Constitutional Bodies MCQ: CBI Origins, GST Council & Zonal Councils

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.The establishment of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is derived from:

   • A.The CBI Act
   • B.The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946✓ Correct Answer
   • C.The Prevention of Corruption Act
   • D.The Constitution of India

   Explanation: The CBI derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.

2. Q2.Which of the following bodies is described as the 'Guardian of the Public Purse'?

   • A.RBI
   • B.Finance Ministry
   • C.Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Public Accounts Committee

   Explanation: The CAG is the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both Centre and State levels.

3. Q3.The Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is appointed by:

   • A.Prime Minister
   • B.President✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Tribal Affairs Minister
   • D.Parliament

   Explanation: The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and members of the NCST are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.

4. Q4.What is the maximum age limit for the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission?

   • A.65 years
   • B.62 years
   • C.70 years✓ Correct Answer
   • D.No limit

   Explanation: The term of office is 3 years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

5. Q5.Which article deals with the GST Council?

   • A.Article 279A✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Article 269A
   • C.Article 280
   • D.Article 265

   Explanation: Article 279A empowers the President to constitute a GST Council, which is a constitutional body.

6. Q6.A Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) can be created by:

   • A.An order of the President
   • B.A resolution of the concerned State Legislatures
   • C.An Act of Parliament✓ Correct Answer
   • D.The UPSC Chairman

   Explanation: While SPSC is a constitutional body, JSPSC is a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament on the request of the state legislatures concerned.

7. Q7.The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) can be removed from office in like manner and on like grounds as:

   • A.Chairman of UPSC
   • B.Cabinet Secretary
   • C.Judge of the Supreme Court✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Speaker of Lok Sabha

   Explanation: The CAG is removed by the President on the same grounds and in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court.

8. Q8.Which article of the Constitution deals with the Inter-State Council?

   • A.Article 262
   • B.Article 263✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Article 280
   • D.Article 300

   Explanation: Article 263 empowers the President to establish an Inter-State Council to coordinate between states and the center.

9. Q9.Zonal Councils are:

   • A.Constitutional Bodies
   • B.Statutory Bodies✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Extra-Constitutional Bodies
   • D.Non-Governmental Organizations

   Explanation: Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

10. Q10.The salary and allowances of the High Court judges are charged to the:

    • A.Consolidated Fund of India
    • B.Consolidated Fund of the State✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Contingency Fund of India
    • D.Public Account of India

    Explanation: Salaries are charged to the Consolidated Fund of the State, while their pensions are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.

11. Q11.The National Commission for Women was set up in which year?

    • A.1990
    • B.1992✓ Correct Answer
    • C.1995
    • D.1998

    Explanation: It was set up in 1992 as a statutory body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.

12. Q12.The recommendations made by the Finance Commission are:

    • A.Binding on the government
    • B.Advisory in nature✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Mandatory for state governments
    • D.Subject to judicial review

    Explanation: The recommendations of the Finance Commission are advisory in nature and not binding on the government.

13. Q13.The State Election Commissioner can be removed from office in the same manner as:

    • A.The Governor
    • B.A Judge of the High Court✓ Correct Answer
    • C.The Chief Secretary
    • D.A Member of the SPSC

    Explanation: Article 243K states that the State Election Commissioner shall not be removed from office except in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of a High Court.

14. Q14.Who is the Chairman of the Zonal Councils?

    • A.Prime Minister
    • B.Union Home Minister✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Chief Ministers of States (Rotation)
    • D.President

    Explanation: The Union Home Minister is the common chairman of all the five Zonal Councils.

15. Q15.Which amendment act restricted the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha?

    • A.86th Amendment
    • B.91st Amendment✓ Correct Answer
    • C.97th Amendment
    • D.100th Amendment

    Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act of 2003 limited the size of the Council of Ministers.

16. Q16.The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was given statutory status in which year?

    • A.1998
    • B.2003✓ Correct Answer
    • C.2005
    • D.2010

    Explanation: The CVC Act was passed by the Parliament in 2003, conferring statutory status on the CVC.

17. Q17.Who appoints the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?

    • A.President
    • B.Prime Minister
    • C.Committee led by PM✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Home Minister

    Explanation: The Director is appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the PM, Leader of Opposition, and CJI.

18. Q18.The District Planning Committee is constituted under which Article?

    • A.Article 243ZD✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Article 243ZE
    • C.Article 243K
    • D.Article 243I

    Explanation: Article 243ZD mandates the constitution of a District Planning Committee to consolidate plans prepared by panchayats and municipalities.

19. Q19.Who acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament?

    • A.Speaker
    • B.CAG✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Finance Minister
    • D.Prime Minister

    Explanation: The CAG assists the Public Accounts Committee and acts as its guide, friend, and philosopher.

20. Q20.The Solicitor General of India is:

    • A.A Constitutional Body
    • B.A Statutory Body
    • C.A Non-Constitutional Body✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Subordinate to the Parliament

    Explanation: Article 76 mentions the Attorney General, but the Solicitor General is not mentioned in the Constitution; hence it is a non-constitutional body assisting the AG.