This page lists 17 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Polity in the UPSC 2013 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–10 of 17 questions
UPSC 2013Polity · Salient Features of the Constitution
Q1. In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are, implied institutionally in the parliamentary government? 1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament. 2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament. 3. The Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Parliamentary System entails that the Executive is responsible to the legislature for its policies and legislations. The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, both at the Centre and in the States. The Parliamentary Government is also known as Cabinet Government/Responsible Government/Westminster Model. Some of its features are included in the details of statements analysis are as follows:
Statement 1 is correct: In the Parliamentary System of Government members of the Cabinet are members of the Parliament.
Statement 2 is correct: The ministers in the Parliament hold the office till they enjoy the confidence of the Parliament.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Head of the state is President and he/she does not head the cabinet, he is considered to be the nominal executive. The head of Govt(PM) heads the cabinet.
UPSC 2013Polity · Preamble
Q2. ‘Economic Justice’ as one of the objectives of the Indian Constitutional has been provided in:
Explanation
"Economic Justice" is a key objective of the Indian Constitution, reflected both in the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
Option(b) is correct:
The Preamble highlights economic justice as part of broader social, economic, and political justice, emphasizing non-discrimination based on economic factors. The DPSP, inspired by socialist principles, aims to reduce inequalities and promote social and economic welfare. The 44th Amendment (1978) amended Article 38 by adding Article 38(2) to the DPSP, mandating the state to minimize income and status disparities and ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources.
UPSC 2013Polity · Directive Principles of State Policy
Q3. According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?
Explanation
According to Article 37 of the Indian Constitution, though Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are not enforceable by any court, but the principles therein laid down are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. DPSP constitutes a comprehensive socio-economic and political programme for a modern democratic State. DPSP are ‘positive in nature’, which embodies the concept of a ‘welfare state’ and not that of a ‘police state’. DPSP are the constitutional instructions or recommendations to the State in legislative, executive and administrative matters.
UPSC 2013Polity · Constitutional Amendment
Q4. Consider the following statements: 1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only. 2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: An amendment of the Constitution can be initiated by the introduction of a bill in either house of the Parliament. (not only in Lok Sabha).
Statement 2 is incorrect: If the bill seeks to amend the Federal provisions of the Constitution, then it must also be ratified by the legislatures of half of the states by a simple majority and not all the states.
UPSC 2013Polity · Vice-President
Q5. 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?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: In accordance with Article 64 of the Constitution of India, the Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The House also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members. Hence, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the member of that house.
Statement 2 is correct: The Vice President is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of all members of parliament (Both elected & nominated). The election is conducted in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.
Additional insight:
Vice President of India The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional authority and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). Election & Term:
Elected indirectly by Members of Parliament (MPs) from both Houses through a secret ballot using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. Serves a 5-year term but can be re-elected. Powers & Responsibilities:
Acts as Rajya Sabha Chairman - Presides over sessions but votes only in case of a tie. Acts as President (if needed) - Becomes acting President in case of the President’s absence, resignation, removal, or death (until a new President is elected). Impeachment & Removal:
Can be removed by a resolution in the Rajya Sabha (effective majority) and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha.
UPSC 2013Polity · Parliament
Q6. Consider the following statements The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts: 1. Consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha. 2. Scrutinises appropriation and finance accounts of the Government. 3. Examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts consists of 22 members of which 15 are from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha. It is formed every year with its members serving one-year terms in office. The chairperson of the PAC is usually a member of the opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
Statement 2 is correct: It scrutinises appropriation and finance accounts of the Government. The Committee ensures that the government does not misuse or misappropriate public funds.
Statement 3 is correct: The CAG audits the accounts of the government and submits reports to Parliament which is scrutinized by PAC to ensure that public funds are being used efficiently and according to the law. CAG acts as a guide, friend and philosopher of the committee.
UPSC 2013Polity · Parliament
Q7. Consider the following statements: 1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament. 2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India. 3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: As per Article 75(3) of the constitution "the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People" not to the whole Parliament which includes both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
Statement 2 is correct: Article 75(2) of the Constitution of India mandates that the Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.
Statement 3 is correct: According to Article 78, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the union and proposals for legislation.
UPSC 2013Polity · Parliament
Q8. What will follow if a Money Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?
Explanation
Money Bill is defined under Article 110 of the Indian Constitution. It is concerned with financial matters like the imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax. It is introduced only on the recommendation of the President and only in Lok Sabha. It must be passed in Lok Sabha by a simple majority of all members present and voting. Following this, it may be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations. Rajya Sabha has limited power with respect to money bills so no chance of any disagreement. Rajya Sabha can keep it for a maximum period of 14 days.The Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject the bill. It should return the bill with or without recommendation. Lok Sabha may accept or reject recommendation.
UPSC 2013Polity · Parliament
Q9. The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India for implementing International treaties:
Explanation
The Parliament is empowered to make laws on all matters listed in the Union List and the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Under Article 253 of the Constitution of India, Parliament can make laws for the whole or any part of India to give effect to international treaties, agreements, or conventions, and this can be done without the consent of any State. Article 253 says that it can also formulate laws on any matter pertaining to the State List if it is deemed necessary for the implementation of international treaties or agreements concluded with foreign nations. This is a unique provision where Parliament can legislate beyond its usual jurisdiction without requiring the consent of the states.
UPSC 2013Polity · Subordinate Court
Q10. With reference to National Legal Services Authority consider the following statements: 1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker section of the society on the basis of equal opportunity. 2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The objective of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is to provide free legal services to weaker sections of society for securing justice and are not denied to any citizen by reasons of economic or other disabilities.
Statement 2 is correct: In every State, there is a State Legal Service Authority to give effect to the policies and directions of the NALSA and to give free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in the State.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2013
(a) 1 and 2 only
2
2013
(b) the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
3
2013
(c) Directive Principles of State Policy
4
2013
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
5
2013
(b) 2 only
6
2013
(b) 2 and 3 only
7
2013
(b) 2 and 3 only
8
2013
(a) The Lok Sabha may still proceed with the Bill, accepting or not accepting the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha
9
2013
(d) without the consent of any State
10
2013
(c) Both 1 and 2
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Polity?
This page covers 17 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Polity in the UPSC 2013 Prelims, asked between 1996 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Polity?
Questions on Polity in the UPSC 2013 Prelims are available for 29 years, from 1996 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
