Article 356 Practice Questions
19 free Article 356 practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Article 356 of the Indian Constitution deals with:
- A Financial emergency
- B National emergency
- C President's Rule in states
- D Procedure to amend the constitution
Correct answer: President's Rule in states
Article 356 provides for the imposition of President's Rule in a state. It is invoked when the constitutional machinery in a state fails.
Which authority can impose President's Rule under Article 356?
- A Prime Minister of India
- B President of India
- C Chief Justice
- D Governor
Correct answer: President of India
The President of India can impose President's Rule based on the report of the Governor or otherwise. This is done under Article 356.
Article 356 is included in which part of the Constitution?
- A Part XVII
- B Part XVIII
- C Part XIX
- D Part XX
Correct answer: Part XVIII
Article 356 is part of Part XVIII of the Constitution. This part deals with emergency provisions.
Which condition leads to the imposition of Article 356?
- A Outbreak of war with another nation
- B Severe economic crisis
- C Large-scale natural disaster
- D Failure of constitutional machinery
Correct answer: Failure of constitutional machinery
Article 356 is invoked when the state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions. This is termed as failure of constitutional machinery.
Who usually sends a report recommending President's Rule?
- A Chief Minister
- B Speaker
- C Finance Minister
- D Governor
Correct answer: Governor
The Governor of the state usually sends a report to the President. This report forms the basis for imposing President's Rule.
For how long can President's Rule initially be imposed?
- A 3 months
- B 1 year
- C 2 years
- D 6 months
Correct answer: 6 months
President's Rule can initially be imposed for six months. It can be extended with parliamentary approval.
What is the maximum duration of President's Rule in a state?
- A 1 year
- B 2 years
- C 3 years
- D Indefinite
Correct answer: 3 years
President's Rule can be extended up to a maximum of three years. Extensions require specific conditions and parliamentary approval.
Which body must approve the proclamation of President's Rule?
- A Supreme Court
- B State Legislature
- C Election Commission
- D Union Parliament
Correct answer: Union Parliament
The proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months. Otherwise, it ceases to operate.
What happens to the State Legislature during President's Rule?
- A It continues normally
- B It becomes independent
- C It merges fully with Parliament
- D It is dissolved or suspended
Correct answer: It is dissolved or suspended
The State Legislature may be dissolved or kept in suspended animation. Legislative powers are exercised by Parliament.
Which case laid down guidelines to prevent misuse of Article 356?
- A Kesavananda Bharati case
- B Maneka Gandhi case
- C Golaknath case
- D S.R. Bommai case
Correct answer: S.R. Bommai case
The S.R. Bommai case (1994) laid down strict guidelines to prevent misuse of Article 356. It emphasized judicial review of such proclamations.
Which of the following is true about judicial review of Article 356?
- A Not allowed
- B Allowed fully
- C Allowed in limited cases
- D Only Parliament can review
Correct answer: Allowed in limited cases
Judicial review is allowed in limited cases. Courts can examine whether the proclamation was made in good faith.
Which of the following powers does the President assume during Article 356?
- A Legislative and executive powers
- B Judicial powers
- C Foreign and international policy powers
- D Defense powers
Correct answer: Legislative and executive powers
During President's Rule, the President assumes the executive and legislative powers of the state. These are exercised through Parliament.
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of Article 356?
- A State government dismissed
- B Parliament legislates for the state
- C Supreme Court is dissolved
- D Governor acts on behalf of President
Correct answer: Supreme Court is dissolved
The Supreme Court is not affected by Article 356. The provision only impacts the state government and legislature.
Which amendment imposed restrictions on the extension of President's Rule?
- A 44th Amendment
- B 42nd Amendment
- C 86th Amendment
- D 101st Amendment
Correct answer: 44th Amendment
The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act imposed conditions for extending President's Rule beyond one year. It aimed to prevent misuse.
Which of the following conditions is required for extending President's Rule beyond one year?
- A National Emergency in operation
- B Prior approval of the Supreme Court
- C Governor's request
- D Public referendum
Correct answer: National Emergency in operation
Extension beyond one year requires a national emergency or certification by the Election Commission. This ensures strict control.
Which of the following is a criticism of Article 356?
- A Political misuse
- B Too limited
- C Lack of clarity
- D Judicial control
Correct answer: Political misuse
Article 356 has been criticized for being misused for political reasons. It was often used to dismiss opposition governments.
Which of the following ensures federal balance in Article 356?
- A Central control
- B Judicial review
- C Governor's discretion
- D Parliamentary supremacy
Correct answer: Judicial review
Judicial review ensures that Article 356 is not misused. It maintains the federal balance between the Centre and states.
Which of the following happens to the Council of Ministers during President's Rule?
- A Continues to function
- B Council is dismissed
- C Becomes independent
- D Reports to Parliament
Correct answer: Council is dismissed
The Council of Ministers in the state is dismissed during President's Rule. The Governor administers the state on behalf of the President.
Which of the following best explains the purpose of Article 356?
- A Promote centralization of power
- B Ensure constitutional governance
- C Increase state autonomy and rights
- D Control the judiciary system
Correct answer: Ensure constitutional governance
Article 356 ensures that governance in states follows constitutional norms. It acts as a safeguard against breakdown of administration.