Section A — Chapter 1

The First War of Independence, 1857

Class 10 - Total History & Civics Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1
The East India Company's territorial power began to increase rapidly in India after which of the
following Battles?

The Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Plassey
The First Anglo-Mysore War
The Third Anglo-Maratha War
Answer

The Battle of Plassey

Question 2
The First Indian State to enter into the Subsidiary Alliance with the East India Company was

Awadh
Mysore
Tanjore
Jhansi
Answer

Awadh

Question 3
Lord Dalhousie annexed a number of Indian States to the East India Company using

The Subsidiary of Lapse

The Doctrine of Lapse
The Government of India Act of 1858
Queen Victoria's Proclamation
Answer

The Doctrine of Lapse

Question 4
Nana Saheb was the adopted son of

Bahadur Shan Zafar

Tantia Tope
Baji Rao I
Baji Rao II
Answer
Baji Rao II

Question 5
Where was the family seat of Nana Saheb located?

Nagpur
Lucknow
Pune
Kanpur
Answer

Pune

Question 6
Which of the following reforms was resented by the Indians?

The Abolition of Sati

The Widow Remarriage Act
Opening of Girls' school
Both (1) and (2)
Answer

Both (1) and (2)

Question 7
Jhansi was annexed by applying which of the following?

Alleged Misrule
Subsidiary Alliance
Queen's Proclamation
The Doctrine of Lapse
Answer

The Doctrine of Lapse

Question 8
Seventy-five thousand of the Company's sepoys belonged to which of the following states?

Jaipur
Awadh
Mysore
Sambalpur
Answer

Awadh
Question 9
By the provisions of which of the following, 20,000 estates of the landlords were confiscated by the
East India Company?

The Hunter Commission

Frazer Commission
The Inam Commission
The Woods' Dispatch
Answer

The Inam Commission

Question 10
Which of the following Acts was resented by the Indian sepoys?

The General Service Enlistment Act

The Indian Service Rules
The Government of India Act, 1858
The Queen's Proclamation
Answer

The General Service Enlistment Act

Question 11
Which of the following events of the Uprising of 1857 and their leaders is not correctly matched?

Lucknow—Begum Hazrat Mahal

Kanpur—Nana Saheb
Kalpi—Tantia Tope
Bihar—Khan Bahadur
Answer

Bihar—Khan Bahadur

In Bihar, the struggle was led by Kunwar Singh, the zamindar of Jagdishpur. At Bareilly, Khan
Bahadur, a descendant of the former ruler of Rohilkhand took command of the movement.

Question 12
Which of the following was the result of the Great Uprising of 1857?

End of the rule of the British Crown

End of the rule of the East India Company
End of the rule of the Governor-General
End of the Board of Directors
Answer
End of the rule of the East India Company

Question 13
The Uprising of 1857 began from

Meerut
Plassey
Buxar
Delhi
Answer

Meerut

Question 14
An effect of the Uprising of 1857 was that —

the spirit of rebellion in India was crushed

the British became totally demoralised
the British abandoned their repressive policies
unity was forged between the Hindus and Muslims
Answer

the British abandoned their repressive policies

Queen Victoria's Proclamation promised that the Government of India would follow a policy of non-
intervention in social and religious matters of Indians. The Policy of Annexation and the Doctrine of
Lapse were abandoned.

Question 15
Who introduced the Subsidiary Alliance in India?

Lord Hastings
Lord Amherst
Lord Wellesley
Lord Cornwallis
Answer

Lord Wellesley

Question 16
After the initial success of the Uprising of 1857, the objective of the leaders of the Uprising included

restoring the former glory to the Mughal empire.

forming a Federation of Indian States under the aegis of Bahadur Shah II.
eliminating foreign rule and return of the old order.
establishing his own power in his respective region by each leader.
Answer

eliminating foreign rule and return of the old order.

Question 17
Under the Government of India Act 1858, who gave up the direct administration of India?

The East India Company

The British Crown
Lord Mountbatten
The Mughal Emperor
Answer

The East India Company

Question 18
The Uprising of 1857 was a prolonged period of armed uprising against the British in Northern and
Central India. Which of the following was not a major centre of the Uprising?

Delhi
Awadh
Mumbai
The Chambal Region
Answer

Mumbai

Short Answer Questions

Question 1
What was the nature of revolts against the British before the First War of Independence?

Answer

The rebellions against the British before the First War of Independence were local, scattered and
isolated. They did not pose a serious threat to the British.

Question 2
Why was the "War of 1857" hailed as the First War of Independence?

Answer

Revolt of 1857 was known as the first war of independence because it was for the first time that our
entire nation irrespective of the caste, creed, race, and religion had come together and staged an
armed protest against the Britishers to gain independence from their colonial rule.
Question 3
Mention two political causes of the First War of Independence.

Answer

Two political causes of the First War of Independence were —

Policy of Expansion — The British policy of territorial expansion and gradual annexation of the native
Indian states was one of the major grievances of the Indian rulers.
Absentee Sovereignty of the British — Indians felt they were being ruled from England and India's
wealth was drained to England and not utilised for their welfare.
Question 4
Name two ways in which the British expanded their territorial power in India.

Answer

Two ways in which the British expanded their territorial power in India were-

Subsidiary alliance
Doctrine of Lapse
Question 5
What was the Subsidiary Alliance? Name two Indian States brought under the British control using
the Subsidiary Alliance.

Answer

Subsidiary alliance was an agreement between the British East India Company and the Indian
Princely States by virtue of which these states lost their sovereignty to the British.

Two Indian States brought under the British control using the Subsidiary Alliance are Awadh and
Hyderabad.

Question 6
Explain the term: Doctrine of Lapse. Name the two States annexed by the British using the Doctrine
of Lapse.

Answer

According to Doctrine of Lapse, if an Indian ruler died without a male heir his kingdom would come
under the Company's territory in India.

The two States annexed by the British using the Doctrine of Lapse are Jhansi and Nagpur.

Question 7
Who was Nana Sahib? What was his main grievance against the British?
Answer

Nana Saheb was the adopted son of Baji Rao II, the last Peshwa.

His main grievance against the British was that the British refused to grant Nana Saheb the pension
they were paying to Baji Rao II. Nana Saheb was forced to live at Kanpur, far away from his family
seat at Poona.

Question 8
Which policy was used by Lord Dalhousie against Rani Laxmi Bai? Why did Rani Laxmi Bai become a
bitter enemy of the British?

Answer

The policy of Doctrine of Lapse was used by Lord Dalhousie against Rani Laxmi Bai.

Rani Laxmi Bai became a bitter enemy of the British because when the ruler of Jhansi died in 1853,
leaving no natural heir, the widowed Rani was pensioned and their adopted son, Anand Rao, was not
recognised as a lawful successor to the throne.

Question 9
State two announcements which adversely affected the Mughal dynasty in India.

Answer

Two announcements which adversely affected the Mughal dynasty in India are-

In 1849, Lord Dalhousie announced that successors of Bahadur Shah Zafar would not be permitted
to use the Red Fort as their palace. They were required to shift to a place near the Qutub Minar.
In 1856, Lord Canning announced that after the death of Bahadur Shah, his successors would not be
allowed to use the imperial titles with their names and would be known as mere princes.
Question 10
Mention any two consequences of the annexation of Awadh.

Answer

Two consequences of the annexation of Awadh are-

People had to pay higher land revenue and additional taxes on food, houses and ferries.
The dissolution of the Nawab of Awadh's army and administration threw thousands of nobles,
officials and soldiers out of jobs.
Question 11
State any two consequences of the disbanding of the armies of the annexed States by the British.

Answer
Two consequences of the disbanding of the armies of the annexed States by the British are-

The dissolution of the Nawab of Awadh's army and administration threw thousands of nobles,
officials and soldiers out of jobs.
It also affected the soldier's financial position. They had to pay higher taxes on the land their
families held in Awadh.
Question 12
Give the meaning of Absentee Sovereignty. Why was it resented by the Indians?

Answer

Absentee Sovereignty of the British means that India was being ruled by the British government from
England, at a distance of thousands of miles.

This was resented by the Indians because they felt that they were being ruled from England and
India's wealth was being drained to England and not utilised for their welfare.

Question 13
What were the apprehensions of Indians about the introduction of the railways?

Answer

The apprehensions of Indians about the introduction of the railways were that in the railway
compartments, the higher castes and the lower castes were made to sit side by side. They believed
that the British had introduced such practices to defy their caste and religion.

Question 14
Mention any two social reforms advocated by the British which affected the religious traditions of
the Indian people.

Answer

Two social reforms advocated by the British which affected the religious traditions of the Indian
people are-

Abolition of Sati in 1829

Widow Remarriage Act of 1856
Question 15
Mention any two measures which point to the policy of social discrimination followed by the British
in India.

Answer

Two measures which point to the policy of social discrimination followed by the British in India are-

The Indian soldiers were poorly paid, ill-fed and badly housed.
All higher positions in employment were reserved for the British, irrespective of their performance.
Question 16
Give two examples to show how the British exploited resources of India.

Answer

The British exploited resources of India in the following ways-

India was forced to export, at cheaper rates, raw materials like raw cotton and raw silk that the
British industries needed urgently.
India also exported plantation products and food grains which were in short supply in Britain.
Question 17
Give any two grievances of the peasantry against the British.

Answer

Two grievances of the peasantry against the British are-

Increase in the land revenue forced many peasants into indebtedness or into selling their lands.
The traditional zamindars were replaced by merchants and moneylenders. These new land owners
had no concern for the peasants. They pushed rents to exorbitant levels and evicted their tenants in
case of non-payment.
Question 18
What did the British do to reduce the landed aristocracy to poverty?

Answer

According to the provisions of the Inam Commission(1852), 20,000 estates were confiscated when
the landlords failed to produce evidence like title deeds by which they held the land. These
confiscated lands were sold by public auction to the highest bidders. This drove the landed
aristocracy to poverty.

Question 19
What was the provision of the General Service Enlistment Act which was resented by the Indian
soldiers? Why was it resented?

Answer

According to the traditional belief, it was a taboo for a Brahmin to cross the seas. As per the General
Service Enlistment Act of 1856, Indian soldiers could be sent overseas on duty. The Act did not take
into account the sentiment of the Indian soldiers. The Brahmin soldiers saw in this a danger to their
caste. This led to the feeling of resentment among them.

Question 20
Mention any two grievances harboured by the Indian soldiers which created an atmosphere
favourable to the First War of Independence.
Answer

Two grievances harboured by the Indian soldiers which created an atmosphere favourable to the
First War of Independence are-

All higher positions in employment were reserved for the British, irrespective of their performance.
The wages of the Indian soldiers were inadequate to support their families. On the other hand, the
British soldiers received more than eight times the salary of the Indian soldiers.
Question 21
State two effects of the defeat of the British in the first Afghan War and the Punjab Wars on the
Indian soldiers.

Answer

Two effects of the defeat of the British in the first Afghan War and the Punjab Wars on the Indian
soldiers are-

The defeat of the British broke the myth that the British were invincible.
It revealed to the Indian soldiers that the British army could be defeated by the determined Indian
army.
Question 22
What was the immediate cause of the First War of Independence?

Answer

The immediate cause of the First War of Independence was the introduction of the Enfield rifle. The
loading process of the Enfield rifle involved bringing the cartridge to the mouth and biting off the top
greased paper with the teeth.

In January 1857, there was a rumour in the Bengal regiments that the greased cartridge had the fat
of cow or pig. The sepoys were now convinced that the introduction of greased cartridges was a
deliberate move to defile Hindu and Muslim religions. So, the soldiers refused to use these
cartridges and staged an uprising when they were forced to use them.

Question 23
Who was Mangal Pandey? What did he do?

Answer

Mangal Pandey was a Brahmin sepoy, who refused to use the Enfield rifles.

He led an attack on the Adjutant of the 34th Native Infantry at Barrackpore on March 29, 1857. He
was executed after a court martial.

Question 24
State two consequences of the First War of Indian Independence on the East India Company.

Answer

Two consequences of the First War of Indian Independence on the East India Company are-

End of the Company's rule in India

The British rulers declared emphatically their policy of non-interference in the religious affairs,
customs and traditions of the Indians.
Question 25
How was the Army organised after the First War of Independence?

Answer

The Indian army was reorganised after 1858, to prevent the reoccurrence of another uprising, in the
following way-

The strength of the European troops in India was increased.

European troops were kept in key geographical and military positions.
The sophisticated weapons and ammunitions were never placed under the charge of the Indians.
Discrimination on the basis of caste and religion was practised in the recruitment of the army.
Newspapers, journals and nationalist publications were prevented from reaching the soldiers.
Question 26
What impact did the uprising of 1857 have on the Mughal rule and Peshwaship?

Answer

The uprising of 1857 ended the Mughal and Peshwa rule in India. The Mughal dynasty came to an
end with the death of Bahadur Shah II and Nana Saheb, the last Peshwa, fled to Nepal after the
failure of the uprising.

Question 27
Mention any two drawbacks of the First War of Independence.

Answer

Two drawbacks of the First War of Independence are-

The movement had no common goal before it except for the anti-foreign sentiments.
Some of the rulers of the Indian states and the big zamindars refused to join the movement.
Structured Questions
Question 1
Economic exploitation of the country produced discontent, resentment and resistance among the
people that culminated in the Great Uprising of 1857. In this context discuss:

(a) The ruin of trade and handicrafts

(b) Impoverishment of the cultivators

(c) Subordination of Indian economy to British interests (making India an agricultural colony of
British capitalism)

Answer

(a) The British crippled the Indian trade and handicrafts in the following manner-

Heavy duties on Indian silk and cotton textiles in Britain destroyed Indian industries.
On the other hand, British goods were imported into India at a nominal duty.
By the middle of 19th century, export of cotton and silk goods from India practically ceased.
The art of spinning and weaving, which for ages had given employment to thousands of artisans,
became extinct.
The misery of the artisans was further compounded by the disappearance of their traditional patrons
and buyers- the princes, chieftains and zamindars.
(b) The official land revenue policy was the main cause of the impoverishment of the cultivators.

It was the peasantry that bore the heavy burden of taxes to provide money for the trade of the
Company, for the cost of administration and the wars of British expansion in India.
The land revenue was double the amount collected under the Mughals.
Not even a part of this revenue was spent on the development of agriculture or on the welfare of the
cultivator.
Increase in the land revenue forced many peasants into indebtedness or into selling their lands.
The traditional zamindars were replaced by merchants and money lenders, who had no concern for
the peasants.
They pushed rents to exorbitant levels and evicted their tenants in case of non-payment. Thus,
British economic exploitation, decay of indigenous industries, high taxation, the drain of wealth,
stagnation of agriculture and exploitation of the poor peasants reduced the Indians to extreme
poverty.
(c) The British exploited the Indian resources for their own benefits in the following manner-

They made agricultural India an economic colony to serve the interests of industrial England.
India was forced to export, at cheaper rates, raw material, raw cotton and raw silk that the British
industries needed urgently.
India also exported plantation products and food grains which were in short supply in Britain.
India was made to accept ready-made British goods either duty-free or at nominal duty rates, while
Indian products were subjected to high import duties in England.
This ruined the Indian industry, deprived the artisans of their income and reduced the avenues of
employment for labour.
Export of raw materials and food grains deprived India of her agricultural surplus and raised the
prices of raw materials.
Question 2
The Great Outbreak of 1857 brought about important changes in the character of Indian
administration and the future development of the country. In this context discuss:
(a) The changes introduced in the administrative set-up of the British territories in India.

(b) The changes in the Army.

(c) The changes in the relationship with Princely States.

Answer

(a) The most significant result of the uprising of 1857 was the end of the rule of the East India
Company and assumption of the Government of India directly by the Crown. This was done by the
Government of India Act of 1858 which had the following provisions-

It transferred the power to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown.
The Company's Board of Control and Court of Directors were abolished. The power was to be
exercised by the Secretary of State for India, aided by a Council. The Secretary of State was a
member of the British Cabinet and was responsible to the Parliament. Thus, the ultimate power over
India remained with the British Parliament.
Actual governance was to be carried on, as before, by the Governor-General who was also given the
title of Viceroy or Crown's personal representative.
Appointments to the Civil Service were to be made by open competition under rules made by the
Secretary of State.
(b) The Indian army was reorganised after 1858, to prevent the reoccurrence of another uprising, in
the following way-

The strength of the European troops in India was increased. The ratio of European to Indian troops
was fixed at 1:2 (Bengal army) and 2:5 (Madras and Bombay armies). The general principle was that
the number of Indian sepoys should not exceed twice that of the European troops.
European troops were kept in key geographical and military positions.
The sophisticated weapons and ammunition were never placed under the charge of the Indians. All
Indian artillery units, with the exceptions of a few mountain units, were disbanded.
Discrimination on the basis of caste and religion was practised in the recruitment of the army.
Newspapers, journals and nationalist publications were prevented from reaching the soldiers.
In order to discourage nationalism, measures such as introduction of caste and community in most
regiments were taken.
(c) The changes in the relationship with Princely States are as follows:

The Policy of Annexation and the Doctrine of Lapse were abandoned.

Some of the Indian princes had remained loyal to the British and had helped them in suppressing the
uprising.
Their loyalty was rewarded with the announcement that their right to adopt heirs would be respected
and the integrity of their territories guaranteed against future annexation.
In 1876, Queen Victoria assumed the title of the "Empress of India". The Indian princes willingly
became junior partners or agents of the British Crown because they were promised that they would
continue as rulers of their States.
Question 3
Although the First War of Independence of 1857 failed, it had important consequences for India. In
this context, answer the following questions:

(a) How did the uprising give rise to nationalism in India?

(b) How did the end of the East India Company's rule bring in grave economic perils in India?

(c) State how the British Government tried to pacify the feelings of Indians with regard to: (i) their
religious practices (ii) the Princely States.

Answer

(a) The uprising of 1857 was the first struggle of the Indian people for freedom from British
imperialism. It paved the way for the rise of the national movement. The sacrifices made by Rani
Laxmi Bai, Nana Saheb and Mangal Pandey served as a source of inspiration for the future freedom
fighters. The heroic struggle also established valuable traditions of resistance to the British rule.

(b) The uprising of 1857 ushered in the era of economic exploitation in the following manner-

India was turned into a typical colonial economy, exporting raw material and importing finished
goods.
The salary and allowances of the Secretary of State and members of the India Council, the civil
servants and military officers were a large drain on the country's resources.
Peasants were impoverished under the British rule. The indigo peasants of Bihar revolted on a large
scale in 1866-68.
Rural artisan industries such as handicrafts, spinning and weaving collapsed.
Indians had to pay heavy interests and dividends on the British capital invested in India. The British
invested their surplus capital in India in railways, plantations, coalmines, jute mills, shipping etc.
(c) The British Government tried to pacify the feelings of Indians in the following ways:

(i) Religious Practices:

The British rulers declared emphatically their policy of non-interference in the religious affairs,
customs and traditions of the Indians.
Queen Victoria's Proclamation promised to follow a policy of non-intervention in social and religious
matters of Indians.
The proclamation promised to treat all subjects- Indians and Europeans- as equals.
(ii) Princely States:

The Policy of Annexation and the Doctrine of Lapse were abandoned.

Some of the Indian princes had remained loyal to the British and had helped them in suppressing the
uprising.
Their loyalty was rewarded with the announcement that their right to adopt heirs would be respected
and the integrity of their territories guaranteed against future annexation.
In 1876, Queen Victoria assumed the title of the "Empress of India". The Indian princes willingly
became junior partners or agents of the British Crown because they were promised that they would
continue as rulers of their States.
Picture Study
Question 1
Study the picture and answer the following questions:

Who are the persons in the picture? How were they treated by their British counterparts? The First
War of Independence 1857, Total History and Civics Solutions ICSE Class 10.
(a) Who are the persons in the picture? How were they treated by their British counterparts?

(b) State any three grievances they had against the British.

(c) What changes were brought in their status after the Uprising of 1857?

Answer

(a) The people in the picture are Indian Sepoys in the British army. The Indian Sepoys were ill-treated
by their British counterparts even though they were equally efficient. They were poorly paid, ill-fed
and badly housed. British military authorities forbade the sepoys from wearing caste and sectarian
marks, beards or turbans and they showed disregard for the sentiments of the sepoys.

(b) Three grievances the Indian soldiers had against the British were —

Bleak prospects of promotion — All higher positions in employment were reserved for the British,
irrespective of their performance. Indian Sepoys could not rise above the rank of a Subedar.
Lower Salaries — The wages of the Indian Sepoys were inadequate to support their families. On the
other hand, the British soldiers received more than eight times the salary of the Indian soldiers.
Deprivation of Allowances — The Indian Sepoys were required to serve in areas away from their
homes without extra payment and additional Bhatta. The Post Office Act of 1854 withdrew the
privilege of free postage enjoyed by the sepoys.
(c) The Indian army was reorganised after 1858, to prevent the reoccurrence of another uprising and
the status of Indian Sepoys was affected in the following ways:

The strength of the European troops in India was increased. The ratio of European to Indian troops
was fixed at 1:2 (Bengal army) and 2:5 (Madras and Bombay armies). The general principle was that
the number of Indian sepoys should not exceed twice that of the European troops.
The sophisticated weapons and ammunition were never placed under the charge of the Indians. All
Indian artillery units, with the exceptions of a few mountain units, were disbanded.
Discrimination on the basis of caste and religion was practised in the recruitment of the army.
Newspapers, journals and nationalist publications were prevented from reaching the soldiers.
In order to discourage nationalism, measures such as introduction of caste and community in most
regiments were taken.
Question 2
Study the picture and answer the following questions:

Study the picture and identify the person in the picture. Name the Proclamation made by her in 1858.
The First War of Independence 1857, Total History and Civics Solutions ICSE Class 10.
(a) Identify the person in the picture. Name the Proclamation made by her in 1858.

(b) Where and by whom was this proclamation made public?

(c) What assurance did this proclamation give to the Indian people regarding (i) religious freedom
and (ii) appointment to public offices?

Answer

(a) This picture shows Queen Victoria.

The proclamation was called Queen Victoria's Proclamation.

(b) Queen Victoria's Proclamation was made public at Allahabad, on November 1, 1858, by Lord
Canning, the first Viceroy of India.

(c) Below assurances were given to the Indian people by this Proclamation:

(i) Queen Victoria's Proclamation promised to follow the policy of non-intervention in social and
religious matters of Indians and to treat all subjects - Indians and Europeans - as equal.

(ii) Queen Victoria's Proclamation included a provision in which appointments to the civil service
were to be made by open competition under rules made by the Secretary of State. Education and
ability would be the basis of all appointments.

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Class 10 - Total History & Civics Solutions
The Union Parliament

Section B — Chapter 1
The Union Parliament
Class 10 - Total History & Civics Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1
India has a federal system of government with a strong ............... .

Federation of States
Supreme Court
Parliament
Unitary bias
Answer

Unitary bias
Question 2
A single Constitution is a feature of ............... form of government.

Monarchial
Federal
Unitary
None of the above
Answer

Unitary

Question 3
State governments are neither the agents of the Central government nor do they draw their authority
from it. The ............... has an overriding position.

Central government
State government
President
Prime Minister
Answer

Central government

Question 4
The Central and the State Governments draw their authority from ............... .

The Constitution of India.

The people of India.
The Supreme Court
The Judiciary.
Answer

The Constitution of India

Question 5
The Constitution of India provides for a ............... tier government.

single
two
three
four
Answer

three
Question 6
The unitary or non-federal features include which of the following?

(i) The Constitution has provided for a strong centre by giving more powers to the Central
Government in the form of more items in the Union List than in the State List.

(ii) There is a single common and unified Constitution for the Centre and the States.

(iii) The States are neither agents of the Centre nor do they draw power from it.

(i) and (ii)

(ii) and (iii)
(i) and (iii)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer

(i) and (ii)

Question 7
How are the members of the Lok Sabha elected?

Directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise.

Indirectly by the representatives of the people on the basis of single transferable vote.
Directly by all citizens of the country.
Indirectly by members of State Legislatures.
Answer

Directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise.

Question 8
The States are represented in the Rajya Sabha on the basis of their ............... .

GDP
taxes
population
area
Answer

population

Question 9
Which of the following statements is/are incorrect regarding the Lok Sabha?

The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people.
The Lok Sabha acts as the voice of the nation.
The Lok Sabha represents the States of Indian Union.
The Lok Sabha keeps a check on the finances of the nation.
Answer

The Lok Sabha represents the States of Indian Union.

Question 10
The strength of a House is 510. What would be the Quorum of the House?

200
112
110
51
Answer

51

Question 11
Complete the following analogy.

Lok Sabha : .......?....... :: Rajya Sabha : Council of States.

Union of States
House of the People
Representation of the People
Council of the People.
Answer

House of the People

Question 12
The term of the Lok Sabha can be extended during emergency by ............... .

one year at a time.

six months at a time.
three months at a time.
one month at a time.
Answer

one year at a time.

Question 13
When does the President of India address a joint session of Parliament?

(i) When there is a deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament over an Ordinary Bill.

(ii) At the beginning of the first session after each general election when the lower House meets.
(iii) At the beginning of first session of each year.

(i) and (ii)

(i) and (iii)
(ii) and (iii)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer

(i), (ii) and (iii)

Question 14
If the strength of a House is 230, what is the Quorum of the House?

46
32
23
20
Answer

23

Question 15
The Lok Sabha may be adjourned in which of the following cases?

(i) After the day's business is over.

(ii) For want of Quorum.

(iii) In case of a natural calamity.

(i) and (ii)

(ii) and (iii)
(i) and (iii)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer

(ii) and (iii)

Question 16
Who moves the No-Confidence Motion in Parliament?

The Ruling Party in the Lok Sabha

The Opposition Parties in the Lok Sabha
The Standing Committee of the Lok Sabha
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Answer

The Opposition Parties in the Lok Sabha

Question 17
Who determines the salaries and allowances of the Members of Parliament?

The Parliament
The President
The Prime Minster
The Lok Sabha
Answer

The Parliament

Question 18
Who is empowered to summon and to dissolve the Lok Sabha?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

The President of India
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers
The Chief Justice of India
Answer

The President of India

Question 19
How are the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected?

By the people during general elections.

By the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves.
By the members of the Rajya Sabha.
By the members of the State Legislature.
Answer

By the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves.

Question 20
Which of the following is NOT a type of questions addressed to the Chair of the House?

Starred Questions
Emergency Questions
Unstarred Questions
Short Notice Questions.
Answer
Emergency Questions

Question 21
What happens if the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha fail to agree on an ordinary bill?

The Bill is sent back to the Houses of Parliament for reconsideration.

The matter is decided by the joint-sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
The Bill is sent back to the Lok Sabha for reconsideration.
The Bill is sent back to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration.
Answer

The matter is decided by the joint-sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.

Question 22
Who presides over the joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament?

The President or India

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
The Vice-President
The Prime Minister of India
Answer

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

Question 23
Who decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not?

President
Prime Minister
Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Finance Minister
Answer

Speaker of the Lok Sabha

Question 24
Complete the following analogy.

Speaker of Lok Sabha : Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha :: ....?.... Rajya Sabha : Deputy Chairman of
Rajya Sabha

President of India
Vice President of India
Prime Minister of India
None of the above
Answer
Vice President of India

Question 25
Which of the following is incorrect about the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected for a term of 5 years from among its own members in the
Lok Sabha soon after the newly elected House meets for the first time.
He can seek re-election any number of times, if he is elected as the member of the Lok Sabha.
When the House is dissolved the Speaker does not vacate his office and remains in office till a new
Speaker is elected by the new Lok Sabha.
When the Lok Sabha is dissolved the Speaker vacates his office and seeks reelection.
Answer

When the Lok Sabha is dissolved the Speaker vacates his office and seeks reelection.

Question 26
What happens in the case of conflict between laws on subjects in the Concurrent List?

The State Law prevails

The Union Law prevails
A Bill is introduced in Parliament.
The President decides which Law will prevail.
Answer

The Union Law prevails

Question 27
What is the tenure of the elected members of Rajya Sabha?

2 years
4 Years
6 Years
8 Years
Answer

6 Years

Question 28
How are the Rajya Sabha members elected?

By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly by means of proportional representation.
By the adult citizens of India by a single transferable vote.
By the elected members of the Lok Sabha by means of proportional representation.
By members of an electoral college by means of proportional representation.
Answer
By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly by means of proportional representation.

Question 29
Complete the following analogy with respect to members of the Rajya Sabha.

Elected : 238 :: Nominated : ....?....

20
15
12
10
Answer

12

Question 30
Which of the following is NOT true about the Rajya Sabha?

It is a permanent body.
Its members are directly elected by the people.
It cannot be dissolved
One-third of its member retire after every two years.
Answer

Its members are directly elected by the people.

Question 31
Lok Sabha Adult citizens of India
Rajya Sabha ?
Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies
Elected Members of State Legislatures
Elected Members of Lok Sabha
Elected Members of Panchayats
Answer

Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies

Question 32
Your father is a renowned scientist. He has neither contested nor won any election to the Rajya
Sabha. But he has recently become a member of the Rajya Sabha. How is this possible?

He is appointed by the Chief Justice of India

He is nominated by the President
He is appointed by the Prime Minister
He is nominated by the State Governor.
Answer

He is nominated by the President

Question 33
Suppose you are a member of the Opposition Party in the Lok Sabha. You want to express lack of
confidence in the ruling government. Which motion will you move in the Parliament to do so?

Adjournment Motion
No-confidence motion
Quorum
Impeachment
Answer

No-confidence motion

Short Answer Questions

Question 1
Name the three levels of government in a federal set up in India. Why is a federal setup important in
India?

Answer

The three levels of government in a federal set up in India are-

Central Government
State Governments
Panchayats and Municipalities
In countries like India where the people belong to different races and religions, with their own
customs and languages, Federation seems to be the only plan to keep them united and save India
from separatist forces fighting for fragmentation and provincialism of the country.

Question 2
The existence of Union Territories is a departure from the federal form of Government. Give reasons.

Answer

The existence of Union territories is a unitary or non-federal feature of the Indian Constitution. The
Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government and do not enjoy any independent
powers or autonomy. Moreover, they do not have any representation in the Rajya Sabha, which is the
upper house of the Indian Parliament.

Question 3
A bicameral legislature strengthens which form of government? Give a reason to support your
answer.
Answer

The bicameral legislature is one where the legislature consists of two houses and it strengthens
federal form of government as in a federal system of government, all the administrative powers are
divided between the Central and State governments and both are supreme within their respective
spheres according to the Constitution.

Question 4
Name the law making body of the Union Government. Name its main constituents.

Answer

The Parliament is the law making body of the Union Government.

The main constituents of the Indian Parliament are:

The President
The Lok Sabha
The Rajya Sabha
Question 5
How are the members of the Lok Sabha elected? Who determines the salaries and allowances of the
Members of Parliament?

Answer

The members of the Lok Sabha are elected by direct election on the basis of universal adult
franchise. Thus every person who has attained the age of 18 years is entitled to vote provided he is
not otherwise disqualified.

The Parliament determines the salaries and allowances of the Members of Parliament.

Question 6
What is the quorum to hold the meetings of the Lok Sabha? What happens when the quorum of a
House is not met?

Answer

The quorum of the Lok Sabha is one-tenth of the total membership of each house. This means that
the House cannot conduct its proceedings and pass Bills and resolutions without the presence of at
least one-tenth of its total membership.

When the quorum of a House is not met, the House cannot conduct its proceedings and pass Bills
and resolutions. The Speaker may adjourn the House or suspend the meeting until there is a
requisite quorum.

Question 7
How are the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? Who presides over the
meetings of the Lok Sabha?

Answer

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected from among its own members soon after the newly elected
House meets for the first time.

The Deputy Speaker is elected from among its own members in the same way as the Speaker.

The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha. In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy
Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha.

Question 8
Name the sessions of the Lok Sabha. What is the maximum gap allowed between two parliamentary
sessions?

Answer

The Lok Sabha has three sessions in a year —

The Budget Session (February-May)

The Monsoon Session (July-August)
The Winter Session (November-December)
The maximum gap between two parliamentary sessions cannot exceed 6 months.

Question 9
State two occasions on which the President of India addresses a joint session of Parliament.

Answer

The two occasions on which the President of India addresses a joint session of Parliament are :

The President addresses the Joint Sitting of the two Houses at the commencement of the First
Session after each General Election.
The President addresses both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session of
each year, i.e., the Budget Session.
Question 10
Who presides over the Rajya Sabha? Who elects the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer

The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He presides over its
meetings.

The Rajya Sabha elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members. In the absence of the
Chairman, he performs all functions and duties of the Chairman.

Question 11
Name the body which elects the Rajya Sabha Members. Mention any two matters where the Rajya
Sabha enjoys equal powers with the Lok Sabha.

Answer

Rajya Sabha Members are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each
State.

The Rajya Sabha enjoys equal powers with the Lok Sabha in important matters such as:

Election of the President and Vice-President

Impeachment of the President.
Question 12
What do we mean when we say that the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body? What is the term of
office of a Rajya Sabha member?

Answer

The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House as it cannot be dissolved like the Lok Sabha. Each member
of the Rajya Sabha is elected for a period of six years. One-third of the total members of the House
retire after every two years. Members can be re-elected if they so desire and if their electors support
them.

Each member of the Rajya Sabha is elected for a period of six years. One-third of the total members
of the House retire after every two years.

Question 13
Who is the ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha? Mention one of his/her duties other than being
the chairperson of the Upper House.

Answer

The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

The Vice-President officiates as President in case of death, resignation or removal of the President
till a new President is elected.

Question 14
Name the lists which distribute the Subjects of legislation between the Union and the States.
Mention any one circumstance when the Parliament can make laws on a state subject.

Answer
The lists which distribute the Subjects of legislation between the Union and the States are -

The Union List

The State List
The Concurrent List
The Parliament can make laws on a state subject during the proclamation of an emergency.

Question 15
Mention any two circumstances under which the seat of a member of the Parliament becomes
vacant.

Answer

The seat of a member of either House of Parliament becomes vacant in the following situations —

If a member resigns his seat by writing to the Speaker or to the Chairman, as the case may be.
If a member becomes subject to any of the disqualifications laid down in the Constitution or an Act
of Parliament.
Question 16
Mention any one provision of the Constitution which clearly establishes the supremacy of the Lok
Sabha with regard to money bills. What happens when a Money Bill is not returned by the Rajya
Sabha in 14 days?

Answer

One provision of the Constitution which clearly establishes the supremacy of the Lok Sabha with
regard to money bills is that a money bill can only originate in the Lok Sabha.

If a Money Bill is not returned by the Rajya Sabha within 14 days of its receipt, it shall be deemed to
have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by the Lok Sabha.

Question 17
Which bodies have the right to legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List? What happens in the
case of conflict between such laws?

Answer

In India, the Parliament and the State legislature both have the power to legislate the subjects of
concurrent list.

In the case of conflict between such laws, the central law has been designed to prevail over the state
law.

Question 18
If the President does not give his assent to a Bill, what happens?
Answer

The Bill is sent back to the Parliament for reconsideration. However, if the Bill is passed again with
or without amendments the President is bound to give his assent to the Bill.

Structured Questions
Question 1
India has opted for a federal system of government with a strong unitary bias. In this context answer
the following questions:

(a) List any three federal features of government in India.

(b) List any two conditions when the Parliament can make laws on Subjects in the State List.

(c) Write short notes on any two unitary features of the government in India.

Answer

(a) Three federal features of government in India are:

There is a division of legislative and administrative powers between the Union and the State
Governments and none of them could violate the limitations imposed by the Constitution. The
Supreme Court stands at the head of Judiciary to safeguard this distribution of powers and to
prevent any action which violates the limitations imposed by the Constitution.
The States have been given the right to participate in the functioning of the government. India has a
bicameral legislature, i.e., the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha mainly comprises
representatives of the States.
No system of federation can be successful unless both the Union and the States have adequate
financial resources to enable them to discharge their duties. The Constitution of India has made
provisions for the distribution of revenue between the Centre and the States. This distribution has
ensured equitable distribution of the financial resources between the two units.
(b) The Parliament can make laws on Subjects in the State List:

During the Proclamation of an Emergency.

When the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority that a subject in the State List
has assumed national importance.
(c) Two unitary features of the government in India are described below:

A Single Constitution for Union and States — The States in India have not been given any right to
make their own Constitution. The framers of the Constitution have provided for a single common
and unified Constitution, both for the Centre and the States.
Single Citizenship — The Indian Constitution provides for single citizenship of India which is
common to all the people of various States and Union Territories.
Question 2
With reference to the powers of the Union Parliament, state the following:
(a) Three of its Legislative Powers.

(b) Three of its Financial Powers.

(c) Four of its Administrative or Executive Powers.

Answer

(a) Three legislative powers of the Union Parliament are-

Matters in the Union List — The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws on all the subjects
mentioned in the Union List, including important subjects like Defence, Banking, Communications,
Foreign Affairs, etc.
Matters in the Concurrent List — Along with the State Legislative Assemblies, the Parliament can
make laws on the subjects listed in the Concurrent List, for example education, forests, adoption,
succession, trade union. If there is a conflict between the Union Parliament and the State Legislature
on any law in this list, the Union Law will prevail.
Residuary Powers — The Parliament possesses residuary powers. It means that it can make laws
with respect to all those matters which are not mentioned in any of the three Lists — the Union List,
the State List and the Concurrent List.
(b) Three financial powers of the Union Parliament are-

The Budget — The Parliament passes the Union Budget containing the estimates of receipts and
expenditure of the Government for a financial year. The Railway Budget was integrated with the
Union budget from 2017-18.
Supplementary Grants — If the amount authorised for the current financial year is not sufficient, the
Government may make a fresh demand known as the 'Supplementary Grant.'
Salaries — The salaries and allowances of MPs and Ministers are determined by Parliament.
(c) Four executive powers of the Union Parliament are-

Vote of No-Confidence — If a Government acts against the Constitutional provisions, it can be voted
out of office by passing a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister, or the Ministry as a
whole or any of its members. In such a case, the whole Ministry has to resign.
Adjournment Motion — Motion for adjournment is aimed at censuring the acts of omission and
commission of the Ministers.
Other Motions of Censure — The Parliament exercises its control over the Government by other
motions which, if passed, amount to no-confidence. They include: motions of censure against a
minister, rejection of a Government Bill, passing of a private member's bill against the wishes of the
Government, etc.
Monetary Controls — During the budget session a cut motion may be moved. Parliamentary
Committee on Public Accounts ensures that public money is spent in accordance with Parliament's
decision. It examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
Question 3
With reference to the composition of the Lok Sabha answer the following questions:

(a) What is the maximum strength fixed by the Constitution? What is the term of the House? By
whom and on whose advice can the Lok Sabha be dissolved?

(b) State any three qualifications needed to contest for the Lok Sabha seat.

(c) Give two reasons to justify how the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha.

Answer

(a) The composition of the Lok Sabha

The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha, as provided by the Constitution is 550. Out of this,

not more than 530 members shall represent the States

not more than 20 members shall represent the Union Territories
The term of the Lok Sabha

According to the Constitution the term of the Lok Sabha is five years.
However, it can be dissolved before the expiry of its normal term by the President on the advice of
the Prime Minister.
During the proclamation of an emergency the period of the Lok Sabha may be extended by
Parliament for one year at a time.
The new Lok Sabha must be elected within six months after the national emergency is lifted.
(b) Conditions needed for a person to be a member of Lok Sabha are:

He should be an Indian citizen.

He should be at least 25 years of age.
He should have his name in the electoral rolls in some part of the country.
(c) The Lok Sabha has special powers which make it more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. These
special powers are:

Motions of No-confidence against the government can only be introduced and passed in the Lok
Sabha. If passed by a majority vote, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers resign
collectively. The Rajya Sabha has no power over such a motion, and hence no real power over the
executive.
Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and upon being passed, are sent to the Rajya
Sabha, where it can be deliberated on for up to 14 days.
Question 4
With reference to the powers and functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha state the following:

(a) Any three functions to regulate proceedings of the House.

(b) Any three administrative functions.

(c) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha occupies a position of great authority and responsibility. Give
reasons to support this statement.

Answer
(a) Three functions of the Speaker which regulate proceedings of the House are-

The Speaker presides over the meetings of the House. All speeches and remarks are addressed to
the Speaker. He allots time for discussion.
The Speaker interprets the rules of procedure of the House. His decision in all parliamentary matters
is final.
All Bills passed by the House are signed by him before they are sent to the Rajya Sabha for its
consideration or to the President for his assent.
(b) Three administrative functions of the Speaker are-

The Speaker receives all petitions and documents in the House.

He communicates the decisions of the House to the concerned authorities.
He regulates the admission of visitors and Press correspondents to the galleries of the House.
(c) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha occupies a position of great authority and responsibility.

In the Table of Precedence, he ranks higher than all Cabinet Ministers, other than the Prime Minister
himself.
With respect to the discharge of his powers and functions, the speaker is not answerable to anyone
except the House.
No court of law can go into the merits of a ruling given by him.
Question 5
With reference to the powers of the Rajya Sabha, state the following:

(a) Any two of its legislative and one financial power.

(b) Any three of its administrative powers.

(c) (i) Any two of its exclusive (special) powers.

(ii) Any two electoral functions.

Answer

(a) Two legislative powers of Rajya Sabha are-

Except for Money Bills, all bills can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
None of the bills can become a law unless agreed to by both Houses of the Parliament. In case of
conflict between the two houses of the Parliament, a joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of
the Lok Sabha.
One financial power of Rajya Sabha is that it can delay a money bill by a maximum of 14 days.

(b) Three administrative powers of Rajya Sabha are-

Rajya Sabha can make laws on all the subjects mentioned in the Union and Concurrent lists.
It can punish a person for obstructing the work of the House or showing disrespect to the House.
It can remove the President from office through the procedure of impeachment.
(c) (i) Two exclusive powers of Rajya Sabha are-

Though the Parliament cannot, in normal times, make laws on a states subject, the Constitution
states that under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha may, by resolution adopted by two-thirds majority
empower the Parliament should make laws with respect to a matter in the State List. The Lok Sabha
has no authority to assert itself in such matters.
The other special power enjoyed by the Rajya Sabha is that it may declare that the creation of new
All-India Services be made in the national interest. Thereupon Parliament may create new services.
(c) (ii) Two electoral functions of Rajya Sabha are-

The Vice-President of India is elected by both the Houses of the Parliament.

Rajya Sabha elects its Deputy Chairman from among its members.
Question 6
With reference to the differences in the powers of two Houses answer the following questions:

(a) Compare and contrast the elections to both the Houses.

(b) What is the procedure that should be followed if there is a deadlock between the two Houses of
the Parliament on a non-money bill?

(c) What is the difference between a money bill and a non-money bill?

Answer

(a) Comparison between the elections to both the Houses is listed below:

Election of members to Lok Sabha —

The Lok Sabha is the House of the People.

The 550 members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of India.
The allotment of members to the various States is made on the population basis.
Election of members to Rajya Sabha —

The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha can be 250 members.

12 members are nominated by the President from among persons having special knowledge or
practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service.
The representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the
Legislative Assembly of each State in accordance with the system of proportional representation by
means of a single transferable vote.
The representatives of the Union Territories are chosen in such a manner as Parliament may
prescribe.
The three representatives from Delhi are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly.
(b) Ordinary Bills may originate in either House of the Parliament.

If there is disagreement between the two Houses, the bill is referred to a joint-sitting of both the
Houses.
In such cases both the Houses are placed on an equal footing.
However, the Rajya Sabha is in a weaker position, since the total membership of Rajya Sabha is less
than even half of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
Besides, the joint session is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(c) The differences between a money bill and a non-money bill are as follows:

Non-money bill Money Bill

It can be introduced in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. It can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.
Ordinary Bill can be introduced without the recommendation of the President.Money Bill can be
introduced only on the recommendation of the President.
Either a Minister or private member can introduce ordinary bill. Only a Minister is allowed to
introduce Money Bill in the Parliament.
If the Ordinary Bill originated in the Lok Sabha, then it does not require the approval of the speaker
when transmitted to Rajya Sabha. Money Bill requires the certification of the Lok Sabha Speaker
when transmitted to Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha has the power to detain the Ordinary Bill for a period of 6 months. The Money Bill
can be detained for a maximum period of 14 days only by the Rajya Sabha.
Ordinary Bill can be returned for reconsideration, accepted or rejected by the President. Money
Bill cannot be returned for reconsideration by the President. The President can only accept or reject
it.
In case of deadlock on Ordinary Bill there is a provision of a joint sitting. In case of Money Bill, if
there is a deadlock, there is no provision of a joint sitting.
Picture Study
Question 1
This picture is a symbol of our democratic rule. In this context, answer the following:

This picture is a symbol of our democratic rule. How does the Parliament symbolise that the people
of India make laws for themselves? Suppose you want to become a Member of Parliament, what
qualifications should you have? Do you have all of them just now? Why? Imagine that when you grow
up, you will be given a chance to be an MP. Would you like to be an MP in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya
Sabha? Why? The Union Parliament, Total History and Civics Solutions ICSE Class 10.
(a) How does the Parliament symbolise that the people of India make laws for themselves?

(b) Suppose you want to be a Member of the Lok Sabha and your name is enrolled in the electoral
roll in another State and you wish to contest the election from the State where you are residing now.
Can you still contest the elections for the Lok Sabha? What other qualifications you need to have to
contest the elections? Can you become a member of the Upper House?

(c) When you grow up, you will have a chance to be an MP. Would you like to be an MP in the Lok
Sabha or the Rajya Sabha? Why?

Answer

(a) The Parliament symbolises that the people of India make laws for themselves as both the
houses of the Parliament have citizens of India as their members.
Lok Sabha — The Lok Sabha is the House of the People. Its members are directly elected by the
people of India.
Rajya Sabha — The members of Rajya Sabha fall into two categories - nominated and elected. The
12 nominated members are nominated by the President from among persons having special
knowledge or practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service. The
remaining 238 representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members
of the Legislative Assembly of each State in accordance with the system of proportional
representation by means of a single transferable vote.
(b) Yes, I can still contest the elections for the Lok Sabha from the state where I am residing as
according to the qualifications for membership, my name should be in the electoral rolls in some
part of the country.

Other qualifications that I need to have to contest the elections are:

I should be an Indian citizen.

I should be at least 25 years of age.
I should not be an insolvent.
I should not hold any office of profit under the government.
I should not be a proclaimed criminal.
I should not be of unsound mind.
No, I cannot become a member of the Upper House as members of Rajya Sabha are not elected
directly by the people. Instead, they are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly
of each State in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single
transferable vote. Also, I need to be at least 30 years of age to be eligible for Rajya Sabha
membership.

(c) I would like to be MP in Lok Sabha because the members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by
the people of the country and hence, Lok Sabha has special powers which make it more powerful
than the Rajya Sabha

Section B — Chapter 2
The President and the Vice-President
Class 10 - Total History & Civics Solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
Question 1
Who is the head of the state of the Indian Union?

The Prime Minister

The President
The Chief Justice
The Speaker
Answer

The President
Question 2
Who is the Supreme commander of the Defence Forces of India?

The President
The Deference Minister
The Prime Minister
The Commanding Minister
Answer

The President

Question 3
What is the minimum age to be elected as the President of India?

Thirty years
Thirty-two years
Forty years
Thirty-five years
Answer

Thirty-five years

Question 4
Name the President of India.

Ram Nath Kovind

Narendra Modi
Droupadi Murmu
Yashwant Sinha
Answer

Droupadi Murmu

Question 5
What is the security deposit of a candidate for Presidential Election?

₹ 2500
₹ 15,000
₹ 10,000
₹ 7500
Answer

₹ 15,000

Question 6
The power to summon Parliament is subject to the condition that there should not be a gap of more
than ............... months between two session of each house.

Four
Six
Three
Nine
Answer

Six

Question 7
No Bill can become a Law without the assent and the signature of the ............... .

Prime Minister
Vice-President
Comptroller and Auditor General of India
President
Answer

President

Question 8
Which amongst the following is not an Emergency Power of the President?

National Emergency
Financial Emergency
Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery in a State
Breakout of an epidemic
Answer

Breakout of an epidemic

Question 9
For how long can President's rule be imposed in a state?

1 month
2 months
6 months
3 months
Answer

6 months

Question 10
Which article stipulates that there shall be a Vice President of India?
Article 12
Article 62
Article 63
Article 65
Answer

Article 63

Question 11
Who administers the oath of office to the President of India?

Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Prime Minister of India
Chief Justice of India
Judge of the Supreme Court
Answer

Chief Justice of India

Question 12
What is the term of office of the President of India?

Five years
Seven years
Three years
Ten years
Answer

Five years

Short Answer Questions

Question 1
Name the body as well as the process involved in the election of the President.

Answer

The President is elected indirectly by the members of an Electoral College consisting of:

the elected members of both Houses of the Parliament

the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States including National Capital Territory
of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The election of the President is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by
means of a single transferable vote and the voting at such election is by secret ballot.

Question 2
Why is the President elected by indirect elections?

Answer

The President is elected by indirect elections because of the following reasons:

If the President were to be elected directly by the people, he could become a rival centre of power to
the Council of Ministers. This would be against the parliamentary system with ministerial
responsibility.
Since the membership in the two Houses of Parliament was likely to be dominated by one party,
election of the President merely by a majority of members of the Union Parliament could make him a
nominee of the ruling party like the Prime Minister. Such a President could not represent the
constituent States of the Union.
The President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the elected members of the two
Houses of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies of the States. This makes the President the
elected representative of the whole nation with a clear voice given to the States as well.
Question 3
How can the President vacate his/her office? On what grounds can the President of India be
removed from office?

Answer

The President can vacate his office by either of the following procedures-

The President may submit his resignation letter to the Vice-President, in order to resign his office.
Such resignation will be communicated by the Vice-President to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
The President may, for the violation of the Constitution, be removed from the office by the process
of impeachment.
The President may, for the violation of the Constitution, be removed from the office by the process
of impeachment.

Question 4
Mention the occasion when the President addresses both the Houses of Parliament assembled
together.

Answer

The President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together for the first session after
each General Election to the Lok Sabha and at the commencement of the first session of each year.
In this address he lays emphasis on the internal and external policies of the Government. The
President has the power to address either House of Parliament or their joint sitting at any time.

Question 5
How is the Vice-President elected?

Answer
An Electoral College consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament elects the Vice-
President.

The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the
single transferable vote.
The voting at such an election is by secret ballot.
Each nomination paper should be proposed by at least twenty electors (MPs) and another twenty
electors should second the same.
Question 6
How long can the Vice-President continue to hold office even after the expiry of his/ her term? How
can the Vice-President be removed from office?

Answer

The Vice-President shall continue to hold office, notwithstanding the expiry of his term, until his
successor enters upon his office.

The Vice-President can be removed from office in the following cases-

He may, by writing, addressed to the President, resign his office. Such resignation will be
communicated by the President to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
He may, for the violation of the Constitution, be removed from the office by the process of
impeachment.
Question 7
State the power of Vice-President as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Answer

The Vice-President of the Indian Union acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

In this capacity he regulates debates and proceedings of the House and decides the order of
speeches.
He decides the admissibility of a resolution or of questions.
He may suspend or adjourn the business of the House in case of grave disorder.
He issues directions to the chairmen of various committees in all matters relating to their working.
Structured Questions
Question 1
The President of India enjoys vast powers. In this context, briefly explain:

(a) Any three of his/her Executive Powers.

(b) Any three of his/her Legislative Powers.

(c) Any two of his/her Judicial Powers.

Answer

(a) Three executive powers of the President are-

Head of the Union Administration — All executive orders are issued in the name of the President. All
the Union officials are his subordinates.
Control over State Governments — The Union Government may give necessary directions to a State.
During President's rule the control of the Union Government over States is complete.
Union Territories and Border Areas — The administration of the Union Territories and the Border
Areas is the responsibility of the President.
(b) Three legislative powers of the President are-

Addresses Sessions of Parliament — The President addresses both Houses of Parliament

assembled together for the first session after each General Election to the Lok Sabha and at the
commencement of the first session of each year. In this address he lays emphasis on the internal
and external policies of the Government. The President has the power to address either House of
Parliament or their joint sitting at any time.
Messages to Parliament — He has the power to send messages to either House of Parliament either
in the regard to any pending Bill or to any other matter.
Dissolve the Lok Sabha — He can dissolve the Lok Sabha and order fresh elections. Rajya Sabha is a
permanent body, not subject to dissolution.
(c) Two judicial powers of the President are-

The President is not answerable before any court of law for the exercise of the powers and duties of
his office.
No criminal suit can be initiated against him during his tenure of office.
Question 2
According to Dr. Ambedkar, "The President represents the nation but does not rule the nation." In
this context answer the following questions:

(a) The President of India is referred to as a nominal head of the State. State two examples of his
legislative powers that suggest his nominal status.

(b) Mention the circumstances when the President can declare a national emergency.

(c) Explain two discretionary Powers of the President.

Answer

(a) The President of India is referred to as a nominal head of the State because of the following
reasons-

According to the Constitution, the President is required to exercise his powers on the aid and advice
of the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers.
All proclamations of emergency made by the President have to be approved by the Parliament within
one month. If it is not approved then it ceases to exist.
(b) The President can declare a national emergency in case of danger of foreign aggression or
danger to the peace and security of the country because of a civil war, insurgency or any other such
cause (Article 352).

(c) Two discretionary powers of the President are-

When the ruling party who has lost majority support in the Lok Sabha or when a vote of no-
confidence may have been passed against it, recommends to the President to dissolve the Lok
Sabha, then it is at the discretion of the President to either dissolve the House or ask another party
to prove its majority on the floor of the House.
The President can dismiss Ministers in case the Council of Ministers loses the confidence of the
House but refuses to resign.
Question 3
The President may declare an emergency in a State, if he/she is convinced of the breakdown of
constitutional machinery in the State. In this context, answer the following questions:

(a) When can such an emergency be proclaimed? Why is such an emergency often referred to as
President's Rule?

(b) What is the duration of such an emergency? State two conditions under which such an
emergency can be extended beyond one year.

(c) State the effect of the emergency on the administration of the State.

Answer

(a) If the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor or otherwise, is satisfied that the
governance of a State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, he
may declare an emergency in the State. This is called President's rule because the President may
assume to himself all or any of the functions of the Government of the State.

(b) The duration of such an emergency is two months.

If it were to continue beyond two months, it should be ratified by the Parliament.

The Proclamation will cease to be valid for six months after the date of its issue even if the
Parliament ratifies it.
It can, however, be extended for another six months.
Thus, President's Rule can normally continue only for a year.
It may be extended beyond one year, under two conditions:
When a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation in the whole of India or in any part of the State
The Election Commission certifies that holding elections to the Legislative Assembly of the State is
difficult.
(c) The effect of the emergency on the administration of the State is as follows-

The State administration is directly placed under the President (i.e. the Union Government). The
Governor of the concerned State acts in accordance with the instructions that are issued by the
Union Government from time to time.
The President may:
dissolve the Vidhan Sabha of the State and dismiss the Council of Ministers
keep the Assembly and the Council of Ministers in suspended animation.
In both cases, the Union Parliament can pass laws, even on all the Subjects of the State List, for that
particular State. Even the Annual Budget of that State is presented to and passed by the Parliament.
When the Lok Sabha is not in session the President may authorise expenditure out of the
Consolidated Fund of the State.
The President may suspend the provision of the Constitution relating to any authority of the State
except those relating to High Courts.
Question 4
According to Article 63 of our Constitution "There shall be a Vice-President of India'. In this context,
state:

(a) the manner of his/her election

(b) any three qualifications for election

(c) two of his/her important powers

Answer

(a) An Electoral College consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament elects the Vice-
President.

The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the
single transferable vote.
The voting at such an election is by secret ballot.
Each nomination paper should be proposed by at least twenty electors (MPs) and another twenty
electors should second the same.
(b) A person shall be eligible for election as Vice-President, if he-

is a citizen of India.
has completed the age of thirty-five.
is qualified for election as a member of the Council of States.
(c) Two important powers of a Vice-President are-

Chairman of the Rajya Sabha — The Vice-President of the Indian Union acts as the ex-officio
Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In this capacity he regulates debates and proceedings of the House
and decides the order of speeches. He decides the admissibility of a resolution or of questions. He
may suspend or adjourn the business of the House in case of grave disorder. He issues directions to
the chairmen of various committees in all matters relating to their working.
Taking over as the President — The Vice-President takes over the office of the President under the
following situations:
death of the President
resignation of the President
removal of the President
when the President is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence, illness or any other cause.
Picture Study
Question 1
Study the picture and answer the questions that follow:

Identify the building in the picture and state where it is located. Whose official residence is it? State
the qualifications necessary to become the President of India. Why is it said that the President of
India is only a nominal head? The President and the Vice-President, Total History and Civics
Solutions ICSE Class 10.
(a) Identify the building in the picture and state where it is located. Whose official residence is it?

(b) State the qualifications necessary to become the President of India.

(c) Why is it said that the President of India is only a nominal head?

Answer

(a) The building shown in the picture is Rashtrapati Bhawan.

It is located in New Delhi. It is the official residence of the President of India.

(b) A person shall be eligible for election as President, if he —

is a citizen of India
has completed the age of thirty-five years
is qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha
(c) The President of India is referred to as the nominal head of the state because India follows a
parliamentary system of Government.

According to the Constitution, the President is required to exercise his powers on the aid and advice
of the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers.
All proclamations of emergency made by the President have to be approved by the Parliament within
one month. If it is not approved then it ceases to exist.
Thinking Skills
Question 1
Suppose you have a penfriend who lives in Los Angeles in the USA. He/She wants to know the
difference in powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Tell him/her the differences and also
who has more powers.

Answer

The difference in powers of the Presidents of India and the USA are:

President of India President of USA

Indian president is elected indirectly by the elected members of Parliament and State Legislative
Assemblies. US president is elected directly by US citizens.
Indian president is only a nominal head of the State US President is both the Head of the State and
Head of the Government.
Indian president holds office for 5 years and is eligible for re-election any number of times. US
President holds the office for 4 years and can seek re-election only once.
The Indian Parliament includes the President, the Vice-President and the two houses — Lok Sabha
and Rajya Sabha. US president is not part of any legislature and is not responsible to the
legislatures.
Question 2
Suppose riots break out in your State and there is a break down of law and order. What will the
Governor of your State do and what will be its consequences?

Answer

The Governor of the State will send a report of the situation to the President and will recommend for
President's rule. If the President is satisfied with the report he/she will declare an emergency in the
state and impose President's rule. Consequences of President's rule in the state will be the following:

The State administration is directly placed under the President (i.e. the Union Government). The
Governor of the concerned State acts in accordance with the instructions that are issued by the
Union Government from time to time.
The President may:
Dissolve the Vidhan Sabha of the State and dismiss the Council of Ministers; or
Keep the Assembly and the Council of Ministers in suspended animation.
In both cases, the Union Parliament can pass laws, even on all the Subjects of the State List, for that
particular State. Even the Annual Budget of that State is presented to and passed by the Parliament.
When the Lok Sabha is not in session the President may authorise expenditure out of the
Consolidated Fund of the State.
The President may suspend the provision of the Constitution relating to any authority of the State
except those relating to High Courts.
However, the duration of President's rule is two months. Beyond this, it should be ratified by the
Parliament for six months. It can be extended for another six months. Thus, President's rule can
normally continue only for a year.