Indian Polity & Constitution MCQs

Notes:
According to the Constitution of India the Members of Parliament both collectively and individually enjoy certain special powers and privileges without which they cannot discharge their functions, efficiently and effectively.

Notes:
Article 30 is called a Charter of Education Rights. Madarsas are administrated by the Article 30.
Article 30 mandates that all minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
Article 30 provides an absolute right to the minorities that they can establish their own linguistic and religious institutions and at the same time can also claim for grant-in-aid without any discrimination.

Notes:
Constitution (42nd) Amendment added a new part XIVA to the Constitution for Tribunals: Administrative Tribunals (Art 323A) and Tribunals for other purpose (Art 323B).

Notes:
The constitution of India provides the provision for judicial review in the shape of Article 13. This power has been conferred to the High courts and the Supreme court of India which can declare a law unconstitutional if it is violates fundamental rights.

Notes:
74th amendment added the 12th schedule in the constitution comprising 18  items that fall under the purview of municipalities-
1. Urban planning including town planning
2. Regulation of land use and construction of buildings
3. Planning for economic and social development
4. Roads and bridges
5. Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes
6. Public health, sanitation, conservancy and solid waste management
7. Fire services
8. Urban forestry, protection of the environment and promotion of ecological aspects
9. Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society
10. Slum improvement and upgradation
11. Urban poverty alleviation
12. Provision of urban amenities and facilities 
13. Promotion of cultural, educational and aesthetic aspects
14. Burials and burial grounds, cremations and cremation grounds and electric crematoriums
15. Cattle ponds, prevention of cruelty to animals
16. Vital statistics including registration of births and deaths
17. Public amenities including street lighting, parking lots, bus stops and public conveniences
18. Regulation of slaughter houses and tanneries

Notes:
This term is used for schedules which are lists in the constitution that categorise and tabulate bureaucratic activity and government policy.

Notes:
Freedom of Press flows from Article 19 (1) as freedom of speech and expression. However, Freedom of press is not specifically mentioned in Constitution. It was debated in the Constituent Assembly and Dr. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee said that no special mention of the freedom of press was necessary at all as the press and an an individual or a citizen were the same as far as their right of expression was concerned.

Notes:
K. Santhanam committee appointed in the year 1963 had recommended the formation of Panchayat Raj Finance Corporation.

Notes:
Legislative Council or Vidhan Parishad is the upper house in bicameral legislatures in some states of India. It has no powers in terms of passing bills whether be it money or ordinary bills unlike Rajya Sabha which has equal powers as that of Lok Sabha in terms of Ordinary & Amendment bills. That’s why it is generally optional to have Vidhan Parishad.
While most states have unicameral legislature with only legislative assembly, currently, six states have legislative council – 1. Andhra Pradesh 2. Bihar 3. Karnataka 4. Maharashtra 5. Telangana 6. Uttar Pradesh.

Notes:
Every Minister and the Attorney-General of India shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of, either House, any joint sitting of the Houses, and any committee of Parliament of which he may be named a member, but shall not by virtue of this article be entitled to vote.