideration within 14 days
    4. DThe President cannot return a Money Bill to Lok Sabha for reconsideration
57. 57.

    UPSC 1997

    Proportional representation is NOT necessary in a country where

    1. Athere are no reserved constituencies
    2. Ba two-party system has developed
    3. Cthe first-past-the-post system prevails
    4. Dthere is a fusion of Presidential and Parliamentary forms of governments
58. 58.

    UPSC 1997

    Assertion (A): The reservation of thirty-three per cent of seats for women in Parliament and State Legislatures does not require Constitutional amendment. Reason (R): Political parties contesting elections can allocate thirty-three per cent of seats they contest to women candidates without any Constitutional amendment.
    In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

    1. ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
    2. BBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
    3. CA is true, but R is false
    4. DA is false, but R is true
59. 59.

    UPSC 1997

    Which one of the following are/is stated in the Constitution of India?
    I. The President shall not be a member of either House of Parliament.
    II. The Parliament shall consist of the President and two Houses.
    Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

    1. ANeither I nor II
    2. BBoth I and II
    3. CI alone
    4. DII alone
60. 60.

    UPSC 1996

    If the number of seats allocated to a state in the Lok Sabha is 42, then the number of seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes in that state will be

    1. A21
    2. B14
    3. C7
    4. D6
61. 61.

    UPSC 1995

    Who among the following have the right to vote in the elections to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?

    1. AElected members of the Lower House of the Parliament
    2. BElected members of the Upper House of the Parliament
    3. CElected members of the Upper House of the State Legislature
    4. DElected members of the Lower House of the State Legislature
62. 62.

    UPSC 2021

    We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model?
    1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the Parliament to legislate is limited.
    2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of the Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
63. 63.

    UPSC 2025

    Consider the following statements :
    I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under the 10th Schedule, the President’s decision in accordance with the opinion of the Council of Union Ministers shall be final.
    II. There is no mention of the word ‘political party’ in the Constitution of India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. AI only
    2. BII only
    3. CBoth I and II
    4. DNeither I nor II
64. 64.

    UPSC 2004

    Which one of the following statements correctly describes the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India?

    1. AIt contains the scheme of the distribution of powers between the Union and the States
    2. BIt contains the languages listed in the Constitution
    3. CIt contains the provisions regarding the administration of tribal areas
    4. DIt allocates seats in the Council of States
65. 65.

    UPSC 2020

    Consider the following statements :
    1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
    2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
66. 66.

    UPSC 2013

    Consider the following statements:
    1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
    2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
67. 67.

    UPSC 2024

    Which of the following statements are correct in respect of a Money Bill in the Parliament?
    1. Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills.
    2. A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.
    3. The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.
    4. Amendments to a Money Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha.
    Select the answer using the code given below:

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1, 2 and 3
    4. D1, 3 and 4
68. 68.

    UPSC 2001

    Which one of the following statements correctly describes the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India?

    1. AIt lists the distribution of power between the Union and the States
    2. BIt contains the languages listed in the Constitution
    3. CIt contains the provisions regarding the administration of tribal areas
    4. DIt allocates seats in the Council of States