Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
According to Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, what is the 'spirit' of the Indian Constitution?
Answer
The spirit of the age.
Question
Which principle guarantees all adult citizens the right to vote regardless of social or economic background?
Answer
Universal Adult Franchise.
Question
What is the supreme legislative body of the Indian government?
Answer
The Parliament.
Question
How many Lok Sabhas have been constituted since the first one in 1952?
Answer
18.
Question
When was the 18th Lok Sabha constituted?
Answer
June 2024.
Question
What is the geometric shape of the new Parliament building?
Answer
A soft triangle.
Question
By what percentage does the new Parliament building reduce electricity use through green construction?
Answer
30 per cent.
Question
What three values are reflected in the three-sided design of the new Parliament building?
Answer
Balance, inclusivity, and purpose.
Question
What is the current name of the old Parliament building?
Answer
Samvidhan Sadan.
Question
In which decade was the old Parliament building originally constructed?
Answer
The 1920s.
Question
Which three entities compose the Indian Parliament?
Answer
The President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
Question
Term: Bicameral system
Answer
Definition: A legislative structure consisting of two houses or chambers.
Question
What is the alternative name for the Lok Sabha?
Answer
House of the People (or Lower House).
Question
What is the alternative name for the Rajya Sabha?
Answer
Council of States (or Upper House).
Question
What is the maximum number of members envisaged by the Constitution for the Lok Sabha?
Answer
550.
Question
How are Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Rajya Sabha elected?
Answer
Indirectly by an electoral college.
Question
On what factor is the number of MPs representing a state in the Lok Sabha based?
Answer
The population of the state.
Question
Which country's system inspired India's Parliamentary democracy?
Answer
Britain.
Question
Which ancient Indian republics are cited as historical influences on the Indian Constitution?
Answer
The mahājanapadas.
Question
Term: Federalism
Answer
Definition: A form of government where power is distributed between the centre, states, and local governments.
Question
Who acts as the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?
Answer
The Speaker.
Question
Who acts as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer
The Vice President of India.
Question
How many Indian languages are currently available for simultaneous interpretation in Parliament?
Answer
18.
Question
Which six languages were recently added to the Parliamentary translation services?
Answer
Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Urdu, and Sanskrit.
Question
What is the 'Sengol'?
Answer
A gold-plated silver sceptre symbolising the transfer of power and righteous rule.
Question
Which historical period is the Sengol dated back to?
Answer
The Chola period.
Question
What figure sits at the top of the Sengol to symbolise justice?
Answer
Nandi.
Question
Where is the Sengol placed within the new Parliament building?
Answer
Near the Speaker’s chair in the Lok Sabha.
Question
Which three members constitute the Union Executive?
Answer
The President, the Vice President, and the Council of Ministers.
Question
Who heads the Council of Ministers?
Answer
The Prime Minister.
Question
To which body is the Council of Ministers collectively responsible?
Answer
The Lok Sabha.
Question
What are the four broad categories of legislative functions of the Parliament?
Answer
Constitutional functions, Lawmaking, Executive accountability, and Financial accountability.
Question
Give an example of a constitutional function of the Parliament.
Answer
The election of the President and Vice President (or amending the Constitution).
Question
Term: Bill
Answer
Definition: A draft of a proposed law that requires parliamentary approval to become an act.
Question
Term: Act
Answer
Definition: A law that has been passed by Parliament and received presidential assent.
Question
Which Constitutional Amendment mandated free and compulsory education as Article 21A?
Answer
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.
Question
What is the age range for children covered under the Right to Education (RTE) Act?
Answer
6 to 14 years.
Question
In which year was the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) passed?
Answer
2009.
Question
Why were bills traditionally 'read' aloud in the British Parliament?
Answer
Because many Members of Parliament were illiterate.
Question
Term: Clause
Answer
Definition: A specific part of a bill that explains a particular detail or rule.
Question
Term: Gazette
Answer
Definition: An official government publication used to announce legal documents and official information.
Question
What is the role of a Parliamentary Standing Committee?
Answer
To scrutinise government activities, ask questions, and make recommendations.
Question
Which type of bill concerns financial matters like taxation and can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha?
Answer
A Money Bill.
Question
Whose recommendation is required before a Money Bill can be introduced?
Answer
The President.
Question
What is 'Question Hour' in the Lok Sabha?
Answer
A period where MPs ask ministers questions to hold the Executive accountable for its actions.
Question
How does the Parliament exercise financial accountability over the government?
Answer
By approving and monitoring expenditure through the annual budget.
Question
What is the name of the ancient Indian treatise in Tamil on ethics quoted by the Finance Minister in 2025?
Answer
Tirukkural.
Question
In the Tirukkural verse, what are citizens compared to when they 'expect good governance'?
Answer
Living beings expecting rains.
Question
Under the RTE Act, what are three provisions ensured for children?
Answer
Free books, uniforms, and new school construction (or legal pathways to attend school).
Question
What is the first step in the journey of a bill becoming a law?
Answer
Introduction in either House of the Parliament.
Question
What must happen immediately after a bill is passed by both Houses to make it an Act?
Answer
It must receive Presidential assent.
Question
Which part of the Indian Constitution details the roles of the President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers?
Answer
Part V (Chapter I).