as the Leader of the House. They are responsible for the government's business in the House.
11. What is the tenure of a member of the Rajya Sabha?
a) 5 years
b) 6 years
c) 4 years
d) It is not fixed
Answer: b) 6 years
Explanation: A member of the Rajya Sabha is elected for a term of six years. However, the House is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution. One-third of its members retire every two years.
12. The primary function of the judiciary is to:
a) Make laws
b) Implement laws
c) Interpret laws and administer justice
d) Advise the President on legal matters
Answer: c) Interpret laws and administer justice
Explanation: In the Indian constitutional framework, the legislature makes laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets these laws and administers justice. This is the essence of the separation of powers.
13. The power of the President to grant pardons is mentioned in:
a) Article 72
b) Article 123
c) Article 143
d) Article 32
Answer: a) Article 72
Explanation: Article 72 empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence. This is an important executive power that acts as a check on the judiciary.
14. Who is often referred to as the 'keystone of the cabinet arch'?
a) The President
b) The Prime Minister
c) The Chief Justice of India
d) The Speaker
Answer: b) The Prime Minister
Explanation: The Prime Minister is called the 'keystone of the cabinet arch' or the linchpin of the government. This is because all major policies and decisions are taken under their leadership and direction. The entire council of ministers is appointed on their advice, and they coordinate the functioning of all government departments.
15. The concept of "Judicial Review" in India allows the Supreme Court to:
a) Advise the President on legal matters.
b) Review its own judgments.
c) Declare a law unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution.
d) Supervise the functioning of all lower courts.
Answer: c) Declare a law unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution.
Explanation: Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders of both the Central and State governments. If they are found to be violative of the Constitution (ultra vires), the judiciary can declare them invalid. This power is not explicitly mentioned but is derived from several articles, primarily Article 13.