India’s system of government is a unique blend of federalism with a parliamentary structure, balancing powers between the central and state governments. Understanding how the government functions, the roles of different branches, and the distribution of power is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of India’s political structure. This article presents a set of System of Government in India GK MCQs, aimed at helping you test and strengthen your knowledge of India’s governance framework and political system.
1. Which Articles of the Constitution deal with the parliamentary system at the Centre?
- Articles 163 and 164
- Articles 74 and 75
- Articles 73 and 74
- Article 67 and 68
Show Answer
Answer: Articles 74 and 75
The Indian Constitution establishes a parliamentary form of government both at the central level and in the states. Articles 74 and 75 specifically deal with the parliamentary system at the Centre, while Articles 163 and 164 pertain to the parliamentary system in the states. In this system, the executive, which includes the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, is responsible to the legislature (Parliament or State Legislature) for its policies and actions.
2. Which Articles deal with the parliamentary system of government at the level of states?
- Articles 163 and 164
- Articles 165 and 166
- Articles 175 and 176
- Articles 177 and 178
Show Answer
Answer: Articles 163 and 164
Articles 74 and 75 of the Constitution of India deal with the parliamentary system of government at the Centre, and Articles 163 and 164 deal with the parliamentary system in the states. In this system, the executive is responsible to the legislature for its policies and actions.
3. Which system of government is also known as the Westminster model of government?
- Presidential system
- Monarchy
- Parliamentary system
- Oligarchy
Show Answer
Answer: Parliamentary system
The parliamentary government, also known as the cabinet government or responsible government or Westminster model of government, is prevalent in countries such as Britain, Japan, Canada, India, among others.
4. Which country follows the model of the presidential form of government?
- Britain
- Japan
- India
- USA
Show Answer
Answer: USA
The presidential form of government, often called the non-responsible or non-parliamentary or fixed executive system, is common in countries like the United States, Brazil, Russia, and Sri Lanka. In the presidential system, the President serves as both the head of state and head of government, and executive members are not responsible to the legislature for their actions
5. Who called the parliamentary system the ‘cabinet system’?
- Lord Morely
- Ivor Jennings
- Sir William Vernor Harcourt
- H.J. Laski
Show Answer
Answer: Ivor Jennings
Ivor Jennings aptly referred to the parliamentary system as the ‘cabinet system’ because the cabinet is the core of power and governance in a parliamentary setup. This system operates on the principle of collective ministerial responsibility to the legislature, enhancing accountability.
6. Which form of government is also known as ‘responsible government’?
- Presidential government
- Autocracy
- Parliamentary government
- None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: Parliamentary government
In India, the parliamentary system is often termed ‘responsible government’ because the cabinet, which is the actual executive, is answerable to the Parliament. The cabinet remains in office as long as it retains the confidence of the Parliament. The system emphasizes accountability and the need to maintain the Parliament’s trust.
7. Who is the head of the government according to the Constitution of India?
- Chief Justice of India
- President
- Vice President
- Prime Minister
Show Answer
Answer: Prime Minister
As per the Indian Constitution, the President holds the position of nominal executive, while the Prime Minister is the actual executive and the head of the Indian government. The President’s role is largely ceremonial, and the Prime Minister holds the real power.
8. The principle of collective responsibility is enshrined in which article of the Constitution?
- Article 75
- Article 76
- Article 77
- Article 78
Show Answer
Answer: Article 75
The Council of Ministers, collectively, is responsible to the Parliament, particularly the Lok Sabha, in accordance with Article 75 of the Constitution. The ministers function as a team and collectively face accountability, meaning they share success or failure.
9. Who is the leader of the Parliament?
- President
- Vice President
- Prime Minister
- Speaker
Show Answer
Answer: Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of India plays a significant leadership role in the parliamentary system. They serve as the leader of the Council of Ministers, leader of the Parliament, and leader of the ruling political party or coalition.
10. Which of the following are the features of the presidential form of government?
1. The President is both the head of the State and the head of the government.
2. The President is elected by an electoral college for a fixed tenure of four years.
3. The President and his secretaries are not responsible to the Congress for their acts.
4. It does not provide a stable government.
Choose the correct option:
- Only 1
- Only 1 & 2
- 1, 2 & 3
- Only 2 & 3
Show Answer
Answer: 1, 2 & 3
The U.S. Constitution establishes a presidential form of government. Key features include the President serving as both the head of state and government, election by an electoral college for a fixed four-year term, and a separation of powers where the President and their secretaries are not accountable to the Congress for their actions. It is incorrect to say that the presidential system does not provide a stable government, as it does offer stability.
Leave a Reply