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UPPSC 2015 — Polity Questions with Answers

All 17 Polity previous-year questions from UPPSC 2015, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Federalism

   With reference to the Fourteenth Finance Commission, which of the following statements is/are correct?

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)Both 1 and 2
   • d)Neither 1 nor 2

   Explanation: The 14th FC (Y.V. Reddy) raised the States' tax-devolution share from 32% to 42%, the largest jump ever, and also dealt with grants, though it moved away from sector-specific grants in favour of larger untied devolution.

2. Q2.Constitution

   Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)Both 1 and 2
   • d)Neither 1 nor 2

   Explanation: DPSPs aim at establishing socio-economic democracy and, per Article 37, are non-justiciable - not enforceable by any court - though fundamental in governance.

3. Q3.Parliament

   Consider the following statements about the Rajya Sabha:

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 2 only
   • c)2 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: On Money Bills the Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes (cannot reject/amend) and cannot vote on Demands for Grants, but it can discuss the Annual Financial Statement (Budget).

4. Q4.Constitutional History

   The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined

   • a)The separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature
   • b)The jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments
   • c)The powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy
   • d)None of the above

   Explanation: The 1919 Act (Montagu-Chelmsford reforms) introduced dyarchy and clearly demarcated the subjects and jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments.

5. Q5.Parliament

   When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament, it has to be passed by

   • a)A simple majority of members present and voting
   • b)A three-fourths majority of members present and voting
   • c)A two-thirds majority of the Houses
   • d)An absolute majority of the Houses

   Explanation: A bill at a joint sitting under Article 108 is decided by a simple majority of the members present and voting.

6. Q6.Institutions

   The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the

   • a)Human Rights Commission
   • b)Finance Commission
   • c)Law Commission
   • d)Planning Commission

   Explanation: NITI Aayog was created in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission as the government's policy think-tank.

7. Q7.Executive

   Consider the following statements: 1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister. 2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)Both 1 and 2
   • d)Neither 1 nor 2

   Explanation: Executive power of the Union is vested in the President (Article 53), not the PM, and the Civil Services Board is headed by the Cabinet Secretary, so both statements are incorrect.

8. Q8.International Organizations

   Amnesty International is

   • a)An agency of the United Nations to help refugees from civil wars.
   • b)A global human rights movement.
   • c)A non-governmental voluntary organisation to help the most poor people.
   • d)An inter-governmental agency to provide medical services in war-torn regions.

   Explanation: Amnesty International is a global non-governmental human rights movement working to protect human rights worldwide.

9. Q9.Constitution

   The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to

   • a)Protection of the interests of Scheduled Tribes
   • b)Determination of boundaries between States
   • c)Determination of powers, authorities and responsibilities of Panchayats
   • d)Protection of the interests of all border States

   Explanation: The Fifth and Sixth Schedules provide for the administration and protection of Scheduled Areas and tribal areas, safeguarding Scheduled Tribes' interests.

10. Q10.Public Finance

    With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements: 1. The Department of Revenue is responsible for the preparation of Union Budget that is presented to the Parliament. 2. No amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without the authorization from the Parliament of India. 3. All the disbursements made from Public Account also need the authorization from the Parliament of India.

    • a)1 and 2 only
    • b)2 and 3 only
    • c)2 only
    • d)1, 2 and 3

    Explanation: The Budget is prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs (not Revenue) and Public Account withdrawals do not need parliamentary authorization; only the Consolidated Fund withdrawal requires it.

11. Q11.Judiciary

    Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India?

    • a)The President of India
    • b)The Prime Minister of India
    • c)The Lok Sabha Secretariat
    • d)The Supreme Court of India

    Explanation: The Supreme Court of India is regarded as the guardian and custodian of the Constitution, with the power of judicial review.

12. Q12.Culture

    Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

    • a)Odia
    • b)Konkani
    • c)Bhojpuri
    • d)Assamese

    Explanation: Odia was granted classical language status in 2014, becoming the sixth Indian language to receive the honour.

13. Q13.State Legislature

    Consider the following statements: 1. The Legislative Council of a State in India can be larger in size than half of the Legislative Assembly of that particular State. 2. The Governor of a State nominates the Chairman of Legislative Council of that particular State.

    • a)1 only
    • b)2 only
    • c)Both 1 and 2
    • d)Neither 1 nor 2

    Explanation: A Legislative Council cannot exceed one-third of the Assembly's strength (so not larger than half) and its Chairman is elected by the Council's own members, not nominated by the Governor; both statements are wrong.

14. Q14.Constitution

    "To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India" is a provision made in the

    • a)Preamble of the Constitution
    • b)Directive Principles of State Policy
    • c)Fundamental Rights
    • d)Fundamental Duties

    Explanation: Upholding and protecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India is one of the Fundamental Duties under Article 51A.

15. Q15.Local Government

    The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? 1. People's participation in development; 2. Political accountability; 3. Democratic decentralization; 4. Financial mobilization.

    • a)1, 2 and 3 only
    • b)2 and 4 only
    • c)1 and 3 only
    • d)1, 2, 3 and 4

    Explanation: Panchayati Raj fundamentally aims at people's participation, political accountability and democratic decentralization; financial mobilization is not its core objective.

16. Q16.Constitution

    The ideal of 'Welfare State' in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its

    • a)Preamble
    • b)Directive Principles of State Policy
    • c)Fundamental Rights
    • d)Seventh Schedule

    Explanation: The ideal of a welfare state is embodied in the Directive Principles of State Policy, which direct the State to promote socio-economic welfare.

17. Q17.Executive

    There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

    • a)The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people.
    • b)Parliament can amend the Constitution.
    • c)The Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved.
    • d)The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha.

    Explanation: The defining feature of a parliamentary system is the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the popularly elected Lok Sabha.