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 901–910 of 944 questions
Browse Indian Polity and Governance chapters
| Committees or Cases | Contributions |
|---|---|
| A. Santhanam Committee | i. Recommended the creation of Lokpal and Lokayuktas |
| B. First ARC | ii. Led to statutory status for the CVC |
| C. Vineet Narain Case | iii. Recommended the establishment of the CVC |
| D. Second ARC | iv. Stressed on upgrading the anti-corruption machinery and ethics in governance |
Explanation
The Indian vigilance architecture is the product of several key developments. The Santhanam Committee recommended the creation of the CVC, while the First Administrative Reforms Commission proposed the Lokpal system. The Vineet Narain case was crucial in securing statutory status for the CVC. Finally, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission emphasized upgrading anti-corruption machinery and promoting ethics in governance.Explanation
The Central Vigilance Commission was born out of an executive resolution in February 1964. Its original mandate was to act as the apex body for advising and guiding central government agencies on matters relating to maintenance of integrity in administration. It was designed to provide a unified platform for handling corruption-related information and recommending appropriate disciplinary or preventive measures.Explanation
The history of the CVC includes its 1964 establishment and the 1998 ordinance granting it statutory powers. The CVC Act was eventually passed in 2003. However, the landmark Vineet Narain vs. Union of India judgment, which mandated significant restructuring and independence for the CVC and CBI, was delivered by the Supreme Court in 1997, not in 2011.Explanation
The CVC’s jurisdiction is focused on the central government and its associated entities. It covers Group A officers, certain officials in public sector banks and insurance companies, and All India Service officers working for the Union. However, it does not have any authority over Members of the State Legislative Assemblies, as they fall under the jurisdiction of state-level anti-corruption bodies.Explanation
Within the framework of the Central Vigilance Commission, a case is considered to involve a "vigilance angle" when it includes elements of corruption such as demanding or accepting illegal gratification, possession of disproportionate assets, or gross misuse of official position for personal gain. Ordinary administrative errors or performance issues that lack a corrupt motive are generally not classified under this category.Explanation
To ensure collective decision-making and prevent the concentration of power in a single individual, the Central Vigilance Commission is structured as a multi-member body. According to the CVC Act, the Commission consists of the Central Vigilance Commissioner, who serves as the Chairperson, and a maximum of two other Vigilance Commissioners who assist in the Commission’s duties.I. The Prime Minister is the Chairperson of the committee.
II. The Minister of Home Affairs is a member.
III. The Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People is a member.
IV. The Chief Justice of India is a member of the committee.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The selection process for the top leaders of the CVC involves a high-level committee to ensure political and administrative consensus. This committee is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the Minister of Home Affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The Chief Justice of India does not participate in this specific selection process for the CVC appointments.Explanation
The tenure for the Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners is specifically defined in the CVC Act to be different from many other statutory bodies.Explanation
To protect the independence of the CVC, the removal process is rigorous. If there are allegations of proved misbehavior or incapacity, the President refers the matter to the Supreme Court. The Court then conducts a formal inquiry. Only if the Supreme Court, after its investigation, recommends removal, can the President officially remove the Central Vigilance Commissioner from their office.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 901 | (c) Statutory Body |
| 902 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 903 | (a) It was formed by an executive resolution to advise Central Government agencies on matters related to vigilance. |
| 904 | (b) Vineet Narain judgment mandating CVC restructuring - 2011 |
| 905 | (b) Members of the State Legislative Assemblies. |
| 906 | (a) Cases involving demanding or accepting illegal gratification. |
| 907 | (b) Two |
| 908 | (a) I, II and III |
| 909 | (a) 4 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. |
| 910 | (b) President refers the matter to the Supreme Court Supreme Court holds an inquiry and advises President removes the CVC. |
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.