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UPSC CSE Prelims 2018 — Polity Questions with Answers

All 10 Polity previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2018, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Constitutional Development

   In the federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the:

   • a)The incentive given by a bank to a merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that bank.
   • b)The amount paid back by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services.
   • c)The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank’s debit cards.
   • d)The incentive given by the Government to merchants for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards.

   Explanation: Under the Government of India Act 1935, residuary powers were vested in the Governor General, who could assign a residuary subject to either the federal or provincial list at his discretion.

2. Q2.Constitution

   The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution of India during the prime ministership of:

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

   Explanation: The Ninth Schedule was added by the First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951, during Jawaharlal Nehru's prime ministership, primarily to protect land reform laws from judicial review.

3. Q3.Important Acts

   The Right to Information Act, 2005 was enacted to provide access to information held by which of the following?

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

   Explanation: The RTI Act, 2005 empowers citizens to seek information from 'public authorities' to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.

4. Q4.Political Theory

   Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship between law and liberty?

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

   Explanation: In political theory, law is the condition of liberty — without laws to restrain arbitrary power, freedom cannot exist. Hence 'if there are no laws, there is no liberty' is most appropriate.

5. Q5.Constitutional Bodies

   Consider the following statements about 'GST Council': 1. It is a constitutional body. 2. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister. 3. The Union Government has a one-third weightage of the total votes cast.

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

   Explanation: All three are correct: the GST Council is a constitutional body under Article 279A, chaired by the Union Finance Minister, with the Centre holding one-third and States together two-thirds of the voting weight.

6. Q6.Parliament

   Consider the following statements about the Money Bill: 1. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. 2. The Rajya Sabha can amend a Money Bill. 3. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill.

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

   Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes to a Money Bill, which the Lok Sabha may accept or reject — it cannot amend it.

7. Q7.Executive

   Consider the following statements regarding Article 361 of the Constitution: 1. No criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted against the President or a Governor in any court during his term of office. 2. The President or a Governor is not answerable to any court for the exercise of the powers and duties of his office.

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

   Explanation: Both statements reflect Article 361: the President and Governors enjoy immunity from criminal proceedings during their term and are not answerable to any court for the exercise of official powers and duties.

8. Q8.Emergency Provisions

   If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then

   • a)the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
   • b)the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.
   • c)Article 19 is suspended in that State.
   • d)the President can make laws relating to that State.
9. Q9.Government Schemes

   With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy. 3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • a)1 and 3 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)2 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3
10. Q10.Fundamental Rights

    Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

    • a)Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution
    • b)Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV
    • c)Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III
    • d)Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution