Devolution of Powers Practice Questions
39 free Devolution of Powers 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.
Which Constitutional Amendments gave constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities?
- A 42nd and 44th Amendments
- B 73rd and 74th Amendments
- C 86th and 91st Amendments
- D 52nd and 61st Amendments
Correct answer: 73rd and 74th Amendments
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Act, 1992 granted constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities respectively. They institutionalized local self-government as a third tier.
The devolution of powers to Panchayats is primarily provided under which Part of the Constitution?
- A Part IX
- B Part IXA
- C Part X
- D Part XI
Correct answer: Part IX
Part IX of the Constitution deals with Panchayats. It outlines their composition, powers, responsibilities, and financial provisions.
The Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution contains:
- A Subjects for State List
- B Powers of Parliament
- C Subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats
- D Financial provisions for Union
Correct answer: Subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats
The Eleventh Schedule lists 29 subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats. These include agriculture, rural housing, drinking water, and rural electrification.
The Twelfth Schedule relates to devolution of powers to:
- A Panchayats
- B Municipalities
- C District Planning Committees
- D Finance Commission
Correct answer: Municipalities
The Twelfth Schedule lists 18 functions that may be devolved to Municipalities. These include urban planning, regulation of land use, and public health.
Devolution of powers in local government primarily refers to:
- A Transfer of judicial authority from central to lower courts
- B Transfer of administrative, financial, and functional authority
- C Complete abolition and replacement of state governments with local bodies
- D Centralization and consolidation of all national authority under central control
Correct answer: Transfer of administrative, financial, and functional authority
Devolution means transferring administrative, financial, and functional responsibilities to local bodies. It strengthens grassroots democracy and participatory governance.
Which Article provides for State Finance Commissions to review the financial position of local bodies?
- A Article 243D
- B Article 243I
- C Article 280
- D Article 368
Correct answer: Article 243I
Article 243I provides for the constitution of State Finance Commissions. They recommend the distribution of financial resources between the state and local bodies.
The concept of the '3Fs' in devolution refers to:
- A Freedom of local governance, Federalism in federalist structure, and Finance
- B Funds, Functions, and Functionaries
- C Fiscal authority and autonomy, Federal organization, and Functional efficiency
- D Form of governance structure, Framework for operational management, and Finance
Correct answer: Funds, Functions, and Functionaries
The 3Fs stand for Funds, Functions, and Functionaries. Effective devolution requires adequate transfer of these three elements to local governments.
Which body is responsible for preparing plans for economic development at the district level?
- A District Planning Committee
- B Chief Minister of the state government
- C Governor of the state government
- D Election Commission of India
Correct answer: District Planning Committee
Article 243ZD provides for District Planning Committees. They consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities.
Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats is provided under:
- A Article 243D
- B Article 356
- C Article 324
- D Article 19
Correct answer: Article 243D
Article 243D mandates reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Panchayats. It ensures inclusive representation in local governance.
Which of the following best reflects the principle of subsidiarity in devolution?
- A Central government decides all policies and legislation for the entire country
- B Functions are performed at the lowest effective level
- C States control and manage all finances of the nation
- D Judiciary administers and oversees all local government bodies
Correct answer: Functions are performed at the lowest effective level
The principle of subsidiarity suggests that decisions should be taken at the lowest competent level. It promotes efficiency and local participation.
Article 243G empowers Panchayats to:
- A Amend and alter the Constitution of India
- B Make and pass laws independently without state oversight
- C Prepare and implement plans and schemes for economic development
- D Control and manage national defense and military operations
Correct answer: Prepare and implement plans and schemes for economic development
Article 243G authorizes state legislatures to endow Panchayats with powers to prepare and implement development plans. It strengthens decentralized planning.
The tenure of Panchayats under the Constitution is:
- A Three years
- B Four years
- C Five years
- D Six years
Correct answer: Five years
Under Article 243E, the tenure of Panchayats is five years. Elections must be held before the expiry of the term or within six months of dissolution.
Which authority conducts elections to Panchayats and Municipalities?
- A Election Commission of India
- B State Election Commission
- C District Magistrate
- D Governor
Correct answer: State Election Commission
Article 243K provides for a State Election Commission to conduct local body elections. It ensures autonomy in electoral processes at the state level.
Which of the following is a key challenge in effective devolution?
- A Overrepresentation of citizens
- B Inadequate transfer of funds
- C Excessive judicial intervention
- D Abolition of state governments
Correct answer: Inadequate transfer of funds
Inadequate transfer of funds undermines local autonomy. Without financial empowerment, devolution remains incomplete.
The Gram Sabha plays which role in local governance?
- A Advisory body that guides Parliament decisions
- B Judicial authority resolving local disputes
- C General assembly of all registered voters
- D Financial oversight and budgeting body
Correct answer: General assembly of all registered voters
The Gram Sabha comprises all registered voters in a village. It acts as a deliberative body to ensure participatory democracy.
Which level of Panchayati Raj exists in states with populations above 20 lakh?
- A Two-tier system
- B Three-tier system
- C Single-tier system
- D Four-tier system
Correct answer: Three-tier system
States with populations above 20 lakh generally have a three-tier Panchayati Raj system: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
The devolution of taxation powers to local bodies enhances:
- A Judicial review
- B Financial autonomy
- C Central control
- D Uniform governance
Correct answer: Financial autonomy
Taxation powers enable local bodies to generate their own revenue. This strengthens financial autonomy and accountability.
Which amendment mandated the establishment of Metropolitan Planning Committees?
- A 42nd Amendment
- B 73rd Amendment
- C 74th Amendment
- D 86th Amendment
Correct answer: 74th Amendment
The 74th Constitutional Amendment introduced provisions for Metropolitan Planning Committees under Article 243ZE. These bodies prepare development plans for metropolitan areas.
Which concept ensures vertical sharing of power among Union, State, and Local Governments?
- A The unitary system of government
- B Federalism and the devolution of power
- C The supremacy of judicial authority
- D Collective responsibility of government
Correct answer: Federalism and the devolution of power
Federalism involves division of powers among different levels of government. Devolution strengthens federal principles by empowering local governments to make decisions.
Effective devolution is essential for achieving which governance objective?
- A Centralized planning and resource control
- B Grassroots democracy and citizen participation
- C Reduction of state authority and power
- D Judicial dominance in local governance
Correct answer: Grassroots democracy and citizen participation
Devolution promotes grassroots democracy by involving citizens directly in decision-making. It enhances transparency, accountability, and local responsiveness.
Which specific Article of the Constitution deals with the 'Powers, authority and responsibilities of Municipalities'?
- A Article 243W
- B Article 243G
- C Article 243H
- D Article 243Q
Correct answer: Article 243W
Article 243W deals with the powers and responsibilities of Municipalities, whereas Article 243G deals with those of Panchayats.
The 'District Planning Committee' (DPC) is mandated under which Article of the Indian Constitution?
- A Article 243ZD
- B Article 243ZE
- C Article 243Z
- D Article 243S
Correct answer: Article 243ZD
Article 243ZD requires every state to constitute a District Planning Committee to consolidate the plans prepared by the Panchayats and the Municipalities in the district.
In the context of the 73rd Amendment, which of the following is a 'Voluntary Provision' (discretionary) for State Legislatures?
- A Reservation for Backward Classes
- B Organization of Gram Sabha
- C Reservation of seats for SCs and STs
- D Establishment of a State Finance Commission
Correct answer: Reservation for Backward Classes
While reservation for SCs, STs, and women is mandatory, providing reservation for backward classes (OBCs) is a voluntary provision left to the discretion of the State Legislatures.
The Eleventh Schedule, which specifies the powers of Panchayats, contains how many functional items?
- A 18 items
- B 21 items
- C 29 items
- D 32 items
Correct answer: 29 items
The Eleventh Schedule (Article 243G) contains 29 functional items, while the Twelfth Schedule (Article 243W) contains 18 functional items for Municipalities.
Which committee recommended that the 'Gram Panchayat should be the executive body' and the 'Zila Parishad should be the advisory and supervisory body'?
- A Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
- B Ashok Mehta Committee
- C G.V.K. Rao Committee
- D L.M. Singhvi Committee
Correct answer: Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended this structure, establishing the Gram Panchayat as the primary executive unit at the village level.
According to the 73rd Amendment, the 'Intermediate Level' Panchayat (Mandal/Block) need NOT be constituted in a State having a population not exceeding:
- A 20 Lakh
- B 10 Lakh
- C 30 Lakh
- D 50 Lakh
Correct answer: 20 Lakh
Article 243B states that Panchayats at the intermediate level may not be constituted in a State having a population not exceeding 20 lakh.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act provides for which three types of Municipalities?
- A Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation
- B Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad
- C Town Area Committee, Cantonment Board, Port Trust
- D Ward Committee, Zonal Committee, District Board
Correct answer: Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation
The Act classifies urban local bodies into Nagar Panchayats (transitional areas), Municipal Councils (smaller urban areas), and Municipal Corporations (larger urban areas).
Who is responsible for the 'Audit of Accounts' of Panchayats as per Article 243J?
- A Comptroller and Auditor General of India
- B The Governor of the State
- C The State Legislature by law
- D The State Election Commission
Correct answer: The State Legislature by law
Article 243J empowers the State Legislature to make provisions with respect to the maintenance of accounts by the Panchayats and the auditing of such accounts.
The 'Metropolitan Planning Committee' (MPC) prepares a draft development plan for a metropolitan area. What is the minimum population required to designate an area as 'Metropolitan'?
- A 10 Lakh or more
- B 5 Lakh or more
- C 20 Lakh or more
- D 50 Lakh or more
Correct answer: 10 Lakh or more
As per Article 243P, a Metropolitan area means an area having a population of 10 lakh (one million) or more, comprised in one or more districts.
Which Article provides that seats reserved for SCs and STs in Panchayats shall be allotted by 'rotation' to different constituencies?
- A Article 243D
- B Article 243A
- C Article 243E
- D Article 243F
Correct answer: Article 243D
Article 243D provides for the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Panchayat, and such seats may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies.
The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor. Under which provision can the State Election Commissioner be removed from office?
- A At the pleasure of the Governor
- B By a resolution of the State Cabinet
- C In the same manner as a Judge of a High Court
- D By the Chief Election Commissioner of India
Correct answer: In the same manner as a Judge of a High Court
Article 243K states that the State Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of a High Court.
The 'Gram Sabha' consists of:
- A All adult residents residing within a village
- B All the registered households of a village
- C Persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village under a Panchayat
- D The elected members of the Gram Panchayat only
Correct answer: Persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village under a Panchayat
Article 243(b) defines Gram Sabha as a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level.
Which committee is famously known for recommending 'Constitutional Recognition' for local government bodies to ensure they are not dissolved at will?
- A L.M. Singhvi Committee
- B G.V.K. Rao Committee
- C Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
- D Santhanam Committee
Correct answer: L.M. Singhvi Committee
The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) strongly recommended that local self-government should be constitutionally recognized, protected, and preserved.
The 73rd and 74th Amendments do NOT apply to which of the following states/areas?
- A States of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram
- B The State of Uttar Pradesh
- C The State of Kerala
- D Metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi
Correct answer: States of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram
Under Article 243M, the provisions of the 73rd Amendment do not apply to the states of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and certain other tribal areas.
Which Article governs the 'Finance Commission' to review the financial position of Municipalities?
- A Article 243-Y
- B Article 243-I
- C Article 243-Z
- D Article 243-V
Correct answer: Article 243-Y
Article 243-I provides for a Finance Commission for Panchayats, while Article 243-Y ensures the same commission reviews the financial position of Municipalities.
The Chairperson of a Panchayat at the 'Intermediate' or 'District' level is elected:
- A Indirectly by elected members
- B Directly by the people
- C By the State Legislature
- D By the Governor of the State
Correct answer: Indirectly by elected members
According to Article 243C, the Chairperson of a Panchayat at the intermediate or district level shall be elected indirectly by and from amongst the elected members.
Which schedule was added by the 74th Amendment Act?
- A Tenth Schedule
- B Eleventh Schedule
- C Twelfth Schedule
- D Thirteenth Schedule
Correct answer: Twelfth Schedule
The 74th Amendment Act (1992) added the Twelfth Schedule to the Constitution, listing functional items for Municipalities.
The bar to interference by courts in electoral matters of Panchayats is mentioned under:
- A Article 243-O
- B Article 243-K
- C Article 243-G
- D Article 324
Correct answer: Article 243-O
Article 243-O bars the courts from interfering in electoral matters of Panchayats, including the validity of laws relating to delimitation of constituencies.
Which of the following is an 'Administrative' unit of a Municipality specifically for areas having a population of 3 lakh or more?
- A Wards Committee
- B Zonal Committee
- C Area Sabha
- D Town Committee
Correct answer: Wards Committee
Article 243S provides for the constitution of Wards Committees, consisting of one or more wards, within the territorial area of a Municipality having a population of three lakh or more.