[Mission 2022] QUIZ – 2022: INSIGHTS STATIC QUIZ, 28 December 2021 – Polity

Solution: c)

Each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration; for e.g. in India states legislate in matters of police, and Centre legislates in areas of national security as a whole.

Tiers may be dependent upon each other; however not completely, else it erodes autonomy.

The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government.

Solution: c)

Proportional Representation is being followed in Rajya Sabha and Presidential elections.

Even though powers are not strictly separated between legislature and executive, there is some separation of powers in the functioning of regulatory bodies like RBI, SEBI and the departments.

Religious intolerance is not only against freedom of expression but also tends to threaten secularism.

Solution: b)

The parliamentary system is based on the principle of cooperation and co-ordination between the legislative and executive organs while the presidential system is based on the doctrine of separation of powers between the two organs.

Other major features are: (a) Presence of nominal and real executives; (b) Majority party rule, (c) Collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature, (d) Membership of the ministers in the legislature, (e) Leadership of the prime minister or the chief minister, (f) Dissolution of the lower House (Lok Sabha or Assembly).

Solution: d)

Even though the basic structure doctrine was given by the SC, it is yet to define or clarify as to what constitutes the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution. It is not mentioned anywhere in the constitution, and our understanding of the basic structure comes from the various judgements of the court.

The following have emerged as ‘basic features’ of the Constitution:

• Supremacy of the Constitution; Sovereign, democratic and republican nature of the Indian polity; Secular character of the Constitution
• Separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary; Federal character of the Constitution; Unity and integrity of the nation; Welfare state (socio-economic justice)
• Judicial review; Freedom and dignity of the individual; Parliamentary system; Rule of law; Harmony and balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles; Principle of equality
• Free and fair elections; Independence of Judiciary; Limited power of Parliament to amend the Constitution; Effective access to justice; Principle of reasonableness; Powers of the Supreme Court under Articles 32, 136, 141 and 142

Solution: c)

The Indian Constitution lays down the basic rules or laws that have to be followed by everyone. These laws are for both the government and the people.