Q1. Consider the following statements:
- The President is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of Legislative Assemblies of States.
- Nominated members of Rajya Sabha and Legislative Councils have the right to vote in the Presidential election.
- The value of vote of an MLA depends on the population of the State as per 1971 census.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (a) Only one
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct
- Article 54: Electoral college includes elected MPs + elected MLAs of States (including Delhi & Puducherry).
- No nominated members, no MLCs, no State UTs except above two.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect
- Nominated members of Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, Legislative Councils do not vote (Article 55).
- Statement 3 – Correct (till 2026)
- Value of MLA vote = Population of State (1971 Census) ÷ 1000.
- 84th Amendment (2001) froze use of 1971 Census until after first Census post-2026.
Q2. With reference to impeachment of the President, consider the following:
- The charge can originate in either House of Parliament.
- The resolution can be passed by a majority of the total membership of the House.
- The other House investigates the charges.
How many are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct
- Article 61: Impeachment “must originate in either House” is correct .
- The motion must be signed by 1/4th members, 14-day notice, then passed by a special majority.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect
- Requires special majority:
- 2/3rd of members present and voting AND majority of total membership.
- Statement only mentions one limb.
- Requires special majority:
- Statement 3 – Correct
- The other House conducts investigation, but only after the originating House passes motion by special majority.
Q3. The President can be removed from office before completion of term by:
- Resignation addressed to the Vice-President
- Impeachment for violation of the Constitution
- Recall petition signed by 3/4th of State legislatures
How many are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
- 1 – Correct
- Article 56(1)(a): President may resign by writing to Vice-President.
- 2 – Correct
- Article 61: Impeachment for “violation of the Constitution”. Only constitutional removal mechanism.
- 3 – Incorrect
- No provision for recall by States or public.
- India has no recall mechanism for President.
Q4. Which of the following are constitutionally available to the President?
- Pocket veto
- Suspensive veto on State Bills
- Absolute veto on Private Members’ Bills
How many are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
- 1 – Pocket veto: Yes
- Constitution silent on time limits → President may delay assent indefinitely. Used in 1986 (Postal Bill).
- 2 – Suspensive veto on State Bills: Yes
- Article 200 + 201: President may return a State Bill (not Money Bill) for reconsideration (if reserved by Governor).
- After reconsideration, if State passes it again, President still not bound (rarely used).
- 3 – Absolute veto on Private Members’ Bills: Yes
- President can withhold assent from Private Members’ Bills and Cabinet Bills.
- Absolute veto generally used for non-controversial, minor or unnecessary Bills.
Q5. The Ordinance-making power of the President:
- Is co-extensive with the legislative power of Parliament
- Cannot be used to amend the Constitution
- Can be delegated to anyone
How many are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
- 1 – Correct
- Article 123: Ordinance-making power = Parliament’s legislative competence (Union and Concurrent List only).
- 2 – Correct
- Ordinances cannot amend the Constitution because Article 368 requires a special procedure + special majority + ratification (if required).
- 3 – Incorrect
- Ordinance power is non-delegable; exercised only by President on aid and advice of Council of Ministers.
