UPSC Prelims MCQs on Defection, Delay & Democracy: Understanding the Constitutional Crisis of Timelessness
1. The core issue in the 16th Presidential Reference related to:
A. Appointment of Governors
B. Fixing timelines for constitutional authorities
C. Amendment of the Tenth Schedule
D. Judicial appointments
Answer: B
Explanation: The case centered on whether courts can impose timelines on authorities like Governors under Article 200.
2. The Constitution explicitly prescribes timelines for which of the following?
A. Governor’s action on Bills
B. Speaker’s decision on defection
C. President’s assent to Bills
D. None of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: The Constitution is silent on timelines for these functions.
3. Article 200 pertains to:
A. Judicial review
B. Governor’s assent to State Bills
C. Speaker’s powers under Tenth Schedule
D. Election of the President
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 200 governs how Governors deal with Bills passed by State legislatures.
4. Which constitutional functionary decides matters under the anti-defection law?
A. President
B. Chief Justice of India
C. Speaker/Chairperson of the House
D. Governor
Answer: C
Explanation: Tenth Schedule vests adjudicatory power in the Speaker or the Chairperson.
5. A major criticism of the anti-defection mechanism is:
A. It applies only to Cabinet ministers
B. It has no punishment for defections
C. Speaker has no timeline to decide petitions
D. It violates Article 14
Answer: C
Explanation: Delay by Speakers undermines the purpose of the law.
6. Constitutional “silence” refers to:
A. Provisions removed during debates
B. Areas where the Constitution is not explicit
C. Mistakes in drafting
D. Prohibitions placed on Parliament
Answer: B
Explanation: Many functions of authorities lack detailed procedural timelines.
7. Which doctrine was central to interpreting the Constitution in cases like Sabarimala and Navtej Johar?
A. Doctrine of pith and substance
B. Constitutional morality
C. Colorable legislation
D. Basic structure doctrine
Answer: B
Explanation: These judgments invoked constitutional morality to expand rights.
8. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar warned that the Constitution could be undermined by:
A. Judicial review
B. Over-detailed drafting
C. Changing the form of administration
D. Lengthy constitutional amendments
Answer: C
Explanation: Ambedkar argued that misuse of offices could “pervert” the Constitution.
9. The Supreme Court in the Presidential Reference chose to follow which interpretative approach?
A. Expansive interpretation
B. Constitutional morality–based reading
C. Strict textualism
D. Harmonious construction
Answer: C
Explanation: The Court refused to read timelines into the constitutional text.
10. Which one of the following bodies has the exclusive power to strike down a law as unconstitutional?
A. Governor
B. President
C. Supreme Court or High Courts
D. Finance Commission
Answer: C
Explanation: Only constitutional courts may invalidate laws.
11. The power of the Governor to reserve a Bill for the President falls under:
A. Article 123
B. Article 200
C. Article 252
D. Article 360
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 200 enables the Governor to reserve Bills for President’s consideration.
12. Which of the following is an example of constitutional perversion?
A. President returning a Bill once for reconsideration
B. Governor withholding State Bills indefinitely
C. Speaker suspending a member for disorderly conduct
D. SC issuing directions under Article 142
Answer: B
Explanation: Withholding Bills indefinitely undermines legislative functioning.
13. Tenth Schedule was added by which constitutional amendment?
A. 42nd Amendment
B. 44th Amendment
C. 52nd Amendment
D. 61st Amendment
Answer: C
Explanation: The 52nd Amendment (1985) inserted the anti-defection law.
14. What is the tenure of the Lok Sabha?
A. 4 years
B. 5 years
C. 6 years
D. No fixed tenure
Answer: B
Explanation: The contradiction arises when defection cases remain undecided for the entire 5-year term.
15. Which of the following principles is violated when Speakers delay defection cases?
A. Parliamentary sovereignty
B. Separation of powers
C. Rule of law
D. Judicial supremacy
Answer: C
Explanation: Rule of law requires timely accountability, not indefinite pendency.
16. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Governor?
A. Returning Bills for reconsideration
B. Sending Bills to the President
C. Withholding assent indefinitely as a veto
D. Granting assent to Bills
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitution does not provide for indefinite veto power.
17. The Supreme Court’s reluctance to set timelines may lead to:
A. Strengthening judicial review
B. Enhancing federalism
C. Weakening democratic accountability
D. Strengthening the Tenth Schedule
Answer: C
Explanation: Delay defeats legislative intent and accountability mechanisms.
18. Under which article can the Supreme Court interpret the Constitution?
A. Article 131
B. Article 136
C. Article 141
D. Articles 32 & 142
Answer: D
Explanation: Article 32 ensures constitutional remedies; Article 142 enables complete justice.
19. The main reason Governors’ delays create federal friction is because:
A. They act as heads of political parties
B. Governors are appointed by the Union Government
C. Governors have legislative veto power
D. State Assemblies lack quorum
Answer: B
Explanation: Since Governors are appointed by the Centre, delays are perceived as political interference.
20. Which of the following best represents the doctrine of constitutional morality?
A. Following constitutional text rigidly
B. Ensuring actions uphold the spirit and ethos of the Constitution
C. Avoiding judicial intervention
D. Allowing political actors complete autonomy
Answer: B
Explanation: Constitutional morality ensures constitutional values guide governance, beyond mere textual adherence.
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