Q571. Identify the incorrectly matched pair regarding the distribution of subjects in the Seventh Schedule:
Indian Polity and Governance: RAS Prelims MCQs
944 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on Indian polity and governance are on this page, in 12 chapters. They cover the framing of the Constitution, the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, the Directive Principles, the Union executive, Parliament and the judiciary, Union-State relations, emergency provisions, local government, constitutional bodies, public policy and the vigilance and accountability institutions. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 571–580 of 944 questions
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Q572. Through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, which of the following subjects was transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List?
Explanation
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 transferred five subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List to ensure better national coordination. These subjects included education, forests, weights and measures, protection of wild animals and birds, and administration of justice. This shift allows the Union to formulate national policies on environmental conservation while states retain the power to implement local regulations.
Q573. Which of the following represents the correct descending sequence of the three legislative lists based on the original number of subjects specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India?
Explanation
Originally, the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution contained 97 subjects in the Union List, 66 subjects in the State List, and 47 subjects in the Concurrent List. This descending sequence reflects the prioritisation of national authority and the broad range of administrative responsibilities given to the states. Over time, amendments have modified these numbers, but the relative hierarchy of the lists remains.
Q574. Which of the following statements regarding the Concurrent List is incorrect?
Explanation
The concept of the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Australian Constitution, not the Irish one. This list allows for joint legislative authority, where central laws generally prevail over state laws in case of conflict. It covers essential areas like criminal law and civil procedure, ensuring that a unified legal standard is maintained across the entire Indian federation.
Q575. Under which Article of the Constitution of India are the ‘Residuary Powers of Legislation’ vested in the Parliament?
Explanation
Article 248 of the Indian Constitution vests the residuary powers of legislation exclusively in the Parliament. This means that if a subject is not mentioned in any of the three lists of the Seventh Schedule, the power to make laws on that subject belongs to the Union. This provision strengthens the central government, ensuring it can address new and unforeseen legislative requirements.
Q576. The residuary power of legislation vested in the Union Parliament explicitly includes the power to make laws imposing:
Explanation
Residuary powers granted to Parliament under Article 248 include the authority to impose any tax that is not specifically mentioned in either the State List or the Concurrent List. While taxes on agricultural income or alcoholic liquors are clearly assigned to states, the Union retains the right to create and levy new forms of taxation to meet evolving economic needs and challenges.
Q577. Match the federal countries in List-I with the location of their residuary powers in List-II:
| Federal Countries | Location of Residuary Powers |
|---|---|
| A. India | i. Vested in the Centre |
| B. United States of America | ii. Vested in the States |
| C. Canada | iii. Vested in the Provinces |
| D. Australia | iv. Vested in the States |
Explanation
The allocation of residuary powers varies among federal systems. In India and Canada, these powers are vested in the central government to ensure national strength. Conversely, in the United States and Australia, residuary powers are reserved for the states. This difference highlights the varying degrees of centralization intended by the framers of these constitutions to balance national and regional interests differently.
Q578. Before the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the power of the Central Government to levy Service Tax on computer software was primarily drawn from:
Explanation
Before the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, the Central Government’s authority to levy Service Tax was derived from the residuary powers of legislation. Since service tax was not specifically enumerated in the three lists of the Seventh Schedule when the Constitution was enacted, the Union utilized its powers under Article 248 to introduce and manage this significant revenue source.
Q579. The term ‘Residuary Powers’ in the context of the Indian Constitution refers to:
Explanation
Residuary powers are the powers of legislation over subjects that are not in any of the three lists (Union, State or Concurrent). In India these belong to Parliament under Article 248.
Q580. Consider the following circumstances:
I. When the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
II. When a National Emergency is in operation.
III. When the Legislative Assembly of a single State requests the Parliament to do so. Under which of the above circumstances can the Parliament legislate on a matter in the State List?
I. When the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
II. When a National Emergency is in operation.
III. When the Legislative Assembly of a single State requests the Parliament to do so. Under which of the above circumstances can the Parliament legislate on a matter in the State List?
Explanation
Parliament can legislate on a State List subject when the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting (Article 249) and while a National Emergency is in force (Article 250). A request from one State Assembly is not enough, so III is wrong.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 571 | (b) Public Order - Concurrent List |
| 572 | (c) Wildlife and bird protection. |
| 573 | (d) Union List, State List, Concurrent List |
| 574 | (c) The concept was inspired by the Irish Constitution. |
| 575 | (b) Article 248 |
| 576 | (d) Any tax omitted from the State or Concurrent Lists. |
| 577 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-i, D-ii |
| 578 | (c) The Residuary Powers |
| 579 | (d) Legislative authority over subjects not in the three lists. |
| 580 | (b) I and II only |
Key facts from Indian Polity and Governance
- The RPSC syllabus lists the Indian Constitution, the political system and governance, with public policy, vigilance and accountability bodies as part of the paper.
- Article-number questions are the commonest: for example Article 356 for President’s Rule, Article 324 for the Election Commission and Article 243K for the State Election Commission.
- Statement and assertion-reason questions test exceptions, so learn each provision with its limits.
- Questions on bodies ask for appointing authority, removing authority, tenure and the body to which the report goes.
- The Rajasthan-specific part of polity is on a separate page, with its own 8 chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Indian Polity and Governance?
This page has 944 practice MCQs on Indian Polity and Governance. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the Indian polity set cover?
Twelve chapters: framing of the Constitution, Preamble and citizenship; Fundamental Rights; DPSP and Fundamental Duties; Union executive; Parliament; Union judiciary; Union-State relations; emergency provisions; local government; constitutional and statutory bodies; public policy and citizen charter; and vigilance and accountability.
Is polity part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC syllabus for General Knowledge includes the Indian Constitution, political system and governance, together with the political and administrative system of Rajasthan, which is covered on the separate Rajasthan polity page.
How should I revise polity for RAS Prelims?
Make a table of articles, bodies and amendments. Attempt each chapter, read the explanation for every miss and note the article number and the exception. Repeat the chapter after a few days, as polity facts are easy to confuse.