Chapter 3: The Philosophy of the Constitution

1. Write down the Preamble to the constitution.

2. Define sovereignty.
3. Define a republic.
4. Define welfare state

Chapter 5: Nature of the Federal System

1. What is the difference between a federation and a

confederation?
2. What are the essential features of a federal country? (4)
3. When it comes to the following issues, what is the key difference
between the American, Canadian, and Indian federations?
Residuary powers of legislation
Amendment of the constitution
Existence of state constitutions
Redrawing territorial boundaries of states (Page 358)
Representation in the upper house of the parliament
Division of public services (who administers union/ state
laws?)
System of courts

4. Can the Rajya Sabha be described as a federal chamber?

5. Outside of a proclamation of emergency, can the Parliament
legislate on state subjects? (Page 60)
6. List the procedure and the relevant Article for the above.
7. What was the Desai Award? (Page 65)
8. Justify the statement: The constitution of India is neither purely
federal nor purely unitary, but is a combination of both.
9. Which 2 articles contain provision for delegation of powers from
one level of government to the other? (Page 65)

Chapters 6 and 7- Territory of the Union, and Citizenship

1. Which Part of the constitution deal with issues related to the

territory of India? Which Articles does this contain? Which
Schedule is relevant here?
2. What is the difference between Union of India and territory of
India?
3. How many union territories have an elected legislature? Name
them.
4. Which constitutional amendment relate to the acceptance of
Sikkim into the Union of India?
5. Describe the procedure for reorganization of state boundaries
under the Indian constitution (3 points)
6. What is the role of the state legislature in this regard?
7. Which Part of the constitution deal with issues related to
citizenship? Which Articles does this contain? Which Schedule is
relevant here?
8. Name the five ways in which a person can become a citizen of
India.
9. Delineate the domicile requirement for public employment at (a)
union government level (b) state government level.
10. What is the appropriate legislative body for each of (a) and (b)
above?

Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

1. Delineate the key distinction in the fundamental rights provided

by the English and the American constitutions.
2. Compare the position of Fundamental Rights under the Indian
constitution with that under the American constitution.
3. List all the Articles under Part III of the Indian Constitution.
4. Differentiate between executary and self-executary Fundamental
Rights.
5. What was the major change brought in FRs by the Janata part?
Via which Amendment?
6. Which Article imposes certain restrictions on FRs? List these
restrictions (3)
7. How did the 42nd amendment affect FRs?
8. What is the difference between rights listed in Part III of the
constitution and those listed in other parts of the constitution?
9. Can Part III of the constitution be amended? Explain the current
position in this matter. (Page 86)
10. In case FRs are violated, in which circumstances is it
appropriate to invoke Article 32 and approach the Supreme
Court? (Page 89)
11. Can Article 14 be said to be violated if a body other than the
State violates it (say, an education institute)?
12. Under Article 14, differentiate between Equality before the
Law and Equal Protection of the Laws.
13. List the 6 freedoms included in Article 19.
14. Article 22 of the constitution continues to be on the
Constitution as a necessary evil- elaborate. Name the one
major condition attached to the use of Article 22 by the state.
15. Does the latest Child Labour (Amendment) Act violate Article
24 of the Constitution?
16. Define a secular state (Page 124). List the Articles under
Part III that aim to ensure that India is a secular state.
17. Describe the evolution of the Right to Property in India, with
special emphasis on changes brought in by the 25th, 42nd, and
the 44th amendments.
18. List the 2 exceptions to the rule that the state does not have
to pay the full compensation in case it acquires someones
property.
19. Which Article of the constitution contains restrictions under
which FRs might not be applicable?
20. Are the fundamental rights guaranteed against the actions of :
The executive?
The legislature?
Foreign nations?
The President?
Private individuals?
Private organizations?
(Check Page 136)
21. Name the various kinds of writs that the SC can issue. (5).
22. Define prerogative writs. (Page 137)
23. What is the difference between powers of SC and HC when it
comes to issuing of prerogative writs?
24. Which Articles contain these writs for the SC/ HCs?
25. Describe the meaning of Habeas Corpus.
26. Describe Mandamus. Discuss the applicability/ inapplicability
of mandamus.
27. Describe Prohibition.
28. Describe Certiori.
29. Discuss the SCs power to issue Prohibition and Certiori to
lower courts.
30. Describe Quo Warranto
31. Can the SC issue these prerogative writs under a proclamation
of emergency? (Page 146)
32. Differentiate between Articles 358 and 359.
33. Which part of the constitution contains Fundamental Duties?
34. Which Articles does this part contain?
35. How many Fundamental Duties are there? List all.

Chapter 09- Directive Principles of State Policy

1. Which Part of the constitution contains the DPSP?

2. Which Articles fall under it?
3. What ideology best describes the theme of DPSPs?
4. What is the main difference between Fundamental Rights and
DPSPs?
5. In case there is a law enacted to implement DPs, can it be
quashed on the grounds of violating any of the Fundamental
Rights?
6. If the union government wants to direct a state government to
implement some of the DPSPs, which Article(s) of the
constitution can it invoke?
7. What is the point of DPSPs?

Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment of the Constitution

1. Which Article contains the procedure for amendment of the
constitution?
2. Theoretically, describe the distinction between the three kinds of
amendments of the constitution.
3. Can the state legislatures propose a bill to amend the part of the
constitution relevant to them (Part VI)?
4. What are the 2 major differences between ordinary legislation
and legislation for amending the constitution?
5. Is previous assent of the President required to introduce
constitutional amendment bills?
6. Is Part III of the constitution amendable? (Page 171)
7. How many times has the constitution been amended till date?
8. Name the last 2 amendments.
9. List some major changes introduced in the constitution by the
42nd and 44th amendments.
10. What is the current position on items in the 9th schedule? Can
more be introduced?

Chapter 11- The Union Executive

President
1. Describe how the President of India is elected.
2. Are state MLCs allowed to vote in the Presidents election?
3. Which members of the Rajya Sabha vote in the election for the
President?
4. What are some of the arguments against direct election for
President in India (2)?
5. List the eligibility criteria for the President (4; especially see c).
6. Can sitting Governors of any of the states be appointed
President? Can Ministers at the center/ in the states?
7. Who does the President swear his oath to?
8. If a President resigns, who does his hand his resignation to?
9. How many grounds for impeachment of a sitting President are
specified in the constitution? What are these?
10. Describe the procedure for impeachment of the President (4
points)
11. What Article of the constitution delineates this procedure for
impeachment?
12. How much does a President get paid? Pension?
13. Name the 5 ways in which a vacancy might arise in the office
of the President.
14. In which of these cases is the VP allowed to serve as President
until the vacancy is filled?

Vice-President
1. Describe the procedure for election of the VP. Is it any way
different from the election of President? (Trick question)
2. Do all members of the Rajya Sabha vote in the VPs election?
3. Describe the eligibility criteria for the VP (4). Are these in any
way different from those for the President?
4. How can a sitting VP be removed?
5. What are the functions of a VP?
6. What does the constitution say about when the VP should start
discharging the functions of the President?
7. What happens when both President and VPs offices are empty
at the same time?
8. While the VP is acting as President, does he still remain the
Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
9. Who adjudicated disputes arising out of elections of a
Presidentor VP?
10. Is the election of the president valid in case there were some
vacancies in either house of Parliament at the time of election?
11. What about vacancies in some of the state legislatures?
12. What if a state government isnt appointed at the time of
election?
13. In case the election of the President is declared void by the
appropriate authority after a short amount of time (say, a
month) after the election, what happens to the actions that the
President might have taken while in office, albeit for a very short
period of time?
14. What if this time period is longer? Say, a year after the
elections?
15. Can the Parliament modify the procedure for election of the
President?

Powers and duties of the President

1. How would you define the executive power of the state?
2. What are the constitutional limits on the Presidents powers (2)?
3. What does the 42nd amendment say about the constitutional
limits on the Presidents powers? When was it enacted?
4. What changes did the 44th amendment introduce to the above?
5. Name the 5 major heads under which the powers of the
President can be divided.
6. What are the administrative powers of the President?
7. Name the 16 kinds of dignitaries that the President appoints.
8. What is the spoils system? Comment on this in the Indian
context.
9. What are the military powers of the President? What role, if any,
does the legislature play in this regard? (Article 352)
10. What are the diplomatic powers of the President?
11. What are the legislative powers of the President?
12. What kinds of legislations require prior assent of the President
before being introduced in Parliament (6)? Which of these
applies to state bills?
13. Can these be invalidated on account of not having seeked
such prior assent?
14. List the four different kinds of Presidential vetos.
 15. Which of these vetos apply in the case of USA?
16. For each of the four kinds of vetos, discuss the applicability in
Indian case.
17. In what cases do you think Pocket Veto can legitimately be
used in India?
18. What veto powers does the President have with regards to
bills passed by state legislatures? Does this also apply to money
bills?
19. Which article of the constitution delineates provisions for
ordinances?
20. Can the President issue ordinances while both houses of
parliament are in session? What about only one of the houses
being in session? Can ordinances be re-promulgated with both
houses in session?
21. Can the judiciary review ordinances made by the President?
22. What are the pardoning powers of the President? (Article 72)
23. In which cases can the president exercise his power of
pardon?
24. Are these open to judicial review?
25. Differentiate between pardon, commutation, respite, and
reprieve.
26. What are the differences in pardoning powers of the President
and State Governors?
27. Can the governors do anything at all in case of death penalty?
28. What are the powers of the President with respect to the
following:
Judiciary (1)
Administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribal
Areas (4 points)
Administration of SCs and STs (3)
Union Territories (special case of Andamans, Lakshadweep,
and Dadra and Nagar Haveli)
Governance of a state (2)
29. What are the 3 cases where the President can exercise his
emergency powers?

The Council of Ministers

1. How many ministers can a government have?
2. What are the different categories of ministers listed in the
constitution?
3. How many of these exist in practice?
4. Differentiate between Council of Ministers and the Cabinet;
which category of ministers attend Cabinet meetings?
5. Can a person who is not an MP in either house of the Parliament
be appointed as a minister?
6. Who chairs the Cabinet? PM or President?
7. What happens if the PM dies? (does the Council of Ministers
continue to function until the party that commands a majority in
Lok Sabha chooses another PM?)
8. What is the only exception to the provision that the President of
India has to act on the advice of his council of ministers?
9. What happens in case a PM is defeated in the Lok Sabha floor
test? Can the President then act of his own volition?

Attorney General for India

1. What is the role of the Attorney General of India?
2. What are the qualifications required of a person to be considered
for the post of Attorney General?
3. What is the procedure for selecting the Attorney General?
4. How long is an AG appointed for?
5. Does the AG hold his office at the pleasure of the President?
6. Can the Attorney General speak in the Lok Sabha? Rajya Sabha?
7. Can she vote in either house? Both houses?
8. What are the perks that the Attorney General gets?
9. The AG is equal in rank to:
A member of parliament
A judge of the supreme court
A judge of the high court
An IAS officer of the Secretary rank
10. Can the Attorney General carry out his private practice while
in post?

Comptroller and Auditor General

1. What is the role of the CAG?
2. Does the CAG execute this role only in relation to the union, or
also for states?
3. Does the CAG serve at the pleasure of the President?
4. What are the grounds on which a CAG may be removed?
5. Name 2 provisions by which it is ensured that the independence
of the CAG is maintained.
6. What is the term limit for the CAG?
7. Is there an age limit?
8. The CAG is equal in rank to:
A member of parliament
A judge of the supreme court
A judge of the high court
An IAS officer of the Secretary rank
9. Which of these functions does the CAG perform?
Controls the issue and receipt of money from Consolidated
fund of the Centre and the States
Prepares the accounts of the various departments and
ministries of the central government
Audits these accounts
Gives policy recommendations based on his findings
10. Does the CAG act both as a comptroller as well as an auditor?
If not, why not?
11. Does the jurisdiction of the CAG extend to companies that are
financed by the government in any way? Is there a majority
criterion?
12. Does the above also apply to industrial and commercial
undertakings carried on by the Government through Private
Limited Companies?

Chapter 12: The Union Legislature

1. Which house of parliament can bring about a motion of no

confidence? (Rajya Sabha? Lok Sabha? Both?)
2. What is the maximum sanctioned strength of the Rajya Sabha?
3. What is the current strength? (244)
4. How are MPs nominated to the Rajya Sabha from each state?
5. From Union Territories?
6. What is the maximum sanctioned strength of the Lok Sabha?
7. How is this split between states, UTs, and nominated members?
8. Are there any reserved seats in Lok Sabha? In Rajya Sabha?
9. How does the constitution of India guarantee uniformity of
representation:
Between states?
Between different constituencies within a state?
10. Why did the constituent assembly not decide on proportional
representation for the Lok Sabha?
11. For what duration does the Lok Sabha sit? When can it be
dissolved?
12. For what duration does the Rajya Sabha sit? When can it be
dissolved?
13. What are the emergency provisions for extending the normal
term of the Lok Sabha beyond 5 years? (list 2 points)
14. Differentiate between adjournment, proroguing, and
dissolution of the house.
15. What is the effect of each of the above on pending business
such as notices, motions, resolutions, and bills?
16. What is the maximum time period allowed between when the
Parliament is prorogued and when it is summoned again?
17. If the Lok Sabha is dissolved, what happens to the bills that
were introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha, but were pending
in the Rajya Sabha?
18. If the Lok Sabha is dissolved, what happens to the bills that
were introduced and passed in the Rajya Sabha, but were
pending in the Lok Sabha?
19. What are the qualifications for a person to become an MP in
the Lok Sabha? Rajya Sabha?
20. Name the 5 grounds on which someone can be disqualified
from membership of either house.
21. Explain the absence without permission clause for an MP
having to vacate his seat in parliament.
22. What are the benefits that MPs draw? Do they get any
pensions?
23. How is the speaker of the Lok Sabha selected?
24. What is the procedure for removal of the LS speaker? (2)
25. What part can the speaker play during the proceedings for her
removal? (can she vote? Can she speak?)
26. What are the voting powers of the speaker of the LS in course
of normal proceedings?
27. What are the 2 special powers of the Lok Sabha speaker that
are not available to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
28. How is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha selected?
29. What are the privileges enjoyed by the MPs individually?(3)
30. Write notes on exceptions and checks on these individual
privileges.
31. What are the privileges enjoyed by the MPs as a collective
body?(3)
32. What is the procedure for introduction of an ordinary Private
Members bill? Can private members introduce money bills?
33. Say a non-money bill is passed in one house, and has been
lying on the floor of the other house, with no vote. After how long
can a joint sitting be called by the President?
34. Which Article details the provisions of the Joint Sitting?
35. List 3 circumstances in which joint sitting can be called.
36. Can the government call a joint sitting for the land bill before
it is discussed in the Rajya Sabha?
(For the above two, see:
http://www.insightsonindia.com/2015/01/19/insights-daily-
current-events-19-janaury-2015/)
37. When is a bill deemed a money bill? (Name 3 main provisions,
and the Article that contains these provisions)
38. Who has the final say in deciding which bills are money bills?
(President/ Supreme Court/ Lok Sabha Speaker/ Rajya Sabha
Speaker)
39. Write a note on the powers of Rajya Sabha with regards to
money bills.
40. What is a Finance Bill? How is it different from money bills? (2)
41. With regards to finance bills of the first class, what are the
powers of the Rajya Sabha?
42. With regards to finance bills of the second class, what are the
powers of the Rajya Sabha?
43. Which Article of the constitution contains the provisions for a
joint sitting of the two houses?
44. What happens if the President says there is going to be a joint
sitting for a bill originating the Lok Sabha, and then the Lok
Sabha collapses? Does the joint sitting still happen?
45. Who presides over joint sittings?
46. In which condition will the Vice President preside over the joint
sitting?
47. What are the various kinds of bills for which joint sitting
cannot/ does not need to be called? (2)
48. Can joint sittings be used for constitutional amendment bills?
49. What is another name for the annual budget? (Finance bill/
Annual financial statement/ Appropriation Act/ Statement of
expenditure)?
50. Differentiate between expenditure charged on the
Consolidated Fund of India and the amount voted on by the Lok
Sabha.
51. Differentiate between the Appropriations Bill and the Annual
Finance Bill.
52. In what ways does the Parliament exert control over the
governments proposed expenditure? (3)
53. Write a note on the Committee on Estimates, covering its
numerical strength, composition, term limit, and functions.
54. Write a note on the Committee on Public Accounts, covering
its numerical strength, composition, term limit, and functions.
55. When the CAG exists, what is the need for the above
committee?
56. What are the two main accounts into which any money
credited to the Government of India goes?
57. What is the role of the Contingency Fund of India?
58. What are the powers of the Parliament with regards to
sanctioning of expenditure from the above 3 funds?
59. Does the Rajya Sabha hold a position of equality with the Lok
Sabha? Name 2 provisions apart from money bill provisions that
put the RS at a disadvantage.
60. Name 2 special powers of the Rajya Sabha that the Lok Sabha
cannot override.

Chapter 13: The State Executive

General Structure
1. Which part of the constitution deals with governance of states?
2. Do all states have an independent structure of government?
3. Does every state have an exclusive Governor?
4. How is the Governor of a state elected?
5. What are the grounds mentioned in the constitution according to
which the Governor of a state can be removed?
6. Why did the constituent assembly decide to have an appointed
Governor as against an elected one?
7. What are the Governors powers with respect to the
appointment and removal of:
Minsters of the state government
Judges of the High Court
Members of state public service commission
Members of Anglo-Indian community in the state assembly
Nominated members of the state legislative council (how
many members can the Governor nominate?)
8. Which Article of the constitution details the provisions of what to
do when the constitutional machinery in a state breaks down?

The Council of Ministers

1. In what ways do the constitutional powers of the President and
the Governor differ? (1 major)
2. In which cases can the Governor of a state act in his own
discretion?
3. Can the above decision of the Governor be challenged in:
Local courts?
High Court?
Supreme Court?
4. When can the Governor dismiss the Chief Minister and his
Council of Ministers?
5. What is the role of the Advocate General? Qualifications
required?
6. What is the state-level equivalent of the CAG?

Chapter 14: The State Legislature

1. Which part of the constitution contains the provisions for

governance of states?
2. How can a Legislative Assembly be constituted/ dissolved for a
state? What is the parliaments role? What is the state
assemblys role?
3. What is the maximum and minimum allowed sizes of the LC?
4. What fraction of the MLC is elected? Nominated?
5. Who all indirectly elect MLC? (Name 4)
6. What are the maximum and minimum allowed sizes of the
legislative assemblies?
7. What are eligibility criterions for becoming an MLA? MLC?
8. How is the age criterion different from that for MPs of LS and RS?
9. Can the Parliament make laws that determine eligibility criteria
and ground for disqualification for MLAs?
10. In deciding questions related to eligibility and disqualification
of MLAs, whose ruling is supreme?
President
Governor
High Court
Supreme Court
11. Compare the functioning of the State Legislative Councils with
that of the Rajya Sabha, specifically with regards to (a) money
bills (b) ordinary bills.
12. What provisions exist for calling a joint sitting of the LA and
LC?
13. For how long can the Rajya Sabha sit on a bill before the
President is allowed to call for a joint sitting?
14. For how long can the State LC sit on a bill before the bill is
deemed approved by the Assembly? (Check answer- page
261)
15. What happens to bills that originate in the council and are
defeated in the assembly?
16. Although the LC is pretty much useless, name 2 potential
benefits of the existence of LCs.
17. What kinds of vetos are available to the Governor of a state?
18. Can the Governor veto a money bill?
19. Can the Governor reserve a money bill for the Presidents
consideration?
20. What happens if an ordinary bill is presented to the Governor,
he sends it back to the assembly, and the assembly passes it
again in the same form? How is this provision different from the
relationship between the President and the Lok Sabha? (Check
answer- page 266)
21. What are the ordinance making powers of the Governor? Can
he make ordinances regarding union/state/concurrent subjects
without the advice of his council of ministers?
22. In what cases does the Governor have to have the prior assent
of the President before making ordinances? (3)
23. Name the main, most contentious privilege of the State
Legislatures. In this regard, what kind of judicial scrutiny is
allowed? What kind is not? Explain both.

Chapter 15: The State of Jammu and Kashmir

1. What is the difference between the Governors positions when it
comes to Jammu and Kashmir v/s other states?
2. In case of J&K, whom does the residuary power to legislate on
subjects outside of the 3 lists mentioned in the 7th schedule
reside with?
3. What does Governors rule in case of Jammu and Kashmir
imply? How is it different from Presidents rule?
4. What are the kinds of emergency provisions that can not be used
in the case of Jammu and Kashmir?
5. Which part of the Indian constitution corresponds to Directive
Principles of States Policy?
6. Which part to Fundamental Rights?
7. Does the CAGs jurisdiction extend to Jammu and Kashmir?

Chapter 16: Administration of Union Territories and Acquired

Territories

1. Which constitutional amendment named Lakshadweep as a

separate UT? Which state was it a part of before that?
2. Which Article gives the President the right to appoint an
Administrator for each UT?
3. Name the 3 entries in the state list of the 7th schedule where
the Government of Delhi has no legislative powers.
4. Who has the absolute right to make legislation for UTs? (Check
page 287)
President
Parliament
Administrator of the UT
None of the above
5. Name the high courts under whose jurisdiction the following UTs/
states fall:
Lakshadweep
Andaman and Nicobar islands
Chandigarh
Delhi
Pondicherry
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Daman and Diu
Mizoram
Arunachal Pradesh

Chapter 17-19: Panchayats, Municipalities, and Co-Operative

Societies

1. Which parts of the constitution correspond to amendments 73

and 74?
2. Which Articles do the above amendments correspond to?
3. Which amendment of the constitution corresponds to voluntary
formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and
professional management of cooperatives?
4. Which Article of the constitution did the above amendment
modify?
5. Define Gram Sabha.
6. Write a note on the system of reservations in panchayats for
SCs, STs, OBCs, and women.
7. What are the provisions for reservations for the post of
Chairman?
8. Till when are these reservations going to exist?
9. Can the state make a law that dismisses a Panchayat while its
term is still ongoing?
10. What are the necessary qualifications for a person to be
chosen as a member of a Panchayat? (Focus on the differences
between qualifications for state legislature and for panchayats)
11. What is the procedure for removal of a State Finance
Commissioner?
12. What is the appropriate authority to raise concerns related to
irregularities in delimitation of constituencies/ allotment of seats/
any other matter related to Panchayat elections?
High Court
Supreme Court
 State Election Commission
Any authority nominated by state legislature
13. Which Part and Article of the constitution did the 74th
amendment affect?
14. In which cases/ conditions is it permissible for the state
government not to constitute any form of institution of self-
government in an urban/ semi-urban area?
15. What is the recommended composition of municipalities?
16. When are ward committees created?
17. What are the provisions for reservations for the post of
Chairman of a committee/ municipality?
18. With regards to matters listed in the 11th and 12th schedules,
whose writ runs supreme? (State, or the LSG institutions?)
(check)
19. What are DPCs and MPCs?
20. Describe their composition.

Chapter 20: Administration of Scheduled Areas

1. Which schedules of the constitution contain provisions for the

governance of scheduled areas?
2. Who has the final say in determining which areas are scheduled
areas? (Governor/ President/ High Court/ Supreme Court)
3. List the special powers of the Governor with respect to the
scheduled areas in the 5th schedule.
4. How can the provisions of the 5th schedule of the constitution be
modified? (Check page 306)
5. How are areas listed in the 6th schedule different from those
listed in the 5th schedule?

Chapter 21: Organization of the Judiciary in General

1. At which level of the judiciary is there a differentiation between

courts that can hear civil and criminal cases?
National level
State level
District level
Sub-district level
2. Differentiate between Judicial, Metropolitan, and Executive
Magistrates.
3. How many High Courts are there in India in total?

Chapter 22: The Supreme Court

1. What is the maximum sanctioned strength of the Supreme

Court? (Number of Judges)
2. If there is a lack of quorum of permanent SC judges, name the 2
steps that can be taken by the government to cover up the
shortfall.
3. How is the CJI appointed?
4. How are the other judges of the SC appointed?
5. How is the opinion of the CJI to be determined in relation to
appointment of judges?
6. Which other people have to be consulted before appointing the
SC judges?
7. What happens in case there exist differences of opinion
regarding such appointments within the collegium members?
8. Are the CJIs recommendations in this regard always binding on
the Government of India?
9. What are the eligibility criteria for someone to be an SC judge?
(2 points; one of the points has 2 sub-points)
10. For what term/ tenure is a judge of the SC appointed?
11. Do the SC judges hold their office at the pleasure of the
President?
12. How does the constitution secure the independence of
the SC judges? (6)
13. Name the 4 ways in which a judge of the SC may cease
being a judge of the SC.
14. What is the retirement age for a judge of the SC?
15. On what grounds can a judge of the SC be impeached?
16. Describe the process of impeachment of an SC judge.
17. List 3 main functions of the SC.
18. What happens in case there are conflicting judgments
from two different benches of the SC?
19. List 3 ways in which the powers of the Indian Supreme
Court are wider as compared to the American Supreme Court.
20. Can all HC judgments be challenged in the SC? Is this
true for both civil and criminal side of litigations?
21. Is the above also true for cases that SC decides it
wants to hear?
22. List the 3 (2 main) kinds of restrictions that the
constitution imposes upon the powers of the legislature via the
judiciary.
23. Name the 4 main kinds of jurisdictions of the SC.
24. Describe the original jurisdiction of the SC. Which
Article contains these provisions?
25. Which of the following kinds of disputes can be heard
by the SC under its original jurisdiction?
Union v/s a State
Union Government v/s citizen ABC
State Government v/s citizen ABC
State X v/s State Y
State (X+Y) v/s State Z
26. Aside from judging union v/s state and state v/s state,
name the 2 other provisions under the original jurisdiction of the
HC, with regards to High Courts.
27. Can the SC judge all disputes arising between the
union-states, or state-state?
28. If not, name the exceptions.
29. Describe the writ jurisdiction of the SC. Which Article
covers it?
30. Describe the appellate jurisdiction of the SC. In which
cases is prior HC certification required for SCs intervention under
this jurisdiction? Can the SC override this certification?
31. In which two kinds of criminal cases does the right of
appeal to SC exist?
32. What is the only tribunal whose judgments/
determination/ sentence/ order etc. cannot be taken up by the
SC? Which Article contains these provisions?
33. What is the advisory jurisdiction of the SC? Article?
34. List 2 caveats regarding advisory jurisdiction. (Page
324)
35. Are all judgments by the SC treated as final, or can
they be reviewed? If yes, by whom?
36. What is a curative petition?

Chapter 23: The High Courts

1. How many High Courts exist in India in 2015?

2. Who are additional and acting judges? Differentiate between
them.
3. Is there an age criterion for someone to hold the above two ad-
hoc positions?
4. Who appoints the judges of the HC, and what is the procedure?
5. Can the HC judges be appointed without the approval of the
Chief Justice of the relevant HC? (Page 330)
6. What are the various ways in which an HC judge can cease to be
that? (4)
7. What is the procedure for impeachment of an HC judge?
8. Which of the following is true with regards to payment structure
for judges:
SC judges get paid more than HC judges
SC judges and CJI get paid the same monthly amount
HC judges and CJ of the HC get paid the same monthly
amount
CJI gets paid more than the CJs of HCs
9. List the eligibility criteria for an HC judge (2 points, second has 2
sub-points)
10. Name one critical difference between appointments of
judges to the SC v/s that to the HCs (Page 333).
11. In what ways does the constitution aim to protect the
independence of the judges of the HC? (4)
12. What is the procedure for deciding on transfers of HC
judges from one state HC to the other?
13. What is the procedure for deciding on transfers of HC
CJs from one state HC to the other?
14. What is the main drawback of having additional
judges?
15. What is the provision due to which the position of an
HC judge has become inferior to those of the SC judges?
16. Which constitutional amendment does the above
correspond to?
17. Explain the original jurisdiction of the HC as it extends
to (a) civil cases (b) criminal cases.
18. Explain certiorari. Under which Articles of the
constitution would one invoke this for: (a) SC (b) HC (Page 336)
19. How is the writ jurisdiction of the HCs different from
that on the SC?
20. What does locus standi mean?
21. How are District Judges appointed?
22. What is the jurisdiction of the HC with relation to
carious kinds of quasi-judicial tribunals established by the union/
state executives?

Chapter 24: Distribution of Legislative and Executive Powers

1. What are extra-territorial legislations?

2. In the Indian case, does the union government possess the right
to make extra territorial legislations? Do individual state
governments?
3. Which Article gives the union/ states such power, if applicable?
4. Is the territorial jurisdiction of the Parliament absolute?
5. If not, where does it not apply? (3)
6. List the major items under each of the 3 lists in the 7 th schedule
of the constitution.
7. Are disputes arising from legislation over residuary powers
justiciable?
8. Name 5 cases where Parliament can legislate on State Subjects.
9. Who does the executive power normally reside with, in case of
items covered under the concurrent list?
10. What are the exceptions to the above rule? List 2 of
these exceptions.
11. What happens to executive powers under the three lists
th
of the 7 schedule in case of national emergencies as defined
under Articles 352/ 360?

Chapter 25: Distribution of Financial Powers

1. Explain the distribution of legislative powers to levy taxes.

2. Who does the residuary power belong to in this regard?
3. Name some items of taxation that are under concurrent
jurisdiction of the state as well as the center. (See page 352)
4. With regards to the power of taxation of items covered under the
state legislative list, explain the restrictions imposed on taxation
by states for:
Sales Tax (4)
Tax on consumption or sale of electricity
Union and state properties
5. Name the 4 items of taxation that contribute only to union
revenues (i.e., are appropriated by the union alone, and are not
shared with the states) (Page 354)
6. Name 7 items from which taxes belong exclusively to the states.
7. Name 2 items for which duties are levied by union but collected
and appropriated by the states.
8. Name 2 kinds of sales tax that are collected by the union, but
assigned to the states within which they are leviable.
9. List 4 items for which tax that are collected by the union, but
assigned to the states within which they are leviable
10. What kind of taxes are levied and collected by the
union, and distributed between the union and the states? (2)
11. Which Article contains provisions for the constitution of
the Finance Commission?
12. Explain the composition of the Finance Commission
(strength/ qualifications)
13. Explain the borrowing powers of the states. Also list 4
limitations.

Chapter 26: Administrative Relations Between the Union and

the States

1. List 4 ways in which the union exercises control over the state
legislature.
2. What is meant by coercive sanction? Which Article in the
constitution delineates the provisions for this?
3. If the union government wants to delegate some of its executive
functions to a state, does it need the consent of the state
government before it can make such delegation?
4. How many All India Services exist currently?
5. Can new ones be created? If yes, how?
6. What is an inter-state council? How have these functioned?
7. What is the main function of the National Development
Council? What is its composition (4)?
8. Which Article of the constitution asks the union to create the
NDC?
9. What is the main function of the National Integration Council?
What is its composition?
10. In case the union government wants to delegate some
of its functions to a state government, but the state government
doesnt give its permission, does the union government have
 any remedy to make sure that the said functions can be
delegated to the state government?
11. Can the union government tax the property/ income of
state governments?

Chapter 27: Inter-State Relations

1. Although the Supreme Court usually adjudicates inter-state

disputes, there is one notable exception to this rule. What is the
exception?
2. Which Article of the constitution lists this rule?
3. What was the reason behind the creation of Zonal Councils?
4. Which act of Parliament brought these into existence?
5. How many of these Zonal Councils exist today?
6. Which Article of the constitution grants the right to freedom of
movement and residence throughout the country?
7. List the Articles of the constitution relevant for provisions/
restrictions on inter-state trade.
8. Which part of the constitution do the above correspond to?

Chapter 28: Emergency Provisions

1. List the 3 kinds of emergencies mentioned in the Indian

constitution.
2. Which Article does each one of these correspond to?
3. Which Part of the constitution contains these provisions?
4. For emergency under Article 352, is the actual outbreak of
war/armed rebellion a precondition?
5. Is a proclamation of emergency subject to judicial review?
6. How can a proclamation of emergency under Article 352 come to
an end?
7. What happens in case emergency is proclaimed under 352 and
the Lok Sabha is dissolved before it could vote on the resolution?
What role does the Rajya Sabha play here?
8. Does a proclamation of emergency affect the entire territory of
India equally?
9. What are the executive powers of the union government during
a 352 emergency?
10. What are the executive powers of the union
government with respect to the states during normal times?
What Articles list these provisions?
11. During a 352 emergency, are state governments
suspended?
12. What are the legislative powers of the union
government during 352? (2)
13. What are the financial powers of the union government
during 352?
14. What is the effect of 352 on fundamental rights? There
are two Articles detailing these provisions- list them. Also
 mention 4 differences between the provisions under the 2
Articles.
15. How many times has a state of emergency under
Article 352 been invoked in India? Mention why (causes) and
when these happened.
16. During an emergency under 356, are all 3 functions of
the state government machinery suspended?
17. In the first instance, how long is a proclamation of
emergency under 356 valid for?
18. What happens if the Lok Sabha is dissolved before the
end of said two months?
19. Once the Lok Sabha reconvenes, how long can a 356
proclamation be extended for?
20. In total, how long?
21. If such a proclamation (356) is to be extended beyond
1 year in total, what 2 conditions should be fulfilled? Which
Amendment introduced these restrictions?
22. Is a proclamation of emergency under 356 subject to
judicial review?
23. Mention 3 key differences between proclamations of
emergency under 352 and 356.
24. What is the role of the Parliament with regards to
dissolution of the state assembly under 356?
25. List 10 situations in which the application of 356 would
not hold in a court if law, as detailed in the Sarkaria commission
report.
26. List 2 sure-shot situations where 356 can be applied in
a state. (Page 384)
27. What powers does the union government get under a
360 emergency?
28. How many times since independence has 360 been
used?

Chapter 29: Rights and Liabilities of the Government and

Public Servants

1. Name the various ways in which the union or the states can
acquire property (5).
2. In case of ocean materials (land/ minerals etc.) that lie within
Indias maritime boundary, whom does the right of ownership
belong to?
The Union government
The Parliament
The State along whose coast such minerals lie
Private persons can lay claim by purchase of rights
3. Can the union government carry on trade in an item included in
the state list?
4. Name one major difference between when a state government
sues a private person, as against when it sues another state
government.
5. What are the provisions of the existing tort law under which the
Government of India/ any of the states can be sued?
6. Is this distinction also valid for public servants in his personal
capacity?
7. What about wrongs conducted by public servants during official
duty, but violate the ordinary law of the land?
8. Does the above apply to ministers, while theyre working in their
official capacity?
9. What are the provisions for initiating criminal/ civil proceedings
against the President/ Governors for acts committed in their
personal capacity?

Chapter 30: The Services and Public Service Commissions

1. Which two matters regarding services under the union/ states

are outlined in the constitution? (Page 399)
2. Does the doctrine of all employment under the union/ state
being at the pleasure of the President/ Governor mean that a
government employee (civil/ military) can be dismissed at any
time on any ground?
3. Is there any cause of action for wrongful dismissal if the above
happens?
4. Does the above also apply to high officials such as:
CJI
SC judges
HC judges
CEC
CVC
CIC
CAG
5. With regards to the above, is there a differentiation between civil
and military personnel?
6. Describe the 2 special provisions available to civil personnel in
cases of removal from office.
7. In which cases does the government not need to give any
opportunity to the civil servant before dismissal, removal, or
reduction in rank? (3)
8. Which category of government employees can move the
Administrative Tribunal in case of any inconsistency in their
appointment/ reduction in rank etc.? (3)
9. Can the decisions of the Administrative Tribunal be challenged in
Supreme Court?
10. Can they be challenged in
High Court?
11. Who appoints the
members of union and state PSCs? Describe the composition
condition. (Page 404)
12. What is their term of
office? Age conditionality?
13. If any members of the
PSCs need to be removed, who removes them in case of (a)
Union, and (b) States?
14. What is the procedure for
removal of members of the PSCs?
15. Name 4 ways in which the
independence of PSC members is sought to be maintained by
the constitution.
16. How many All India
Services exist? Name them.
17. What is the content of
Article 33? Explain the effect of its provisions on the Civil
Services.

Chapter 31: Elections

1. Name the two main principles listed in the constitution regarding

elections
2. What are the powers of the union/ state legislatures when it
comes to drafting legislation regarding elections?
3. Which Act of the Parliament prescribes voting based on single-
member territorial constituencies?
4. What is the appropriate authority for deciding on disputes
related to elections for:
President
Vice-President
Prime Minister
Speaker of Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha MPs
Rajya Sabha MPs
MLAs
Local Body Members
5. Describe the process of removal of the Chief Election
Commissioner. On what ground can he/she be removed?

Chapter 32; 33: Minorities, Scheduled Castes and Tribes;

Languages

1. Which Articles of the constitution contain provisions for

safeguard on religious, linguistic, and other minorities?
2. While granting aid to educational institutions, and their day-to-
day functioning, what kind of conditions can the state lay down
with regard to minority institutions?
3. How does the constitution define SCs and STs? (Page 420)
4. With regards to declaring a community SC/ ST, whom does he
final authority rest with? The President, or the Parliament?
5. How many languages are included in the 8th schedule of the
constitution?
6. List provisions regarding use of languages in:
Official business of the union government
Official business of the state government
Communication between union and states
Communication between states
Intra-state communication
Language to be used in SC, HCs
Language to be used for Acts, Bills etc.
List 2 ways in which the constitution seeks to protect linguistic
minorities