Question

Any majority where at least 2/3rd members should be present and voting is called ____________ majority.
A.Special
B.Simple
C.Effective
D.Absolute

Answer 1

Hint: In the course of the freedom struggle, a broad consensus emerged that Parliament would be the most important institution in the nation. Today, it serves as the central institution in our constitutional democracy. The Indian legislative system is a bicameral one which means that there are two houses at the centre responsible for making laws and other deliberative functions. For different bills brought before the Parliament, they are required to be passed by a majority which is of four kinds—simple, absolute, effective and special. Each of these is required for different types of bills and decisions in both Houses.

Complete step by step solution:
Option A: is correct. A special majority is any majority that is not a technical simple, absolute or effective majority. In this case, a requirement of 2/3rd is a special majority which has been provided in Article 249 for Rajya Sabha to make laws in the State List, Article 312 for Rajya Sabha to create one or more All India Services, Article 368 for Constitutional Amendments and Article 61 for the impeachment of the President.
Option B: is incorrect. A simple majority is a requirement of more than 50% of the members present and voting in the House.
Option C: is incorrect. An effective majority is a requirement of 50% of the strength of the House after subtracting vacant seats if any.
Option D: is incorrect. An absolute majority is a requirement of 50% of the total strength of the House, not just members present and voting.

Thus, option (A) is correct.

Note: The framers of the constitution picked a parliamentary form of government over a presidential form because they believed that it could better accommodate and represent India’s diversities.