UPSC 2014 Polity & Governance Previous Year Questions

Question 1

The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. the President of India | the Parliament | the Chief Justice of India | the Law Commission. Parliament has the power by law to increase the number of judges of the Supreme Court.

Question 2

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. advisory jurisdiction | appellate jurisdiction | original jurisdiction | writ jurisdiction. Disputes between the Union and States, or between States, under Article 131 fall within the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction.

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India: 1. There is no mention of No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India. 2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 only | 2 only | Both 1 and 2 | Neither 1 nor 2. The Constitution states collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha but does not explicitly mention a no-confidence motion. Such a motion is a Lok Sabha procedure because the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Question 4

Consider the following statements 1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business. 2. All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 only | 2 only | Both 1 and 2 | Neither 1 nor 2. Article 77 provides that the President makes rules for convenient transaction of Government of India business and allocation among Ministers. Executive action is expressed in the name of the President, not the Prime Minister.

Question 5

Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? 1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President's rule. 2. Appointing the Ministers. 3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India. 4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1 and 2 only | 1 and 3 only | 2, 3 and 4 only | 1, 2, 3 and 4. A Governor may use discretion in reporting breakdown of constitutional machinery for President's Rule and in reserving certain bills for the President. Appointment of ministers and business rules are normally on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers/Chief Minister.

Question 6

Consider the following statements: A Constitutional Government is one which 1. places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority 2. places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1 only | 2 only | Both 1 and 2 | Neither 1 nor 2. Constitutional government means limited government: the authority of the State is effectively restricted to protect individual liberty. Statement 1 reverses that core idea.

Question 7

Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? 1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings. 2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees. 3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 only | 2 and 3 only | 1 and 2 only | 1, 2 and 3. The Cabinet Secretariat prepares agendas for Cabinet meetings and provides secretarial assistance to Cabinet committees. Allocation of financial resources is handled through the finance/budget process, not by the Cabinet Secretariat as its function.

Question 8

Which of the following are associated with 'Planning' in India? 1. The Finance Commission 2. The National Development Council 3. The Union Ministry of Rural Development 4 The Union Ministry of Urban Development 5. The Parliament Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1, 2 and 5 only | 1, 3 and 4 only | 2 and 5 only | 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. At the time of the question, national planning was associated with the National Development Council and Parliamentary approval/oversight. The Finance Commission is a fiscal-transfer body, while individual ministries implement sectoral schemes rather than constituting the planning mechanism named here.

Question 9

In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Preamble to the Constitution | Directive Principles of State Policy | Fundamental Duties | Ninth Schedule. Promotion of international peace and security is a Directive Principle of State Policy under Article 51 of the Constitution.

Question 10

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Second Schedule | Fifth Schedule | Eighth Schedule | Tenth Schedule. The anti-defection provisions are contained in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, inserted by the 52nd Amendment.

UPSC 2014 Polity & Governance PYQs with Answers