Parliamentary Procedures form the backbone of the legislative process in India. For aspirants of the UPSC CSE and other competitive exams, understanding the rules, regulations, and procedures that guide the functioning of Parliament is crucial. The effective conduct of parliamentary business ensures smooth debates, discussions, and decision-making, all of which are vital to governance.
This post focuses on a set of carefully curated Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that test your knowledge on Parliamentary Procedures. The questions cover various topics, including motions, voting procedures, quorum requirements, and legislative practices. Each MCQ is accompanied by an accurate answer and an in-depth explanation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of parliamentary functioning.
Parliamentary Procedures MCQs and Answers
1. The process by which a Bill is introduced, discussed, and passed in either House of Parliament is governed by:
(a) The Constitution of India.
(b) Acts of Parliament related to legislative procedures.
(c) The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in that House.
(d) Directions issued by the Speaker/Chairman.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Each House of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) has its own set of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, framed under Article 118 of the Constitution, which govern the detailed processes of legislative and other business conducted in the House.
2. The introduction of a Bill in either House of Parliament is known as the:
(a) First Reading.
(b) Second Reading.
(c) Third Reading.
(d) Report Stage.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The First Reading of a Bill consists of its introduction in the House by a member, usually after seeking the leave of the House. At this stage, no debate takes place on the merits of the Bill.
3. After the First Reading, a Bill proceeds to the next stage, which is generally:
(a) Consideration by a Select Committee or a Joint Committee.
(b) General discussion on the principles of the Bill.
(c) Clause-by-clause consideration and amendment.
(d) Voting on the Bill.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Following the introduction, the Bill is usually taken up for general discussion in the House during the Second Reading (first part). At this stage, the principles and general provisions of the Bill are debated.
4. The stage of “clause-by-clause consideration and amendment” of a Bill occurs during the:
(a) First Reading.
(b) Second Reading (committee stage and consideration stage).
(c) Third Reading.
(d) Presidential Assent stage.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Second Reading of a Bill has two sub-stages. After the general discussion, the Bill may be referred to a Parliamentary Committee (Select Committee of the House or Joint Committee of both Houses). The report of the committee is then considered by the House, and this is followed by the clause-by-clause consideration where amendments can be moved and voted upon.
5. The Third Reading of a Bill is primarily concerned with:
(a) Detailed scrutiny of each clause.
(b) General discussion on the principles of the Bill.
(c) Discussion and voting on the Bill as a whole after amendments have been considered and adopted.
(d) Referral of the Bill to the President for assent.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: During the Third Reading, the debate is confined to the arguments either in support of the Bill as a whole or for its rejection. No further amendments are usually allowed at this stage. After the debate, the Bill is put to vote.
6. A Money Bill, after being passed by the Lok Sabha, is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha, which can suggest amendments within:
(a) 7 days.
(b) 14 days.
(c) 30 days.
(d) 60 days.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 109(4) stipulates that the Rajya Sabha shall within a period of fourteen days from the date of its receipt of the Money Bill return the Bill to the Lok Sabha with its recommendations. The Lok Sabha is not bound to accept these recommendations.
7. A Bill that has been passed by one House and is transmitted to the other House can be:
- Passed without amendments.
- Passed with amendments.
- Rejected.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: When a non-money Bill is passed by one House and sent to the other, the second House can agree to it without amendments, pass it with amendments (which then need to be agreed upon by the originating House), or reject the Bill.
8. In case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on a non-money Bill, the President can summon a:
(a) Joint Session of both Houses.
(b) Conference Committee.
(c) Special Committee of Parliament.
(d) National Assembly.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 108 provides for the summoning of a joint sitting of both Houses by the President if there is a disagreement between them on a Bill (other than a Money Bill). The decision in a joint sitting is taken by a majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting.
9. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the power to:
(a) Participate and vote in the first instance on any matter.
(b) Vote only in case of a tie.
(c) Initiate a motion of no-confidence against the government.
(d) Suspend a member for the entire session.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 100(1) states that the Speaker or person acting as such shall not vote in the first instance, but shall have and exercise a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.
10. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Vice-President) has the power to:
(a) Vote on all matters before the House.
(b) Vote only in case of a tie.
(c) Issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
(d) Dissolve the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Similar to the Speaker, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha also has a casting vote in case of a tie, as they are not a member of the House.
11. A “Starred Question” in Parliament requires:
(a) A written answer to be laid on the Table of the House.
(b) An oral answer to be given on the floor of the House, which can be followed by supplementary questions.
(c) An answer to be provided after the Question Hour.
(d) A detailed statistical report to be submitted.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Starred questions are distinguished by an asterisk. They are answered orally on the floor of the House by the Minister concerned, and members can ask supplementary questions arising out of the answer.
12. An “Unstarred Question” in Parliament requires:
(a) An oral answer during the Question Hour.
(b) A written answer to be laid on the Table of the House.
(c) A debate on the question after the Question Hour.
(d) No answer to be given.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Unstarred questions do not have an asterisk and require a written answer to be provided by the Minister, which is laid on the Table of the House. No supplementary questions can be asked.
13. A “Short Notice Question” is one that is asked with notice of less than:
(a) 7 days.
(b) 10 days.
(c) 15 days.
(d) 21 days.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Short Notice Question is one that a member asks on a matter of urgent public importance with a notice shorter than the usual period prescribed by the Rules of the House (which is typically longer than 10 days). It is answered orally.
14. A “Resolution” in parliamentary procedure is a:
(a) Statement made by a Minister.
(b) Formal expression of the opinion or will of the House on a matter.
(c) Question asked by a member.
(d) Rule of procedure.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A resolution is a formal motion expressing the view or decision of the House on a particular issue. It is voted upon by the House.
15. A “Motion” in parliamentary procedure is a:
(a) Formal proposal made by a member to the House for its consideration.
(b) Summary of a Bill.
(c) Rule for the conduct of business.
(d) Question asked during Question Hour.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: A motion is a formal proposal brought before the House by a member. Various kinds of motions exist, serving different purposes such as initiating discussion, expressing opinions, or taking decisions.
16. A “Privilege Motion” is moved when:
(a) A member wants to raise a point of order.
(b) There is a breach of parliamentary privilege by a Minister or any other person.
(c) A member wants to move a vote of no-confidence.
(d) A Bill is being introduced.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Privilege Motion is raised by a member against another member or a person (including a Minister) who is alleged to have committed a breach of the privileges of the House or any of its members.
17. A “Calling Attention Motion” is introduced for the purpose of:
(a) Seeking adjournment of the House.
(b) Calling the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance and seeking a statement thereon.
(c) Moving a vote of censure against the government.
(d) Initiating a debate on a Bill.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Calling Attention Motion is a parliamentary device to draw the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance and to seek an official statement from the government on that matter.
18. A “Point of Order” can be raised by a member when:
(a) They want to ask a question to a Minister.
(b) They believe there has been a deviation from the rules of procedure of the House.
(c) They want to express their opinion on a Bill.
(d) Voting is taking place.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Point of Order is raised by a member to draw the attention of the Presiding Officer to any irregularity in the proceedings or a breach of the rules of the House. The Presiding Officer then gives a ruling on the point of order.
19. “Guillotine” in parliamentary procedure refers to:
(a) A device used for counting votes.
(b) A procedure where the Speaker/Chairman can limit the time for debate on a Bill or a group of clauses.
(c) A method of suspending a member from the House.
(d) A type of financial bill.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Guillotine is a procedural device used to expedite the passage of Bills. When the time allocated for the discussion of a Bill or a group of clauses expires, the Speaker/Chairman puts all the remaining clauses to vote together, regardless of whether they have been discussed or not.
20. “Adjournment Motion” is moved for the purpose of:
(a) Adjourning the House for a specific period.
(b) Drawing the attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance, with the consent of the Speaker/Chairman.
(c) Expressing no-confidence in the government.
(d) Initiating a discussion on a budget proposal.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: An Adjournment Motion is a device to interrupt the normal business of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance that has arisen suddenly. It requires the consent of the Presiding Officer and usually involves censure of the government.
21. A “Vote of No-Confidence” against the Council of Ministers can be moved only in the:
(a) Rajya Sabha.
(b) Lok Sabha.
(c) Joint Sitting.
(d) Either House.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: As per Article 75(3), the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Therefore, a motion expressing lack of confidence in the government can only be moved and voted upon in the Lok Sabha.
22. A “Vote of Censure” can be moved against:
(a) The Speaker/Chairman.
(b) An individual Minister, a group of Ministers, or the entire Council of Ministers.
(c) The Presiding Officer of a Parliamentary Committee.
(d) The President of India.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Censure Motion is a form of expressing disapproval of a specific policy or action of one or more Ministers or the entire government. It can be moved in either House of Parliament.
23. “Appropriation Bill” is related to:
(a) Imposition of new taxes.
(b) Withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of India for meeting the expenditure of the government.
(c) Regulation of financial markets.
(d) Borrowing by the government.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: An Appropriation Bill is enacted to authorize the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet the expenditure that has been voted by the Lok Sabha. Without the passage of an Appropriation Act, no money can be drawn from the Consolidated Fund.
24. “Finance Bill” is related to:
(a) Appropriation of money for government expenditure.
(b) Proposals for new taxes, amendment of existing tax structure, or continuation of the existing tax structure.
(c) Borrowing by the government and management of public debt.
(d) Regulation of banking and insurance sectors.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Finance Bill is introduced every year along with the Budget. It contains the proposals of the government for the imposition of new taxes, changes in the existing tax structure, or continuation of the existing tax laws.
25. A “Private Member’s Bill” is a Bill introduced by a:
(a) Minister.
(b) Member of Parliament who is not a Minister.
(c) Member nominated by the President.
(d) Member representing a Union Territory.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Private Member’s Bill is introduced by any Member of Parliament who is not a Minister. These Bills have a lower chance of being passed compared to government Bills.
26. The process of “Budget discussion” in Parliament typically involves:
- General discussion on the Budget.
- Scrutiny by Departmental Standing Committees.
- Voting on Demands for Grants.
- Passing of Appropriation and Finance Bills.
Select the correct sequence using the code below:
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 2-1-4-3
(c) 1-3-2-4
(d) 4-3-2-1
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The budget process in Parliament generally follows this sequence: general discussion, detailed examination by committees, voting on demands for grants, and finally, the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Finance Bill.
27. “Cut Motions” are moved during the discussion on:
(a) A Bill.
(b) The Budget (Demands for Grants).
(c) A Resolution.
(d) A Motion of No-Confidence.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Cut Motions are moved by members to reduce the amount of a Demand for Grant in the Budget. They are a way to express disapproval of the government’s policies or expenditure.
28. The three types of Cut Motions are:
(a) Policy Cut, Economy Cut, Token Cut.
(b) Policy Cut, Expenditure Cut, Symbolic Cut.
(c) Policy Cut, Budget Cut, Token Cut.
(d) General Cut, Specific Cut, Symbolic Cut.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: There are three main types of Cut Motions:
* Policy Cut Motion: To disapprove of the policy underlying the demand.
* Economy Cut Motion: To reduce the demand by a specific amount to bring about economy.
* Token Cut Motion: To reduce the demand by ₹1 to ventilate a specific grievance.
29. “Closure Motion” is moved by a member to:
(a) Adjourn the House.
(b) Terminate the discussion on a matter before the House and put it to vote.
(c) Suspend a rule of procedure.
(d) Introduce a new Bill.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Closure Motion is moved to bring an immediate end to the debate on a particular matter before the House. If the motion is adopted, the matter is then put to vote.
30. “Yielding the floor” by a member during a debate means:
(a) The member has finished speaking.
(b) The member is allowing another member to ask a brief question or make a brief comment.
(c) The member is leaving the House temporarily.
(d) The member is proposing a motion.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: When a member “yields the floor,” they temporarily allow another member to interject with a question or a short remark without losing their right to continue speaking afterwards.
31. “Whipping” in parliamentary procedure refers to:
(a) A disciplinary action against a member.
(b) A directive issued by a political party to its members on how to vote on a particular issue.
(c) A method of counting votes quickly.
(d) A type of parliamentary debate.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A “whip” is an official of a political party in Parliament who ensures the attendance of party members in the House and instructs them on how to vote on important matters.
32. “Pairing” of votes in Parliament is a practice where:
(a) Two members from opposing sides agree to abstain from voting on a particular issue.
(b) Votes of nominated and elected members are counted separately.
(c) Votes are cast electronically.
(d) Proxy voting is allowed.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Pairing is an informal arrangement between members of opposing parties to abstain from voting on a particular issue, often to allow a member to be absent for personal reasons without affecting the overall vote count balance.
33. “Lobbying” in the context of Parliament refers to:
(a) Members meeting in the lobby outside the House.
(b) Efforts by interest groups or individuals to influence the decisions of MPs.
(c) A specific type of parliamentary debate held in the lobby.
(d) The process of counting votes.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Lobbying involves direct communication with Members of Parliament by individuals or groups who wish to influence their stance on a particular issue or legislation.
34. “Standing Orders” in Parliament are:
(a) Temporary rules adopted for a specific session.
(b) Permanent rules that regulate the procedure and conduct of business in each House.
(c) Orders issued by the President to the Parliament.
(d) Resolutions passed by the House.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Standing Orders are the permanent set of rules that govern the day-to-day functioning and procedures of each House of Parliament. They provide a framework for the conduct of business.
35. “Ad-hoc Committees” of Parliament are:
(a) Permanent committees that function throughout the year.
(b) Temporary committees appointed for a specific purpose for a limited duration.
(c) Committees consisting only of nominated members.
(d) Committees that oversee the financial matters of the government.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Ad-hoc Committees are temporary committees constituted by either House or by the Speaker/Chairman for a specific purpose, such as to examine a particular Bill or inquire into a specific matter. Once their task is completed, these committees are usually dissolved.
36. “Standing Committees” of Parliament are:
(a) Temporary committees appointed for a specific session.
(b) Permanent committees that are constituted every year or periodically and work on a continuous basis.
(c) Committees consisting only of elected members.
(d) Committees that deal with matters of parliamentary privileges.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Standing Committees are permanent committees with a fixed tenure (usually one year). They scrutinize Bills, examine budgets, consider policy matters, and oversee the functioning of government ministries and departments on an ongoing basis.
37. The Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) were established to:
(a) Examine the financial accounts of government departments.
(b) Consider the Demands for Grants of the related Ministries/Departments and report thereon.
(c) Oversee the implementation of government policies at the grassroots level.
(d) Deal with inter-ministerial coordination issues.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The DRSCs are a crucial part of the parliamentary committee system. Their primary function is to examine the budget proposals (Demands for Grants) of the ministries and departments under their purview and to report on them to the Parliament.
38. A “Special Mention” in the Rajya Sabha is a procedure for:
(a) Asking a short notice question.
(b) Raising matters of public importance that are not otherwise admissible under the rules.
(c) Moving a resolution on a matter of urgent public importance.
(d) Seeking clarification on a statement made by a Minister.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: “Special Mention” is a device in the Rajya Sabha that allows members to raise issues of public importance that do not fall under other established procedures like questions or motions.
39. “Short Duration Discussion” in Parliament allows members to:
(a) Ask brief questions to Ministers.
(b) Have a discussion for a short period on a matter of urgent public importance.
(c) Move a motion for adjournment.
(d) Raise a point of order.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: “Short Duration Discussion” (also known as “Half-an-Hour Discussion” in some contexts) is a parliamentary device that allows for a brief discussion on a matter of urgent public importance that has been raised earlier through a question or a statement.
40. “Zero Hour Submissions” are matters raised by members:
(a) During the first hour of sitting.
(b) Immediately after the Question Hour, without prior notice.
(c) At the end of the day’s business.
(d) During a joint sitting of both Houses.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: During the “Zero Hour,” after the Question Hour and before the regular agenda is taken up, members can raise important issues that they feel need immediate attention, often without prior notice to the Speaker/Chairman.
41. “Anticipatory Bail” for a Member of Parliament to attend a parliamentary session:
(a) Can be granted by the Speaker/Chairman.
(b) Can be granted by the President.
(c) Can be granted by the courts, subject to certain conditions.
(d) Is automatically granted to ensure their participation.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: While Members of Parliament enjoy certain privileges, they are not exempt from the law. Anticipatory bail, if required, has to be sought from the courts, which will decide based on the merits of the case and may impose conditions to ensure their attendance in Parliament.
42. “Expunction of Remarks” from the proceedings of Parliament can be ordered by:
(a) Any member of the House.
(b) The Prime Minister.
(c) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
(d) A committee of privileges.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Presiding Officer (Speaker in Lok Sabha, Chairman in Rajya Sabha) has the authority to order the expunction of any words, phrases, or expressions used during the debate that are considered unparliamentary, defamatory, or otherwise inappropriate.
43. “Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill” is introduced to:
(a) Seek parliamentary approval for the entire budget.
(b) Provide for the immediate collection of taxes for a limited period pending the passage of the Finance Bill.
(c) Amend existing tax laws.
(d) Introduce new cesses and surcharges.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill is introduced to give immediate effect to the government’s tax proposals from the date of the budget presentation until the Finance Bill is passed by Parliament, ensuring continuity in tax collection.
44. “Statutory Resolutions” are resolutions moved in pursuance of:
(a) The inherent powers of the House.
(b) The directions issued by the Speaker/Chairman.
(c) The provisions of the Constitution or an Act of Parliament.
(d) A motion adopted by the House.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Statutory Resolutions are moved under specific provisions laid down in the Constitution or an Act of Parliament, requiring the House to approve or disapprove certain actions or regulations framed by the executive.
45. “Vote on Account” is a procedure by which the Lok Sabha grants:
(a) Full budget allocation to a ministry.
(b) A token amount for a specific service.
(c) Advance grants to the government to meet essential expenditure for a part of the financial year, pending the passage of the full budget.
(d) Grants for expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Vote on Account is a mechanism used to provide the government with funds to meet its essential expenditures for a limited period (usually two months) until the regular budget is passed by the Parliament.
46. “Supplementary Grants” are demanded by the government when:
(a) The initial grants authorized by Parliament fall short of the required expenditure.
(b) There is a surplus in the allocated budget.
(c) A new financial year begins.
(d) A national emergency is declared.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Supplementary Grants are additional grants sought by the government from Parliament when the amount originally voted in the budget for a particular service proves insufficient during the course of the financial year.
47. “Excess Grants” are sought when:
(a) More money has been spent on a service than was granted by Parliament.
(b) Savings have been made in the budget allocation.
(c) Funds are transferred from one head to another.
(d) The financial year is about to end.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Excess Grants are demanded when the actual expenditure incurred on a service during a financial year has exceeded the amount granted by Parliament for that service. Their approval is regularized by Parliament after examination by the Public Accounts Committee.
48. “Token Grant” is a demand for a very small sum (usually ₹1) to:
(a) Meet the full expenditure on a new service.
(b) Reappropriate funds from one head to another.
(c) Express disapproval of government policy.
(d) Meet unforeseen expenditure.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Token Grant is sought to obtain parliamentary sanction for expenditure on a new service when funds can be made available by reappropriation from savings in other grants. A token sum is demanded and voted upon to formally authorize the expenditure.
49. “Dilatory Motions” are moved for the purpose of:
(a) Expediting the passage of a Bill.
(b) Obstructing or delaying the progress of business before the House.
(c) Seeking information from the government.
(d) Expressing a vote of confidence.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Dilatory Motions are motions moved with the intention of delaying or obstructing the progress of business in the House. The Presiding Officer has the power to disallow such motions if they are deemed to be an abuse of the rules of the House.
50. “Yielding for a Clarification” by a member during a debate means:
(a) The member is concluding their speech.
(b) The member is allowing another member to seek a brief clarification on a point they have made.
(c) The member is proposing an amendment.
(d) The member is asking for a vote.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: When a member “yields for a clarification,” they allow another member to briefly interrupt their speech to ask for a clarification on a specific point they have raised, after which the original speaker usually continues their address.
Mastering Parliamentary Procedures is essential for tackling questions in the Polity section of exams like the UPSC CSE, as it covers a significant portion of the legislative processes that shape the country’s governance. A strong foundation in these procedures will not only help you score well in exams but also give you a deeper understanding of how parliamentary democracy works in India.
We hope this collection of MCQs, along with their detailed explanations, has provided you with valuable insights. Continue practicing regularly, as it will help you stay prepared for any question on this topic in the exams.