Basic Quiz – 18 September 2026 | Polity

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:
The Constituent Assembly was not directly elected through universal adult franchise. Representatives of British Indian provinces were elected by the elected members of Provincial Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.

Under the Cabinet Mission Plan, seats were broadly allocated on the basis of population, approximately one seat per million population. The original strength was 389 members, including representatives of British Indian provinces, Chief Commissioners’ Provinces and princely states.

Thus, all three statements are correct.

Answer: (b) Only two

Explanation:
Statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Under Article 75(2), Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President. In the parliamentary system, however, this operates within the constitutional framework of ministerial responsibility and the Prime Minister’s leadership.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Under Article 75(3), the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible specifically to the Lok Sabha (House of the People), not to Parliament as a whole.

The President appoints the Prime Minister under Article 75(1).

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Article 148(6) provides that the administrative expenses of the CAG’s office, including specified salaries, allowances and pensions, are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India.

Statement 2 is correct. Under the CAG’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, the CAG holds office for six years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Article 148(4) makes a former CAG ineligible for further office under the Government of India or any State Government.

Answer: (d) None of the above

Explanation:
This is a constitutional trap.

The Rajya Sabha does not separately elect its Chairman. Under Article 64, the Vice-President of India is ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members. State Legislative Assemblies do not participate.

Therefore, none of the categories listed individually represents the body that “elects the Chairman of Rajya Sabha”. They participate, where applicable, in electing the Vice-President, who then becomes Chairman ex officio.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Not every Union Territory has representation in the Rajya Sabha. At present, the Fourth Schedule provides Rajya Sabha seats to Delhi and Puducherry among the Union Territories. Jammu and Kashmir is also allocated seats in the Fourth Schedule, but its current representation must be understood in light of its post-2019 constitutional and legislative arrangements. The key Prelims point is that all UTs are not represented.

Statement 2 is correct. Representatives of States are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.

Statement 3 is correct. Article 80(2) provides that allocation of seats to States and Union Territories shall be in accordance with the Fourth Schedule.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.