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Indian PolityEasyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GK

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India has fixed the number of Members of the Rajya Sabha to be elected from each State?

  1. A.Fifth Schedule
  2. B.Third Schedule
  3. C.Sixth Schedule
  4. D.Fourth Schedule

Correct answer

D. Fourth Schedule

Explanation

The correct answer is D, Fourth Schedule. The Fourth Schedule allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha to each State and Union Territory, read with Articles 4(1) and 80(2). Seats are given broadly on the basis of population, so Uttar Pradesh has the largest share with 31 seats, while small states such as Goa, Mizoram and Sikkim have one each. These members are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation by the single transferable vote. Article 80 caps the Rajya Sabha at 250 members, of whom 12 are nominated by the President for their knowledge of literature, science, art and social service. Option A is wrong because the Fifth Schedule deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. Option B is wrong because the Third Schedule contains the forms of oaths and affirmations. Option C is wrong because the Sixth Schedule covers tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Exam tip: Fourth Schedule = Rajya Sabha seats; Third = oaths; Fifth = Scheduled Areas; Sixth = tribal areas of four north-eastern states.

Practice Questions

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Q1.Indian PolityAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2020, GKMedium

A special address by the Governor refers to the address delivered by the Governor

  1. A.when President's Rule is called for
  2. B.when a national emergency necessitates dissolution of the Legislative Assembly
  3. C.at the commencement of the first session after general election and at the first session of each year
  4. D.whenever he/she has concluded that such is necessary
Show answer
Correct answer: C. at the commencement of the first session after general election and at the first session of each year

Article 176 of the Constitution requires the Governor to give this special address on these two occasions. In the address the Governor tells the legislature why it has been summoned and sets out the policies and programme of the state government, whose council of ministers actually prepares the text.

Q2.Indian PolityAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2020, GKMedium

Which one among the following is not a character of a secular State?

  1. A.It refuses theocracy.
  2. B.It separates religion from the State.
  3. C.A State in order to be secular must be democratic.
  4. D.It must prevent religious conflict and promote religious harmony.
Show answer
Correct answer: C. A State in order to be secular must be democratic.

Secularism concerns the relation between the State and religion, and being democratic is not part of its definition. A secular State is not run by a religious order, keeps religious institutions and State institutions apart, and does not favour or persecute any religion.

Q3.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?

  1. A.Protection against the tyranny of political rulers
  2. B.Absence of restraint
  3. C.Opportunity to do whatever one likes
  4. D.Opportunity to develop oneself fully
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Opportunity to develop oneself fully

In political theory, and in the spirit of the Indian Constitution, liberty means positive freedom: the conditions and opportunities a person needs to develop their personality fully.

Q4.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IEasy

Constitutional government means

  1. A.a representative government of a nation with federal structure
  2. B.a government whose Head enjoys nominal powers
  3. C.a government whose Head enjoys real powers
  4. D.a government limited by the terms of the Constitution
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Correct answer: D. a government limited by the terms of the Constitution

Constitutional government means limited government: those in power can act only within the limits that the constitution lays down. The essence of constitutionalism is that state power is restrained by a higher law, so that rights are protected and authority cannot be used arbitrarily.

Q5.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IEasy

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

  1. A.A Democratic Republic
  2. B.A Sovereign Democratic Republic
  3. C.A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
  4. D.A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic
Show answer
Correct answer: B. A Sovereign Democratic Republic

When the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, its Preamble declared India a Sovereign Democratic Republic.