Tag: why do we need a parliament?

Questions Related to why do we need a parliament?

The winter session of the Parliament is convened between ____________.

  1. January-March

  2. February-May

  3. July-August

  4. November-December


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A parliament session is a duration in which its business is conducted. There are three parliament sessions in a year:

  • Budget Session: February to May
  • Monsoon Session: July to September
  • Winter Session: November to December

The Lok Sabha can remove the Union Government from office by passing a no-confidence motion.

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

If the house feels that the government does not enjoy majority, then they can move a 'no-confidence' motion. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. The motion is admitted for discussion when a minimum of 50 members of the house supports the motion. If the motion is passed, the Government is bound to vacate the office.

Adjournment of the House means suspension of the sitting of the House by the Speaker.

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Adjournment of the House means suspension of the work for a specified time which may be hours, days or weeks. It is done by the presiding officer of the house. It does not affect the bills or any other business pending before the House and the same can be resumed when the House meets again.

The Act extends to___________. 

  1. Delhi

  2. Rajasthan

  3. Sikkim

  4. The whole of India


Correct Option: D

What is 'zero hour'?

  1. When the proposals of the opposition are considered

  2. When matters of utmost importance are raised

  3. Interval between the morning- and afternoon sessions

  4. When a Money Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The time immediately following the Question Hour has come to be known as "Zero Hour". It starts at around 12 noon (hence the name) and members can, with prior notice to the Speaker, raise issues of utmost importance during this time.

Match the following:
Parliamentary Terms
A. Starred Question
B. Unstarred Question
C. Short Notice Question
Meaning
1. One asked by a member on matters of public importance of an urgent nature
2. One for which the Concerned minister has to lay on the table a written answer
3. One for which an oral answer is required to be given by a minister on the floor of the House

  1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3

  2. A - 2, B - 1, C - 3

  3. A - 3, B - 1, C - 2

  4. A - 3, B - 2, C - 1


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The correct meanings are as follows:

  • Starred Question: One for which an oral answer is required to be given by a minister on the floor of the House
  • Unstarred Question: One for which the Concerned minister has to lay on the table a written answer
  • Short Notice Question: One asked by a member on matters of public importance of an urgent nature.

The Lok Sabha is called in session for at least how many times in a year?

  1. Twice

  2. Once

  3. Thrice

  4. Four times


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Unlike other institutions, Parliament does not work throughout the year. Indian constitution specifies that ‘six months shall not intervene’ between the last sitting of one session and the first sitting of the next. This provision effectively ensures that Parliament meets at least twice a year. Over the years, parliamentary convention has evolved towards having three sessions in a year— the Budget (February to May), Monsoon (July to August/September) and Winter (November to December) sessions.

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

  1. 1/3

  2. 1/4

  3. 1/6

  4. 1/10


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The quorum required to hold meetings of the legislative chambers is one-tenth of the total membership of the House. Article 100 of the Constitution of India stipulates that at least 10% of the total number of members of the House must be present to constitute the quorum to constitute a meeting of either House of Parliament. For example, if the House has the total membership of 250, at least 25 members must be present for the House to proceed with its business.

The quorum for Joint Sitting of the Indian Parliament is _______________________.

  1. One-twelfth of the total number of members of the House

  2. One-sixth of the total number of members of the House

  3. One-tenth of the total number of members of the House

  4. Two-third of the total number of members of the House


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Option C is the correct answer. The quorum for Joint Sitting of the Indian Parliament is One-tenth of the' total number of members of the House. The quorum required to hold meetings of the legislative chambers is one-tenth of the total membership of the House. Article 100 of the Constitution of India stipulates that at least 10% of total number of members of the House must be present to constitute the quorum to constitute a meeting of either House of Parliament. For example, if the House has the total membership of 250, at least 25 members must be present for the House to proceed with its business.

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. In Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based

  2. In the case of a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha no conditions of admissibility have been laid down in the Rules

  3. A motion of no-confidence, once admitted, has to be taken up within ten days of the leave being granted

  4. Rajya Sabha is not empowered to entertain a motion of no-confidence


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Option A is the correct answer. In Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion has to set out the grounds on which it is based.  A no-confidence motion can be moved only in the Lok Sabha. If the government has to demonstrate its strength on the floor of the House, it can have a motion of confidence. However, the opposition parties (or any member) can move a motion expressing want of confidence (no confidence) in the Council of Ministers.