Q1. Consider the following
- Presidential systems generally provide more stability in the executive branch due to fixed terms.
- Parliamentary systems may experience more frequent changes in the executive branch based on legislative confidence.
- Gridlock is less likely in a parliamentary system due to the fusion of executive and legislative powers.
- Presidential systems may experience gridlock between the executive and legislative branches.
Which statements accurately describe the level of executive stability in parliamentary and presidential systems?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Q1. (d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
- 1 — Correct: Fixed tenure in presidential systems insulates the executive from legislative instability, ensuring higher executive continuity.
- 2 — Correct: In parliamentary systems, the executive depends on legislative confidence; no-confidence motions, coalition shifts, or floor fragmentation can cause frequent leadership changes.
- 3 — Incorrect: Parliamentary fusion of powers does not guarantee absence of gridlock—coalition bargaining, bicameral disagreements (e.g., upper house), and party factionalism can still cause policy deadlock.
- 4 — Correct: Presidential systems often face institutional gridlock when the legislature is controlled by another party (“divided government”).
Q2. Consider the following
- In the USA, the President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the Federal Government are subject to impeachment.
- The American President can be removed from office only if both Houses approve articles of impeachment by a two-thirds majority.
- No U.S. President has ever been removed from office as a direct result of impeachment and conviction by Congress.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Q2. (b) Only two
Explanation:
- 1 — Correct: The U.S. Constitution allows impeachment of the President, Vice-President, and all civil officers.
- 2 — Incorrect: Impeachment is approved by a simple majority in the House; removal requires two-thirds majority only in the Senate, not in both Houses.
- 3 — Correct: No President has been removed following conviction; Johnson, Clinton, and Trump were impeached but acquitted, while Nixon resigned before trial.
Q3.Consider the following
- The executive in a parliamentary system is constitutionally independent and not accountable to the legislature.
- The executive is formed from the majority party or coalition in the legislature, ensuring an inherent relationship between the two.
- The executive and legislature maintain a strict separation of powers to prevent conflicts of interest.
Select the correct statements:
(a) One of the given statements is correct
(b) Two of the given statements are correct
(c) Three of the given statements are correct
(d) None of the given statements are correct
3. (a) One of the given statements is correct
Explanation:
- 1 — Incorrect: Parliamentary executives are collectively accountable to the legislature.
- 2 — Correct: The executive is drawn from the majority party/coalition in the legislature, creating an inherent linkage.
- 3 — Incorrect: There is no strict separation of powers; instead, parliamentary systems feature overlap and coordination between the executive and legislature.
Q4.The features/principles of parliamentary government in India include:
- Nominal and Real Executives
- Single Executive
- Secrecy
- Collective Responsibility
Which of the above are correct features?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q4. (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
- 1 — Correct: Presence of Nominal (President) and Real (Council of Ministers) Executives.
- 2 — Incorrect: India does not have a single executive; it has a dual executive (Head of State + Head of Government).
- 3 — Correct: Secrecy of proceedings is a classical Westminster convention.
- 4 — Correct: Collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha is a core parliamentary principle.
Q5. Consider the following
- Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction.
- The existence and authority of each tier of government is generally constitutionally guaranteed.
- Each tier of government must draw all its financial resources independent of the other tier.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
Q5. (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- 1 — Correct: Multiple tiers govern the same citizens, each with a demarcated jurisdiction.
- 2 — Correct: Federal tiers derive authority from the Constitution, not from the centre.
- 3 — Incorrect: Financial resources are not entirely independent; modern federations operate through shared revenues, transfers, and fiscal federalism mechanisms.
