UPSC Static Quiz – Polity : 4 June 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Polity : 4 June 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Match List-I (Type of Non-Democratic Regime) with List-II (Primary Characteristic) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List-I (Type of Regime) List-II (Primary Characteristic) A. Totalitarianism 1. Governance by a committee of military officers, often after a coup. B. Military Dictatorship 2. A single political party holds monopoly on power, other parties banned. C. One-Party State 3. Regime seeks near-total control over all aspects of society and individual life, guided by an ideology. D. Authoritarianism (General) 4. Rejection of political plurality and use of strong central power, but may allow some social/economic autonomy. Select the correct answer code: (a) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 (b) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3 (c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 (d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 Correct Solution: c) Totalitarianism: This is an extreme form where the regime, seeks near-total control over all aspects of society and individual life, eliminating any sphere of autonomy. So, A matches with 3. Military Dictatorship: This form of authoritarian rule involves governance by a committee of military officers (junta) or a single military leader, typically established after a coup d’état. So, B matches with 1. One-Party State: In this system, a single political party holds a monopoly on power, and the formation and functioning of other political parties are prohibited or severely restricted. So, C matches with 2. Authoritarianism (General): This is a broader category characterized by the rejection of political plurality and the use of strong central power to preserve the status quo, but it may allow for some degree of social and economic autonomy as long as it doesn’t challenge the regime’s political dominance. It is less intrusive than totalitarianism. So, D matches with 4. Incorrect Solution: c) Totalitarianism: This is an extreme form where the regime, seeks near-total control over all aspects of society and individual life, eliminating any sphere of autonomy. So, A matches with 3. Military Dictatorship: This form of authoritarian rule involves governance by a committee of military officers (junta) or a single military leader, typically established after a coup d’état. So, B matches with 1. One-Party State: In this system, a single political party holds a monopoly on power, and the formation and functioning of other political parties are prohibited or severely restricted. So, C matches with 2. Authoritarianism (General): This is a broader category characterized by the rejection of political plurality and the use of strong central power to preserve the status quo, but it may allow for some degree of social and economic autonomy as long as it doesn’t challenge the regime’s political dominance. It is less intrusive than totalitarianism. So, D matches with 4.

#### 1. Question

Match List-I (Type of Non-Democratic Regime) with List-II (Primary Characteristic) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:

List-I (Type of Regime) | List-II (Primary Characteristic)

A. Totalitarianism | 1. Governance by a committee of military officers, often after a coup.

B. Military Dictatorship | 2. A single political party holds monopoly on power, other parties banned.

C. One-Party State | 3. Regime seeks near-total control over all aspects of society and individual life, guided by an ideology.

D. Authoritarianism (General) | 4. Rejection of political plurality and use of strong central power, but may allow some social/economic autonomy.

Select the correct answer code:

• (a) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4

• (b) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

• (c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

• (d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

Solution: c)

• Totalitarianism: This is an extreme form where the regime, seeks near-total control over all aspects of society and individual life, eliminating any sphere of autonomy. So, A matches with 3.

• Military Dictatorship: This form of authoritarian rule involves governance by a committee of military officers (junta) or a single military leader, typically established after a coup d’état. So, B matches with 1.

• One-Party State: In this system, a single political party holds a monopoly on power, and the formation and functioning of other political parties are prohibited or severely restricted. So, C matches with 2.

• Authoritarianism (General): This is a broader category characterized by the rejection of political plurality and the use of strong central power to preserve the status quo, but it may allow for some degree of social and economic autonomy as long as it doesn’t challenge the regime’s political dominance. It is less intrusive than totalitarianism. So, D matches with 4.

Solution: c)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question A key difference between a unitary system and a federal system of government lies in: (a) The presence or absence of a written constitution. (b) The method of electing the head of state. (c) The constitutional distribution of powers between the national and regional governments. (d) The existence of an independent judiciary. Correct Solution: c) The fundamental distinction between unitary and federal systems revolves around the distribution of governmental powers. Option (a) is not the defining difference. Both unitary (e.g., France) and federal (e.g., USA, India) systems can have written constitutions. The UK, a unitary state, has an uncodified constitution. Option (b) is not the defining difference. The method of electing the head of state (e.g., direct election, indirect election, hereditary monarch) can vary within both unitary and federal systems. Option (c) is correct. In a federal system, sovereignty and powers are constitutionally divided between at least two levels of government: a national (central or federal) government and regional (state or provincial) governments. Each level has its own sphere of authority. In a unitary system, all governing power is concentrated in the hands of the national or central government. Regional or local governments, if they exist, derive their authority from the central government and can be unilaterally altered or abolished by it. Option (d) is not the defining difference. An independent judiciary is a feature often found in democratic states, whether federal or unitary, to uphold the rule of law, though its role in adjudicating disputes between levels of government is particularly prominent in federal systems. Incorrect Solution: c) The fundamental distinction between unitary and federal systems revolves around the distribution of governmental powers. Option (a) is not the defining difference. Both unitary (e.g., France) and federal (e.g., USA, India) systems can have written constitutions. The UK, a unitary state, has an uncodified constitution. Option (b) is not the defining difference. The method of electing the head of state (e.g., direct election, indirect election, hereditary monarch) can vary within both unitary and federal systems. Option (c) is correct. In a federal system, sovereignty and powers are constitutionally divided between at least two levels of government: a national (central or federal) government and regional (state or provincial) governments. Each level has its own sphere of authority. In a unitary system, all governing power is concentrated in the hands of the national or central government. Regional or local governments, if they exist, derive their authority from the central government and can be unilaterally altered or abolished by it. Option (d) is not the defining difference. An independent judiciary is a feature often found in democratic states, whether federal or unitary, to uphold the rule of law, though its role in adjudicating disputes between levels of government is particularly prominent in federal systems.

#### 2. Question

A key difference between a unitary system and a federal system of government lies in:

• (a) The presence or absence of a written constitution.

• (b) The method of electing the head of state.

• (c) The constitutional distribution of powers between the national and regional governments.

• (d) The existence of an independent judiciary.

Solution: c)

The fundamental distinction between unitary and federal systems revolves around the distribution of governmental powers.

• Option (a) is not the defining difference. Both unitary (e.g., France) and federal (e.g., USA, India) systems can have written constitutions. The UK, a unitary state, has an uncodified constitution.

• Option (b) is not the defining difference. The method of electing the head of state (e.g., direct election, indirect election, hereditary monarch) can vary within both unitary and federal systems.

• Option (c) is correct. In a federal system, sovereignty and powers are constitutionally divided between at least two levels of government: a national (central or federal) government and regional (state or provincial) governments. Each level has its own sphere of authority.

• In a unitary system, all governing power is concentrated in the hands of the national or central government. Regional or local governments, if they exist, derive their authority from the central government and can be unilaterally altered or abolished by it.

• Option (d) is not the defining difference. An independent judiciary is a feature often found in democratic states, whether federal or unitary, to uphold the rule of law, though its role in adjudicating disputes between levels of government is particularly prominent in federal systems.

Solution: c)

The fundamental distinction between unitary and federal systems revolves around the distribution of governmental powers.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following features of political systems: Fusion of executive and legislative powers. Fixed tenure for the executive, independent of legislative confidence. Collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the lower house of the legislature. Head of State being distinct from the Head of Government. Which of the above are characteristic features of a Parliamentary system of government, such as in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: b) Fusion of executive and legislative powers: This is a characteristic feature. Ministers are typically members of the legislature, and the executive (Council of Ministers) is drawn from the party/coalition commanding a majority in the legislature. Statement 1 is correct. Fixed tenure for the executive, independent of legislative confidence: This is a feature of a Presidential system, not Parliamentary. In a Parliamentary system, the executive (government) remains in office only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature (usually the lower house). Statement 2 is incorrect. Collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the lower house of the legislature: This is a hallmark of the Parliamentary system. The entire ministry is jointly accountable to the Lok Sabha in India. Statement 3 is correct. Head of State being distinct from the Head of Government: This is typical in Parliamentary systems (e.g., India has a President as Head of State and Prime Minister as Head of Government; UK has a Monarch as Head of State and PM as Head of Government). Statement 4 is correct. Incorrect Solution: b) Fusion of executive and legislative powers: This is a characteristic feature. Ministers are typically members of the legislature, and the executive (Council of Ministers) is drawn from the party/coalition commanding a majority in the legislature. Statement 1 is correct. Fixed tenure for the executive, independent of legislative confidence: This is a feature of a Presidential system, not Parliamentary. In a Parliamentary system, the executive (government) remains in office only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature (usually the lower house). Statement 2 is incorrect. Collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the lower house of the legislature: This is a hallmark of the Parliamentary system. The entire ministry is jointly accountable to the Lok Sabha in India. Statement 3 is correct. Head of State being distinct from the Head of Government: This is typical in Parliamentary systems (e.g., India has a President as Head of State and Prime Minister as Head of Government; UK has a Monarch as Head of State and PM as Head of Government). Statement 4 is correct.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following features of political systems:

• Fusion of executive and legislative powers.

• Fixed tenure for the executive, independent of legislative confidence.

• Collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the lower house of the legislature.

• Head of State being distinct from the Head of Government.

Which of the above are characteristic features of a Parliamentary system of government, such as in India?

• (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

• (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

• (c) 2 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: b)

• Fusion of executive and legislative powers: This is a characteristic feature. Ministers are typically members of the legislature, and the executive (Council of Ministers) is drawn from the party/coalition commanding a majority in the legislature. Statement 1 is correct.

• Fixed tenure for the executive, independent of legislative confidence: This is a feature of a Presidential system, not Parliamentary. In a Parliamentary system, the executive (government) remains in office only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature (usually the lower house). Statement 2 is incorrect.

• Collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the lower house of the legislature: This is a hallmark of the Parliamentary system. The entire ministry is jointly accountable to the Lok Sabha in India. Statement 3 is correct.

• Head of State being distinct from the Head of Government: This is typical in Parliamentary systems (e.g., India has a President as Head of State and Prime Minister as Head of Government; UK has a Monarch as Head of State and PM as Head of Government). Statement 4 is correct.

Solution: b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following taxes are levied and collected by the Union but are assigned to the States within which they are levied, as per Article 269 of the Constitution? Taxes on the consignment of goods in the course of inter-State trade or commerce. Stamp duties on bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes, etc. Taxes on income other than agricultural income. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only Correct Solution: a) Article 269 of the Constitution deals with taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to the States. Statement 1 is correct. Taxes on the consignment of goods (whether the consignment is to the person making it or to any other person), where such consignment takes place in the course of inter-State trade or commerce, are also covered under Article 269 and assigned to states. Statement 2 is incorrect. Stamp duties on bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes, bills of lading, letters of credit, policies of insurance, transfer of shares, debentures, proxies, and receipts are levied by the Union but collected and appropriated by the States (Article 268).32 They are not under Article 269. Statement 3 is incorrect. Taxes on income other than agricultural income (Income Tax) are levied and collected by the Union and distributed between the Union and the States as per Article 270. Incorrect Solution: a) Article 269 of the Constitution deals with taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to the States. Statement 1 is correct. Taxes on the consignment of goods (whether the consignment is to the person making it or to any other person), where such consignment takes place in the course of inter-State trade or commerce, are also covered under Article 269 and assigned to states. Statement 2 is incorrect. Stamp duties on bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes, bills of lading, letters of credit, policies of insurance, transfer of shares, debentures, proxies, and receipts are levied by the Union but collected and appropriated by the States (Article 268).32 They are not under Article 269. Statement 3 is incorrect. Taxes on income other than agricultural income (Income Tax) are levied and collected by the Union and distributed between the Union and the States as per Article 270.

#### 4. Question

Which of the following taxes are levied and collected by the Union but are assigned to the States within which they are levied, as per Article 269 of the Constitution?

• Taxes on the consignment of goods in the course of inter-State trade or commerce.

• Stamp duties on bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes, etc.

• Taxes on income other than agricultural income.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 2 only

• (d) 2 and 3 only

Solution: a)

Article 269 of the Constitution deals with taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to the States.

• Statement 1 is correct. Taxes on the consignment of goods (whether the consignment is to the person making it or to any other person), where such consignment takes place in the course of inter-State trade or commerce, are also covered under Article 269 and assigned to states.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Stamp duties on bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes, bills of lading, letters of credit, policies of insurance, transfer of shares, debentures, proxies, and receipts are levied by the Union but collected and appropriated by the States (Article 268).32 They are not under Article 269.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. Taxes on income other than agricultural income (Income Tax) are levied and collected by the Union and distributed between the Union and the States as per Article 270.

Solution: a)

Article 269 of the Constitution deals with taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to the States.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the interpretation of ‘other authorities’ under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution: Initially, the Supreme Court applied the restrictive test of ‘ejusdem generis’ to interpret ‘other authorities’. The Supreme Court later evolved the test of an ‘agency or instrumentality’ of the State, considering factors like financial assistance, state control, and nature of functions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been definitively held by the Supreme Court to be ‘State’ under Article 12. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: b) The interpretation of ‘other authorities’ in Article 12 has evolved significantly. Statement 1 is correct. In early cases like University of Madras v. Shanta Bai (1954), the Madras High Court (and the Supreme Court initially leaned towards a narrow view) applied the principle of ejusdem generis (of like nature), suggesting that ‘other authorities’ would be those performing governmental or sovereign functions similar to the ones explicitly mentioned (Government, Parliament, etc.). Statement 2 is correct. Subsequently, the Supreme Court broadened the interpretation. In cases like Rajasthan State Electricity Board v. Mohan Lal (1967), and more definitively in Sukhdev Singh v. Bhagatram, R.D. Shetty v. International Airport Authority (1979), and Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib (1981), the Court developed the test of whether a body is an ‘agency or instrumentality’ of the State. This involved examining factors such as the extent of state’s financial assistance, deep and pervasive state control, functions of public importance, and whether the body enjoys monopoly status conferred by the state. Statement 3 is incorrect. In Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India (2005), the Supreme Court held that the BCCI is not ‘State’ under Article 12, despite performing significant public functions. The Court found it was not financially, functionally, or administratively dominated by or under the control of the government in a manner that would make it an instrumentality of the State. Incorrect Solution: b) The interpretation of ‘other authorities’ in Article 12 has evolved significantly. Statement 1 is correct. In early cases like University of Madras v. Shanta Bai (1954), the Madras High Court (and the Supreme Court initially leaned towards a narrow view) applied the principle of ejusdem generis (of like nature), suggesting that ‘other authorities’ would be those performing governmental or sovereign functions similar to the ones explicitly mentioned (Government, Parliament, etc.). Statement 2 is correct. Subsequently, the Supreme Court broadened the interpretation. In cases like Rajasthan State Electricity Board v. Mohan Lal (1967), and more definitively in Sukhdev Singh v. Bhagatram, R.D. Shetty v. International Airport Authority (1979), and Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib (1981), the Court developed the test of whether a body is an ‘agency or instrumentality’ of the State. This involved examining factors such as the extent of state’s financial assistance, deep and pervasive state control, functions of public importance, and whether the body enjoys monopoly status conferred by the state. Statement 3 is incorrect. In Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India (2005), the Supreme Court held that the BCCI is not ‘State’ under Article 12, despite performing significant public functions. The Court found it was not financially, functionally, or administratively dominated by or under the control of the government in a manner that would make it an instrumentality of the State.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the interpretation of ‘other authorities’ under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution:

• Initially, the Supreme Court applied the restrictive test of ‘ejusdem generis’ to interpret ‘other authorities’.

• The Supreme Court later evolved the test of an ‘agency or instrumentality’ of the State, considering factors like financial assistance, state control, and nature of functions.

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been definitively held by the Supreme Court to be ‘State’ under Article 12.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

The interpretation of ‘other authorities’ in Article 12 has evolved significantly.

• Statement 1 is correct. In early cases like University of Madras v. Shanta Bai (1954), the Madras High Court (and the Supreme Court initially leaned towards a narrow view) applied the principle of ejusdem generis (of like nature), suggesting that ‘other authorities’ would be those performing governmental or sovereign functions similar to the ones explicitly mentioned (Government, Parliament, etc.).

• Statement 2 is correct. Subsequently, the Supreme Court broadened the interpretation. In cases like Rajasthan State Electricity Board v. Mohan Lal (1967), and more definitively in Sukhdev Singh v. Bhagatram, R.D. Shetty v. International Airport Authority (1979), and Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib (1981), the Court developed the test of whether a body is an ‘agency or instrumentality’ of the State. This involved examining factors such as the extent of state’s financial assistance, deep and pervasive state control, functions of public importance, and whether the body enjoys monopoly status conferred by the state.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. In Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India (2005), the Supreme Court held that the BCCI is not ‘State’ under Article 12, despite performing significant public functions. The Court found it was not financially, functionally, or administratively dominated by or under the control of the government in a manner that would make it an instrumentality of the State.

Solution: b)

The interpretation of ‘other authorities’ in Article 12 has evolved significantly.

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