UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Trump debacle

Q1. In a country, the head of the executive is directly elected for a fixed term, separately from the legislature. Midway through that term, the opposition party wins a majority in the legislature. If the country follows the classic presidential model, which of the following is the most likely consequence?

  • A. The legislature can remove the executive midway through its term by passing a vote of no confidence.
  • B. The executive stays in office for its full term but must bargain with the legislature over laws and budgets.
  • C. The executive must dissolve the legislature and seek a fresh mandate through early general elections.
  • D. The executive must resign, and the majority leader of the legislature is invited to form the government.

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Unlike the US President, the Indian Union government can be removed midway through the term of the legislature without any finding of misconduct against it.
  2. Under the Constitution of India, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the House of the People.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. Consider the following facts: In the 2026 US mid-term elections, the President's party lost its majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The President nevertheless continues in office for the remaining two years of the term. Which of the following inferences can validly be drawn from the above?

  1. The President's party will necessarily lose the next presidential election.
  2. Voters can register disapproval of an incumbent administration without changing who holds executive office.
  3. The Constitution places the executive under the control of the legislature.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q4. With reference to checks and balances under the Constitution of the United States, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Congress can impeach not only the President but also federal judicial officials.
  2. The President's veto over a bill passed by Congress is absolute and cannot be overridden.
  3. The President may dissolve the House of Representatives before its two-year term ends.
  4. The Senate's approval is required for treaties negotiated by the President.
  • A. 1 and 4 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q5. After the 2026 mid-term elections, the party opposed to the US President controls both chambers of Congress. Which of the following is/are likely consequences of this situation?

  1. The President's nominees for posts that require Senate confirmation will be considered by a chamber controlled by the opposition.
  2. Because a bill must pass both chambers, the President's party cannot enact its own legislation without votes from the opposition.
  3. The power to appoint federal officials passes from the President to the new congressional majority.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q6. With reference to the US Senate and India's Rajya Sabha, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Both are continuing chambers in which roughly one-third of the members are chosen every two years.
  2. Like US Senators, the Rajya Sabha's State representatives are chosen directly by the voters of their States.
  3. Unlike the Rajya Sabha, the US Senate has no members nominated by the head of State.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 only

Q7. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. In a US mid-term election, a party may win a majority of the Senate seats contested and still fail to gain control of the Senate.
  2. US Senators are elected for four-year terms, so half of the Senate is renewed at every mid-term election.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q8. With reference to the tenure of legislatures, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Since Senators serve six-year terms, a mid-term election cannot change which party controls the US Senate.
  2. Since all seats of the US House of Representatives are contested every two years, the House majority can change midway through a presidential term.
  3. Unlike the US House of Representatives, the Lok Sabha may be dissolved before it completes its normal term.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only