Practice important Constitutional Bodies MCQ for UPSC Prelims with solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs), detailed answers, explanations, and topic-wise practice questions to strengthen your Indian Polity revision and boost exam preparation.
This quiz contains 59 carefully selected multiple-choice questions (MCQ) with detailed explanations for each answer. Questions cover important topics from Polity.
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Constitutional Bodies MCQ for UPSC Prelims | Important PYQs with Answers & Practice Questions
Description
Practice important Constitutional Bodies MCQ for UPSC Prelims with solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs), detailed answers, explanations, and topic-wise practice questions to strengthen your Indian Polity revision and boost exam preparation.
Difficulty
Hard
Num Questions
59
Points Per Question
1
Time Limit
30 minutes
All MCQ Questions with Answers and Explanations
Question 1: What is the primary objective of providing special protection to constitutional bodies in the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer:
C
— To strengthen institutional impartiality, balance of power, and democratic governance
Explanation:
The Constitution grants institutional safeguards to constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission, the Union Public Service Commission, and the Comptroller and Auditor General so that they can discharge their constitutional responsibilities independently and impartially, free from political or executive interference. These safeguards strengthen constitutional governance, checks and balances, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Question 2: Which of the following constitutional bodies strengthens financial accountability and transparency primarily through audit reports rather than executive action?
Correct Answer:
C
— Comptroller and Auditor General
Explanation:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) promotes financial accountability by auditing government receipts and expenditure and submitting reports to the President or the Governor. These reports are examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and other legislative committees, thereby strengthening parliamentary oversight over the executive.
Question 3: Which of the following measures have been adopted to ensure the independence of constitutional bodies? (1) Fixed tenure (2) Protection against adverse changes in service conditions (3) Special removal procedure (4) Expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
Various constitutional bodies are provided with institutional safeguards such as fixed tenure, protection against disadvantageous changes in service conditions, special procedures for removal, and, in the case of certain bodies such as the Election Commission, UPSC, and CAG, expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. These safeguards are not uniformly available to every constitutional body but collectively help preserve their independence.
Question 4: Select the correct statements from the following: (1) The procedure for removal of all constitutional authorities is the same to ensure their independence. (2) The powers of constitutional bodies are derived from the Constitution. (3) The Constitution provides complete details regarding the composition and functioning of all constitutional bodies.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 2
Explanation:
The powers of constitutional bodies originate from the Constitution. However, the removal procedures differ across constitutional authorities, and the Constitution often leaves several aspects—such as service conditions, composition, and functioning—to be regulated by Parliament through legislation.
Question 5: Select the correct statements regarding the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): (1) The government may take decisions different from the advice of the UPSC. (2) If the government does not accept UPSC advice, it must place the matter before Parliament with reasons. (3) The main objective of the UPSC is to ensure merit-based and politically neutral recruitment in public services.
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The advice of the UPSC is generally advisory and is not binding on the Government. Under Article 323, the UPSC submits an annual report to the President, who lays it before Parliament along with a memorandum explaining the cases, if any, where the Commission's advice was not accepted and the reasons for such non-acceptance. The UPSC promotes merit-based and politically neutral recruitment to the civil services.
Question 6: Which of the following constitutional bodies primarily ensures financial accountability of the executive? (1) Comptroller and Auditor General (2) Election Commission (3) National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1
Explanation:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits government receipts and expenditure and thereby ensures the financial accountability of the executive to Parliament. The Election Commission is responsible for conducting free and fair elections, while the National Commission for Scheduled Castes monitors constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes. Neither primarily performs the function of ensuring financial accountability of the executive.
Question 7: Select the correct statements regarding the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG): (1) Audit conducted by the CAG does not itself declare any expenditure illegal. (2) The reports of the CAG are examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. (3) The CAG has the authority to decide the policy appropriateness of any government decision.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
The CAG audits public expenditure but is not a judicial body. It cannot declare any expenditure illegal on its own, nor can it determine the policy appropriateness of government decisions. Its reports are examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.
Question 8: Select the correct statements from the following: (1) Article 324 empowers the Election Commission to act even in situations where the law is silent. (2) The Election Commission cannot issue any order contrary to a law made by Parliament. (3) The Supreme Court has considered the powers under Article 324 to be unlimited.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
The Supreme Court has held that Article 324 confers plenary (residual) powers on the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections where the law is silent. However, these powers are not unlimited and cannot override or act contrary to any law enacted by Parliament.
Question 9: The following constitutional safeguards apply to which of the following constitutional bodies? (1) Their members are appointed by the President. (2) Their expenditure is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. (3) The Constitution provides special safeguards to ensure their independence.
Correct Answer:
C
— Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission and Comptroller and Auditor General
Explanation:
The Election Commission of India (ECI), the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) enjoy important constitutional safeguards such as appointment by the President, expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, and provisions ensuring institutional independence. Although the members of the Finance Commission are appointed by the President, its expenditure is not charged on the Consolidated Fund of India as a constitutional safeguard, nor does it enjoy the same degree of constitutional protection regarding independence as the ECI, UPSC, and CAG.
Question 10: Which of the following constitutional bodies primarily perform advisory functions in the discharge of their duties? (1) Finance Commission (2) Union Public Service Commission (3) National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The Finance Commission makes recommendations to the President on the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) advises the government on recruitment and service matters. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) investigates safeguards relating to Scheduled Castes and makes recommendations for their effective implementation. Although their constitutional functions differ, their recommendations are primarily advisory in nature and are generally not binding on the government.
Question 11: Which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) Both the Election Commission of India and the Union Public Service Commission are independent constitutional bodies. (2) The expenditure of both bodies is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. (3) Both bodies are accountable to Parliament.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Both the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) are independent constitutional bodies. Their expenditure is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring financial independence. However, they are not accountable to Parliament in the same manner as the executive. They function independently under the Constitution, although their reports are laid before Parliament through the President.
Question 12: Which of the following pairs [Body – Relevant Article] is correctly matched? (1) Election Commission – Article 324 (2) Finance Commission – Article 280 (3) UPSC – Article 315 (4) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes – Article 338
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is established under Article 338A of the Constitution, not under Article 338.
Question 13: For which of the following constitutional bodies is a special procedure or special protection provided for the removal of their head or members? (1) Comptroller and Auditor General of India (2) Chief Election Commissioner (3) Chairperson of UPSC
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Chief Election Commissioner are removed by a process similar to that of a Supreme Court Judge. The Chairperson and members of the UPSC are removed by the President under the procedure and grounds specified in Article 317. Thus, all three posts enjoy special constitutional protection.
Question 14: In respect of which of the following constitutional bodies are the annual reports submitted to the President and subsequently laid before Parliament? (1) Union Public Service Commission (2) Comptroller and Auditor General of India (3) National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The annual reports of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) are submitted to the President, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament. In the case of the UPSC and the NCSC, an explanatory memorandum indicating the action taken on their recommendations is also laid before Parliament.
Question 15: Regarding the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) Both Commissions have powers of a Civil Court during inquiry. (2) Both Commissions submit reports to the President. (3) Both Commissions can issue binding orders.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Both Commissions have powers of a Civil Court during inquiry and submit reports to the President. However, they do not have the power to issue binding judicial orders.
Question 16: Regarding the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) Salary and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. (2) After appointment, his/her service conditions cannot be altered to his/her disadvantage. (3) After retirement, he/she cannot be appointed to any office under the Government of India or any State Government.
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
To ensure the independence of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Constitution provides all these safeguards.
Question 17: Regarding the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) The President appoints the Chairperson and members of the UPSC. (2) After the completion of their term, the Chairperson of the UPSC cannot be appointed as Chairperson of any State Public Service Commission. (3) A member of the UPSC can be appointed as Chairperson of the UPSC or any State Public Service Commission after the end of their tenure.
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The Chairperson and members of the UPSC are appointed by the President. According to Article 319, the UPSC Chairperson cannot hold any other government post after tenure, whereas a member of the UPSC may later be appointed as UPSC Chairperson or Chairperson of a State Public Service Commission.
Question 18: Regarding the Finance Commission of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) The Constitution provides detailed provisions regarding the composition, qualifications, and service conditions of the Finance Commission. (2) The qualifications of the Chairperson and other members of the Finance Commission are determined by Parliament. (3) The President can direct the Finance Commission to make recommendations on additional matters under Article 280.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Article 280 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of the Finance Commission and lays down its broad constitutional framework. However, the composition, qualifications of the Chairperson and other members, and their service conditions are determined by Parliament through the Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951. Further, under Article 280(3)(d), the President may refer any other matter in the interests of sound finance and direct the Commission to make recommendations on such matters.
Question 19: Regarding the Election Commission of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) The Chief Election Commissioner is removed by the same procedure as that of a Judge of the Supreme Court. (2) Other Election Commissioners can be removed only on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. (3) The Constitution specifies the number of other Election Commissioners.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
The Chief Election Commissioner is removed by a procedure similar to that of a Judge of the Supreme Court. Other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President only on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The Constitution does not determine the number of Election Commissioners; it is decided by the President from time to time.
Question 20: How many of the following pairs (Constitutional Body - Main Function) are incorrectly matched? (1) Election Commission - Conducting free and fair elections (2) Comptroller and Auditor General - Auditing public expenditure (3) Union Public Service Commission - Appointment to the higher judiciary (4) Finance Commission - Recommendation on the distribution of taxes
Correct Answer:
A
— Only one
Explanation:
Pairs 1, 2 and 4 are correctly matched. The Election Commission conducts elections, the CAG audits public expenditure, and the Finance Commission recommends the distribution of taxes between the Union and the States. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched because the UPSC is concerned with recruitment to civil services and advising the Government on service matters. It has no role in the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.
Question 21: The salaries and administrative expenses of which of the following constitutional bodies are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India? (1) Election Commission (2) Union Public Service Commission (3) Comptroller and Auditor General
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The salaries and administrative expenses of the Election Commission, the Union Public Service Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. This constitutional safeguard helps ensure their financial independence.
Question 22: Which of the following constitutional bodies primarily aims to strengthen fiscal federalism between the Centre and the States?
Correct Answer:
C
— Finance Commission
Explanation:
The primary function of the Finance Commission is to make recommendations regarding the distribution of taxes between the Centre and the States and grants-in-aid, thereby strengthening fiscal federalism.
Question 23: Which of the following statements is correct regarding the State Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer:
B
— Its annual report is submitted to the Governor.
Explanation:
The Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission are appointed by the Governor. The Commission submits its annual report to the Governor, who places it before the State Legislature.
Question 24: With reference to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) It enjoys certain powers of a Civil Court. (2) It can investigate complaints related to Scheduled Castes. (3) It can give final judicial decisions like a court.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
The Commission has certain powers of a Civil Court during inquiry, but it is not a court and does not deliver binding judicial decisions.
Question 25: Which of the following is a constitutional body?
Correct Answer:
C
— Finance Commission
Explanation:
The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 280. NITI Aayog is an executive body, the Central Vigilance Commission is a statutory body, and the CBI is an executive investigative agency.
Question 26: With reference to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) The CAG audits the accounts of the Union Government and the State Governments. (2) The CAG functions under the control of Parliament. (3) The reports of the CAG are submitted to the President or the Governor, who causes them to be laid before the respective Legislature.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The CAG audits the accounts of the Union and State Governments. Its audit reports are submitted to the President or the Governor, who places them before Parliament or the State Legislature. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CAG is an independent constitutional authority and does not function under the control of Parliament.
Question 27: With reference to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) The UPSC conducts recruitment examinations. (2) It advises the Government on matters relating to recruitment rules and promotions. (3) Its advice is binding on the Central Government in all cases.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The UPSC conducts examinations for recruitment to Central services and advises the Government on recruitment, promotions and service matters. However, its advice is generally advisory and not legally binding.
Question 28: With reference to the Finance Commission, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) It is constituted every five years. (2) All its recommendations are binding on the Government. (3) It makes recommendations regarding the distribution of taxes between the Union and the States.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Under Article 280 of the Constitution, the President constitutes a Finance Commission every five years or earlier if considered necessary. Its recommendations are advisory in nature and are not binding on the Government.
Question 29: With reference to the Election Commission of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1) The Election Commission has the power to delimit constituencies. (2) The Election Commission prepares and supervises electoral rolls. (3) The Election Commission supervises, directs and controls elections to Parliament, the President, the Vice-President and State Legislative Assemblies.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect because delimitation of constituencies is carried out by the Delimitation Commission established under the Delimitation Acts. Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the Election Commission supervises the preparation of electoral rolls and conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
Question 30: To whom does the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) submit his reports relating to the Union Government?
Correct Answer:
B
— President
Explanation:
Under Article 151 of the Constitution, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) submits reports relating to the accounts of the Union Government to the President, who causes them to be laid before both Houses of Parliament. Similarly, reports relating to a State are submitted to the Governor, who places them before the State Legislature.
Question 31: What is the primary function of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?
Correct Answer:
A
— Recruitment to civil services
Explanation:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts examinations for recruitment to the All India Services, Central Civil Services, and other posts under the Union Government. It also advises the Government on matters relating to recruitment, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary cases.
Question 32: Who constitutes the Finance Commission?
Correct Answer:
D
— President
Explanation:
Under Article 280 of the Constitution, the President of India constitutes the Finance Commission at the expiration of every fifth year or earlier if considered necessary.
Question 33: What is the primary function of the Election Commission of India?
Correct Answer:
C
— Conducting free and fair elections
Explanation:
The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free, fair, and impartial elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President under Article 324 of the Constitution.
Question 34: Under which Article is the National Commission for Scheduled Castes established?
Correct Answer:
A
— Article 338
Explanation:
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is established under Article 338 of the Constitution. It is responsible for safeguarding the constitutional and legal rights of Scheduled Castes and monitoring the implementation of safeguards provided for their welfare.
Question 35: For whom does the State Public Service Commission conduct recruitment?
Correct Answer:
B
— State Government
Explanation:
The State Public Service Commission (SPSC), established under Article 315 of the Constitution, conducts recruitment examinations and advises the State Government on matters relating to appointments, promotions, and service conditions for posts under the State Government.
Question 36: What is the primary function of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
Correct Answer:
C
— Auditing government accounts
Explanation:
The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is established under Article 148 of the Constitution. Its primary function is to audit the accounts of the Union Government, State Governments, and other authorities and bodies as prescribed by law, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial administration.
Question 37: The Union Public Service Commission is related to which Article?
Correct Answer:
A
— Article 315
Explanation:
The constitutional provisions relating to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) are contained in Articles 315 to 323. The UPSC conducts examinations for recruitment to the All India Services, Central Civil Services, and other posts under the Union Government. It also advises the Government on recruitment and service matters.
Question 38: What is the main function of the Finance Commission?
Correct Answer:
D
— Recommending the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and the States
Explanation:
The Finance Commission is constituted under Article 280 of the Constitution. Its primary function is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States, the principles governing grants-in-aid to the States, and other financial matters referred to it by the President. Its recommendations are advisory in nature.
Question 39: Under which Article is the Election Commission of India established?
Correct Answer:
B
— Article 324
Explanation:
The Election Commission of India is established under Article 324 of the Constitution. It is responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. It is an independent constitutional body that ensures free, fair, and credible elections.
Question 40: Assertion (A): The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is a constitutional body established under Article 338A and performs primarily recommendatory functions. Reason (R): Its recommendations are binding on the Government because it is a statutory authority.
Correct Answer:
C
— Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
Explanation:
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is a constitutional body established under Article 338A. It primarily performs advisory and recommendatory functions, and its recommendations are not binding on the Government. Moreover, it is a constitutional body, not a statutory authority. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct, while Reason (R) is incorrect.
Question 41: Assertion (A): The Comptroller and Auditor General only examines the legality of government expenditure and does not conduct performance audits. Reason (R): Under Article 149, the Comptroller and Auditor General performs the audit of the accounts of the Union and the States.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Comptroller and Auditor General is not confined to examining only the legality or regularity of government expenditure. It also conducts financial, compliance and performance audits. Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect, whereas Reason (R) is correct.
Question 42: Assertion (A): Parliament can, through an ordinary law, alter the constitutional functions of the Union Public Service Commission without any constitutional limitation. Reason (R): Article 320 lays down the constitutional functions of the Union Public Service Commission, while Article 321 empowers Parliament to assign additional functions to the Commission by law.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
Article 320 specifies the constitutional functions of the Union Public Service Commission. Under Article 321, Parliament may assign additional functions to the Commission by law, but it cannot alter or override the constitutional functions prescribed under Article 320 through an ordinary law. Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect, while Reason (R) is correct.
Question 43: Assertion (A): The recommendations of the Finance Commission are binding on the President and Parliament. Reason (R): The Finance Commission is a constitutional body whose primary function is to recommend the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Finance Commission, constituted under Article 280, is a constitutional body. Its recommendations are advisory in nature and are not binding on the President or Parliament. Hence, Assertion (A) is incorrect, whereas Reason (R) is correct.
Question 44: Assertion (A): The powers of the Election Commission are exhaustively defined under Article 324 alone. Reason (R): Many powers of the Election Commission have evolved through judicial interpretation and statutory provisions, including delegated legislation.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
Article 324 confers broad constitutional powers on the Election Commission, but its powers are not exhaustively defined in this Article. Several powers have evolved through judicial interpretation and statutory provisions, including delegated legislation such as the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect, while Reason (R) is correct.
Question 45: Assertion (A): Both the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes were constituted by the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. Reason (R): The 89th Constitutional Amendment inserted Article 338A, under which the establishment of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is provided.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
Prior to the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, there was a single National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under Article 338. The 89th Amendment bifurcated this Commission into two separate constitutional bodies by retaining Article 338 for the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and inserting Article 338A for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Thus, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes was not newly constituted by the 89th Amendment; only the separate constitutional provision for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was created. Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect, whereas Reason (R) is correct.
Question 46: Assertion (A): The Comptroller and Auditor General examines only the legality of government expenditure. Reason (R): Article 149 provides the constitutional basis for the duties and powers of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) does not merely examine the legality or regularity of government expenditure. It conducts financial audit, compliance audit and performance audit of the accounts of the Union, the States, public sector undertakings and other bodies, as provided under the Comptroller and Auditor General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971. Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect. Article 149 provides the constitutional basis for the duties and powers of the CAG, while Parliament prescribes their detailed scope by law. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.
Question 47: Assertion (A): Parliament may, by law, specify the matters in which consultation with the Union Public Service Commission shall not be necessary. Reason (R): Article 320 empowers Parliament to make laws prescribing the matters in which consultation with the Union Public Service Commission may be dispensed with.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and Reason correctly explains Assertion.
Explanation:
Article 320 provides for the functions of the Union Public Service Commission. It also empowers Parliament to enact laws specifying the matters in which consultation with the UPSC shall not be necessary. Therefore, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, and Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).
Question 48: Assertion (A): The Finance Commission recommends only on the distribution of taxes, not on grants. Reason (R): The Finance Commission, under Article 280, makes recommendations to the President on matters relating to financial relations between the Centre and the States.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
Under Article 280, the Finance Commission recommends not only the distribution of taxes but also the principles governing grants-in-aid to the States under Article 275. Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect. Reason (R) is correct because the Finance Commission makes recommendations to the President on matters relating to financial relations between the Centre and the States.
Question 49: Assertion (A): The Model Code of Conduct implemented by the Election Commission is constitutionally binding. Reason (R): Article 324 provides the Election Commission with wide powers for the conduct, direction, and control of elections.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Model Code of Conduct is neither a constitutional nor a statutory provision; rather, it is an ethical and administrative code of conduct developed by the Election Commission. Hence, Assertion (A) is incorrect. Article 324, however, provides the Election Commission with wide powers for the independent and fair conduct of elections, on the basis of which the Commission enforces the Model Code of Conduct. Therefore, Reason (R) is correct.
Question 50: Assertion (A): The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is established under Article 338A of the Constitution. Reason (R): It monitors the safeguards provided for Scheduled Tribes and makes recommendations to the government for their effective implementation.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both are correct, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.
Explanation:
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body established under Article 338A. One of its important functions is to monitor the safeguards provided for Scheduled Tribes and make recommendations to the government for their effective implementation. However, these functions describe the role of the Commission and do not explain why it is established under Article 338A. Therefore, both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Question 51: Assertion (A): The Comptroller and Auditor General examines only the legality of government expenditure. Reason (R): The Comptroller and Auditor General audits the accounts of the Government of India, State Governments, and other authorities and bodies as prescribed by law.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The functions of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) are not confined to examining only the legality of expenditure. It conducts financial, compliance, and performance audits of the Union Government, State Governments, and other authorities and bodies as prescribed by law. Therefore, the Assertion is incorrect, whereas the Reason is correct.
Question 52: Assertion (A): The independence of the Union Public Service Commission is protected by the Constitution. Reason (R): Its members are provided a fixed tenure and can be removed only under limited constitutional provisions.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and Reason correctly explains Assertion.
Explanation:
The Constitution safeguards the independence of the Union Public Service Commission by providing its members with a fixed tenure, security of service conditions, and a limited removal procedure. Hence, both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Question 53: Assertion (A): The recommendations of the Finance Commission are binding on the government. Reason (R): The Finance Commission is an advisory constitutional body.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 280, but its recommendations are advisory in nature and are not legally binding on the government. The government may accept, modify, or reject them. Therefore, the Assertion is incorrect, while the Reason is correct.
Question 54: Assertion (A): The Election Commission allocates election symbols in accordance with the provisions relating to the recognition of political parties and the Election Symbols [Reservation and Allotment] Order, 1968. Reason (R): The Election Symbols [Reservation and Allotment] Order, 1968 provides the legal framework for the Election Commission to allocate election symbols and recognize political parties.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and Reason correctly explains Assertion.
Explanation:
The Election Commission allocates election symbols under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. The Order also lays down the criteria for recognition of political parties and allocation of reserved and free symbols. Hence, both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Question 55: Assertion (A): The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is established under Article 338 of the Constitution. Reason (R): It investigates complaints relating to the deprivation of the rights and safeguards of Scheduled Castes and makes recommendations to the Government.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both are correct, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.
Explanation:
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is a constitutional body established under Article 338 of the Constitution. Its functions include investigating complaints relating to the deprivation of the rights and safeguards of Scheduled Castes and making recommendations to the Government. Although both Assertions are correct, the Commission's functions do not explain its constitutional establishment under Article 338. Therefore, the reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Question 56: Assertion (A): The Comptroller and Auditor General audits only the expenditure of the Central Government. Reason (R): It audits the accounts of both the Union and the State Governments.
Correct Answer:
D
— Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) does not audit only the expenditure of the Central Government. It audits the accounts of both the Union and the State Governments, as well as various government authorities and bodies as provided by law. Therefore, the Assertion is incorrect, whereas the reason is correct.
Question 57: Assertion (A): The Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission are appointed by the President. Reason (R): The Commission conducts examinations for recruitment to the Union Civil Services and advises the Government on matters relating to recruitment and appointments.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both are correct, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.
Explanation:
The Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) are appointed by the President under the Constitution. The Commission conducts examinations for recruitment to the Union Civil Services and advises the Government on matters relating to recruitment and appointments. While both Assertions are correct, the Commission's functions do not explain the constitutional provision relating to the appointment of its members. Therefore, the reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Question 58: Assertion (A): The Finance Commission is generally constituted by the President every five years. Reason (R): It makes recommendations regarding the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and the principles governing grants-in-aid.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both are correct, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.
Explanation:
Under Article 280 of the Constitution, the President constitutes a Finance Commission every five years or earlier if necessary. Its primary function is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and the principles governing grants-in-aid. Both Assertions are correct; however, the Commission's functions do not explain why or when it is constituted. Hence, the reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Question 59: Assertion (A): The Election Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 324. Reason (R): It supervises, directs, and controls the elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both are correct, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.
Explanation:
The Election Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution. It is responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Although both the Assertion and the reason are correct, the Commission's constitutional status arises from Article 324 itself, not from the functions it performs. Therefore, the reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.