Q.1 Which of the following best defines a political institution?
A formal organization that makes and enforces laws
A group of people who share the same opinion
A system of beliefs unrelated to governance
An economic organization controlling resources
Explanation - Political institutions are structures such as legislatures, courts, and executives that organize, govern, and regulate political activity.
Correct answer is: A formal organization that makes and enforces laws
Q.2 Which institution primarily interprets the constitution in most countries?
Executive branch
Legislature
Judiciary
Political parties
Explanation - The judiciary interprets laws and the constitution, ensuring that legislative and executive actions are in line with constitutional principles.
Correct answer is: Judiciary
Q.3 What is the main function of a legislature?
Executing laws
Making laws
Judging legal disputes
Collecting taxes
Explanation - Legislatures are responsible for debating, drafting, and passing laws that regulate society.
Correct answer is: Making laws
Q.4 In a parliamentary system, who is usually the head of government?
President
Prime Minister
Chief Justice
Speaker of the House
Explanation - In parliamentary systems, the prime minister leads the executive branch and is accountable to the legislature.
Correct answer is: Prime Minister
Q.5 Federalism refers to:
A system where power is concentrated in a single national government
A system where power is divided between national and subnational governments
A dictatorship led by multiple rulers
A political party coalition
Explanation - Federal systems, like in the USA or India, share authority between central and regional governments.
Correct answer is: A system where power is divided between national and subnational governments
Q.6 Which of the following is a characteristic of a bicameral legislature?
It has two separate chambers
It only has one chamber
It combines legislative and judicial powers
It is purely ceremonial
Explanation - Bicameral legislatures, such as the US Congress, have two chambers, often with different methods of election or appointment.
Correct answer is: It has two separate chambers
Q.7 What is the primary role of the executive branch?
Interpret laws
Enforce laws
Amend the constitution
Set public opinion
Explanation - The executive branch, led by presidents or prime ministers, implements and enforces legislation passed by the legislature.
Correct answer is: Enforce laws
Q.8 Which of the following is an example of a political institution that provides stability?
Political parties
The army
Courts
All of the above
Explanation - Courts, political parties, and the military are all institutions that contribute to political order and stability in different ways.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.9 Judicial review allows courts to:
Make laws
Amend the constitution
Overturn laws that violate the constitution
Impose taxes
Explanation - Judicial review empowers courts to nullify legislative or executive actions that contradict constitutional provisions.
Correct answer is: Overturn laws that violate the constitution
Q.10 A unitary system of government is characterized by:
Power divided between national and regional governments
Power concentrated in the central government
Direct democracy in all regions
Separate legal systems in each region
Explanation - Unitary systems, such as the UK, centralize political authority, with local governments operating under central directives.
Correct answer is: Power concentrated in the central government
Q.11 Which institution typically approves government budgets?
Executive
Legislature
Judiciary
Election commission
Explanation - Legislatures control public finances and must approve budgets before the executive can implement them.
Correct answer is: Legislature
Q.12 Separation of powers is designed to:
Give all power to the president
Prevent concentration of power in one branch
Merge legislative and judicial powers
Allow military control of the government
Explanation - By dividing authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the system avoids tyranny and ensures accountability.
Correct answer is: Prevent concentration of power in one branch
Q.13 What is the role of a constitution in political institutions?
Defines the powers and responsibilities of institutions
Acts as a ceremonial document with no real power
Serves only as a tax regulation
Controls trade policies exclusively
Explanation - Constitutions outline how political institutions function and the legal framework for governance.
Correct answer is: Defines the powers and responsibilities of institutions
Q.14 Which of the following is an informal political institution?
Political parties
The presidency
Constitution
Local councils
Explanation - Informal institutions like political parties influence politics without formal legal codification, unlike constitutions or courts.
Correct answer is: Political parties
Q.15 Electoral systems are part of which type of political institution?
Formal
Informal
Religious
Cultural
Explanation - Electoral systems are structured and legally defined mechanisms that determine how representatives are elected.
Correct answer is: Formal
Q.16 Checks and balances are designed to:
Increase power of a single branch
Ensure that branches can limit each other’s power
Allow unlimited executive decisions
Reduce citizen participation
Explanation - Checks and balances ensure that no single branch dominates, promoting accountability and preventing abuse of power.
Correct answer is: Ensure that branches can limit each other’s power
Q.17 In a presidential system, the head of state and head of government are:
Two separate individuals
The same person
Determined by the legislature
Appointed by the judiciary
Explanation - In presidential systems, the president serves as both head of state and government, unlike in parliamentary systems.
Correct answer is: The same person
Q.18 The term 'political legitimacy' refers to:
The ability of institutions to enforce power without consent
The general acceptance of authority as rightful
The size of the army
Control over economic resources only
Explanation - Legitimacy arises when citizens recognize institutions’ authority as valid and just, increasing stability and compliance.
Correct answer is: The general acceptance of authority as rightful
Q.19 What distinguishes a presidential system from a parliamentary system?
The head of state and head of government are combined in presidential systems
The legislature has no role in presidential systems
Judges control both executive and legislative functions
Elections do not occur in parliamentary systems
Explanation - Presidential systems concentrate executive leadership in one individual, while parliamentary systems separate the ceremonial head of state from the head of government.
Correct answer is: The head of state and head of government are combined in presidential systems
Q.20 Which of the following is a common function of legislatures worldwide?
Policy formulation
Lawmaking
Budget approval
All of the above
Explanation - Legislatures engage in lawmaking, policymaking, and budget approvals as part of their legislative functions.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.21 Which political institution often mediates conflicts between the executive and legislature?
Judiciary
Electoral commission
Political party
Civil society organization
Explanation - Courts arbitrate disputes between branches, ensuring constitutional compliance and resolving conflicts.
Correct answer is: Judiciary
Q.22 Which of the following best illustrates the concept of informal institution?
Constitutional monarchy
Lobby groups influencing policy
Supreme court rulings
Central bank regulations
Explanation - Informal institutions like lobby groups influence decisions without being codified in law, unlike formal legal institutions.
Correct answer is: Lobby groups influencing policy
Q.23 A major advantage of federal institutions is:
Concentration of power in a central authority
Greater local autonomy and flexibility
Elimination of regional representation
Reduced accountability
Explanation - Federal systems allow regional governments to address local issues while maintaining national unity.
Correct answer is: Greater local autonomy and flexibility
Q.24 Which of the following describes a unitary legislature?
Two chambers representing different constituencies
A single chamber that holds legislative authority
A judiciary body controlling laws
An executive committee managing finances
Explanation - Unitary legislatures, unlike bicameral systems, consist of one chamber that passes laws for the entire nation.
Correct answer is: A single chamber that holds legislative authority
Q.25 Which of these is NOT a function of political institutions?
Regulating behavior
Creating social norms
Ensuring stability
Generating personal wealth
Explanation - Political institutions are designed to organize governance, regulate behavior, and maintain stability, not to generate wealth for individuals.
Correct answer is: Generating personal wealth