Defection as merger: On politics, the wave of defections

Consider the following statements:

I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under the Tenth Schedule, the President’s decision in accordance with the opinion of the Council of Union Ministers shall be final.
II. There is no mention of the word 'political party' in the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II
4. D. Neither I nor II

Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in:

1. A. the matter of creating new All India Services
2. B. amending the Constitution
3. C. the removal of the government
4. D. making cut motions

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?

1. A. Second Schedule
2. B. Fifth Schedule
3. C. Eighth Schedule
4. D. Tenth Schedule

Consider the following statements regarding 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam':

1. Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha.
2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act.
3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. 1, 2 and 3
2. B. 1 and 2 only
3. C. 2 and 3 only
4. D. 1 and 3 only

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of:

1. Addition
2. Variation
3. Repeal

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Right to vote and to be elected in India is a -

1. A. Fundamental Right
2. B. Natural Right
3. C. Constitutional Right
4. D. Legal Right

Consider the following statements:

1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India.
2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent.
3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model?
1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the Parliament to legislate is limited.
2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of the Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. A. 1 Only
2. B. 2 Only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the -

1. A. Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
2. B. Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership
3. C. Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
4. D. Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

Which of the following statements are correct in respect of a Money Bill in the Parliament?

1. Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills.
2. A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.
3. The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.
4. Amendments to a Money Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1, 2 and 3
4. D. 1, 3 and 4

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

According to the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, under which condition does disqualification for defection not apply to a Member of Parliament or State Legislature?

1. A. If one-third of the party's legislators agree to form a new party.
2. B. If the member voluntarily resigns from their political party.
3. C. If two-thirds of the party's legislators agree to merge with another party.
4. D. If the member defies a party whip during a division of votes in the House.

Regarding the 'merger' provision under the Tenth Schedule, the Supreme Court of India has clarified that a merger must involve:

1. A. Only the legislature party, without involving the parent party.
2. B. The parent party as well, not just the legislature party.
3. C. A unanimous decision by all members of the legislature party.
4. D. Approval from the Election Commission of India.

The recent surge in political crossovers, often disguised as mergers, has raised concerns primarily because it:

1. A. Increases the administrative burden on the Election Commission of India.
2. B. Undermines representative democracy and the spirit of the Constitution.
3. C. Leads to frequent no-confidence motions against the government.
4. D. Necessitates a review of the powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Critically analyze the effectiveness of the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in curbing political defections, particularly in light of the 'merger' provision and the role of presiding officers. Suggest reforms to strengthen its implementation.

Introduce the Tenth Schedule and its objective. Analyze how the 'merger' provision, judicial delays, and actions of presiding officers have rendered it ineffective. Conclude with concrete suggestions for reform to enhance its efficacy.

Discuss the implications of 'engineered mergers' on the balance of power required for constitutional amendments and the overall health of representative democracy in India. How do such practices challenge the spirit of the Constitution?

Explain 'engineered mergers' in the context of the Tenth Schedule. Elaborate on how they can alter the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. Discuss the broader impact on democratic principles and how this goes against the foundational spirit of the Constitution.