π Chapter 09 Β· Practice MCQs
President, VP & Council of Ministers β 10 Practice MCQs
Test your knowledge with exam-standard questions. Answers and explanations included.
π‘ How to Use: Read each question carefully and choose your answer before revealing the explanation.
π 10 MCQs β President, VP & Council of Ministers
Question 01
The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of:
β
Answer: B) Elected members of Parliament and elected members of State Legislative AssembliesThe electoral college for the President consists of elected members of both Houses of Parliament AND elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (and UTs with elected assemblies). Nominated members do NOT participate.
Question 02
The power of the President to grant pardons is provided under which article?
β
Answer: C) Article 72Article 72 provides the President with the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment. This power extends to death sentences. The Governor’s pardoning power (Article 161) does NOT extend to death sentences.
Question 03
The Vice-President of India is elected by:
β
Answer: C) All members of Parliament (both elected and nominated)The VP is elected by all members of Parliament β both elected and nominated members of both Houses. This is different from the President’s election where only elected members participate. State Assembly members do NOT participate in VP election.
Question 04
The 91st Amendment (2003) provides that the total number of ministers in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed:
β
Answer: B) 15% of Lok Sabha strengthThe 91st Amendment (2003) added Article 75(1A) which provides that the total number of ministers, including the PM, shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of Lok Sabha. 15% of 543 = approximately 81 ministers maximum.
Question 05
The President of India can be removed from office by:
β
Answer: C) Impeachment β 2/3 majority of total membership of both HousesThe President can be removed by impeachment (Article 61) for violation of the Constitution. The resolution must be passed by 2/3 majority of the total membership (not just present and voting) of both Houses. No President has been impeached in India.
Question 06
The President’s ordinance power (Article 123) β an ordinance ceases to operate after how many weeks of Parliament reassembling?
β
Answer: B) 6 weeksAn ordinance ceases to operate 6 weeks after Parliament reassembles, unless approved by Parliament before that. The President can also withdraw an ordinance at any time. Ordinances cannot be used to amend the Constitution.
Question 07
Which article provides that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha?
β
Answer: B) Article 75(3)Article 75(3) provides that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Article 74 provides for the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President.
Question 08
The minimum age requirement for the President of India is:
β
Answer: C) 35 yearsThe minimum age for the President is 35 years. The same minimum age applies to the Vice-President. For Lok Sabha membership, it is 25 years; for Rajya Sabha, it is 30 years.
Question 09
Which President of India used the “pocket veto” by keeping the Postal Bill pending?
β
Answer: C) Giani Zail SinghPresident Giani Zail Singh used the “pocket veto” in 1986 by keeping the Indian Post Office (Amendment) Bill pending without giving assent or returning it. The pocket veto is not explicitly provided in the Constitution but has been used in practice.
Question 10
The Vice-President of India can be removed by:
β
Answer: C) A resolution of Rajya Sabha agreed to by Lok SabhaThe VP can be removed by a resolution of Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of all members and agreed to by Lok Sabha. 14 days’ notice is required. This is different from the President’s removal which requires impeachment with 2/3 majority of total membership of both Houses.