Q1. Which of the following is not included in the definition of “remunerative political post” under the 91st Amendment Act?
- Office with salary from public revenue
- Office in a government-owned company with salary paid by the company
- Office held in a private NGO partially funded by government
- Office with only compensatory allowance
Correct Option: 4. Office with only compensatory allowance
Explanation: Posts where the remuneration is compensatory in nature (e.g., for travel, stay) are excluded from the definition of remunerative political posts. This is to ensure genuine reimbursements are not misused to bar eligibility.
Q2. Which of the following recommendations was not part of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) regarding anti-defection?
- Debar defectors from holding ministerial positions
- Delete the split provision from Tenth Schedule
- Allow judicial review of Speaker’s decisions
- Limit the size of Council of Ministers
Correct Option: 3. Allow judicial review of Speaker’s decisions
Explanation: While NCRWC supported reforming the Tenth Schedule, the judicial review aspect was already decided in the Kihoto Hollohan case, not part of NCRWC’s direct recommendation.
Q3. The anti-defection law curtails which of the following fundamental democratic principles most significantly?
- Adult franchise
- Freedom of conscience
- Federalism
- Rule of law
Correct Option: 2. Freedom of conscience
Explanation: By mandating voting along party lines, the law curtails an elected representative’s freedom of conscience and dissent, drawing criticism for promoting party dictatorship over democratic deliberation.
Q4. What is the maximum number of ministers a state can have if its Legislative Assembly has 56 members?
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 12
Correct Option: 4. 12
Explanation: As per the 91st Amendment, a state must have at least 12 ministers, even if 15% of the total strength is less than 12. For small states, this minimum floor of 12 ensures basic governance capacity.
Q5. If a member votes against the whip but the party forgives them within 15 days, what is the outcome?
- Immediate disqualification
- Member is disqualified retrospectively
- Member retains their seat
- Matter is referred to the Election Commission
Correct Option: 4. Member retains their seat
Explanation: If the party condones the action within 15 days, the member is not disqualified. This grace period allows for internal reconciliation before disqualification proceedings begin.