UPSC Prelims 2005 Q129: Indian Polity – Political Theory & Concepts
Consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution of the United States of America came into force in the year 1810.
2. All revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives of the US Congress.
3. George W. Bush is the only President in the history of the United States of America whose
father was also the President of the United States of America.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 2
- (d) 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
United States Constitution and Presidents
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Constitution in force from 1810 | False: it came into force in 1789 |
| 2. Revenue bills originate in the House of Representatives | True — Article I, Section 7 |
| 3. Bush is the only President whose father was President | False: John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, was also |
Only statement 2 is correct.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Constitution came into force in 1789.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2 is correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 ignores John Quincy Adams.
Key point
US Constitution: drafted 1787, in force 1789; first Congress 1789.
Remember
US revenue bills originate in the House of Representatives.
Common mistakes
- Believing George W. Bush was the only father-son pair.
- Dating the Constitution to 1776 or 1810.
- Missing that revenue bills must start in the lower House.
Exam tip
Father-son Presidents: Adams and Adams, Bush and Bush.
Sources
- US Constitution — Article I
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — United States Constitution