Question 1

In which house is the Presiding officer not a member of that house?

Accepted Answer

As per Article 64 of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He is not a member of the Rajya Sabha. Article 66 deals with the election of the Vice President, who is elected by an electoral college consisting of all members of both Houses of Parliament. In contrast, the Speaker of Lok Sabha (Article 93), the Speaker of Vidhan Sabha (Article 178), and the Chairman of Vidhan Parishad (Article 182) are all elected from among the members of their respective houses. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 2

By which constitutional amendment act was the voting age reduced from 21 years to 18 years?

Accepted Answer

The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1989, reduced the voting age from 21 years to 18 years for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Other amendments mentioned include: 48th Amendment (1984) – extension of President’s Rule in Punjab, 57th Amendment (1987) – reservation for STs in certain state assemblies, 63rd Amendment (1989) – repealed changes introduced by 59th Amendment in Punjab. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 3

If the post of President and Vice-Presidents are vacant, who officiates as the President of India?

Accepted Answer

The Chief Justice of India officiates as the President of India if the posts of President and Vice President are vacant. Historical instances include Justice Md. Hidayatullah serving as acting President from 20th July 1969 to 24th August 1969 after V.V. Giri resigned as Vice President. Other acting Presidents include V.V. Giri (3rd May 1969 – 20th July 1969) and Sri B.D. Jatti (11th February 1977 – 25th July 1977). [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 4

What is the sequence number of Smt. Pratibha Patil as the President of the Republic of India?

Accepted Answer

Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil served as the 12th President of India from 25th July 2007 to 25th July 2012. She was elected in the 13th Presidential Election of 2007, defeating B.S. Shekhawat, and became the first female President of India. Smt. Droupadi Murmu is the second female President, serving as the 15th President since 2022 and the first tribal (Santhali) President. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 5

A bill presented in Parliament becomes an Act after

Accepted Answer

A bill becomes an Act only after it is passed by both Houses of Parliament and receives the President's assent. Article 79 defines Parliament as consisting of the President, the Rajya Sabha, and the Lok Sabha. Article 111 specifies that once a bill has been passed by both Houses, it shall be presented to the President, who may either assent to it or withhold assent. The President may request reconsideration if it is not a Money Bill, but after reconsideration, the President must give assent. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 6

Fundamental Duties were incorporated in the Constitution of India by the:

Accepted Answer

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, added Part IVA to the Constitution, introducing Fundamental Duties. It also added Part XIV-A (Tribunals) and added the words 'Socialist, Secular and Integrity' to the Preamble. Other amendments: 15th Amendment (1963) – High Court writ jurisdiction and retirement age, 32nd Amendment (1973) – special provisions for Telangana, 46th Amendment (1982) – sales tax enforcement provisions. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 7

How many languages are recognized as regional languages in the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Currently, 22 languages are recognized in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. Originally, 14 languages were included. The 21st Amendment (1967) added Sindhi, the 71st Amendment (1992) added Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali, and the 92nd Amendment (2003) added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali. Oriya was renamed Odia by the 96th Amendment (2011). Hence, the correct answer is 'None of the above'. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 8

According to our Constitution, the Rajya Sabha

Accepted Answer

Article 83 deals with the duration of Houses of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution. One-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity, while members are eligible for re-election. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 9

A High Court judge addresses his letter of resignation to

Accepted Answer

Article 217 states that every High Court judge is appointed by the President and holds office until 62 years. He/she can resign by writing to the President. Articles 215-230 deal with various provisions regarding High Courts, including power of superintendence, transfer, and writ jurisdiction. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

Question 10

As a non-member who can participate in the proceedings of either house of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

The Attorney General of India can participate in the proceedings of either House of Parliament. Article 76 defines the Attorney General of India, while Article 165 defines the Advocate General in states. The Attorney General has the right to speak but not to vote. [48TH-52ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2008]

48th-52nd Prelims 2008