Q751. Who appoints the Chairman and members of the State Finance Commission?
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 751–760 of 944 questions
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Q752. In the context of the challenges faced by local self-government, what does the term ‘Functionaries’ primarily refer to?
Explanation
In the context of local self-government and the "3Fs" framework, the term ‘Functionaries’ specifically refers to the administrative, technical, and bureaucratic personnel who are placed at the disposal of local bodies. For effective governance, it is not enough to transfer powers and funds; local bodies also require skilled human resources to implement projects and manage day-to-day administrative tasks.
Q753. The introduction of the Community Development Programme in 1952 was the primary reason for the subsequent formation of which committee to review its working?
Explanation
The Community Development Programme was launched in 1952 to promote holistic development in rural areas. However, its performance fell short of expectations, leading the government to appoint the Balwantrai Mehta Committee in 1957. The committee was tasked with examining the programme’s working and recommending measures for better community participation, which eventually led to the Panchayati Raj system.
Q754. Consider the following recommendations regarding political parties in Panchayati Raj:
I. Political parties should be banned from participating in Panchayat elections.
II. Political parties should participate openly in Panchayat elections.
III. Elections should be fought on non-party lines at the village level.
IV. The Ashok Mehta Committee was a strong advocate of open political party participation.
Which of the above statement(s) correctly reflects the Ashok Mehta Committee’s stance?
I. Political parties should be banned from participating in Panchayat elections.
II. Political parties should participate openly in Panchayat elections.
III. Elections should be fought on non-party lines at the village level.
IV. The Ashok Mehta Committee was a strong advocate of open political party participation.
Which of the above statement(s) correctly reflects the Ashok Mehta Committee’s stance?
Explanation
The Ashok Mehta Committee strongly advocated for the open and official participation of political parties in all levels of Panchayat elections. This was a significant departure from previous views that favored non-partisan local elections. The committee believed that political party involvement would bring more clarity, accountability, and organized mobilization to local governance, helping to revitalize the struggling Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Q755. All of the following are features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act EXCEPT:
Explanation
The 73rd Amendment Act introduced features like the mandatory constitution of Gram Sabhas, regular elections within six months of dissolution, and a minimum age of twenty-one for contesting elections. While the Act mandates State Finance and Election Commissions, it does not contain a specific constitutional provision for a State Planning Board, which is generally established through state executive or legislative action.
Q756. Match List-I (Panchayati Raj Tiers) with List-II (Elected Head):
| Panchayati Raj Tiers | Elected Head |
|---|---|
| A. Gram Panchayat | i. Pradhan |
| B. Panchayat Samiti | ii. Zila Pramukh |
| C. Zila Parishad | iii. Sarpanch |
| D. Gram Sabha | iv. No elected head (Body of voters) |
Explanation
Each tier of the Panchayati Raj system has a designated head. The Gram Panchayat is headed by a Sarpanch, while the Panchayat Samiti is led by a Pradhan or Chairman. The Zila Parishad is headed by the Zila Pramukh or President. The Gram Sabha, being a general assembly of all voters, does not have a separate elected head in the same way.
Q757. What is the most appropriate description of the primary significance of the Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system?
Explanation
The Gram Sabha is considered the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system because it represents the most direct form of participatory democracy. It allows every registered voter in a village to participate in the decision-making process, monitor the functioning of the Gram Panchayat, and ensure accountability. This involvement is essential for making local governance truly responsive to the needs of the community.
Q758. Consider the following powers usually vested in a Municipal Commissioner:
I. Execution of all acts required by the municipal laws.
II. Presiding over the meetings of the Municipal Corporation.
III. Disbursing funds as per the approved municipal budget.
Which of the above statement(s) represents the true executive powers of the Municipal Commissioner?
I. Execution of all acts required by the municipal laws.
II. Presiding over the meetings of the Municipal Corporation.
III. Disbursing funds as per the approved municipal budget.
Which of the above statement(s) represents the true executive powers of the Municipal Commissioner?
Explanation
The Municipal Commissioner serves as the chief executive of a Municipal Corporation and is responsible for the implementation of all laws and decisions made by the corporation. They have the authority to disburse funds according to the approved budget and manage the administrative staff. However, they do not preside over meetings, as that is the political function performed by the Mayor.
Q759. Which Constitutional Article specifically lists the 18 functional items that may be devolved to Municipalities (Twelfth Schedule)?
Explanation
Article 243W of the Indian Constitution specifies the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities. It authorizes state legislatures to endow these bodies with the power to perform functions related to urban planning and development. This article is linked to the Twelfth Schedule, which explicitly lists the eighteen functional items over which Municipalities have jurisdiction and the mandate to act.
Q760. When preparing the draft development plan, the District Planning Committee must explicitly consider all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
When preparing a draft development plan, the District Planning Committee is required to focus on matters of common interest between Panchayats and Municipalities. This includes spatial planning, sharing of water, and managing other physical and financial resources. However, high-level matters such as geopolitical defense strategies are strictly the purview of the central government and are not considered in local district planning.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 751 | (c) Governor of the State |
| 752 | (a) The bureaucratic staff and technical personnel placed at the disposal of local bodies. |
| 753 | (c) Balwantrai Mehta Committee |
| 754 | (b) II and IV |
| 755 | (c) A separate constitutional provision for a State Planning Board. |
| 756 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 757 | (d) It serves as the foundation of decentralized participatory democracy. |
| 758 | (b) I and III only |
| 759 | (b) Article 243W |
| 760 | (b) The overall geopolitical defense strategy of the state border. |
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.