PoIi 1

PoIi
Total Questions - 623
MCQ. Easy (123 Questions)

Q1. What does the term 'legislature' literally mean?
A. The judicial side or organ of government
B. The executive side or organ of government
C. The law-making side or organ of government
D. The financial side or organ of government
Q2. In which century did the medieval monarchs start calling assemblies to agree to some
royal actions?
A. Thirteenth
B. Twelfth
C. Fourteenth
D. Eleventh
Q3. Which organ of government is responsible for the enactment of laws?
A. The judiciary
B. The executive
C. The legislature
D. The military
Q4. In many countries, including Ghana, the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Italy, Malaysia,
and Singapore, the legislature is known as ____.
A. The Executive
1
B. The Judiciary
C. Parliament
D. The Military
Q5. What is the primary and most important role of the legislature in all countries?
A. Law-enforcement
B. Law-making or legislation
C. Revenue generation
D. Public relations
Q6. What principle prevents the executive from abusing the public purse?
A. The principle of no representation without taxation
B. The principle of no finance without representation
C. The principle of no taxation without representation
D. The principle of no representation without finance
Q7. Which organ of government has the mandate (power) of the people to enact laws to
regulate the society?
A. The judiciary
B. The executive
C. The legislature
D. The military
Q8. Which organ of government approves all foreign loans and other transactions as well as
other major domestic policies made by the executive before they can come into force?
A. The judiciary
2
B. The executive
C. The legislature
D. The military
Q9. What concept refers to the overriding or exclusive powers of the legislature in the
process of law-making in a state?
A. Separation of powers
B. Parliamentary supremacy
C. Judicial review
D. Presidential system
Q10. Which of the following statements best describes the doctrine of supremacy of
parliament?
A. Parliament can make laws, but the judiciary can declare them unconstitutional.
B. Parliament can do everything that is not naturally impossible.
C. The president has the power to veto any law passed by parliament.
D. Parliament's authority is limited by the constitution and other legal
frameworks.
Q11. What is the concept of parliamentary supremacy based on?
A. The separation of powers principle
B. The supremacy of the judiciary
C. The supremacy of the executive
D. The supremacy of the constitution
Q12. Which of the following is a feature of parliamentary supremacy?
3
A. The legislature cannot delegate its lawmaking powers to other non-legislative
bodies.
B. The legislature has the exclusive right to pass any law in a state.
C. The judiciary can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.
D. The legislature cannot pass retrospective laws to legalize past illegalities.
Q13. Which of the following is an example of parliamentary supremacy?
A. The legislature setting up commissions of inquiry to enquire into affairs which
it may consider to be of national interest.
B. The judiciary declaring an Act of Parliament unconstitutional.
C. The executive vetoing a law passed by parliament.
D. The legislature being subject to the legal limitations of the constitution.
Q14. Which of the following is NOT a limit to parliamentary supremacy?
A. The power of the judiciary to interpret the law.
B. The power of the executive to implement the law.
C. The power of the legislature to make the law.
D. The power of the constitution to limit the law.
Q15. What is the life span of the British Parliament?
A. Three years
B. Four years
C. Five years
D. Seven years
Q16. What is a sitting in a legislature?
4
A. A day's meeting of a legislature for its business.
B. A period during which parliament sits continuously without adjournment.
C. A number of sittings constitutes a session.
D. A continuous sitting of Parliament for some time during a session.
Q17. What is a session in a legislature?
A. A meeting is a continuous sitting of Parliament for some time during a session.
B. A number of sittings constitutes a session.
C. A day's meeting of a legislature for its business.
D. A period during which parliament sits continuously without adjournment.
Q18. What is a meeting in a legislature?
A. A number of sittings constitutes a session.
B. A day's meeting of a legislature for its business.
C. A continuous sitting of Parliament for some time during a session.
D. A period during which parliament sits continuously without adjournment.
Q19. Which institution can prolong its life span or tenure of office, especially in times of
emergencies, when elections cannot be held to replace a legislature whose life is
drawing to an end?
A. The executive
B. The judiciary
C. The legislature
D. The constitution
Q20. Which of the following is a feature of parliamentary supremacy?
5
A. Parliament can pass laws, but the judiciary can declare them unconstitutional.
B. The legislature cannot delegate its lawmaking powers to other non-legislative
bodies.
C. The legislature has the exclusive right to pass any law in a state.
D. The judiciary can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.
Q21. In which system is it not unusual for presidents to have once been legislators?
A. Parliamentary system
B. Presidential system
C. Federal system
D. Unitary system
Q22. Which of the following statements is true about parliamentary supremacy?
A. The legislature cannot delegate its lawmaking powers to other non-legislative
bodies.
B. The legislature has the exclusive right to pass any law in a state.
C. The judiciary can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.
D. The legislature can make laws, but the judiciary can declare them
unconstitutional.
Q23. Which of the following is an institution that can make, unmake and amend laws in a
state?
A. The executive
B. The judiciary
C. The legislature
D. The constitution
6
Q24. What is the principle behind the concept of parliamentary supremacy?
B. Checks and balances
C. Judicial review
D. Parliamentary sovereignty
Q25. Which statement best describes the parliamentary supremacy concept?
A. Parliament cannot make laws without the approval of the judiciary.
B. Parliament is the sole recognised institution that has the authority to make,
unmake and amend laws in a state.
C. The legislature cannot delegate its lawmaking powers to other non-legislative
bodies.
D. The judiciary can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.
Q26. Which of the following is NOT a limit to parliamentary supremacy?
A. The power of the judiciary to interpret the law.
B. The power of the executive to implement the law.
C. The power of the legislature to make the law.
D. The power of the constitution to limit the law.
Q27. In which country is the concept of parliamentary supremacy peculiar to?
A. The United States
B. Germany
C. Britain
D. Canada
7
Q28. What is the meaning of recess in a legislative context?
A. The end of a day's proceedings
B. The end of a legislative session
C. A period of vacation or holidays for a legislature
D. The formal ending of a session of a legislature
Q29. What is the purpose of prorogation in a legislative context?
A. To formally end a legislative session
B. To bring the life of a legislature to an end
C. To close a session in anticipation of the beginning of another session
D. To enable the legislature to conduct business
Q30. What is the term used to describe the formal ending or termination of the life of a
legislature?
A. Recess
B. Adjournment
C. Dissolution
D. Prorogation
Q31. Who is the highest officer of the legislative body in some countries?
A. The President
B. The Prime Minister
C. The Speaker of Parliament
D. The Majority Leader
Q32. What is the status of the Speaker of Parliament in some countries?
8
A. A civil servant
B. A minister or deputy minister
C. A Member of Parliament
D. A citizen of the state with the same qualifications as a Member of Parliament
Q33. What is the term used to describe a legislature with only one chamber?
A. Unicameral
B. Bicameral
C. Tricameral
D. Multicameral
Q34. What is the role of the Speaker in relation to debates in Parliament?
A. To participate in the debate
B. To ensure that all members abide by the rules and regulations
C. To remain biased towards a particular side of the House
D. To control and supervise all debates in Parliament
Q35. What is the definition of unicameral legislature?
A. A state with two legislative bodies
B. A state with three legislative bodies
C. A state with a single legislative body
D. A state with no legislative body
Q36. Which of the following is NOT a reason for the adoption of the unicameral legislature?
A. Avoids duplication of functions and institutions
B. Increases the cost of maintaining the legislative body
9
C. Provides for speedy passage of bills
D. Eliminates rivalry or conflicts in the legislature
Q37. Which of the following countries is an example of a state with a unicameral legislature?
A. Brazil
B. Canada
C. Ghana
D. Mexico
Q38. Which of the following countries is an example of a state with a bicameral legislature?
A. Finland
B. Australia
C. India
D. China
Q39. Which of the following statements is true about the bicameral legislature?
A. It is less expensive to operate
B. It avoids duplication of functions and institutions
C. It provides a check against hasty legislation
D. It is more suitable for unitary states with homogenous cultures
Q40. Which of the following is a potential danger associated with the unicameral legislature?
A. Provides room for experienced statesmen
B. Allows for speedy passage of bills
C. Passage of hasty and inconsiderate legislation
D. Reduces the burden on the legislative body
10
Q41. Which of the following is a reason why a unicameral legislature is more suitable for
unitary states with homogenous cultures?
A. The vast expanse of land and populations make it necessary
B. It avoids duplication of functions and institutions
C. It provides representation to as many identifiable groups as possible
D. It is more expensive to operate
A. New Zealand
B. Denmark
C. Sweden
D. Norway
A. Canada
B. Argentina
C. Chile
D. Brazil
Q44. Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of a unicameral legislature?
A. Allows for representation to as many identifiable groups as possible
B. Avoids duplication of functions and institutions
C. Provides a check against hasty legislation
D. Passage of hasty and inconsiderate legislation
Q45. Which of the following is a potential danger associated with a bicameral legislature?
11
A. Provides for speedy passage of bills
B. Reduces the burden on the legislative body
C. Allows for experienced statesmen to offer their experience
D. Possible rivalry and conflicts between both houses
Q46. Which of the following countries is an example of a state that has a unicameral
legislature?
A. South Africa
B. Romania
C. Peru
D. The Netherlands
A. Malaysia
B. Colombia
C. Uruguay
D. Thailand
Q48. Which of the following is a potential danger associated with the bicameral legislature?
A. Provides for a check against hasty legislation
B. Reduces the burden on the legislative body
C. Increases the cost of maintaining the legislative body
D. Provides a democratic recruitment process
A. Egypt
12
B. Nigeria
C. Japan
D. China
Q50. Which of the following is a potential advantage of a unicameral legislature?
A. Reduces the burden on the legislative body
B. Provides for speedy passage of bills
C. Avoids duplication of functions and institutions
D. Provides representation to as many identifiable groups as possible
Q51. Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of a unicameral legislature?
A. Reduces the burden on the legislative body
B. Provides a check against hasty legislation
C. Passage of hasty and inconsiderate legislation
D. Provides representation to as many identifiable groups as possible
A. France
B. Italy
C. Israel
D. Benin
Q53. What is one of the main features of federal states?
A. Unicameral legislature
B. Bicameral legislature
C. Unitary system
13
D. Monarchy
Q54. What is the meaning of the Latin origin "senex"?
A. King
B. Old man
C. Warrior
D. Priest
Q55. In which state is the upper house commonly called the Senate?
A. Argentina
B. Brazil
C. Canada
D. Germany
Q56. How are members of the upper house selected in Nigeria?
A. Heredity
B. Popular elections
C. Appointment
D. Nomination
Q57. Which house of parliament is responsible for the revision of bills in a bicameral
legislative system?
A. The first chamber
B. The second chamber
C. The executive
D. The judiciary
14
Q58. What is the name of the upper house in Britain?
A. House of Commons
B. House of Lords
C. House of Representatives
D. House of Councilors
Q59. Which method of selecting members into the second chamber is the most common in
bicameral legislative systems?
A. Election
B. Non-election (appointment and inheritance of office)
C. Nomination
D. Indirect election
Q60. Which of the following is a reason for the adoption of bicameral legislative system?
A. Cost-effectiveness
B. Expediency
C. Revision of bills
D. Populism
Q61. Which of the following is not a name for the lower house?
A. Chamber of Deputies
B. Chamber of Representatives
C. House of Lords
D. House of Commons
Q62. In which states is the second chamber called the National Congress?
15
A. Argentina
B. Australia
C. Austria
D. Bulgaria
Q63. Which method is used in Switzerland to select members of the upper house?
A. Popular elections
B. Appointment
C. Heredity
D. Nomination and indirect elections
Q64. In which state is the lower house called the House of Peoples (Dom Naroda)?
A. Algeria
B. Argentina
C. Austria
D. Burma
Q65. Who appoints members of the upper house in Canada?
A. The Governor-General
B. The Queen
C. The Prime Minister
D. The elected officials of the lower ho
Q66. Which house of parliament is known as the Federal Assembly in Austria?
A. The first chamber
B. The second chamber
16
C. The executive
D. The judiciary
Q67. Which of the following is an advantage of the bicameral legislative system in Nigeria?
A. It allows for the appointment of wealthy individuals as members
B. It ensures that bills are subject to a more thorough scrutiny
C. It promotes regionalism
D. It provides an avenue for political patronage
Q68. In which state is the upper house called the Chamber of Deputies?
A. Argentina
B. Australia
C. Austria
D. Belgium
Q69. Which of the following is not a name for the upper house?
A. Senate
B. House of Lords
C. House of Councilors
D. Chamber of Representatives
Q70. In which state is the lower house called the National Assembly?
A. Algeria
B. Argentina
C. Australia
D. Belgium
17
Q71. In which state is the upper house called the House of Nationalities?
A. Algeria
B. Argentina
C. Austria
D. Burma
Q72. What is the primary purpose of having a second chamber in a bicameral legislative
system?
A. To reduce the legislative burden of the lower house
B. To manipulate the two houses to push through controversial policies
C. To limit the power of the executive
D. To serve as the final court of appeal
Q73. How are representatives selected for the upper house in a federation?
A. Based on the population size of the constituencies in the states
B. By election on political party tickets
C. By nomination of retired Prime Ministers, Chief Justices, and most senior civil
servants
D. By each component state nominating an equal number of representatives
Q74. What is the role of the second chamber in controversial legislations?
A. To deliberate and pass such radical bills
B. To block radical bills without proper deliberation
C. To formulate and introduce controversial and radical legislation
D. To reject controversial legislations immediately
18
Q75. Which country's upper house serves as the final court of appeal?
A. India
B. The United States
C. Britain
D. Germany
Q76. What effect does the power of delay have on the second chamber's ability to review
bills?
A. It allows the public to make comments before the bill is adopted
B. It prevents the bill from being passed in haste
C. It enables the executive to bypass the second chamber's review
D. It speeds up the process of passing bills
Q77. How does the second chamber encourage broader political participation?
A. By limiting the number of appointed members
B. By allowing non-elected officers to serve in the legislature
C. By only allowing elected members to participate
D. By restricting political parties from nominating members
Q78. What is the purpose of having bicameralism in a federal system?
A. To bring about federal balance or federal equilibrium
B. To allow only elected members to participate in legislative processes
C. To enable the executive to manipulate the legislature
D. To limit political participation
Q79. Which country's second chamber is composed of appointed members, hereditary peers,
19
Bishops, and Law Lords?
A. The United States
B. Canada
C. India
D. Britain
Q80. What is the impact of bicameralism on the executive's ability to manipulate the
legislature?
A. It makes it easier for the executive to manipulate the legislature
B. It makes it difficult for the executive to manipulate the two houses
C. It allows the executive to bypass the second chamber
D. It enables the executive to control the legislative process
Q81. Why does bicameralism provide fair and adequate representation to all categories of
people in federal states?
A. By giving more representation to the densely populated states
B. By allowing for the election of representatives based on political parties
C. By ensuring equal representation for each component state
D. By limiting the participation of non-elected officers in the legislature
Q82. How does the second chamber perform judicial functions in some countries?
A. By providing legal advice to the government
B. By serving as the final court of appeal
C. By presiding over impeachment cases
D. By enacting laws
20
Q83. How does the second chamber check the power of the executive?
A. By exposing shady deals of the government
B. By making it easier to pass bills
C. By limiting the participation of non-elected officers
D. By enabling the executive to control the legislative process
Q84. What is the effect of the second chamber on the legislative process?
A. It enables the quick passing of bills without review
B. It delays the passing of bills to allow for public comment
C. It prevents the public from participating in the legislative process
D. It enables the executive to manipulate the legislative process
Q85. How is representation affected in the lower house of a federal state based on population
size?
A. Each component state has an equal number of representatives
B. Representation is based on the population size of the constituencies in the
states
C. The sparsely populated states have more representatives than densely
populated ones
D. Each component state nominates an equal number of representatives
Q86. How does bicameralism affect the legislative burden of the lower house?
A. It increases the legislative burden of the lower house
B. It reduces the legislative burden of the lower house
C. It has no effect on the legislative burden of the lower house
21
D. It makes it harder for the lower house to pass bills
Q87. How are representatives selected for the House of Lords in Britain?
A. By election on political party tickets
B. By nomination of retired Prime Ministers, Chief Justices, and most senior civil
servants
C. By each component state nominating an equal number of representatives
D. By each county in Britain nominating an equal number of representatives
Q88. How does the second chamber cater to the interests of the minorities in federal states?
A. By giving more representation to the densely populated states
B. By allowing for the election of representatives based on political parties
C. By ensuring equal representation for each component state
D. By limiting the participation of non-elected officers in the legislature
Q89. Which country's upper house tries all impeachment cases?
A. India
B. The United States
C. Britain
D. Germany
Q90. What is the role of the second chamber in controlling the executive in the legislative
process?
A. By enabling the executive to manipulate the legislative process
B. By providing a platform for the executive to push its policies through
C. By effectively checking the power of the executive by exposing the shady
22
deals of government
D. By supporting the executive to pass controversial policies
Q91. What is one criticism of the bicameral legislative system?
A. It is a cost-effective way to operate a legislature.
B. It allows for a wider range of perspectives in law-making.
C. It can lead to duplication of functions and wastage of resources.
D. It ensures that all members are directly elected by the people.
Q92. How are members of the upper house recruited in some states?
A. Through direct popular elections.
B. Through inheritance or appointment.
C. Through a democratic process involving partisan politics.
D. Through a lottery system.
Q93. What is the purpose of the first reading stage of a bill in parliament?
A. To consider and vote on the bill.
B. To introduce and title the bill.
C. To scrutinize the bill in detail and suggest amendments.
D. To refer the bill to the appropriate committee.
Q94. What type of bills are referred to the Committee of the whole in parliament?
A. Non-controversial bills.
B. Highly-priority bills.
C. Controversial bills and financial bills.
D. Private member bills.
23
Q95. Who is responsible for drafting a bill in parliament?
A. The Speaker.
B. The Clerk.
C. A team of legal experts, mainly from the ministry the bill emanates from.
D. The Cabinet.
Q96. What is the practice where any member is permitted to introduce a bill in parliament
called?
A. Private member bill.
B. Public member bill.
C. Ministerial bill.
D. Government bill.
Q97. Why is the second chamber in a bicameral legislative system perceived to be insensitive
to the needs of the people?
A. Because members of the second chamber are all appointed by the head of state.
B. Because members of the second chamber are not directly elected by the people.
C. Because members of the second chamber are all partisan politicians.
D. Because members of the second chamber are all experts in their fields.
Q98. What is the purpose of the reporting stage of a bill in parliament?
C. To scrutinize the bill in detail and suggest amendments.
D. To present the committee's recommendations and amendments to the bill.
24
Q99. What is the common practice for the initiation of bills in parliament?
A. Most bills are promoted by cabinet.
B. Any member is permitted to introduce a bill.
C. Bills are introduced in both houses concurrently to save time.
D. Bills are drafted by legal experts before they are introduced in parliament.
Q100.Why is the bicameral legislative system criticized for being expensive to operate?
A. Because it only requires one parliament house equipped with relevant
facilities.
B. Because it involves separate parliament houses equipped with relevant
facilities for each of the two bodies.
C. Because it only requires separate sets of legislators for each chamber.
D. Because it involves paying emoluments to all legislators.
Q101.What is one criticism of the undemocratic mode of recruitment for the upper house?
A. It ensures that members of the upper house are elected by the people.
B. It allows for members to be appointed as experts in their fields.
C. It ensures that members of the upper house are selected through popular
elections.
D. It can involve inherited or appointed positions, which can be perceived as
undemocratic.
Q102.What is the potential impact of the unhealthy relationship between the two chambers in a
bicameral legislature?
A. It can speed up legislative processes.
B. It can slow down legislative processes.
25
C. It can reduce institutional conflicts.
D. It can eliminate the need for the second chamber.
Q103.What is the role of the Speaker during the first reading stage of a bill?
A. To scrutinize the bill in detail and suggest amendments.
B. To call on the sponsor of the bill to present the bill at the clerk's table.
C. To read out the title of the bill after it has been introduced.
D. To lead the debate over the motion to grant permission to introduce the bill.
Q104.What is the purpose of the committee stage of a bill in parliament?
C. To refer the bill to the appropriate committee for consideration.
D. To scrutinize the bill in detail and suggest amendments.
Q105.Why can members of the second chamber be perceived as not serving the interests of the
people?
A. Because they are elected through partisan politics.
B. Because they are not directly elected by the people.
C. Because they are not responsible for passing controversial bills.
D. Because they are all experts in their fields.
Q106.What is the criticism of the duplication of functions in a bicameral legislative system?
A. It ensures that all members are paid emoluments by the state.
B. It leads to a more efficient legislative process.
C. It leads to a waste of resources.
26
D. It promotes healthy competition between the two chambers.
Q107.What is the impact of the undemocratic mode of recruitment for the upper house on the
legislative process?
A. It ensures that all members are held accountable to the people.
B. It promotes diversity and representation in the legislative process.
C. It can slow down legislative processes due to the perception of insensitivity to
the needs of the people.
D. It eliminates conflicts between the two chambers.
Q108.What is the criticism of the unhealthy relationship between the two chambers in a
bicameral legislative system?
A. It promotes healthy competition between the two chambers.
B. It ensures that all members are held accountable to the people.
C. It can lead to conflicts and deadlocks, which can slow down the legislative
process.
D. It leads to a more efficient legislative process.
Q109.What is the criticism of the bicameral legislative system in terms of its economic
feasibility?
A. It ensures that all members are paid emoluments by the state.
B. It promotes diversity and representation in the legislative process.
C. It is a cost-effective way to operate a legislature.
D. It is very expensive to operate.
Q110.What is the purpose of the first stage of the legislative process?
27
A. To examine the bill clause by clause
B. To read the title of the bill and deem it to have been read for the second time
C. To explain and defend the bill by the sponsor
D. To veto the bill in part or in whole
Q111.At which stage of the legislative process are amendments not allowed?
A. First Reading
B. Second Reading
C. Consideration Stage
D. Third Reading
Q112.What is the purpose of the Consideration Stage in the legislative process?
D. To put the bill to vote
Q113.What is the purpose of the Third Reading in the legislative process?
D. To put the bill to vote after reading it in the House
Q114.What is the purpose of the Assent Stage in the legislative process?
A. To veto the bill in part or in whole
B. To recruit and socialize members of the legislature
28
C. To assent or append the signature of the head of state to the bill
D. To examine the bill clause by clause
Q115.Which of the following is not a function of the legislature?
A. Legislation
B. Oversight responsibility of the executive activities
C. Recruitment and socialization role
D. Amending of the constitution
Q116.What is the difference between unicameralism and bicameralism?
A. One-chamber vs two-chamber
B. Multicameralism vs tricameralism
C. Legislature vs executive
D. Bill vs act
Q117.What is the purpose of a recess in the legislative process?
A. To prolong the life of a bill
B. To end the life of a bill
C. To temporarily suspend the legislative process
D. To veto a bill
Q118.What is the purpose of an adjournment in the legislative process?
D. To put the bill to vote
29
Q119.What is the purpose of prorogation in the legislative process?
D. To dissolve the legislature
Q120.What is the purpose of dissolution in the legislative process?
D. To dissolve the legislature
Q121.What is the role of the opposition in the legislative process?
A. To explain and defend the bill by the sponsor
B. To criticize the bill
C. To put the bill to vote
D. To assent or append the signature of the head of state to the bill
Q122.What is the role of the Clerk in the legislative process?
B. To put the bill to vote
C. To read the title of the bill and deem it to have been read for the second time
Q123.What is the role of the head of state in the legislative process?
30
B. To put the bill to vote
C. To assent or append the signature to the bill
MCQ. Medium (121 Questions)

Q124.From which two Latin words is the term "legislature" derived?
A. Legis latio
B. Lex latus
C. Lex legis
D. Latus lex
Q125.In which organ of government do legislatures evolve from?
A. Executive
B. Judiciary
C. Legislature
D. Electoral commission
Q126.What is another name for the legislature in the United States of America?
A. National Assembly
B. Congress
C. Parliament
D. Diet
Q127.Which of the following functions is not performed by the legislature?
A. Legislation
B. Control of the public purse
31
C. Supervision of the executive
D. Appointment of judges
Q128.In which country is the legislature known as the "Storting"?
A. Japan
B. Norway
C. Poland
D. Spain
Q129.Which of the following is not a power of the legislature in law-making?
A. Amending existing laws
B. Repealing outmoded laws
C. Enacting bye-laws
D. Enacting laws affecting every individual in the state
Q130.What is the power of the legislature to authorize all proposed policies by the government
to raise revenue in the state through taxation and other sources as well as how to spend
such revenue known as?
A. The power of taxation
B. The power of spending
C. The power of appropriation
D. The power of revenue collection
Q131.Which of the following is not a way in which the legislature exercises oversight
responsibility on the activities of the executive organ of government?
A. Approving nominations of executive appointment for ministerial positions
32
before such nominees or appointees can assume duty
B. Appointing judges into high national offices
C. Approving all foreign loans and other transactions as well as other major
domestic policies made by the executive before they can come into force
D. Inspecting government departments, commissions and agencies
Q132.What is the principle that implies that the people cannot be taxed to generate revenue or
income for the state without the authorization of their representatives in government,
which is the Parliament, known as?
A. The principle of representation
B. The principle of no taxation without representation
C. The principle of parliamentary authorization
D. The principle of fiscal responsibility
Q133.Which of the following is not a name for the legislature in different countries?
A. Parliament
B. Diet
C. Bundestag
Q134.Which organ of government is responsible for the enactment of laws in a state?
A. Executive
B. Judiciary
C. Legislature
33
Q135.The power to amend existing laws to suit the changing circumstance of the time and also
to repeal outmoded laws that have lost their relevance in modern times belongs to which
organ of government?
A. Executive
B. Judiciary
C. Legislature
Q136.What is the name of the legislature in Malaysia?
A. Diet
B. Congress
C. Parliament
D. National Assembly
Q137.In which country is the legislature known as the "Knesset"?
A. Israel
B. Germany
C. Japan
D. Poland
Q138.Which of the following is not a role of the legislature in law-making?
A. Enacting laws to regulate the society
B. Enacting laws affecting every individual in the state
C. Enacting bye-laws affecting only a section of the populace
D. Amending existing laws to suit the changing circumstance of the time
34
Q139.Which of the following is not a power of the legislature in controlling the public purse?
A. Authorizing all proposed policies by the government to raise revenue in the state
through taxation and other sources
B. Approving all foreign loans and other transactions as well as other major
C. Dictating how to spend government revenue and expenditure
D. Summoning the executive to appear before it to give further explanations for
their actions and transactions
Q140.Which of the following is not a way in which the legislature exercises oversight
responsibility on the activities of the executive organ of government?
A. Disapproving of nominations of executive appointment for ministerial positions
before such nominees or appointees can assume duty
B. Summoning the executive to appear before it to give further explanations for
their actions and transactions
C. Disapproving of all foreign loans and other transactions as well as other major
D. Inspecting government departments, commissions and agencies
Q141.What powers does the parliament possess according to the principle of separation of
powers?
A. The power to execute laws
B. The power to interpret laws
C. The power to make laws exclusively
D. The power to veto the decisions of the executive
35
Q142.Which of the following statements about the life of a legislature is true?
A. The life of a legislature is determined by the number of meetings it holds.
B. The life of a legislature is interrupted by the passage of a vote of no confidence
and premature dissolution.
C. The life of a legislature is not affected by the decision of the prime minister.
D. The life of a legislature is determined by the number of sessions it holds.
Q143.What are the implications of the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy for the judiciary?
A. The judiciary can declare an Act of Parliament ultra vires and hence null and
void.
B. The judiciary can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.
C. No Supreme Court can declare an Act of Parliament ultra vires and hence null
and void.
D. The legislature cannot interfere with the rights and liberties of citizens.
Q144.Which of the following is an example of a feature of parliamentary supremacy?
A. The power of parliament to delegate some of its lawmaking powers to other
non-legislative bodies.
B. The power of parliament to levy taxes on the citizens to generate revenue.
C. The power of parliament to define the extent or size of the state.
D. The power of parliament to question the decisions of the judiciary.
Q145.Which of the following is not a feature of the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy?
A. The power of parliament to make, unmake and amend laws in a state.
B. The authority of parliament takes precedence over any other institution in a
state.
36
C. The power of parliament is absolute and without any limitation.
D. The power of parliament to question the decisions of the judiciary.
Q146.What is the significance of the concept of parliamentary supremacy in the British
Constitution?
A. It implies that parliament has the exclusive right to pass any law in a state.
B. It is based on the principle of separation of powers which vests the whole power
of law-making in parliament to the exclusion of any other organ of government.
C. It means that parliament has the power to declare a state of emergency in a state.
D. It implies that there is no external body that can override the decisions of
parliament.
Q147.Which of the following is a feature of the life of a legislature?
A. The life of a legislature is not affected by the decision of the prime minister.
B. The life of a legislature is divided into periods called meetings.
C. A meeting of a legislature spans over a period of two years.
D. The life of a legislature is determined by the number of sittings it holds.
Q148.Which of the following is true about the life span of the British Parliament?
A. It is based on the decision of theSpeaker of Parliament.
B. It isinterrupted by thepassage of a vote of no confidence and premature
dissolution of parliament.
C. It can be extended beyond five years under the Septerian Act of 1715.
D. It is determined by the number of meetings held by the parliament.
Q149.Which of the following is an example of the extensive powers of Parliament?
37
A. The power of parliament to have once been legislators.
B. The power of parliament to make, unmake and amend laws in a state.
C. The power of parliament to force citizens to join the national army during wars.
D. The power of parliament to interfere with the decisions of the executive.
Q150.Which of the following is not a feature of the life of a legislature?
A. The life of a legislature is based on the number of meetings it holds.
B. A meeting of a legislature spans over a period of one year.
C. A session of a legislature spans over a period of one year.
D. The life of a legislature is divided into sittings, sessions, and meetings.
Q151.Which of the following is an implication of the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy?
A. A legislature cannot override the decision of the judiciary.
B. The power of parliament is dependent on the decision of the executive.
C. The power of parliament is absolute and unlimited.
D. The power of parliament is subject to the principles of natural justice.
Q152.Which of the following is true about a session of a legislature?
A. It spans over a period of one day.
B. It is interspersed with recesses.
C. It is made up of a number of sittings.
D. It defines the extent or size of the state.
Q153.Which of the following is true about a sitting of a legislature?
A. It spans over a period of one day.
B. It is the period during which parliament sits continuously without
38
C. It is made up of a number of recesses.
D. It is interspersed with meetings.
Q154.What are the two possible outcomes when a day's proceedings in Parliament is brought
to an end?
A. Adjournment and Prorogation
B. Recess and Adjournment
C. Adjournment and Sine Die
D. Dissolution and Prorogation
Q155.When is it customary for the Speaker of Parliament to be elected in some countries, such
as the United States?
A. Afternoon of the first sitting
B. At the very first sitting of the life of Parliament
C. After the third business day
D. After the majority party's selection
Q156.Which of the following statements concerning the Speaker of Parliament is correct?
A. The Speaker cannot be a civil servant, minister, or deputy minister at the time of
appointment
B. The Speaker is compensated from a private fund
C. The Speaker's position is revised during their tenure
D. The Speaker is disqualified from being a member of a political party or
engaging in partisan politics
Q157.What happens to the Speaker's seat when the person appointed for the post becomes a
39
minister or deputy minister?
A. The position becomes vacant
B. The Speaker retains their position
C. A new Speaker is elected
D. The Speaker serves as both Speaker and minister
Q158.The Speaker of Parliament performs a range of functions, including which of the
following?
A. Controlling and supervising all debates in Parliament
B. Chairing or presiding over all meetings of the House
C. Taking part in the debate
D. Disbanding the House when necessary
Q159.What are the three possible ways a legislature can be ended in the text provided?
A. Recess, Adjournment, and Prorogation
B. Dissolution, Recess, and Cessation
C. Dissolution, Prorogation, and Sine Die
D. Suspension, Adjournment, and Expiration
Q160.What is the main difference between Adjournment and Prorogation?
A. Adjournment marks the end of a day's proceedings or business, while
Prorogation seeks to suspend the power of the legislature to conduct business
B. Adjournment involves a break between sessions, while Prorogation involves
ending the session without fixing a definite date for its next meeting
C. Adjournment determines the length of the next sitting, while Prorogation
40
specifies the end of a session
D. Adjournment involves a vote of the members, while Prorogation is initiated by
the executive branch
Q161.What are the two main types of legislature based on the number of houses or chambers?
A. Bicameral and Non-bicameral
B. Unicameral and Bicameral
C. Multicameral and Monocameral
D. Pluricameral and Unicameral
Q162.What is the primary function of the Speaker of Parliament in forming committees?
A. To ensure that all political parties in the House have representation in such
committees
B. To select the members of the committees based on the Speaker's personal
preference
C. To create a larger number of committees than necessary to ensure maximum
representation
D. To limit the number of committees to prevent unnecessary debate
Q163.Which of the following is an example of a unitary state with deep cultural diversities that
has adopted a bicameral legislature?
A. Canada
B. Liberia
C. France
D. Japan
41
Q164.What is the role of the Speaker in the communication channel between the legislature
and other organs of government, institutions, and eminent individuals?
A. To ensure that communication is limited to specific topics and individuals
B. To act as a buffer and control the flow of information
C. To directly manage all communication between the legislature and other organs
of government
D. To encourage the legislature to communicate directly with other organs of
government
Q165.What is the function of the Speaker in managing debates and voting in the House?
A. To ensure that all members of the House abide by the rules and regulations
called the Standing Orders, to maintain order
B. To interject and provide personal opinions on debates and voting
C. To take part in debates and voting to support one side
D. To disrupt debates and voting if they do not favor the Speaker's personal
opinions
Q166.What is the role of the whips in parliament?
A. To keep discipline in the house, making sure that their respective party members
in parliament attend meetings or sittings and vote to support their party's policies on
issues on the floor of the house
B. To select the members to serve as Deputy Speakers
C. To create new committees for specific tasks
D. To represent the interests of the opposition parties in the House
Q167.What is the status and function of the presiding member of the upper house of
42
parliament in some countries?
A. The status of the presiding member of the upper house is equal to that of a
minister of state, and their salary, allowances, and other payments due to them on
retirement are charged on the national consolidated fund
B. The presiding member of the upper house has no official status or role in
parliament
C. The presiding member of the upper house is responsible for forming new
committees for specific tasks
D. The status of the presiding member of the upper house is lower than that of a
minister of state, and their salary is paid by their respective political parties
Q168.Which of the following statements concerning the election of the Speaker of Parliament
is correct?
A. In some countries, it is customary for the Speaker to be elected by the executive
branch of government
B. In some countries, the Speaker is appointed for life by the Head of State
C. In some countries, the Speaker is elected by members of parliament either from
among themselves or outside
D. In some countries, the Speaker is selected by the majority party and approved by
the minority party
Q169.What is the role of the Speaker in ensuring fair debate and voting in the House?
A. To ensure that all members of the House abide by the rules and regulations
called the Standing Orders to maintain order, and to protect the interest of both the
majority and minority members
B. To support one side of the debate over the other and influence the outcome of
43
the voting
C. To prevent members from debating on certain issues
D. To limit the time for debate to favor one side
Q170.Which of the following is an example of a unicameral legislature?
A. The United States Congress
B. The Parliament of Canada
C. The National People's Congress of China
D. The Parliament of New Zealand
Q171.Which of the following is an example of a bicameral legislature?
A. The National People's Congress of China
B. The Parliament of Canada
C. The United States Congress
D. The Parliament of New Zealand
Q172.What is the difference between dissolution and prorogation of parliament?
A. Dissolution ends the term of parliament, while prorogation is a temporary recess
B. Dissolution is initiated by the executive branch, while prorogation is initiated by
the speaker of parliament
C. Dissolution is a rare occurrence, while prorogation occurs regularly between
sessions
D. Dissolution terminates the powers of parliament, while prorogation does not
affect the powers of parliament
Q173.Which of the following reasons are given for the adoption of unicameral legislature in
44
unitary states?
A. Suitability for heterogeneous cultures
B. Absence of rivalry or conflict
C. Existence of multiple legislative bodies
D. Presence of experienced statesmen
Q174.What percentage of states with two legislative chambers are federations?
A. 40%
B. 50%
C. 60%
D. 80%
Q175.Which of the following countries have adopted the unicameral legislative system?
A. China
B. India
C. Australia
D. Canada
Q176.Which of the following is an advantage of the bicameral legislative system?
A. Avoids duplication of functions
B. Provides representation to various groups
C. Less expensive to operate
D. Absence of rivalry or conflict
Q177.Which of the following is a disadvantage of the unicameral legislative system?
A. Absence of rivalry or conflict
45
B. Faster passage of legislation
C. More democratic recruitment method
D. Tendency for hasty legislation
Q178.Which of the following is a disadvantage of the bicameral legislative system?
A. Duplication of functions and institutions
B. Faster passage of legislation
C. Presence of experienced statesmen
D. Less expensive to operate
Q179.Which of the following countries have adopted the bicameral legislative system?
A. China
B. India
C. Australia
D. Canada
Q180.Which of the following is an advantage of the unicameral legislative system?
A. Avoidance of duplication of functions
B. Presence of experienced statesmen
C. Slower passage of legislation
D. Existence of multiple legislative bodies
Q181.Which of the following is an disadvantage of the unicameral legislative system?
A. Faster passage of legislation
B. More democratic recruitment method
C. Presence of rivalry or conflict
46
D. Suitability for homogenous cultures
Q182.Which of the following is an disadvantage of the bicameral legislative system?
B. Suitability for homogeneous cultures
C. Speedy passage of legislation
D. Low cost of maintenance
Q183.Which of the following countries have adopted a bicameral legislative system?
A. Tunisia
B. Canada
C. China
D. Denmark
Q184.Which of the following is an advantage of the bicameral legislative system?
A. Avoidance of duplication of functions
B. Less expensive to operate
C. Suitable for homogenous cultures
D. Provides representation to various groups
A. Less expensive to operate
B. Provides representation to various groups
D. Passage of hasty legislation
47
Q186.Which of the following countries have adopted a unicameral legislative system?
A. Algeria
B. Ghana
C. China
D. Canada
Q187.Which of the following is an disadvantage of the bicameral legislative system?
B. Laden parliament
C. Absence of rivalry or conflict
D. Suitable for heterogeneous cultures
Q188.Which of the following is an advantage of the unicameral legislative system?
A. Passage of hasty legislation
B. More democratic recruitment method
C. Duplication of functions
D. Suitable for homogenous cultures
A. Laden parliament
B. Passage of hasty legislation
D. Provides representation to various groups
Q190.How many of the 191 national parliaments across the globe are unicameral according to
the text?
48
A. 60%
B. 71%
C. 80%
D. 90%
Q191.Which of the following countries have adopted a bicameral legislative system at some
point in their history but have since abolished it?
A. Egypt
B. Denmark
C. New Zealand
D. Sweden
Q192.Which of the following states have both the lower and the upper houses of the
parliament known as 'Chamber of Deputies' and 'Senate' respectively?
A. Algeria
B. Argentina
C. Australia
D. Austria
Q193.Which of the following modes of selecting members into both houses of parliament are
practiced in India?
A. Elective
B. Non-elective
C. A combination of elective and non-elective
D. Heredity
49
Q194.Which of the following states have a unicameral legislative system?
A. Britain
B. Canada
C. France
D. Germany
Q195.Which of the following reasons is a merit for maintaining the bicameral legislative
system?
A. Revision of bills
B. Tapping the resources of non-partisan experienced people
C. Ensuring the participation of all sections of society
D. Limiting the power of the executive
Q196.Which of the following is the origin of the word 'senate'?
A. Greek
B. Latin
C. French
D. German
Q197.Which of the following states have the upper house known as 'House of Lords'?
A. Britain
B. Canada
C. France
D. Germany
Q198.Which of the following is the main feature of federal states?
50
A. Bicameral legislature
B. Unitary legislature
C. Centralized power
D. Decentralized power
Q199.Which of the following states have the upper house known as 'House of Councilors'?
A. Japan
B. Liberia
C. Mexico
D. Canada
Q200.Which of the following modes of selecting members into the upper house is practiced in
Switzerland?
A. Elective
B. Non-elective
C. A combination of elective and non-elective
D. Heredity
Q201.What is the primary function of the second chamber in a bicameral legislative system?
A. To represent population size of the constituencies
B. To reduce the legislative burden of the lower house
C. To serve as a platform for controversial legislation
D. To be manipulated by the executive
Q202.How does the second chamber ensure federal equilibrium in a federal system?
A. By representing population size of the constituencies
51
B. By bringing about federal balance
C. By providing an equal number of representatives from each component state
D. By being influenced by the executive
Q203.What is the role of the second chamber in relation to the public in the legislative
process?
A. To prevent public participation
B. To refer bills to the public for comment
C. To expedite bills through the legislative process
D. To prevent scrutiny by the public
Q204.How is representation in the second chamber of a federal system determined?
A. By population size of the constituencies
B. By appointment by the executive
C. By equal number of representatives from each component state
D. By election by the people
Q205.What is the role of the second chamber in protecting the interests of minorities in a
federation?
B. By protecting the interests of the majority
C. By providing equal representation from each category of people
D. By ensuring that the executive is not held accountable
Q206.How are members appointed to the second chamber in the British system?
A. By election by the people
52
B. By appointment by the executive
C. By equal representation from each category of people
D. By hereditary succession
Q207.What is the role of the second chamber in the judicial process in some countries?
A. To try impeachment cases
B. To serve as the final court of appeal
C. To represent population size of the constituencies
D. To expedite judicial proceedings
Q208.How does the second chamber supplement the activities of the lower house?
A. By reducing legislative burden
B. By introducing controversial legislations
C. By performing judicial functions
D. By representing population size of the constituencies
Q209.How does the second chamber protect the interests of the minorities in a multi-ethnic
federal state?
B. By ensuring equal representation from each category of people
C. By being influenced by the executive
D. By promoting partisan legislation
Q210.What is the role of the second chamber in the legislative process in a federal system?
A. To promote partisan legislation
B. To protect the interests of the minorities
53
C. To ensure federal balance
Q211.What is the role of the second chamber in the legislative process in India?
Q212.How is the second chamber different from the first chamber in a federal system?
C. By providing equal representation from each component state
D. By representing a larger population size
Q213.How does the second chamber ensure federal balance in a federal system?
C. By providing equal representation from each component state
D. By being manipulated by the executive
Q214.What is the role of the second chamber in protecting the interests of the majority in a
federal state?
A. By bringing about federal balance
B. By representing an equal number of representatives from each category of
people
54
C. By ensuring accountability of the executive
Q215.How does the second chamber protect the interests of the minorities in a federation?
Q216.What is the impact of the second chamber on the legislative process in India?
Q217.How does the second chamber ensure fair representation in a federation?
Q218.What is the role of the second chamber in checking the power of the executive?
A. By bringing about federal balance
B. By representing an equal number of representatives from each component state
C. By ensuring accountability of the executive
55
Q219.What is the role of the second chamber in a bicameral legislative system in protecting
the interests of the minorities in a federation?
B. By providing equal representation from each category of people
Q220.What are the ways a bill can be introduced in the first reading stage?
A. On motion or on a written notice
B. By the Speaker or the clerk
C. By the Cabinet or private members
D. Through consultation with experts
Q221.What kind of bills are referred to the Committee of the whole?
A. Controversial bills
B. Non-controversial bills
C. Financial bills
D. Constitutional amendment bills
Q222.What is the role of the appropriate committee during the committee stage?
A. To scrutinize the bill
B. To examine every clause and suggest amendments
C. To consult relevant bodies and individuals
D. To prepare and submit reports to the House
Q223.Why are members of the second chamber perceived to be insensitive to the needs of the
56
people?
A. They are not elected by the people
B. They are not responsible to the people
C. They are not accountable to the people
D. They are not aware of the needs of the people
Q224.What is the effect of the duplication of functions in a bicameral legislative system?
A. It leads to a mere waste of resources
B. It enhances the effectiveness of the legislative process
C. It promotes institutional conflicts
D. It expedites legislative processes
Q225.What is the mode of recruiting members into the upper house in some states?
A. Through popular elections
B. Through inheritance
C. Through appointment
D. Through indirect elections and nomination
Q226.What is the relationship between the two chambers in a bicameral legislative system?
A. Cooperative and harmonious
B. Rivalrous and deadlocked
C. Complementary and coordinated
D. Competitive and adversarial
Q227.What is the process of law-making in parliament?
A. Initiation of bills by the Cabinet or private members
57
B. Assent of the bill by the head of state
C. Consideration of the bill by the appropriate committee
D. Passage of the bill by both houses and presidential assent
Q228.What is the importance of the first reading stage in the law-making process?
A. Introduction and explanation of the bill
B. Debate and voting on the bill
C. Scrutiny of the bill by the appropriate committee
D. Approval of the bill by the Cabinet
Q229.What is the role of the head of state in the law-making process?
A. Initiation of bills
B. Assent of the bill
D. Passage of the bill by both houses
Q230.What is the purpose of the reporting stage in the law-making process?
D. Presentation of the committee's recommendations and amendments to the bill
Q231.Why is the bicameral legislative system expensive to operate?
A. Separate parliament houses equipped with relevant facilities have to be provided
for each of the two bodies
B. Each house is composed of separate sets of legislators
58
C. All members of the two houses are paid emolument by the state
D. The cost involved in administering the second chamber
Q232.What is the significance of the cabinet's approval of a bill before it is brought before
parliament?
A. It shows that the bill has been agreed upon in principle by the government
B. It ensures that the bill is drafted by a team of experts, mainly legal experts
C. It guarantees that the bill will pass through the various stages after it has been
given assent by the head of state
D. It indicates that the bill has been initiated by the Cabinet
Q233.In what way can an unelected member of an upper chamber contribute to the legislative
process?
A. By initiating controversial bills
B. By serving the interests of the people
C. By becoming popular in the sight of the electorate
D. By proposing amendments to the bill
Q234.What is the implication of the delay in the legislative process caused by the second
chamber system?
A. It hinders national progress
B. It expedites legislative processes
C. It ensures that bills are well scrutinized
D. It reduces the workload of the first chamber
Q235.What is the purpose of the committee stage in the law-making process?
59
Q236.Who are the experts mainly responsible for drafting a bill before it is brought before
parliament?
A. Legal experts
B. Economic experts
C. Political experts
D. Social experts
Q237.What is the purpose of the first reading stage in the law-making process?
Q238.What is the significance of private member bills in the law-making process?
A. They ensure that the interests of the people are served
B. They expedite legislative processes
C. They allow any member to introduce a bill
D. They ensure that the Cabinet initiates all bills
Q239.Which stages of the legislative process cannot include amendments to the bill?
A. Second Reading
60
B. Consideration Stage
C. Third Reading
D. Assent Stage
Q240.Which stages of the legislative process include examination of the bill in detail?
A. First Reading
B. Second Reading
C. Consideration Stage
D. Third Reading
Q241.How many readings are there in the legislative process before the bill is presented for
assent?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Q242.Which of the following options describe the process of assent stage in the legislative
process?
A. The head of state appends his or her signature to the bill
B. The head of state assents to the bill
C. The head of state vetoes the bill
D. The bill becomes law
Q243.Which of the following stages in the legislative process is the least likely to kill the bill?
A. Second Reading
61
B. Consideration Stage
C. Third Reading
D. Assent Stage
Q244.How many chambers or houses are there in a unicameral legislative system?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
MCQ. Hard (91 Questions)

Q245.Read the following statements carefully:
Statement I: The text defines governance as the maintenance of law and order in a
state.
Statement II: The legislature is responsible for the physical implementation of
laws.
Statement III: The judiciary is one of the three main processes of governance.
Which of the above Statement(s) is/are correct:
A. II only.
B. I only.
C. I and III only.
D. All Statements are Correct.
Statement I: The term legislature is derived from two Latin words, lex or legis, and
latus or lateris.
62
Statement II: In Japan, the legislature is known as the Sejm.
Statement III: The legislature is the highest law-making body in the state.
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: The legislature has the power to amend or repeal laws without the
authorization of any other body.
Statement II: The legislature is responsible for the enactment of bye-laws.
Statement III: The phrase 'no taxation without representation' is attributed to James
Otis, an American political activist.
A. I and III only.
B. II and III only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: The legislature has the power to authorize public revenue and
expenditure in all countries.
Statement II: The legislature is responsible for the appointment of executive
ministers in some jurisdictions.
Statement III: The legislature has the power to disapprove of appointments into
63
high national offices.
A. I only.
B. II only.
C. All Statements are Correct.
D. All Statements are Incorrect.
Statement I: The legislature has the power to investigate the actions and inactions
of the executive.
Statement II: The legislature is responsible for the approval of all foreign loans and
other transactions.
Statement III: The legislature is responsible for the approval of all major domestic
policies made by the executive.
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
Statement I: In the United States, the Senate has the mandate to approve the
president's appointees into positions such as bureaucratic and certain military
heads.
Statement II: The text states that legislation is the primary function of the
legislature.
64
Statement III: The text states that the legislature is known by different names in
different countries.
A. I only.
B. All Statements are Correct.
C. II only.
Statement I: The text states that legislatures evolved from the assemblies that
medieval monarchs called to agree to some royal actions.
Statement II: The text states that legislatures are responsible for the creation or
enactment of laws for the sound administration of a state.
Statement III: The text states that in many countries, the legislature is known as
Congress.
A. I and II only.
B. II only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The text states that the legislature is the only organ with the power to
amend existing laws.
Statement II: The text states that the legislature consists of appointed
representatives of the people in government.
65
Statement III: The text states that the legislature performs its functions through the
process of law-making or legislation.
A. II only.
B. I only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The text states that in the United States, the organ of government
responsible for the enactment of laws is called the Congress.
Statement II: The text states that the legislature is responsible for the control of the
public purse.
Statement III: The text states that the legislature is responsible for ensuring that the
people cannot be taxed to generate revenue or income for the state without the
authorization of their representatives in government.
A. I and III only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The text states that the legislature is responsible for ensuring that the
people are represented in the government.
Statement II: The text states that the legislature is responsible for investigating the
66
actions and inactions of the executive.
Statement III: The text states that the legislature is responsible for summoning
ministers and departmental heads to appear before it to give further explanations for
their actions and transactions.
A. All Statements are Correct.
B. I and III only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The text states that in some jurisdictions, appointments into high
national offices such as judges of the superior courts of judicature require approval
of the legislature.
Statement II: The text states that the legislature has to approve all proposed
policies by the government to raise revenue in the state.
Statement III: The text states that the legislature has the power to repeal outmoded
laws that have lost their relevance in modern times.
B. I and II only.
C. I only.
Statement I: The text states that the legislature is responsible for the enactment of
67
legislation.
Statement II: The text states that legislatures are known by a variety of names in
different countries, including Parliament, Congress, and National Assembly.
Statement III: The text states that the legislature is responsible for the enactment of
laws to regulate the society.
A. III only.
B. I and II only.
Statement I: Question Time takes place in the House of Commons every day
except Fridays.
Statement II: The Prime Minister can be put through questions only on Tuesdays
and Thursdays.
Statement III: Every member of the House has the right to question a minister
during Question Time.
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: Congressional committees have the power of subpoena to compel
68
witnesses to appear before them in the US.
Statement II: The Vice President presides over an impeachment trial in the US if
the President is being impeached.
Statement III: The British Monarch can be removed from office by the British
legislature.
A. I and II only.
B. II only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The Vice President acts as a judge during an impeachment trial in the
US.
Statement II: The Senate must vote to convict by a two-thirds majority in an
impeachment trial in the US.
Statement III: Impeachment is rarely used and has rarely succeeded in the US.
A. I and III only.
B. II and III only.
Statement I: No American President has ever been removed from office through
impeachment.
69
Statement II: In the US, impeachment is brought against the President for
misconduct or wrongdoing.
Statement III: In the British system, the legislature is given the mandate to censure
or express its disapproval of actions or policies taken by the executive.
B. II and III only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: Under the British Parliamentary system of government, should the
budget or any other major policy of the executive be rejected by Parliament, the
entire cabinet must resign.
Statement II: The legislature in the presidential system of government performs
super normal judicial functions in the state when the need arises.
Statement III: The legislature in the presidential system can constitute itself as the
highest court of the land to try the Chief Justice in impeachment proceedings.
A. II only.
B. III only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: The House of Lords serves as the highest court of appeal for civil
70
cases throughout Britain, and for criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland.
Statement II: It is only the Law Lords of the House of Lords who sit and hear
appeals in the House of Lords.
Statement III: The British legislature has the power to remove the Monarch from
office for whatever reasons.
A. III only.
B. I and II only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The Chief Justice presides over an impeachment trial in the US if the
Vice-President is being impeached.
Statement II: In the US, impeachment charges are drawn up and passed by the
lower house, the House of Representatives.
Statement III: In the US, the official is formally accused or impeached after the list
of charges is read before the entire house and the representatives vote.
A. II and III only.
B. I only.
C. III only.
71
Statement I: In the British system, the head of state is the Prime Minister.
Statement II: In the British system, the Prime Minister can be removed from office
through impeachment.
Statement III: In the US, if the President is impeached and convicted, the
Vice-President becomes the President.
A. III only.
B. I and II only.
C. All Statements are Incorrect.
Statement I: In the US, the House of Representatives has the power to impeach the
President, Vice-President, and members of the executive and judicial branches of
government.
Statement II: The British Monarch is elected by the people.
Statement III: The House of Lords can hear appeals for civil cases throughout
Britain and for criminal cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
A. I and III only.
B. III only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The Lord Chancellor is the presiding officer of the House of the Lords
72
and a member of Cabinet.
Statement II: The legislature has the power to remove the British Monarch from
office.
Statement III: In the US, the Vice-President becomes the President if the President
is impeached and convicted.
A. I only.
B. I and II only.
C. II only.
Statement I: The legislature has the power to impeach the British Monarch.
Statement II: The legislature has the power to remove the British Prime Minister
from office through impeachment.
Statement III: In the US, the Senate has the power to impeach the President.
A. All Statements are Incorrect.
B. I and III only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The British Monarch is an agent of socialization for new national
leaders.
Statement II: The British Monarch is the highest court of appeal for civil cases
73
throughout Britain.
Statement III: The British Monarch presides over the trial if the President is
impeached in the US.
B. I only.
C. III only.
Statement I: Parliament can make and unmake any law in a state, and its laws are
over and above any other law within a state.
Statement II: The life of the British Parliament is four years.
Statement III: Parliament can define the extent or size of the state.
A. I only.
B. II and III only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: The life of Ghana's legislature is three years.
Statement II: In the presidential system, it is not unusual for presidents to have
once been legislators.
Statement III: Parliament can prolong its life span or tenure of office indefinitely.
74
A. II and III only.
B. I and II only.
C. II only.
Statement I: A sitting of Parliament spans over a day.
Statement II: A meeting and a session are the same in the context of a legislature.
Statement III: An Act of Parliament cannot be declared ultra vires by the Supreme
Court.
A. I and III only.
B. II and III only.
C. II only.
Statement I: Parliament cannot make retrospective laws to legalize past illegalities.
Statement II: In Ghana's parliament, a meeting begins with the opening of the
house by the Speaker of Parliament.
Statement III: The life of a legislature is determined by the number of sessions it
has.
A. I and II only.
B. I only.
C. II only.
75
Statement I: Parliament can pass an Act of Indemnity to prevent any legal action
from being taken against it.
Statement II: The concept of parliamentary supremacy is unique to the British
Constitution.
Statement III: Parliament can interfere with the rights and liberties of citizens.
A. I and III only.
B. II only.
Statement I: The life of the US legislature is four years.
Statement II: Parliament is vested with the power to delegate some of its
lawmaking powers to other non-legislative bodies.
Statement III: The legislature is the only institution that can repeal and amend
existing law.
B. II and III only.
C. I and III only.
76
Statement I: Parliament can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.
Statement II: The life of a legislature is divided into sittings, sessions, and
meetings.
Statement III: The British Parliament can extend its life from three to eight years
under the Septerian Act of 1715.
A. I and II only.
B. II only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: Parliament can levy taxes on citizens to generate revenue for the
government.
Statement II: Parliament can set up commissions of inquiry to enquire into affairs
which it may consider to be of national interest.
Statement III: The power of parliament is absolute and without any limitation.
A. II only.
B. I and II only.
C. I only.
Statement I: The legislature is the only institution that can make laws in a state.
77
Statement II: In the parliamentary system, it is not unusual for cabinet ministers to
be drawn from outside parliament.
Statement III: Parliament can pass an Act to restrain the activities of citizens and to
limit their freedoms during a state of emergency.
A. I and III only.
B. II only.
C. III only.
Statement I: A session of parliament is the same as a sitting.
Statement II: Parliament cannot pass an Act to force citizens to join the national
army during wars.
Statement III: A meeting spans a day in the context of a legislature.
B. I only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: Parliament can overrule decisions made by the judiciary.
Statement II: In Ghana's parliament, a sitting usually commences at 10:00 a.m. and
ends at 2:00 p.m.
Statement III: Parliament is subject to the supervision and control of the executive
78
and public corporations in the exercise of its delegated legislative powers.
A. II only.
B. II and III only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: The legislature can enact an Act to cede part of its territory to another
state without the approval of the citizens.
Statement II: Parliament has the power to interfere with or encroach upon the
rights and liberties of citizens during a state of emergency.
Statement III: A legislature's life can be interrupted by the passage of a vote of no
confidence and premature dissolution of the instance of the prime minister.
A. II and III only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: A recess is a period of vacation or holidays for a legislature.
Statement II: Adjournment means the formal ending of a session of a legislature.
Statement III: The Speaker of Parliament is the highest officer of the legislative
body.
79
A. II and III only.
B. I only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: The Speaker of Parliament is elected by members of the public.
Statement II: The Speaker of Parliament can take part in debates.
Statement III: The Speaker is discharged of his or her functions by Deputy
Speakers.
A. I and III only.
B. I and II only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The Speaker enjoys the same status as a minister of state.
Statement II: The Speaker's salary, allowances, and other payments are not
charged on the national consolidated fund.
Statement III: The position of the Speaker becomes vacant when the person
resigns.
A. I and III only.
B. I and II only.
C. I only.
80
Statement I: The Speaker can be removed from office by a resolution of parliament
supported by the votes of not less than three-fourth of all members of Parliament.
Statement II: Members of the house are grouped into majority and minority
groups.
Statement III: The majority leader is the leader of the ruling party in parliament.
A. II and III only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The minority leader is the leader of the opposition party in parliament.
Statement II: The Whips are members of Parliament selected by their parties to
keep discipline in the house.
Statement III: The Whips are responsible for ensuring that their party members in
parliament vote against their party's policies.
A. I and II only.
B. II and III only.
C. III only.
81
Statement I: Unicameral legislatures have one chamber.
Statement II: Bicameral legislatures have two chambers.
Statement III: A unicameral legislature is a prerequisite for federal states.
A. I and III only.
B. I and II only.
C. I only.
Statement I: A bicameral legislature gives political and legal equality to all
component states that form the federation.
Statement II: Some unitary states with deep cultural diversities adopt the
unicameral legislature.
Statement III: Recess and adjournment mean the same thing.
A. I and III only.
B. II only.
C. I only.
Statement I: The Speaker is the presiding member of the lower house.
Statement II: The Speaker is elected by members of the upper house.
Statement III: The Speaker's salary and allowances are not charged on the national
82
consolidated fund.
A. I and II only.
B. All Statements are Incorrect.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: The Speaker can be removed from office by the President.
Statement II: The Speaker does not enjoy the same status as a minister of state.
Statement III: The Speaker is not entitled to any payments on retirement.
B. I and III only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: Unicameral legislatures are common in unitary states.
Statement II: The Speaker is responsible for ensuring that debates and voting in the
House are conducted in a fair manner.
Statement III: The Speaker is responsible for forming the appropriate committees.
A. I only.
B. I and II only.
83
Statement I: The Speaker's position becomes vacant when the person appointed for
the post becomes a civil servant.
Statement II: The Speaker is responsible for serving as the channel of
communication between the legislature and other organs of government,
institutions, and eminent individuals.
Statement III: The Speaker is responsible for keeping discipline in the house.
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The Speaker is the head of the lower house.
Statement II: The Speaker is the presiding member of the upper house.
Statement III: The Speaker is not entitled to any allowances.
A. III only.
B. II only.
C. I and II only.
84
Statement I: The Speaker is not entitled to any payments on retirement.
Statement II: The Speaker's position becomes vacant when the person appointed
for the post becomes a deputy minister.
Statement III: The Speaker can be removed from office by the head of state.
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The Speaker is responsible for supervising all debates in Parliament.
Statement II: The Speaker is not entitled to any other payments on retirement.
Statement III: The Speaker's salary and allowances can be revised to his or her
disadvantage during their tenure of office.
A. I and III only.
B. I and II only.
C. I only.
Statement I: When a Member of Parliament becomes the Speaker, they retain their
seat in Parliament.
Statement II: The Speaker is responsible for recording the results of debates and
voting on a bill.
85
Statement III: The Speaker is responsible for authorizing the bill to be sent to the
head of state for assent.
A. II and III only.
B. II only.
C. I only.
Statement I: Britain has a bicameral legislative body to allow for older and
experienced statesmen and senior citizens to participate in the law-making process.
Statement II: Multicameral legislatures are more expensive than unicameral
legislatures due to duplication of functions and institutions.
Statement III: The majority of states have a unicameral legislative system.
A. II only.
B. II and III only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: Egypt adopted a unicameral system under the 2014 Constitution.
Statement II: The mode of recruiting members into a unicameral legislative body is
not necessarily more democratic than in a bicameral legislative body.
Statement III: The absence of possible rivalry and conflicts in the legislature is an
advantage of the unicameral system.
86
B. I only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: Algeria, Benin, Bulgaria, China, Cote dIvoire, Costa Rica, Denmark,
Finland, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Kenya, New Zealand, South Korea,
Sweden, Tanzania, and Togo are examples of countries that have adopted the
unicameral legislative system.
Statement II: The adoption of unicameral system avoids duplication of functions
and institutions which is the case of the bicameral.
Statement III: The single-chamber parliament system is more expensive to operate
than a bicameral system.
A. I only.
B. I and II only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: By 2009, 60% of national parliaments across the globe were
unicameral.
Statement II: New Zealand, Demark, Sweden, and Iceland have adopted the
unicameral legislative system.
87
Statement III: Out of 191 national parliaments across the globe, as many as 114
were unicameral in 2009.
B. I and III only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: A single-chamber legislative system is not suitable for federations.
Statement II: China has a unicameral legislative system.
Statement III: The adoption of unicameral legislative system avoids the possibility
of hasty and inconsiderate legislation.
A. II only.
B. I and II only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The adoption of unicameral legislative system is less expensive to
operate than a bicameral system.
Statement II: Unicameral legislature is a feature of federal states.
Statement III: The absence of possible rivalry and conflicts in the legislature is not
an advantage of the unicameral system.
88
A. III only.
B. I only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: The adoption of unicameral system avoids duplication of functions
and institutions which is not the case of the bicameral.
Statement II: The majority of democracies in the world have a bicameral
legislative system.
Statement III: The adoption of unicameral system provides a check against hasty
legislation.
B. I only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The adoption of unicameral legislative system allows for the speedy
passage of bills for the smooth administration of the state.
Statement II: The adoption of unicameral system does not leave room for the
appointment of experienced citizens.
Statement III: The adoption of unicameral system leaves no room for the
appointment of some senior and experienced citizens.
89
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
C. I only.
Statement I: The single-chamber parliament tends to be saddled with a heavy
burden as it is the only legislative body in the state.
Statement II: Unicameral legislature is more democratic than bicameral legislature.
Statement III: China has a homogenous culture.
A. I only.
B. I and III only.
C. II only.
Statement I: The majority members of a unicameral legislature may pass
legislation that favours their interest to the disadvantage or neglect of the minority
members.
Statement II: The adoption of bicameral system is more costly than the unicameral
system.
Statement III: The adoption of unicameral legislative system avoids possible
rivalry and conflicts in the legislature.
90
B. I only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The adoption of unicameral legislative system allows for the passage
of hasty and inconsiderate legislations for the country.
Statement II: The majority of democracies in the world have maintained their
bicameral legislative system.
Statement III: The passages of hasty and inconsiderate legislations for the country
by the unicameral legislative system is not provided with any check.
A. II and III only.
B. III only.
C. II only.
Statement I: The passages of hasty and inconsiderate legislations for the country
by the unicameral legislative system is not possible given the absence of a second
law-making body.
Statement II: The adoption of unicameral legislative system provides a democratic
method of recruitment.
Statement III: The majority of states with homogenous cultures have adopted the
bicameral legislative system.
91
A. I only.
B. II only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: The system of bicameral legislature cannot be practiced in federal
states.
Statement II: The lower house is almost always popularly elected.
Statement III: The upper house in Canada is elected through popular elections.
A. II and III only.
B. II only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The upper house serves as an institution that revise bills passed by the
first chamber.
Statement II: In Japan, the upper house members are selected by heredity.
Statement III: In almost all states with a bicameral system, members of the lower
house are elected by popular elections.
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
C. I and II only.
92
Statement I: A bicameral legislative system can prevent the passage of hasty and
ill-considered legislations.
Statement II: The upper house of parliament is commonly called the House of
Lords.
Statement III: The system of bicameral legislature can be practiced in Germany.
A. II and III only.
B. I and III only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The upper house in Britain is elected through direct and indirect
elections.
Statement II: The upper house provides an avenue for old and experienced
statesmen to contribute towards the administration of the state.
Statement III: The lower house of parliament is called the House of Deputies in
Argentina.
A. I and II only.
B. II and III only.
C. I and III only.
93
Statement I: The upper house of parliament is called the Federal Council in
Austria.
Statement II: The upper house of parliament is called the House of Chiefs in
Burma.
Statement III: The upper house of parliament is called the Chamber of
Nationalities in Belgium.
A. I only.
B. III only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: The upper house of parliament is called the House of Nationalities in
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Statement II: The upper house of parliament is called the House of Representatives
in Brazil.
Statement III: The upper house of parliament is called the House of Commons in
Britain.
A. I and II only.
B. II only.
C. I only.
94
Statement I: The upper house of parliament is called the House of Lords in Britain.
Statement II: The upper house of parliament is called the House of Representatives
in Chile.
Statement III: In France, upper house members are appointed.
A. I and II only.
B. III only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: The upper house of parliament is called the Bundesrat in Germany.
Statement II: The upper house of parliament is called the Lok Sabha in India.
Statement III: The upper house of parliament is called the Rajya Sabha in India.
A. II only.
B. I only.
C. I and III only.
Statement I: The upper house of parliament is called the Dail in Ireland.
Statement II: The upper house of parliament is called the Seanad in Ireland.
Statement III: The upper house of parliament is called the House of Councillors in
Japan.
95
A. II and III only.
B. I and III only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: The upper house of parliament is called the House of Councilors in
Jordan.
Statement II: The upper house of parliament is called the States General in the
Netherlands.
Statement III: The upper house of parliament is called the National Council in
Switzerland.
A. I and III only.
B. II and III only.
C. II only.
Statement I: Upper house members in Australia are appointed.
Statement II: In Brazil, upper house members are appointed.
Statement III: In the United States, upper house members are appointed by the
President.
96
B. II only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: The word Senate is derived from the Latin origin senex meaning an
old man.
Statement II: The two chambers of parliament are known as the Chamber of
Deputies and the Federal Council in Austria.
Statement III: In Germany, the Bundesrat is the lower house of parliament.
A. I and II only.
B. II and III only.
C. I only.
Statement I: 42 competitors compete in elections to select representatives into the
lower house.
Statement II: Retired Prime Ministers, Chief Justices, and most senior civil
servants in Britain are nominated to serve in the lower house.
Statement III: The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system reduces the
legislative burden of the lower house.
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
97
C. III only.
Statement I: The densely populated states in a federation have fewer
representatives than the thinly populated ones in the second chamber.
Statement II: Federal balance is achieved through equal representation of each
state in the second chamber.
Statement III: Bicameralism is the most suitable legislative system for federal
states.
A. II only.
B. I and III only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The second chamber is the most convenient place for the formulation
and introduction of controversial and radical legislations.
Statement II: Members of the second chamber are elected on the tickets of political
parties.
Statement III: The second chamber performs judicial functions in some countries
like Britain and the United States.
A. I and III only.
B. II and III only.
98
C. III only.
Statement I: The House of Lords is composed of about 746 peers, 616 of whom
have been appointed for life.
Statement II: The House of Commons has more members than the House of Lords.
Statement III: Hereditary peers in the House of Lords are members of the British
nobility who assume the position by birth.
A. I and III only.
C. II only.
Statement I: The second chamber is not composed of non-elected officers.
Statement II: The second chamber can be easily manipulated by the executive.
Statement III: The second chamber has the power to delay bills from being passed
in haste.
A. III only.
B. I and III only.
C. I only.
99
Statement I: In Britain, a non-money bill can be delayed for a period ranging
between six months and one year.
Statement II: The upper house in Britain is the final court of appeal.
Statement III: The Lord Chancellor is the chairman of the Judicial Committee in
Britain.
B. II and III only.
C. II only.
Statement I: The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not a
convenient place for the formulation and introduction of controversial and radical
legislations.
Statement II: The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system has the power
to delay bills from being passed in haste.
Statement III: The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is a court in
some countries.
A. I only.
B. II and III only.
C. I and II only.
100
Statement I: In a bicameral legislative system, members of the lower house are not
elected on the tickets of political parties.
Statement II: The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not
composed of non-elected officers.
Statement III: An ambitious executive can easily manipulate the two houses to
push its policies through.
B. II only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not used to
bring about federal balance.
Statement II: Representation into the lower chamber in a federal state is not based
on the population size of the component states.
Statement III: Each state in a federal system sends representation of the equal
number of representatives to balance the power in the upper house.
A. III only.
B. I and III only.
C. I and II only.
101
Statement I: The House of Lords is composed of elected members only.
Statement II: The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system can be
influenced by the executive.
Statement III: In a bicameral legislative system, the lower house has more
representatives than the upper house.
A. III only.
B. All Statements are Incorrect.
C. I only.
Statement I: The upper house in a bicameral legislative system is not used to
relieve the lower house of its heavy workload.
Statement II: The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not
composed of politically neutral members.
Statement III: The first chamber in a bicameral legislative system is based on the
population size of the constituencies in the various states.
A. II and III only.
B. III only.
C. I and II only.
102
Statement I: The second reading stage involves making amendments to the bill.
Statement II: The House can examine the bill in detail at the consideration stage.
Statement III: The head of state can veto a bill that has been passed by the
legislature.
A. III only.
B. I only.
C. II and III only.
Statement I: The legislature's primary function is to recruit and socialize members.
Statement II: There are three stages in the legislative process.
Statement III: The clerk reads the title of the bill after it has been read for the
second time.
A. II only.
B. I and II only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The opposition can demand that the presentation of the bill be
discontinued during the second reading.
Statement II: The legislature is responsible for the sound administration of a state.
Statement III: The legislature can overturn the head of state's veto with a
103
two-thirds majority vote.
B. I and III only.
C. I and II only.
Statement I: The legislature's structure can be unicameral, bicameral, or
multicameral.
Statement II: It is common for government bills to be killed in parliament during
the second reading.
Statement III: The legislative process involves 50 stages due to the need for
thorough examination and voting on each clause.
A. II and III only.
B. I and III only.
C. III only.
Statement I: The sponsor introduces the bill during the third reading.
Statement II: The legislature's terms are divided into sittings, meetings, and
sessions.
Statement III: Recesses, adjournments, prorogation, and dissolution are terms used
to describe the legislature's breaks.
104
A. I and II only.
B. II only.
C. II and III only.
True & False (137 Questions)

Q336.The term "legislature" is derived from two Latin words, "lex" or "legis" and "latus" or
"lateris."
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q337.The legislature is responsible for the creation or enactment of laws for the sound
administration of a state.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q338.In some countries, the legislature is not responsible for enacting legislation.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q339.The legislature is the highest law-making body of the state.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q340.The legislature's control over public finance is backed by the principle of "no taxation
105
without representation."
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q341.The legislature's approval of the budget is not necessary before it can be put into use.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q342.The legislature's power to authorize public revenue and expenditure is not crucial.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q343.The legislature has to approve nominations of executive appointments for ministerial
positions before such nominees can assume duty.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q344.The legislature's approval is not necessary for appointments into high national offices
such as judges of the superior courts of judicature.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q345.The legislature cannot investigate the actions and inactions of ministers of state and
heads of government departments.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
106
Q346.The legislature is responsible for the settlement and adjudication of disputes.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q347.The legislature is known by various names in different countries.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q348.In Britain, Question Time takes place in the House of Commons every day except on
Fridays.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q349.According to the text, Question Time usually takes place in the House of Commons in
Britain every day except on Fridays.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q350.The Prime Minister in Britain can be questioned on any day of the week.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q351.In the US, Congressional committees have the power of subpoena to compel witnesses
to appear before them.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
107
Q352.In some state systems, the legislature can remove the executive from office if their
actions are deemed to be against the supreme interest of the public.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q353.In the British Parliamentary system of government, if the budget or any other major
policy of the executive is rejected by Parliament, the entire cabinet is dissolved.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q354.Under the presidential system of government, the legislature can perform super normal
judicial functions in the state when the need arises.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q355.Impeachment proceedings can be initiated against the President or his or her Vice in the
US for any misconduct or wrongdoing.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q356.No American president has ever been removed from office through impeachment.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q357.In the British system, the legislature has the power to remove the Monarch from office
for whatever reasons.
108
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q358.In the United Kingdom, the House of Lords is the highest court of appeal for civil cases
throughout Britain, and for criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q359.In the British system, the mortality rate through road traffic accidents is extremely low.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q360.Members of the legislature can draw the public's attention to certain important issues
through debates and discussions that take place on the floor of the House.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q361.In democratic systems, legislators seldom deliberate on issues of national importance.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q362.The concept of parliamentary supremacy is unique to the British Constitution and style
of administration.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q363.The principle of separation of powers is the basis for the concept of parliamentary
109
supremacy.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q364.Parliament has the absolute power to make and unmake any law in a state.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q365.The legislature can delegate some of its lawmaking powers to other non-legislative
bodies.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q366.An Act of Parliament can be declared ultra vires and hence null and void by the
Supreme Court.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q367.The life of Ghana's legislature is four years.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q368.A sitting is a day's meeting of a legislature for its business.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q369.A number of sittings constitutes a session.
110
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q370.A meeting is a continuous sitting of Parliament for some time during a session.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q371.0 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q372.The life of the British Parliament is five years.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q373.The life of a legislature can be prolonged by the parliament in times of emergencies.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q374.In some countries, the life of a legislature is five, six, or seven years.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q375.Parliament can define the extent or size of the state.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
111
Q376.The legislature has the power to levy taxes on the citizens to generate revenue.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q377.The life of a legislature is the same as the life of the government.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q378.The legislature can interfere with the rights and liberties of citizens.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q379.In the parliamentary system, it is a must for the cabinet to be formed out of parliament.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q380.In the presidential system, it is not unusual for presidents to have once been legislators.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q381.A recess is the same as an adjournment in a legislative context.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q382.The Speaker of Parliament is the highest officer of the legislative body in some
countries.
A. TRUE
112
B. FALSE
Q383.The Speaker of Parliament enjoys the same status as a regular member of Parliament.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q384.The Speaker of Parliament is elected by members of Parliament from outside the house.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q385.The Speaker of Parliament can be removed from office by a resolution of Parliament
supported by the votes of not less than three-fourth of all members of Parliament.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q386.The Speaker of Parliament is responsible for controlling and supervising all debates in
Parliament.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q387.The Speaker of Parliament is responsible for ensuring that debates and voting in the
House are conducted in a fair manner to protect the interest of both the majority and
minority members.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q388.The Speaker of Parliament records the results and signs a certificate to authorize the bill
113
to be sent to the head of state for assent.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q389.The Speaker of Parliament is the channel of communication between the legislature and
the other organs of government, institutions and eminent individuals.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q390.The Speaker of Parliament has the power to perform executive functions as the acting
President, when both the President and his or her Vice-President travel outside the
country or are unable to perform their functions.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q391.Members of Parliament are grouped into majority and minority groups based on their
political ideologies.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q392.Each of the leaders of the majority and minority groups has a deputy leader.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q393.The whips in a legislative body are responsible for making sure that their respective
party members in parliament do not attend meetings or sittings and also vote to support
their party's policies on issues on the floor of the house.
114
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q394.A unicameral
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q395.The adoption of a bicameral legislature is a prerequisite for federal states.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q396.The second chamber in a bicameral legislature represents the interests of the general
public.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q397.The structure of the legislature does not affect the type of state system.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q398.Some unitary states with deep cultural diversities adopt a unicameral legislature.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q399.Britain introduced a second chamber to allow for older and experienced statesmen and
senior citizens to participate in the law-making process.
A. TRUE
115
B. FALSE
Q400.The majority of unitary states in the world have a bicameral legislative system.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q401.The adoption of the unicameral legislature avoids the duplication of functions and
institutions.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q402.The unicameral legislature is more expensive to operate compared to the bicameral
system.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q403.Unicameralism is an essential feature of federation due mostly to the vast expanse of
land and the huge populations.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q404.The unicameral legislature is suitable for unitary states with homogenous cultures.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q405.The passage of hasty and inconsiderate legislations is one of the dangers associated with
the unicameral legislature.
116
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q406.The unicameral legislature discharges the numerous roles assigned to it alone without
support from any other institution.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q407.The adoption of the unicameral legislative system makes room for the appointment of
some senior and experienced citizens.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q408.The bicameral legislative system is more common in democratic states.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q409.The adoption of the unicameral legislative system reduces the likelihood of rivalry and
conflicts.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q410.The unicameral legislature is more common in homogenous cultures.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q411.The unicameral legislature provides a check against hasty legislation.
117
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q412.The system of bicameral legislature cannot be practiced in federal states which have vast
territories and huge populations with heterogeneous cultures.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q413.The lower house of the bicameral legislature is always elected by popular vote.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q414.The upper house in Switzerland is selected through direct and indirect elections.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q415.The upper house in Britain is elected through popular vote.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q416.The upper house serves as an institution that prevents the passage of hasty and
ill-considered legislations.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q417.The word 'Senate' is derived from the Latin origin 'senex' meaning a young man.
A. TRUE
118
B. FALSE
Q418.Members of the upper house are elected through popular elections in France.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q419.The second chamber provides an avenue for old and experienced statesmen to contribute
towards the administration of the state.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q420.The bicameral legislature consists of two houses of assembly in all states.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q421.The members of the upper house in Jordan are elected by popular vote.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q422.The word 'senate' was used to refer to a group of retired elected chief justices and chief
constables who were appointed life members of the Greek Senate.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q423.The lower house is called 'House of Representatives' in every state that practices the
bicameral system.
A. TRUE
119
B. FALSE
Q424.In almost all the countries, the members of the upper house are selected through
elections.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q425.The upper house members in Canada are appointed.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q426.The second chamber provides a more thorough scrutiny to remove radical issues that
may endanger the rights of the people.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q427.The second chamber in a bicameral legislature is known as the 'Chamber of Deputies.'
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q428.The upper house members in the United States of America inherit the office.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q429.The word 'senate' is derived from the Latin origin 'senatus' meaning a wise man.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
120
Q430.In a bicameral legislature, the upper house has more powers than the lower house.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q431.Bicameral legislative system provides fair and adequate representation to all categories
of people including the minorities in a federation.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q432.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not suitable for formulating and
introducing controversial and radical legislations.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q433.In Britain, retired Prime Ministers, Chief Justices and most senior civil servants are
nominated to serve in the lower house of Parliament.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q434.The existence of a second chamber in a bicameral legislative system increases the
legislative burden of the lower house.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q435.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system performs judicial functions in
some countries, such as Britain and the United States of America.
121
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q436.The hereditary peers in the House of Lords are members of the British nobility who
assume the position by election.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q437.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is easier to manipulate than the
lower house by the executive.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q438.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system has the power to delay bills from
being passed in haste.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q439.The number of representatives each component state sends into the upper house is based
on the population size of the component states in a federal state.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q440.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system widens the base for political
participation.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
122
Q441.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not suitable for passing money
bills.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q442.The number of representatives each component state sends into the lower house is based
on the population size of the component states in a federal state.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q443.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not suitable for legislating on
national issues.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q444.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not suitable for serving as a
final court of appeal.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q445.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not suitable for introducing
controversial and radical legislations.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q446.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not suitable for checking the
power of the executive.
123
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q447.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not suitable for bringing about
federal balance in a federation.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q448.The second chamber in a bicameral legislative system is not suitable for introducing bills
that are of national importance.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q449.The bicameral legislative system is very expensive to operate due to the need for
separate parliament houses and legislators for each chamber.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q450.The mode of recruiting members into the upper house is democratic in all states.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q451.Bicameralism is a mere duplication of institutions and functions, leading to a waste of
resources.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
124
Q452.The bicameral legislature is characterized by a healthy relationship and cooperation
between the two chambers.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q453.Members of the second chamber are always elected by the people through popular
elections.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q454.The first stage of the process of making laws in parliament is the introductory stage or
the first reading.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q455.The Speaker calls on the sponsor of the bill to present it at the clerk's table during the
first reading.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q456.The second stage of the process of making laws in parliament is the committee stage.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q457.The reporting stage involves the select committee reporting back to the whole house,
presenting its recommendations and amendments to the bill.
125
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q458.The process of making laws in parliament involves the initiation of bills, which emanate
from the cabinet.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q459.The first reading of a bill in parliament involves a thorough examination and voting on
each clause, leading to 50 stages.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q460.The second reading of a bill is where the aims and principles of the bill are discussed
and debated.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q461.Amendments can be made to a bill during the second reading.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q462.If the opposition's will prevails during the second reading, the bill is killed.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q463.The consideration stage is where the House examines the bill in detail, clause by clause.
126
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q464.The third reading is where the bill and all amendments made to the original document
are read in the House.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q465.After the third reading, the bill is ready to be submitted to the upper house in the case of
most two-chamber parliaments.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q466.The head of state has the power to veto a bill passed by the legislature.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q467.The head of state can veto a bill either in part or in whole.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q468.If the head of state vetoes a bill, the sponsor can introduce the bill in a modified form
again.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q469.The legislature is responsible for oversight of executive activities.
127
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q470.The term of the legislature is divided into sittings, meetings, session, recesses,
adjournments, prorogation, and dissolution.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q471.There are unicameral, bicameral, and multicameral legislative systems.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Q472.The legislature performs the judicial role, representative function, deliberative function,
educational function, and recruitment and socialization role.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
Descriptive (98 Questions)

Q473.What is the definition of governance and what are the three main processes involved in
it?
Ans: Governance refers to the maintenance of law and order in a state, and it involves three
main processes: law-making or legislation, law implementation, execution or
application, and settlement and adjudication of disputes.
Q474.What are the three separate staff of individuals or institutions that perform the three
main processes of governance?
Ans: The three institutions that constitute the organs of government and perform the three
128
main processes of governance are the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Q475.What does the term legislature mean and where does it originate from?
Ans: The term legislature is derived from two Latin words, lex or legis, meaning law, and
latus or lateris, also meaning side or latio referring to bringing or proposing. The word
legislature thus means the law-making side or organ of government.
Q476.What is the role of the legislature in government, and how did it evolve over time?
Ans: The legislature is the organ of government responsible for the creation or enactment of
laws for the sound administration of a state. It evolved from the assemblies called by
medieval monarchs to agree to royal actions such as the decision to levy taxes or wage
war, which later became elected by citizens of the state to acquire legitimacy as the bona
fide representatives of the people in government.
Q477.What are the different names for the legislature in various countries, and what do they
mean?
Ans: The legislature is known by various names in different countries, including Parliament,
Congress, National Assembly, Diet, Storting, Sejm, Cortes, Knesset, Bundestag, and
States-General. These names are derived from different languages, and they generally
mean law-making or speaking organ of government.
Q478.What is the primary and most important role of the legislature in all countries?
Ans: The primary and most important role of the legislature in all countries is law-making or
legislation, as it is the highest law-making body of the state and the only organ that has
the power to amend or repeal existing laws.
Q479.What is the principle of 'no taxation without representation', and what is its significance
in the context of the legislature's control of public finance?
129
Ans: The principle of 'no taxation without representation' means that the people cannot be
taxed to generate revenue or income for the state without the authorization of their
representatives in government, which is the Parliament. This principle is crucial as it
prevents the executive from abusing the public purse and is the basis for the legislature's
power to authorize all proposed policies by the government to raise revenue and how to
spend it.
Q480.How does the legislature exercise oversight responsibility on the activities of the
executive organ of government?
Ans: The legislature exercises oversight responsibility on the activities of the executive organ
of government in various ways, including approving nominations of executive
appointments for ministerial positions, approving appointments into high national
offices, approving foreign loans and other transactions, and investigating the actions and
inactions of ministers and heads of government departments, commissions, and
agencies.
Q481.What is the procedure for approving nominations of executive appointments for
ministerial positions by the legislature?
Ans: The legislature has to approve nominations of executive appointments for ministerial
positions before such nominees can assume duty. The appointees are referred to as
ministers designate until their appointments have been approved by parliament, after
which they become substantive ministers and perform their roles.
Q482.What is the role of the legislature in approving appointments into high national offices?
Ans: In some jurisdictions, appointments into high national offices such as judges of the
superior courts of judicature require approval of the legislature. Parliament reserves the
right to disapprove of such nominations, as is the case in the United States, where the
130
Senate has the mandate to approve the president's appointees into positions such as
ambassadors, judges, bureaucratic and certain military heads.
Q483.What is Question Time and when does it usually take place in the House of Commons in
Britain?
Ans: Question Time is a period in the House of Commons in Britain when every member of
the House has the right to question a minister. It usually takes place every day except on
Fridays.
Q484.Question Time is a period in the House of Commons in Britain when every member of
the House has the right to question a minister. It usually takes place every day except on
Fridays.
Ans: The Prime Minister can be put through questions only on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the
House of Commons in Britain.
Q485.When can the Prime Minister be put through questions in Britain?
Ans: The Congressional committees in the US have the power of subpoena, by which they
can compel witnesses to appear before them to provide information. They most often
cross-examine heads of federal agencies.
Q486.What power do the Congressional committees have in the US?
Ans: In some state systems, particularly the cabinet executive type, the legislature is given the
mandate to censure or express its disapproval of actions or policies taken by the
executive which are deemed to be against the supreme interest of the public. This can
even cause for its removal from office over that.
Q487.What is the role of the legislature in some state systems, particularly the cabinet
executive type?
131
Ans: The legislature under the presidential system of government performs super normal
judicial functions in the state when the need arises. As the representatives of all the
citizens of the state, the body is mandated by the constitution to constitute itself as the
highest court of the land to try the chief executive, that is, the President, or his or her
Vice and the Chief Justice in impeachment proceedings.
Q488.What is the role of the legislature under the presidential system of government in
impeachment proceedings?
Ans: The process of impeachment in the US involves the drawing up and passing of the list of
charges in the House, which is then read before the entire house after which the
representatives vote. If the majority of the MPs support the list of charges, the official
will then be formally accused or impeached and put on trial. The trial on the
impeachment charges takes place in the upper house, the Senate.
Q489.What is the process of impeachment in the US?
Ans: In the British system, the legislature has no power to remove the Monarch from office
for whatever reasons. The British legislature has no power to remove the Monarch from
office for whatever reasons. In the monarchical system, the incumbent rules for life.
Q490.What is the role of the legislature in the British system regarding the removal of the head
of state from office?
Ans: The House of Lords in the United Kingdom serves as the highest court of appeal for
civil cases throughout Britain, and for criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland. It should be noted that it is only the Law Lords of the House of Lords who sit
and hear such appeals.
Q491.What is the role of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom?
132
Ans: The Representative Function of the legislature is to represent the opinions and interests
of the citizenry and serves as the intermediary between the governed and the
government, expressing the grievances of the people to seek the attention of those in
government and explaining government policies and programmes to their constituents or
the people whom they represent.
Q492.What is the Representative Function of the legislature?
Ans: The Deliberative Function of the legislature is to deliberate on issues of national
importance, and take decisions on them in the interest of the state.
Q493.What is the Deliberative Function of the legislature?
Ans: The Educational Function of the legislature is to draw the public's attention to certain
important issues through the debates and discussions that take place on the floor of the
House, members of the legislature can criticize policies and programmes of the
government so that certain unpopular issues are not swept under the carpet.
Q494.What are the opportunities provided by the assembly for its members to interact and
exchange ideas?
Ans: The assembly provides opportunities for its members to interact and exchange ideas with
their colleagues from different parts of the country, with varied social backgrounds and
from other political parties. Members also exchange ideas through debates and tolerate
dissenting views from colleagues. At committee sittings, legislators receive memoranda
from the public and meet experts on issues before parliament for consideration.
Q495.What is the significance of parliament as an institution for individual members in
forming opinions, attitudes and beliefs about the workings of government?
Ans: Parliament as an institution provides a fertile ground for individual members to form
133
opinions, attitudes and beliefs about the workings of government, which serve as the
basis for recruiting national leaders.
Q496.What is the requirement for cabinet formation in the parliamentary system and how is it
different in the presidential system?
Ans: In the parliamentary system, it is a must for the cabinet to be formed out of parliament.
In contrast, in the presidential system, it is not unusual for presidents to have once been
legislators.
Q497.What is the concept of parliamentary supremacy and how does it manifest itself in
law-making in a state?
Ans: The concept of parliamentary supremacy refers to the overriding or exclusive powers of
the legislature in the process of law-making in a state. It implies that parliament is the
sole recognized institution that has the authority to make, unmake and amend laws in a
state, and its authority takes precedence over any other institution in a state. The
legislature is vested with the power to make and unmake any law in the state, and its
laws are over and above any other law within the state.
Q498.How is the concept of parliamentary supremacy unique to the British Constitution and
style of administration?
Ans: The concept of parliamentary supremacy is peculiar to the British Constitution and style
of administration as there is no written constitution to define the limits of the power of
Parliament. The concept is based on the principle of separation of powers which vests
the whole power of law-making in parliament to the exclusion of any other organ of
government.
Q499.What are the features of parliamentary supremacy in terms of law-making power?
134
Ans: The features of parliamentary supremacy include the exclusive right of parliament to
pass any law in a state without limitation, the power to repeal and amend existing law,
the power to pass retrospective law to legalize past illegalities, and the power to delegate
some of its lawmaking powers to other non-legislative bodies such as the executive and
public corporations to make laws.
Q500.What is the role of the judiciary in relation to the concept of parliamentary supremacy?
Ans: Under the concept of parliamentary supremacy, no Supreme Court can declare an Act of
Parliament ultra vires and hence null and void, and no judicial body can question the
validity of an Act of Parliament.
Q501.How can the legislature interfere with or encroach upon the rights and liberties of
citizens?
Ans: The legislature can interfere with or encroach upon the rights and liberties of citizens by
passing an Act to restrain the activities of citizens and to limit their freedoms during a
state of emergency, or by enacting an Act to force citizens to join the national army
during wars.
Q502.What is the concept of the life of a legislature?
Ans: The life of a legislature refers to the number of years within which members of the
legislature can hold seats or office. This varies from one country to another.
Q503.What is a recess in a legislature and what are the occasions when a recess is called?
Ans: A recess in a legislature is a period of vacation or holidays. It is called in between
meetings and at the end of every session.
Q504.What does adjournment mean in the context of a legislature and what happens when a
day's proceedings are brought to an end?
135
Ans: Adjournment in a legislature marks the end of a day's proceedings or business. When a
day's proceedings are brought to an end, sitting is adjourned till the next sitting, which
can be the following day.
Q505.What is prorogation in a legislature and what are its effects on the legislative process?
Ans: Prorogation in a legislature is the act of closing a session in anticipation of the beginning
of another session within the lifetime of the law-making body. It results in the
suspension of the power of the legislature to conduct business, and all matters pending
before it are quashed during the period of prorogation.
Q506.What is dissolution of parliament and what happens to the members of parliament when
it is dissolved?
Ans: Dissolution is the formal ending or termination of the life of a legislature. When a
parliament is dissolved, all members of parliament lose their mandates, titles, and seats.
Q507.Who is the highest officer of a legislative body and what is their role in leading the
legislative process?
Ans: The highest officer of a legislative body is called the Speaker of Parliament or the
presiding member of the upper house. They are responsible for steering the affairs of the
legislative body, presiding over all meetings, controlling and supervising debates,
ensuring fairness in the conduct of debates and voting, serving as the channel of
communication between the legislature and other organs of government, and ensuring
the formation of appropriate committees.
Q508.What are the qualifications and disqualifications for the Speaker of Parliament in some
countries?
Ans: The Speaker of Parliament must be a citizen of the state, must possess the same
136
qualifications as a Member of Parliament, cannot be a civil servant, minister or deputy
minister at the time of his or her appointment, and cannot be a minister, deputy minister,
or resign from office during their tenure.
Q509.How is the Speaker of Parliament elected and what is the status and salary of the
Speaker?
Ans: The Speaker of Parliament is elected by members of parliament either from among
themselves or outside. They enjoy the same status as a minister of state, and their salary,
allowances, and other payments due to them on retirement are charged on the national
consolidated fund. Such payments shall not be revised to their disadvantage during their
tenure of office.
Q510.What are the functions of the Deputy Speakers of Parliament and when does the position
of the Speaker become vacant?
Ans: The Speaker performs their functions with the help of a number of Deputy Speakers,
such as the First and Second Deputy Speakers of Parliament. The position of the Speaker
becomes vacant when the person appointed for the post becomes a minister, deputy
minister, or resigns from office. The Speaker can also be removed from office by a
resolution of parliament supported by the votes of not less than three-fourths of all
members of Parliament.
Q511.How are members of the legislature organized and what are the roles of majority and
minority leaders?
Ans: Members of the legislature are grouped into majority and minority groups, each of
which appoint or select their respective leaders, the majority leader and the minority
leaders. Each of the leaders has a deputy leader, and they are all elected by the caucuses
of members of their respective parties. The whips are members of Parliament selected by
137
their parties to keep discipline in the house, ensuring that their respective
Q512.What is the unicameral legislature and how is it different from a bicameral legislature?
Ans: A unicameral legislature is a legislature with only one chamber, while a bicameral
legislature is a legislature with two chambers, an upper chamber and a lower chamber.
The type of legislature that states adopt depends on the type of state system, whether
federal or unitary.
Q513.Why is the adoption of a bicameral legislature a prerequisite for federal states?
Ans: The adoption of a bicameral legislature is a prerequisite for federal states because the
second chamber gives political and legal equality to all component states that form the
federation, irrespective of their population size.
Q514.Which unitary states with deep cultural diversities adopt the bicameral legislature?
Ans: Some unitary states with deep cultural diversities, such as Liberia, adopt the bicameral
legislature.
Q515.What are the reasons why some countries adopt a unicameral legislative system?
Ans: The adoption of unicameral legislature avoids the duplication of functions and
institutions, is less expensive to operate as it saves human, material, and financial
resources, allows for speedy passage of bills, reduces the likelihood of rivalry and
conflicts between legislators, has a more democratic method of recruiting members, and
is suitable for unitary states with homogenous cultures.
Q516.What is one of the advantages of a unicameral legislative system?
Ans: One of the advantages of a unicameral legislative system is that it avoids duplication of
functions and institutions, which can lead to a more efficient legislative process.
138
Q517.How does a unicameral legislative system differ in cost compared to a bicameral
system?
Ans: A unicameral legislative system is less expensive to operate compared to a bicameral
system, as it requires only one chamber and fewer resources for accommodation and
personnel.
Q518.How does the unicameral system allow for speedy passage of bills?
Ans: The unicameral system allows for speedy passage of bills as there is no second chamber
to revise bills after their passage, reducing delays in the legislative process.
Q519.What are the potential issues with rivalry and conflicts in a bicameral system?
Ans: In a bicameral system, rivalry, disagreements, and conflicts between both houses can
have the potential to stall the legislative process, which can negatively impact national
development.
Q520.How are members recruited into a single-chamber legislative body in most countries?
Ans: In most countries with a unicameral legislative system, members are elected into the
House through popularly contested elections on the basis of universal adult suffrage,
ensuring a more democratic method of recruitment.
Q521.Why is a unicameral system suitable for unitary states with homogenous cultures?
Ans: A unicameral system is suitable for unitary states with homogenous cultures due to their
relatively small geographical and population sizes, in contrast to federations with vast
expanse and diverse populations.
Q522.What is one of the potential dangers associated with a unicameral legislative system?
Ans: One potential danger associated with a unicameral legislative system is the tendency for
139
the legislature to pass hasty and inconsiderate legislations, as there is no other
law-making body to review the laws made by the single-chamber parliament.
Q523.How does a unicameral legislature affect the legislative burden on one institution?
Ans: In a unicameral legislative system, the one-house parliament tends to be saddled with a
heavy burden, as it is the only legislative body in the state, discharging numerous roles
without support from any other institution.
Q524.Why does the unicameral system leave no room for experienced statesmen?
Ans: The unicameral system leaves no room for the appointment of some senior and
experienced citizens, who may not wish to or be able to contest popular elections,
reducing the opportunity for their contributions to the legislative process.
Q525.What was the result of the majority NDC-dominated parliament's decision to approve
the purchase of a presidential jet in Ghana during a time of economic crisis?
Ans: The majority decision prevailed, and the bill was approved, showing how the unicameral
system can result in legislations that may favor the interest of the majority members over
the minority members.
Q526.How has the number of countries adopting a unicameral legislative system compared to
those with other alternatives?
Ans: The number of states that have adopted unicameral legislative systems far outnumbers
those that have other alternative systems, indicating its popularity and wide adoption
across the world.
Q527.What are the limitations of the parliamentary system in federal states?
Ans: The parliamentary system cannot be practiced in federal states which have vast
territories and huge populations with heterogeneous cultures. This is because federal
140
states have a major feature of having a bicameral legislature, where the law-making
body of a state consists of two houses of assembly: a lower house and an upper house.
Q528.What is a bicameral legislature?
Ans: A bicameral legislature is a law-making body of a state that consists of two chambers,
where the members of the lower house are almost always popularly elected and the
members of the upper house may be elected, appointed, or inherit their office.
Q529.What is the difference between the lower house and the upper house?
Ans: The lower house in a bicameral legislature is called by different names in different
states, such as the Chamber of Deputies, Chamber of Representatives, House of
Commons, House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Legislative Assembly, or
National Assembly. The upper house is commonly called the Senate and its members are
often appointed, inherited, or nominated.
Q530.What are the different names for the lower and upper houses in different states?
Ans: The lower house is known as the Federal Assembly in Austria, the National People's
Assembly in Burma, the Chamber of Deputies in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Czech
Republic, and Italy, and the House of Nationalities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The upper
house is commonly called the Senate in many states. However, in Britain, the upper
house is called the House of Lords, and in Japan, it is called the House of Councillors. In
France, the upper house is called the States General and the National Congress in
Mexico. In Switzerland, the upper house is called the Council of States and in Jordan, it
is called the House of Notables. In Canada, the upper house is called the Senate and in
India, it is called the Rajya Sabha.
Q531.What are the different ways of selecting members into both houses of parliament?
141
Ans: The mode of selecting members into both houses of parliament can be elective,
non-elective, or a combination of both methods. Members of the upper house may be
elected through popular elections in Australia, Brazil, Japan, Nigeria, India, Liberia,
Nigeria, and the United States of America. In other places, they may be appointed or
inherit the office, as in the case of Britain, where the majority of the Lords inherit the
office. The upper house members in Switzerland are selected through direct and indirect
elections, while in Jordan and Canada, they are appointed. Upper house members are
nominated in Canada and Italy, indirectly elected in France, partly nominated and partly
or indirectly elected in India.
Q532.What are the reasons for the adoption of the bicameral legislative system?
Ans: The bicameral legislative system has been maintained by many states for various
reasons, despite the overwhelming adoption of its alternative, the unicameral system,
and the shift from bicameral to unicameral by a number of states in recent times. The
continuous preference for the system by states is due to its merits, such as the revision of
bills and tapping the resources of non-partisan experienced people.
Q533.How does the second chamber serve as an institution to prevent the passage of hasty and
ill-considered legislations?
Ans: The second chamber serves as an institution that prevents the passage of hasty and
ill-considered legislations by revising, checking, and delaying bills passed by the first
chamber. This ensures that all bills are subject to a more thorough scrutiny to remove
radical issues that may endanger the rights of the people.
Q534.How does the second chamber ensure that the rights of the people are not endangered by
the passage of inimical and radical laws?
Ans: The second chamber ensures that the rights of the people are not endangered by the
142
passage of inimical and radical laws by carefully revising bills before their adoption,
thereby preventing the passage of unreasoning emotion that sometimes characterizes
certain bills passed by a single chamber legislature.
Q535.What are the advantages of having a second chamber that provides an avenue for old and
experienced statesmen to contribute towards the administration of the state?
Ans: The second chamber makes it convenient and possible for the country to benefit from or
tap the rich experiences, expertise, maturity, and superior knowledge of elderly and
retired public and administrators; politicians in many diverse ways. The second chamber
ensures that the state can benefit from the knowledge of non-partisan experienced
people, who may not be able to enter the lower house through competitive elections due
to their advanced ages and weak financial conditions.
Q536.How does the second chamber ensure that the administration of the state benefits from
the rich experiences, expertise, maturity, and superior knowledge of elderly and retired
public and administrators?
Ans: The second chamber provides an avenue for old and experienced statesmen to contribute
towards the administration of the state by tapping their rich experiences, expertise,
maturity, and superior knowledge. This ensures that the country benefits from their
diverse knowledge, which is often necessary for the effective administration of the state.
Q537.How does the second chamber ensure the participation of non-partisan and experienced
people in the administration of the state?
Ans: The second chamber ensures the participation of non-partisan and experienced people in
the administration of the state by providing an avenue for them to contribute their rich
experiences, expertise, maturity, and superior knowledge. Some of these persons may
not be able to enter the lower house through the competitive elections due to their
143
advanced ages and weak financial conditions.
Q538.Why is it important for the administration of the state to benefit from the knowledge of
non-partisan experienced people?
Ans: It is important for the administration of the state to benefit from the knowledge of
non-partisan experienced people because they bring a unique perspective and expertise
that can be invaluable to the effective administration of the state. These individuals, with
their rich experiences, expertise, maturity, and superior knowledge, can help the state to
make informed decisions, thereby promoting the interest of the state and the citizens.
Additionally, the integration of such perspectives into the decision-making process can
help to ensure a more effective and efficient administration of the state. Sources:
Appadorai, A. (2004) The Substance of Politics. Oxford University Press. Crowder, M.,
Fraser, D. and Wilson, W. R. (1971) West African Responses to Colonialism. C. Hurst.
Heywood, A. (2007) Politics. Palgrave Macmillan. Hague, R. and Harrop, M. (2010)
Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction. Palgrave Macmillan.
Willoughby, W. F. (1941) The Constitutional Law of the United States. Baldwin.
Roskin, M. G., Cord, R. L., Medeiros, J. A., and Jones, W. S. (1991) Political Science:
An Introduction. Prentice Hall.
Q539.What is the significance of the existence of a second chamber in a legislative system?
Ans: The existence of a second chamber, or upper house, in a legislative system serves as a
supplement to the work of the lower house. It relieves the lower house of its heavy
workload and also supplements its activities, allowing the lower house to do its work
more efficiently.
Q540.How does the bicameral legislative system protect the interests of minorities in a
federation?
144
Ans: The bicameral legislative system gives fair and adequate representation to all categories
of people, including minorities, especially in multi-ethnic or multi-racial federal states.
Each component state, regardless of their geographical and population sizes, selects an
equal number of representatives to serve on the second chamber, ensuring federal
balance or federal equilibrium. This system ensures that the interests of the minorities
are well catered for.
Q541.What is the relationship between bicameralism and federalism?
Ans: Bicameralism is a suitable legislative system for federal states. It constitutes a major
feature of a federal system, with every federal constitution providing for the existence of
a second chamber to bring about federal balance. Representation in the second chamber
is based on equal representation from each component state, regardless of population
size.
Q542.Describe a platform for controversial legislation.
Ans: The second chamber is the most convenient place for the formulation and introduction of
controversial and radical legislations which may be of national importance. Members of
the second chamber, being appointed and not elected, tend to deliberate on issues which
are national rather than partisan and are therefore more likely to pass such controversial
bills.
Q543.What is the quasi-judicial function of the second chamber in some countries?
Ans: In some countries, the second chamber performs judicial functions. For example, in
Britain, the House of Lords serves as the final court of appeal, while the Senate in the
United States of America tries all impeachment cases.
Q544.How does the bicameral system encourage broader political participation?
145
Ans: The bicameral system widens the base for political participation as more people are
either elected, nominated, appointed, or succeed others in the second chamber to
participate in the law-making process in the state alongside those selected into the lower
house.
Q545.How does the second chamber check the power of the executive?
Ans: The second chamber can effectively check the power of the executive by exposing the
shady deals of government, making it difficult for an ambitious executive to manipulate
the two houses to push its policies through.
Q546.What is the effect of the power of delay in the second chamber?
Ans: The second chamber has the power to delay bills from being passed in haste, creating an
ample opportunity for the public to make comments on it before it is finally adopted.
This allows more people to participate in the law-making process and helps ensure that
legislation is carefully considered.
Q547.How are representatives nominated to serve in the upper house in Britain?
Ans: In Britain, retired Prime Ministers, Chief Justices, and most senior civil servants are
nominated to serve in the Upper House of Parliament.
Q548.How does representation in the lower house differ from representation in the upper
house in a federal state?
Ans: Representation in the lower house in a federal state is based on the population size of the
component states, so some states will have more representatives than others. In contrast,
representation in the second chamber is based on equal representation from each
component state, regardless of population size.
Q549.Describe the composition of the House of Lords in the British legislative system.
146
Ans: The House of Lords is composed of about 746 peers, including appointed peers,
hereditary peers, Bishops and Archbishops, and Law Lords. This compares with the 645
people who were elected into the House of Commons in May 6, 2005 elections.
Q550.How does the second chamber provide a different range of interests to be represented
and articulated?
Ans: The huge number of people appointed to serve in the House of Lords gives enough room
to non-elected officers to serve in the legislature, allowing for a different range of
interests to be represented and articulated compared to the lower house which is
composed of elected representatives.
Q551.What are the problems associated with the bicameral legislative system, as mentioned in
the text?
Ans: The problems associated with the bicameral legislative system, as mentioned in the text,
include its expense, undemocratic mode of recruitment, duplication of functions,
unhealthy relationship between the two chambers, insensitivity to the needs of the
people, and delay in legislative processes.
Q552.How is the bicameral legislative system described as expensive to operate, as mentioned
in the text?
Ans: The bicameral legislative system is described as expensive to operate in the text because
it requires separate parliament houses equipped with relevant facilities for each of the
two bodies, as well as separate sets of legislators who are all paid emoluments by the
state. The cost involved in administering the second chamber is also mentioned as a
contributing factor to this expense.
Q553.In what way is the mode of recruiting members into the upper house in some states
criticized as undemocratic, as mentioned in the text?
147
Ans: The mode of recruiting members into the upper house in some states is criticized as
undemocratic in the text because, while members in the lower house or single chambers
are selected through popular elections almost everywhere, some members of the upper
house inherit their office or are appointed, as in the case of Britain, or are partly
indirectly elected and nominated, as in India.
Q554.How is bicameralism described as a mere duplication of institutions and functions in the
text?
Ans: In the text, bicameralism is described as a mere duplication of institutions and functions
because a single-chamber parliament operates successfully in most unitary states, and
the existence of a second chamber only duplicates the work of the first chamber, leading
to a mere waste of resources.
Q555.How is the bicameral legislature described as a recipe for institutional conflicts in the
text?
Ans: The bicameral legislature is described as a recipe for institutional conflicts in the text
because the relationship between the two chambers is sometimes characterized by
rivalry and deadlock, which can slow down legislative processes and retard national
progress.
Q556.How is the second chamber perceived to be insensitive to the needs of the people in the
text?
Ans: The second chamber is perceived to be insensitive to the needs of the people in the text
because some members are not selected by the people and may not be responsible to
serve their interests. An example is given of a policy in Ghana that some people have
argued should be scrapped, but no elected legislator can gather the courage to move a
motion or to vote to support such a policy for fear of becoming unpopular in the sight of
148
the electorate.
Q557.How does the second chamber system contribute to delays in the legislative process in
the text?
Ans: The second chamber system contributes to delays in the legislative process in the text
because both houses have to consider a bill before it is passed, which can be handled by
a single house.
Q558.What is the process of law-making in parliament, as described in the text?
Ans: The process of law-making in parliament, as described in the text, involves the initiation
of bills, which pass through various stages after being given assent by the head of state.
Bills are introduced in the House when they are first registered with the clerk, then
referred to the appropriate committee. The committee considers the bill, examines it,
suggests amendments, and prepares a report which is submitted to the House. The House
then discusses the bill and debates the amendments proposed by the committee.
Q559.How are bills introduced in the House, as described in the text?
Ans: In the text, bills are introduced in the House when they are first registered with the clerk
and then referred to the appropriate committee. Bills can be introduced either on motion
or on a written notice. With regards to the former, the sponsor of the bill seeks
permission to introduce the bill and then makes a statement to explain and defend its
contents. Debate over the motion ensues and the House votes either to grant the
permission or withhold it. Most bills are now introduced on notice, which involves the
Speaker calling on the sponsor to present the bill at the clerk's table, after which the
clerk reads out the title of the bill. After this process, the bill is said to have been read for
the first time.
Q560.What is the committee stage in the process of law-making in parliament, as described in
149
the text?
Ans: The committee stage is the next stage after the first reading of a bill in the process of
law-making in parliament, as described in the text. The bill is given to the appropriate
committee for consideration, and very important bills and bills which are controversial
such as financial bills are referred to the Committee of the whole, while
non-controversial ones are referred to select or standing committees. The bill is closely
scrutinized by the committee, which makes relevant consultations including invitation of
relevant bodies and individuals, and examines memoranda submitted to it by the public.
The committee examines every clause and suggests amendments to be made where
necessary, after which it prepares and submits its reports to the House through its
chairman.
Q561.What is the reporting stage in the process of law-making in parliament, as described in
the text?
Ans: The reporting stage is the stage at which the select committee reports back to the whole
house, presenting its recommendations and amendments to the bill in the process of
law-making in parliament, as described in the text. At this stage, the House discusses the
bill as reported or presented to them by the committee. The amendments proposed by the
committee are debated and alternative suggestions made. The bill is read
clause-by-clause, paragraph-by-paragraph and sentence-by-sentence, and the report of
the committee on each clause is examined in detail including any proposed amendments
suggested by the committee. Members of the House may also propose their own
amendments.
Q562.How does the practice of private member bills losing its relevance in recent times in the
law-making process in parliament, as described in the text?
150
Ans: The practice of private member bills is described in the text as fast losing its relevance in
recent times. The common practice is that most bills are promoted by cabinet. Before a
bill is brought before parliament, it must be agreed upon in principle by the government.
After approval of the bill has been given by cabinet, it is drafted by a team of experts,
mainly legal experts. The draft document which spells out the details of the bill
undergoes the usual procedure of first reading, second reading, and third reading.
Q563.What is the purpose of the second reading stage in the legislative process and what are
the limitations on debate and amendments during this stage?
Ans: The second reading stage is the next step in the legislative process after the first reading.
During this stage, the sponsor of the bill explains and defends it by giving a speech.
Attacks and criticisms may come from the opposition who may even demand that the
presentation of the bill should be discontinued. If the opposition's will prevails, then the
bill dies at this stage. Very few comments are allowed to be made, but they should be
confined to the aims and principles of the bill. Amendments cannot be made to the bill at
this stage. After the debate, a vote is taken to accept or reject the bill. If the motion is
agreed to, the Clerk reads the title of the bill and it is then deemed to have been read for
the second time.
Q564.What is the Consideration Stage and what happens during this stage in the legislative
process?
Ans: The Consideration Stage is the stage in the legislative process where the House
examines the bill in detail, clause by clause, making sure that every part of the bill
comes out for acceptance or rejection.
Q565.What is the Third Reading in the legislative process and what happens during this stage?
Ans: The Third Reading is the stage in the legislative process where the bill and all
151
amendments made to the original document is read in the House. After this, the bill is
put to vote. It is most unlikely for bills to be rejected after the third reading. From this
stage, the bill is ready to be submitted to the upper house in the case of most
two-chamber parliaments. However, with the unicameral system, the bill is expected to
be presented for assent.
Q566.What is the Assent Stage in the legislative process and what happens during this stage?
Ans: The Assent Stage is the last stage in the life of a bill. During this stage, the head of state
or the president assents or appends his or her signature to the bill, if he or she is satisfied
with it. The head of state reserves the right to veto a bill either in part or in whole. If the
head of state vetoes a bill, the measure can be overturned by a two-thirds majority vote
of members of the legislature. Should the measure fail to gain this required super
majority votes, the sponsor may have to initiate the law-making process all over again
by introducing the bill in a modified form. A bill becomes a law, a statute or an Act after
it has received the assent from the head of state.
Q567.What is the role of the legislature in the enactment of laws in a state?
Ans: The legislature is the organ of government that is responsible for the enactment of laws
for the sound administration of a state. They perform various functions such as
legislation, oversight responsibility of the executive activities, judicial role,
representative function, deliberative function, educational function and recruitment and
socialization role.
Q568.What are the different types of legislative structures that exist in different states?
Ans: The different types of legislative structures that exist in different states include
one-chamber parliaments also called unicameralism, a two-chamber legislature, also
called bicameralism, and multicameralism and tricameralism.
152
Q569.What are the different terms used to describe the various stages of the legislative
process?
Ans: The different terms used to describe the various stages of the legislative process include
sittings, meetings, sessions, recesses, adjournments, prorogation, and dissolution.
Q570.What is the role of the head of state in the legislative process of a state?
Ans: The head of state has the power to veto a bill passed by the legislature, this is not a
universal practice. The head of state also has the power to assent or append his or her
signature to the bill, if he or she is satisfied with it. The head of state reserves the right to
veto a bill either in part or in whole. If the head of state vetoes a bill, the measure can be
overturned by a two-thirds majority vote of members of the legislature. Should the
measure fail to gain this required super majority votes, the sponsor may have to initiate
the law-making process all over again by introducing the bill in a modified form. A bill
becomes a law, a statute or an Act after it has received the assent from the head of state.
Fillups (53 Questions)

Q571.The legislature, as the highest law-making body of the state, enacts laws that affect
_______ individuals in the state
A. Some
B. A section of
C. Every
D. Only a few
Q572.The principle of 'no taxation without _______' is important in the legislature's control of
the public purse
A. Parliament
153
B. Authorization
C. Representation
D. Consent
Q573.The legislature, in exercising its supervisory role over the executive, summons ministers
and departmental heads to appear before it and give further explanations for their
_______ and transactions
A. Actions
B. Decisions
C. Inactions
D. Policy
Q574.The organ or branch of government responsible for the _______ of laws is referred to as
the legislature
A. Enactment
B. Interpretation
C. Implementation
D. Scrutiny
Q575.During the life of a legislature, its life span can be prolonged in times of emergencies,
when elections cannot be held to replace a legislature whose life is drawing to an end. In
Britain, the life of the Parliament was extended from three to seven years under the
__________ Act of 1715
A. Septerian
B. Quadrennial
C. Triennial
154
D. Biennial
Q576.In the parliamentary system, it is a must for the __________ to be formed out of
parliament
A. Senate
B. Judiciary
C. Cabinet
D. House of Lords
Q577.The concept of parliamentary supremacy is based on the principle of __________
B. Checks and balances
C. Federalism
D. Unitary system
Q578.The legislature is vested with the power to pass __________ laws to legalize past
illegalities
A. Delegated
B. Retrospective
C. Indemnity
D. Ultra vires
Q579.In the context of parliamentary supremacy, there is no legal limitation to the authority of
__________
A. The executive
B. The judiciary
155
C. The legislature
D. The cabinet
Q580.When a state of emergency is declared in a state, the legislature can pass an Act to
restrain the activities of citizens and to limit their __________
A. Freedoms
B. Responsibilities
C. Rights
D. Powers
Q581.The power of parliament is absolute and without any __________
A. Limitations
B. Checks
C. Balances
D. Controls
Q582.Parliament can define the extent or size of the state by passing a law to __________ part
of its territory to another state
A. Sell
B. Cede
C. Transfer
D. Lease
Q583.Parliament has the exclusive right to pass any __________ in a state
A. Regulation
B. Law
156
C. Decree
D. Order
Q584.A recess in a legislature is a period of _______ or holidays
A. Adjournment
B. Prorogation
C. Dissolution
D. Vacation
Q585.When a day's proceedings is brought to an end in a legislature, sitting is _______ till the
next sitting
A. Postponed
B. Suspended
C. Adjourned
D. Prorogued
Q586.Prorogation is the formal ending of a _______ of a legislature
A. Meeting
B. Session
C. Committee
D. Caucus
Q587.When a parliament completes its term or life, it is _______
A. Convened
B. Dissolved
C. Suspended
157
D. Adjourned
Q588.The Speaker of Parliament is the highest _______ of the legislative body
A. Officer
B. Member
C. Committee
D. Caucus
Q589.The Speaker of Parliament in many countries is selected by the _______ of Parliament
A. Majority
B. Minority
C. Whips
D. Caucuses
Q590.The Speaker of Parliament in many countries is elected from among _______
A. Civil servants
B. Members of Parliament
C. Ministers and deputy ministers
D. Eminent individuals
Q591.The Speaker of Parliament is discharged of his or her functions by a number of _______
A. Officers
B. Deputy Speakers
C. Civil servants
D. Eminent individuals
158
Q592.Britain has adopted the second chamber of its legislative body just to allow for
___________ to participate in the law-making process
A. Young and inexperienced politicians
B. Elderly and experienced statesmen
C. Inexperienced and uneducated citizens
D. Junior and aspiring legislators
Q593.___________ are examples of unitary states, in addition to Britain, that have bicameral
legislative bodies
A. Colombia, Indonesia, Jamaica, and South Africa
B. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Canada
C. France, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands
D. Peru, Romania, Thailand, and Uruguay
Q594.The three-chamber legislative system, known as the ___________, existed in South
Africa during the erstwhile apartheid regime
B. Multicameral legislature
C. Unicameral legislature
D. Tricameral legislature
Q595.The five-chamber legislative body was experimented in ___________
A. Nigeria
B. Malaysia
C. Yugoslavia
159
D. Egypt
Q596.The unicameral legislative system is ________ than the bicameral legislative system as
it saves human, material, and financial resources
A. More expensive
B. Less efficient
C. More inclusive
D. Less expensive
Q597.The unicameral system __________ for the speedy passage of bills for the smooth
administration of the state
A. Discourages
B. Hinders
C. Encourages
D. Deters
Q598.The unicameral system may pass hasty and inconsiderate legislations for the country due
to the absence of _________
A. Public debate
B. Media coverage
C. Political opposition
D. A second law-making body
Q599.The _________ tend to be saddled with a heavy burden since they are the only
legislative body in the state
160
B. Multicameral legislature
C. Unicameral legislature
D. Tricameral legislature
Q600.The adoption of the unicameral legislative system leaves __________ for the elderly and
most experienced statesmen to offer their experience gained over the years for the
benefit of the state
A. Room
B. Opportunity
C. Place
D. Platform
Q601.The bicameral legislature exists where the law-making body of a state consists of two
________
A. Houses of assembly
B. Houses of parliament
C. Chambers of government
D. Committees of state
Q602.In many states, the upper house is commonly called the ________
A. Chamber of Congress
B. Assembly of Nations
C. House of Lords
D. Federal Council
Q603.The mode of selecting members into the second chamber varies from one state to
161
another. Three main types of selection can be identified: elective, non-__________
(including appointment and inheritance of office), and a combination of the two methods
A. Election
B. Voting
C. Selection
D. Electoral process
Q604.The ________ of bills is an important function of the second chamber, which ensures
that bills are subject to a more thorough scrutiny to remove radical issues that may
endanger the rights of the people
A. Amendment
B. Creation
C. Revision
D. Drafting
Q605.The system of bicameral legislature serves to ________ the workload of the lower house
A. Increase
B. Decrease
C. Maintain
D. Transfer
Q606.The bicameral legislative system ensures ________ representation of all categories of
people in a federation
A. Fair
B. Unfair
162
C. Inefficient
D. Random
Q607.Bicameralism is a ________ feature of federal systems
A. Desirable
B. Undesirable
C. Necessary
D. Unnecessary
Q608.The upper house of a bicameral system may serve as a platform for the formulation and
introduction of ________ legislation
A. Popular
B. Radical
C. Controversial
D. Unimportant
Q609.In some countries, the second chamber performs ________ functions
A. Legislative
B. Judicial
C. Executive
D. Administrative
Q610.The bicameral system allows for ________ political participation
A. Broader
B. Narrower
C. Equal
163
D. Limited
Q611.The second chamber can effectively check the power of the executive by ________
shady deals of government
A. Promoting
B. Concealing
C. Exposing
D. Ignoring
Q612.The bicameral legislative system is very expensive to operate due to the need for
separate parliament houses equipped with relevant facilities for each of the two bodies,
as well as separate sets of legislators all of whom are paid emolument by the state. This
cost amounts to a _______ of human, financial, and material resources
A. Renewal
B. Conservation
C. Duplication
D. Wastage
Q613.In some states, the mode of recruiting members into the upper house of the bicameral
legislative system is criticized as _______, with members being inherited or appointed,
or partly indirectly elected and nominated
A. Egalitarian
B. Meritocratic
C. Aristocratic
D. Democratic
164
Q614.Bicameralism is criticized for being a mere _______ of institutions and functions, with a
single-chamber parliament operating successfully in most unitary states
A. Reiteration
B. Replication
C. Amplification
D. Adjustment
Q615.The bicameral legislature is a recipe for institutional conflicts as the relationship
between the two chambers can be characterized by _______ and deadlock, which can
slow down legislative processes
A. Harmony
B. Cooperation
C. Rivalry
D. Agreement
Q616.Members of the second chamber in a bicameral legislature are sometimes perceived to
be insensitive to the needs of the people, as they may not be _______ by the electorate
and may not serve their interests
A. Responsive
B. Elected
C. Accountable
D. Accessible
Q617.The situation where the second chamber system contributes to delays in the legislative
process occurs because both houses must consider a bill before it is passed, which can be
handled by a single house. This _______ is often seen as a drawback of bicameralism
165
A. Efficiency
B. Expediency
C. Procedural requirement
D. Delay
Q618.The _______ of a bill in parliament is the introductory stage or the first reading, where
the bill is introduced and the title read out by the clerk
A. Elaboration
B. Passage
C. Consideration
D. Introduction
Q619.After the first reading of a bill in parliament, it is referred to the appropriate _______ for
consideration
A. Executive
B. Chamber
C. Cabinet
D. Committee
Q620.During the _______ stage, the sponsor moves that the bill be read the second time and
explains and defends the bill by giving a speech
A. First reading
B. Second reading
C. Consideration stage
D. Third reading
166
Q621.At the _______ stage, the House examines the bill in detail, clause by clause, making
sure that every part of the bill comes out for acceptance or rejection
A. First reading
B. Second reading
D. Third reading
Q622.At the _______ stage, the bill and all amendments made to the original document is read
in the House
A. First reading
B. Second reading
D. Third reading
Q623.After the _______ stage, the bill is ready to be submitted to the upper house in the case
of most two-chamber parliaments
A. First reading
B. Second reading
D. Third reading
167

PoIi 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

PoIi 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

PoIi 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PoIi

Total Questions - 623

MCQ. Easy (123 Questions)

A. The judicial side or organ of government

B. The executive side or organ of government

C. The law-making side or organ of government

D. The financial side or organ of government

Q3. Which organ of government is responsible for the enactment of laws?

and Singapore, the legislature is known as ____.

A. The principle of no representation without taxation

B. The principle of no finance without representation

C. The principle of no taxation without representation

D. The principle of no representation without finance

regulate the society?

process of law-making in a state?

B. Parliament can do everything that is not naturally impossible.

D. Parliament's authority is limited by the constitution and other legal

Q11. What is the concept of parliamentary supremacy based on?

A. The separation of powers principle

B. The supremacy of the judiciary

C. The supremacy of the executive

D. The supremacy of the constitution

Q12. Which of the following is a feature of parliamentary supremacy?

C. The judiciary can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.

D. The legislature cannot pass retrospective laws to legalize past illegalities.

Q13. Which of the following is an example of parliamentary supremacy?

A. The legislature setting up commissions of inquiry to enquire into affairs which

it may consider to be of national interest.

B. The judiciary declaring an Act of Parliament unconstitutional.

C. The executive vetoing a law passed by parliament.

D. The legislature being subject to the legal limitations of the constitution.

Q14. Which of the following is NOT a limit to parliamentary supremacy?

A. The power of the judiciary to interpret the law.

B. The power of the executive to implement the law.

C. The power of the legislature to make the law.

D. The power of the constitution to limit the law.

Q15. What is the life span of the British Parliament?

Q16. What is a sitting in a legislature?

B. A period during which parliament sits continuously without adjournment.

C. A number of sittings constitutes a session.

D. A continuous sitting of Parliament for some time during a session.

Q17. What is a session in a legislature?

A. A meeting is a continuous sitting of Parliament for some time during a session.

B. A number of sittings constitutes a session.

C. A day's meeting of a legislature for its business.

D. A period during which parliament sits continuously without adjournment.

Q18. What is a meeting in a legislature?

A. A number of sittings constitutes a session.

B. A day's meeting of a legislature for its business.

C. A continuous sitting of Parliament for some time during a session.

D. A period during which parliament sits continuously without adjournment.

emergencies, when elections cannot be held to replace a legislature whose life is

Q20. Which of the following is a feature of parliamentary supremacy?

B. The legislature cannot delegate its lawmaking powers to other non-legislative

D. The judiciary can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.

Q22. Which of the following statements is true about parliamentary supremacy?

A. The legislature cannot delegate its lawmaking powers to other non-legislative

C. The judiciary can question the validity of an Act of Parliament.