Deck 13: Indian Public Finance: Disbursements, Constitutional Funds, and Parliamentary Control

Question 1

With reference to Indian Public Finance, consider the following statements:
1) Disbursements from Public Accounts of India are subject to the Vote of Parliament.
2) The Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of a Consolidated Fund, a Public Account and a Contingency Fund for each State.
3) Appropriations and disbursements under the Railway Budget are subject to the same form of parliamentary control as other appropriations and disbursements.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

A)1 and 2
B)2 and 3
C)1 and 3
D)1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

1, 2 and 3

Question 2

Who among the following have the right to vote in the elections to both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha ?

A)Elected members to the Lower House of Parliament
B)Elected members of the. Upper House of Parliament
C)Elected members of the Upper House of State Legislature
D)Elected members of the Lower House of State Legislature

Answer 2

Elected members of the Lower House of State Legislature

Question 3

Funds belonging to the. Government of India are kept in :

A)Consolidated Fund of India
B)Public Accounts Fund of India
C)Contingency Fund of India
D)All of the above

Answer 3

Consolidated Fund of India

Question 4

In normal times, the Union Parliament:

A)can legislate on any item in the State List if the President so desires
B)can legislate on any item in the State List if the Lok Sabha passes a resolution to that effect by 2/3rd majority
C)can legislate on any item in the State List if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution to that effect by 2/3rd majority
D)cannot legislate on any item in the State List

Question 5

Which of the following is true?

A)The Chairman and Deputy Chairman, both are not members of Rajya Sabha
B)In the election of President, nominated members of State Legislative Assembly. do not take part while in the election of Vice-President they take part
C)In the 1992 election of President of India, the members of Union Territories participated for the first time
D)India follows the British convention that the Finance Minister should be a member of Lower House

Question 6

If the Speaker of the Lower House of a State wants to resign, his letter of resignation is to be addressed to the:

A)Chief Minister
B)Deputy Speaker
C)Governor
D)President

Question 7

Which of the following features restrict the authority of Parliament in India?
1) A written Constitution clearly prescribes its scope of operation.
2) The Supreme Court can strike down a law passed by Parliament if it contravenes any of the Constitutional provisions.
3) Parliament is limited by the incorportation of the Fundamental Rights in the Constitution.

A)I, II and III
B)I and III
C)II only
D)None as Parliament is sovereign in India

Question 8

Which of the following matters are not affected in case of dissolution of the Lok Sabha?
I. A bill originating and pending in the Rajya Sabha.
II. Pending notices, motions and resolutions in the Lok Sabha.
III. A joint sitting of Parliament if notification of such a sitting has been given before the dissolution.
IV. Bills passed by both Houses and sent to the President for his assent.
V. Bills returned by President for reconsideration.

A)I, II and III
B)I, III, IV and V
C)II, III and IV
D)I, IV and V

Question 9

A dissolution does not affect:

A)a bill that originated in the Rajya Sabha and sent to Lok Sabha
B)a bill that originated in the Lok Sabha but has been sent to Rajya Sabha
C)a bill that originated in the Rajya Sabha but has not yet been sent to the Lok Sabha
D)Any of the above

Question 10

If an unqualified or disqualified person sits and votes in Parliament:

A)he is liable to be prosecuted and jailed
B)he may be fined Rs.500 per day of his so sitting
C)he may be imprisoned by the House
D)nothing can be done

Question 11

With reference to Indian Parliament, which one of the following is not correct?

A)The Appropriation Bill must be passed by both the Houses of Parliament before it can be enacted into law
B)No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India except under the appropriation made by the Appropriation Act
C)Finance Bill is required for proposing new taxes but no another Bill/Act is required for making changes in the rates of taxes which are already under operation
D)No Money Bill can be introduced except on the recommendation of the President

Question 12

The Annual Financial Statement is caused to be laid before both Houses of Parliament by the:

A)President
B)Speaker
C)Vice-President
D)Finance Minister

Question 13

An Appropriation Bill:
I. is necessary to draw money from the Consolidated Fund of India.
II. cannot be amended to vary the amount of any charged expenditure.
III. Includes only the expenditure charged on the Consoliated Fund of India.
IV. is required to withdraw money from the Contingency Fund of India.

A)I and III
B)I, II and III
C)I and II
D)I, II, III and IV

Question 14

Which Union Territories are represented in Rajya Sabha at present?
I. Delhi II. Puducherry
III. Lakshadweep
IV. Chandigarh

A)I, II and IV
B)II and III
C)I, II, III and IV
D)I and II

Question 15

Consider the following statements on Financial Bill and say which is/are correct?
I. It is the sameasa Money Bill.
II. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
III. It can be amended in the Rajya Sabha.
IV. It cannot be introduced except on the recommendation of the President.

A)I only
B)II and IV
C)II, III and IV
D)III and IV

Question 16

As a result of prorogation which of the following is not affected?

A)Resolutions
B)Bills
C)Motions
D)Notices

Question 17

The members of the Rajya Sabha are:

A)elected indirectly
B)mostly nominated
C)elected directly as well as indirectly
D)elected by the members of the Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils of States

Question 18

The two Houses of Parliament enjoy co-equal power in all spheres except:
I. financial matters
II. responsibility of the Council of Ministers
III . amendment procedure
IV. election of President

A)III and IV
B)II, III and IV
C)I, II and III
D)I and II

Question 19

At a joint sitting of Parliament a bill has to be passed

A)by a simple majority of the total number of members of both Houses
B)by a two-thirds majority of the total number of members of both Houses
C)by a simple majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting
D)by a two-thirds majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting

Question 20

The privileges enjoyed by the members of Parliament individually include:

A)freedom of arrest in all cases
B)freedom of attendance as witness while Parliament is in session
C)unlimited freedom of speech
D)All of the above

Question 21

On what grounds can a person be disqualified as a voter?
I. Unsoundness of mind
II. Corrupt or illegal practice
III. Crime
IV. Non-residence

A)I, III and IV
B)I, II and III
C)II, III and IV
D)I, II, III and IV

Question 22

Who among the following has the final power to maintain order within the House of People ?

A)Marshal of the House
B)Prime Minister
C)Speaker
D)Chief of Security Staff

Question 23

The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can be removed by a resolution:

A)passed by 2/3rd majority of its total members present
B)passed by a simple majority of its total members present
C)moved by Rajya Sabha but passed by Lok Sabha
D)None of the above

Question 24

If a member of Parliament voluntarily acquires the citizenship of a foreign· country :

A)he will be penalized
B)he will continue to be a member of Parliament
C)he will be disqualified from membership
D)he will have a choice of renouncing either

Question 25

Which of the following is not true?

A)A person can be a member of both Houses of Parliament
B)There is no bar to a person contesting to as many seats and as many legislatures as he likes
C)A member of Lok Sabha cannot hold an office of profit under the Government
D)The population of a State is not the sole consideration for allotment of seats in the Rajya Sabha

Question 26

Who among the following fixes the salaries and the allowances of the Speaker of Lok Sabha?

A)President
B)Council of Ministers
C)Cabinet
D)Parliament

Question 27

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is :

A)elected by the members of Rajya Sabha
B)nominated by the President
C)elected by members of both Houses of Parliament
D)elected by Parliament and State Legislatures jointly

Question 28

The Union Territories get representation in:

A)Lok Sabha
B)Rajya Sabha
C)both Houses of Parliament
D)None of the above

Question 29

The quorum required to hold meetings of the legislative chambers is what fraction of the total membership of the House?

A)1/3
B)1/4
C)1/6
D)1/10

Question 30

Joint sittings of the two Houses of Parliament are held to:

A)elect the President of India
B)elect the Vice-President of India
C)adopt a Constitution amending Bill
D)consider and pass a Bill on which two Houses disagree

Question 31

One-third of the members of the Rajya Sabha retire after every:

A)One year
B)Second year
C)Third year
D)Fifth year

Question 32

A Money Bill passed by the Lok Sabha has to be passed/returned by Rajya Sabha within:

A)14 days
B)21 days
C)1 month
D)3 months

Question 33

Which of the following best defines the Parliamentary term 'Crossing the Floor' ?

A)Leaving the opposition to join the party in power or vice-versa by a Parliamentarian
B)An attempt to occupy the seat of some other Parliamentarian
C)Leaving a House by a minister in between in order to attend the other House
D)Walk out by some Parliamentarians in order to boycott the proceedings of the House

Question 34

When can the Speaker exercise his right to vote in the House?

A)Whenever he desires
B)Whenever the House desires
C)Only in the event of equality of votes
D)Whenever his party directs

Question 35

Which of the following is true?
I. A Bill pending in Rajya Sabha which has not been passed by Lok Sabha lapses on the dissolution ofLok Sabha.
II. If the President has notified about his intention to summon a joint sitting on a Bill, the Bill does not lapse even if the Lok Sabha is dissolved after the notification.

A)I only
B)II only
C)Both I and II
D)Neither I nor II

Question 36

The Speaker may be removed:

A)by a resolution of a House passed by the majority of total membership of the House
B)by a resolution of the House passed by 2/3rd majority of members present and voting
C)by a resolution of the House moved after 14 days clear notice and passed by majority of all the then members of the House
D)by a resolution moved after 14 days notice and passed by majority of the members present

Question 37

When a resolution for his removal is under consideration, the Speaker
I. does not take part in the proceedings of the House.
II. has no right to vote.
III. has a right to speak in the House even though he shall not preside.

A)I only
B)I and II
C)II only
D)III only

Question 38

Rajya Sabha is less powerful than Lok Sabha in terms of its financial powers because:

A)it does not participate in the passing of money bill
B)No Money Bill can be introduced in Rajya Sabha
C)Both of the above
D)None of the above

Question 39

Whose function is it to see that no money is spent out of the Consolidated Fund of a State without the authority of the legislature?

A)Public Accounts Committee
B)Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
C)Finance Commission
D)None of the above

Question 40

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

A)In Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based
B)In the case of a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha no conditions of admissibility have been laid down in the Rules
C)A motion of no-confidence, once admitted, has to be taken up within ten days of the leave being granted
D)Rajya Sabha is not empowered to entertain a motion of no-confidence

Question 41

If a Money bill passed by the Lok Sabha is not returned by the Rajya Sabha within fourteen days, then:

A)Lok Sabha will reconsider it
B)Money Bill will be rejected
C)President will summon a joint meeting of both the Houses to discuss it
D)The Bill will be sent to the President for his signature and consent

Question 42

The Indian parliamentary system is different from the British parliamentary system in that India has:

A)both a real and a nominal executive
B)a system of collective responsibility
C)bicameral legislature
D)the system of judicial review

Question 43

Consider the following statements:
1) The Speaker of Lok Sabha has the power to adjourn the House sine die but, on prorogation, it is only the President who can summon the House.
2) Unless sooner dissolved or there is an extension of the term, there is an automatic dissolution of the Lok Sabha by efflux of time, at the end of the period of five years, even if no formal order of dissolution is issued by the President.
3) The Speaker of Lok Sabha continues in office even after the dissolution of the House and until 'Immediately before the first meeting of the Hous'.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

A)1 and 2
B)2 and 3
C)1 and 3
D)1, 2 and 3

Question 44

Identify the correct sequence of passing a Budget in the Parliament

A)Vote on Account-Finance Bill-Appropriation Bill-Discussion on Budget
B)Finance Bill- Appropriation. Bill Discussion on Budget-Vote on Accounts
C)Discussion on Budget-Vote on Account-Finance Bill-Appropriation Bill
D)Discussion on Budget-Appropriation Bill-Finance Bill-Vote on Account

Question 45

Which of the following conditions must be fulfilled before a Bill for altering the area of the States is introduced in the Parliament?
I. The Bill must be recommended by the President.
II. The President should have referred it to the concerned State Legislature before recommending it.
III. The State Legislature must have given its consent on the Bill.

A)I and II
B)II and III
C)I and III
D)I, II and III

Question 46

Which of the following actions are not performed by the President?

A)Proroguing Parliament
B)Convening a joint sitting if requested
C)Dissolving the Rajya Sabha
D)Causing the Budget to be laid before Parliament

Question 47

The total number of members in a Legislative Council should not exceed that of a Legislative Assembly by :

A)1/3
B)2/3
C)1/2
D)1/4

Question 48

The quorum for Joint Sitting of the Indian Parliament is

A)One-twelfth of the .total number of members of the House
B)One-sixth of the total number of members of the House
C)One-tenth of the' total number of members of the House
D)Two-third of the total number of members of the House

Question 49

Which one of the following is the largest (area wise) Lok Sabha constituency?

A)Kangra
B)Kachchh
C)Ladakh
D)Bhilwara

Question 50

Who presides over the Lok Sabha if neither the Speaker nor the Deputy Speaker is available?

A)A member of the House of People appointed by the President
B)A member chosen by Council of Ministers
C)The senior most member of the Rajya Sabha
D)The senior most member of the Lok Sabha

Question 51

In the case of a deadlock between the two Houses of the Parliament, the joint sitting is presided over by the:

A)President
B)Vice-President
C)Speaker of Lok Sabha
D)Member of the Lok Sabha specifically elected for the purpose

Question 52

Consider the following statements:
1) A Bill pending in the Legislature of 3 State shall not lapse by reason of the prorogation of the House or Houses thereof.
2) A Bill pending in the Legislative Council of a State which has not been' 'passed by the Legislative Assembly shall not lapse on dissolution of the Assembly.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A)1 only
B)2 only
C)Both 1 and 2
D)Neither 1 nor 2

Question 53

A Bill for alteration of boundaries of States shall not be introduced in the Parliament. without the recommendation of:

A)the presiding officers of both Houses of Parliament
B)the legislatures of the States concerned
C)Supreme Court
D)President

Question 54

Consider the following statements:
1) The Rajya Sabha alone has the power to declare that it would be in national interest for the Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List.
2) Resolution approving the Proclamation of Emergency are passed only by the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A)1 only
B)2 only
C)Both 1 and 2
D)Neither 1 nor 2

Question 55

Which of the following non-members of Parliament has the right to address it ?

A)Solicitor-General of India
B)Chief Justice of India
C)Attorney General of India
D)Chief Election Commissioner

Question 56

How many members of the Lok Sabha must support a motion of 'no confidence' in the government, before it can be admitted by the Speaker?

A)20
B)25
C)35
D)50

Question 57

Who among the following decides whether a particular bill is a Money Bill or not?

A)President
B)Speaker of Lok Sabha
C)Chairman of Rajya Sabha
D)Finance Minister

Question 58

Consider the following statements:
1) Salary and allowances of the Speaker for Lok Sabha are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
2) In the Warrant' of Precedence, the Speaker of Lok Sabha ranks higher than all the Union Cabinet Ministers other than Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A)1 only
B)2 only
C)Both 1 and 2
D)Neither 1 nor 2

Question 59

Which of the following are Financial Committees of Parliament in India?
I. Public Accounts Committee.
II. Estimates Committee.
III. Committee on Public Undertakings.

A)I and III
B)I and II
C)II and III
D)I, II and III

Question 60

Consider the following statements:
1) The expenditure to be incurred by the Government and the revenue to be collected by way of taxes must be approved by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
2) The charge of impeachment against the President of India can be brought about by only Lok Sabha and not Rajya Sabha
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

A)1 only
B)2 only
C)Both 1 and 2
D)Neither 1 nor 2

Question 61

After a no confidence motion is admitted to the Lok Sabha, who decides a date for the debate?

A)President
B)Vice-President
C)Lok Sabha Speaker
D)Prime Minister

Question 62

After the House is dissolved, the Speaker:

A)is removed from the office immediately
B)remains as Speaker until the first meeting of the House of People after the dissolution
C)has to submit his resignation to the President of India within 24 hours
D)can continue as Speaker for the period of 30 days only

Question 63

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1) No Money Bill can be introduced in the Parliament without the recommendation of the President of India.
2) The Prime Minister appoints Finance Commission for distribution of taxes between the Union and the States.

A)1 only
B)2 only
C)Both 1 and 2
D)Neither 1 nor 2

Question 64

Consider the following statements on Parliamentary Committees:
1) Members of the Rajya Sabha are not associated with the Committees on Public Accounts and Public Undertakings.
2) Members of the Committee on Estimates are drawn from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A)1 only
B)2 only
C)Both land 2
D)Neither 1 nor 2

Question 65

Which one among the following is a function of the Pro-Tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

A)Conduct of the proceedings of: the House in the absence of the Speaker
B)To check if the election certificates of the members of the House are in order
C)Swear in the members of the House and hold the charge till a regular Speaker is elected
D)Give his assent to the bills passed by the House

Question 66

In which of the Parliamentary Financial Committees is the Rajya Sabha not represented?

A)Public Accounts Committee
B)Estimates Committee
C)Committee on Public Undertakings
D)Expenditure Committee

Question 67

Which one of the following is responsible for the preparation and presentation of Union Budget to the Parliament?

A)Department of Revenue
B)Department of Economic Affairs
C)Department of Financial Services
D)Department of Expenditure

Question 68

With regard to the powers of the Rajya Sabha, which one among the following statements is not correct?

A)A money Bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha
B)The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or amend a Money Bill
C)The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement
D)The Rajya Sabha has no power to vote on the Demands for Grants

Question 69

While a proclamation of Emerqency is in operation, the duration of the Lok Sabha can be extended by not exceeding

A)three months
B)nine months
C)one year at a time
D)two years at a time

Question 70

With reference to the conduct of government business in the Parliament of India, the term 'closure' refers to

A)suspension of debate at the termination of a day's sitting of the Parliament
B)a rule of legislative procedure under which further debate on a motion can be halted
C)the termination of a parliamentary session
D)refusal on the part of the government to have the opposition look at important document.

Question 71

The Public Accounts Committee submits its report to

A)the Comptroller and Auditor- General
B)the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
C)the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
D)the President of India

Question 72

All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the

A)Contingency Fund of India
B)Public Account
C)Consolidated Fund of India
D)Deposits and Advances Fund

Question 73

When the annual Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha?

A)the Budget is modified and presented again
B)the Budget is referred to the Rajya Sabha for suggestions
C)the Union Finance Minister is asked to resign
D)the Prime Minister submits. The resignation of Council of Ministers

Question 74

What is the difference between "vote-on-account" and "interim budget"?
1) The provision ofa "vote-on-account" is used by a regular Government, while an "interim budget" is a provision used by a caretaker Government.
2) A "vote-on-account" only deals with the expenditure in Government's budget, while an "interim budget" includes both expenditure and receipts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A)1 only
B)2 only
C)Both 1 and 2
D)Neither 1 nor 2

Question 75

Which of the following is correct?

A)Lok Sabha can be dissolved before 5 years
B)Lok Sabha can be extended only upto 6 years
C)Lok Sabha is never dissolved' before 5 years
D)All members of Lok Sabha are elected Representatives

Question 76

If the Rajya Sabha rejects a Money Bill, then which of the following is correct?

A)Lok Sabha may or may not accept its recommendation
B)Lok Sabha may not consider it at all
C)President calls a joint session for passing of the Bill
D)Bill is sent for further consideration

Question 77

Under which of the following circumstances an elected member of Parliament may be disqualified on the ground of defection?
I. If he voluntarily gives up his membership of a political party.
II. If he votes or abstains from voting contrary to any direction issued by his political party without prior permission of the political party.
III. If he speaks against the political party.
IV. If he joins a political party other than the party on whose ticket he contested and got elected.

A)I, II and III
B)I, II and IV
C)I, III and IV
D)II, III and IV

Question 78

The distribution of seats of the Parliament are based on which of the following census?

A)1951
B)1961
C)1971
D)1981

Question 79

Which of the following can be abolished, but not dissolved?

A)Rajya Sabha
B)Municipal Bodies
C)State Legislative Council
D)None of the above

Question 80

The Rajya Sabha has a life of:

A)2 years
B)6 years
C)7 years
D)Permanency