Parliament: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha: RAS Prelims MCQs
100 RAS Prelims MCQs on Parliament cover the composition of both Houses, the election of members, the legislative process, Money Bills and Financial Bills, the no-confidence motion and Parliament’s power to make laws on State subjects. The articles and numbers are asked directly, and the statements test the exact difference between the Houses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 11–20 of 100 questions
I. The maximum seats allotted to the states in the Lok Sabha is 530.
II. The representatives of the Union Territories in the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people.
III. The President can still nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha.
IV. Readjustment of allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha is currently frozen until the relevant figures for the first census taken after the year 2026 are published.
V. A person must be at least 25 years of age to contest an election for the Lok Sabha.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The maximum number of seats for states in the Lok Sabha is 530. Union Territories representatives are directly elected, and the age requirement is 25. Seats are currently frozen based on census data until 2026. However, the President no longer nominates Anglo-Indian members due to recent amendments. Therefore, the statement claiming that this nomination power still exists is factually incorrect.Explanation
A member of Parliament vacates their seat through resignation, long-term unauthorized absence, or specific disqualifications. However, criticizing government policies within the House does not lead to a vacancy. Members enjoy parliamentary privilege and freedom of speech, which protects their right to express dissent. Dissent is an integral part of legislative debate and is not a ground for membership.Explanation
The Rajya Sabha representatives for each state are elected through an indirect process. This election involves the elected members of the respective State Legislative Assemblies. It does not include nominated members or members of the Legislative Councils. The system follows proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, ensuring that state-level political diversity is reflected in the federal chamber.| State | Number of Seats in Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|
| A. Rajasthan | i. 19 |
| B. Uttar Pradesh | ii. 31 |
| C. Maharashtra | iii. 10 |
| D. Tamil Nadu | iv. 18 |
Explanation
The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution allocates Rajya Sabha seats based on state populations. Uttar Pradesh holds the highest number with 31 seats. Maharashtra follows with 19 seats, while Tamil Nadu has 18 seats. Rajasthan is allocated 10 seats in the upper house. Matching these figures correctly reveals the distribution of state representation in the Council of States at national levels.Explanation
The Rajya Sabha is designed as a permanent chamber of the Indian Parliament. Unlike the Lok Sabha, it is never subject to total dissolution. Instead, its members serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years. This structure ensures legislative continuity and stability. It allows the House to perform essential functions even when the lower house is not session.Statement I: One-third of the members of the Rajya Sabha retire every second year.
Statement II: The retiring members of the Rajya Sabha are eligible for re-election and re-nomination any number of times.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Rajya Sabha ensures continuity through a staggered retirement system where one-third of its members retire every second year. This process prevents the entire House from becoming vacant at once. Furthermore, members who retire are eligible for re-election or re-nomination indefinitely. Both statements accurately describe the operational mechanics and membership flexibility that define the permanent nature of the house.I. The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
II. The representatives of Union Territories in the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by members of an electoral college specially constituted for the purpose.
III. All Union Territories are represented in the Rajya Sabha.
IV. The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajya Sabha members are elected via proportional representation with a single transferable vote. Union Territory representatives are chosen by specially constituted electoral colleges. The Fourth Schedule manages seat allocations. However, not every Union Territory is represented in the Rajya Sabha; only those with their own legislative assemblies have representatives. Therefore, the statement claiming that all Union Territories are represented is incorrect.Explanation
The permanent nature of the Rajya Sabha is vital for maintaining parliamentary continuity. Since it is not subject to dissolution, it can handle urgent legislative matters and fulfill constitutional obligations when the Lok Sabha is dissolved. This design prevents a total vacuum in the central legislative process. It ensures that the government remains accountable and the legislative function persists during elections.Explanation
An ordinary bill undergoes several distinct stages before becoming law. It begins with the first reading for introduction. The second reading involves detailed discussion and scrutiny. After the third reading, it is transmitted to the second House for a similar process. Finally, it requires the President’s assent. This sequence ensures comprehensive review and democratic consensus across both of the legislative houses.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (d) Being punished for preaching social crimes like untouchability, dowry, and sati |
| 12 | (b) III only |
| 13 | (c) If the member criticizes the policies of the ruling government within the House. |
| 14 | (d) Elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies |
| 15 | (a) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv |
| 16 | (b) It is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution. |
| 17 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 18 | (a) I, II and IV |
| 19 | (c) To maintain continuity in the parliamentary process and handle legislative work when the Lok Sabha is dissolved. |
| 20 | (b) First Reading Second Reading Third Reading Passage in second House Presidential Assent |
Key facts from Parliament: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Article 79 provides for a Parliament consisting of the President and two Houses; the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 550.
- Elected members of the Rajya Sabha are chosen by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies, and the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body not subject to dissolution.
- A successful no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha forces the whole Council of Ministers to resign.
- Article 110 defines a Money Bill; every Money Bill is a Financial Bill, but not every Financial Bill is a Money Bill.
- Under Article 249, a two-thirds majority resolution of the Rajya Sabha lets Parliament legislate on a State List subject for one year at a time.
- The constituent power of Parliament is its power to amend the Constitution.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Parliament: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
This page has 100 practice MCQs on Parliament: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (Indian Polity and Governance). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which Article defines a Money Bill?
Article 110. It lists the matters, such as taxation and borrowing, that make a bill a Money Bill. The Lok Sabha Speaker decides whether a bill is a Money Bill, and the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations.
What happens if a no-confidence motion is passed?
The entire Council of Ministers must resign, because under Article 75 it is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister tenders the resignation of the government to the President.
Can the Rajya Sabha be dissolved?
No. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House. One-third of its members retire every second year, so it continues without being dissolved, unlike the Lok Sabha, which can be dissolved.