CAF-4 · Chapter 1
Introduction to the Legal System MCQs with Answers
15 multiple-choice questions on Introduction to the Legal System for CAF-4 Business Law Dynamics. Try each one before revealing the answer and explanation.
Practise this chapter interactivelyQuestion 1
If a Money Bill is passed by the National Assembly, what is the role of the Senate before the bill is presented to the President for assent?
- A) The Senate must approve it with a two-thirds majority.
- B) The Senate can only provide recommendations, which the National Assembly may or may not incorporate.
- C) The Senate has the power to veto the Money Bill.
- D) The Senate must hold a joint sitting with the National Assembly.
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Answer: B) The Senate can only provide recommendations, which the National Assembly may or may not incorporate.
According to Article 73, a Money Bill originates in the National Assembly and is sent to the Senate for recommendations only. The National Assembly can pass the Bill with or without incorporating these recommendations.
Question 2
If the National Assembly and Senate are not in session and the President deems it necessary to take immediate action, what is the maximum initial validity period of the Ordinance promulgated?
- A) 60 days
- B) 90 days
- C) 120 days
- D) 150 days
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Answer: C) 120 days
An Ordinance promulgated by the President stands repealed after one hundred and twenty days if it is not presented or passed by the respective assemblies, though it can be extended once.
Question 3
In a criminal case, what is the standard of proof required by the state to secure a conviction?
- A) On the balance of probabilities
- B) Beyond all reasonable doubt
- C) By a preponderance of the evidence
- D) With absolute certainty without any defense
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Answer: B) Beyond all reasonable doubt
In criminal law, the prosecution is successful and the guilty is convicted only if the state can prove the offence beyond all reasonable doubt.
Question 4
Which of the following is considered a primary disadvantage of delegated legislation?
- A) It is too flexible and easy to amend.
- B) It requires too much time from the Parliament.
- C) It takes law-making power away from democratically elected members.
- D) It prevents experts from participating in technical matters.
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Answer: C) It takes law-making power away from democratically elected members.
The main criticism of delegated legislation is that power is given to unelected civil servants and experts, taking law-making away from democratically elected members.
Question 5
If a regular legislative bill (other than a Money Bill) is rejected by the Senate after being passed by the National Assembly, how can it still become law?
- A) The Prime Minister can override the Senate's rejection.
- B) It must be considered and passed in a joint sitting of both Houses.
- C) The President must promulgate it as an Ordinance.
- D) It goes directly to the Supreme Court for validation.
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Answer: B) It must be considered and passed in a joint sitting of both Houses.
If a bill is rejected by the other House, it can be passed by the votes of the majority of the members present and voting in a joint sitting of both Houses.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of civil law?
- A) To regulate society by the threat of punishment.
- B) To penalize wrongdoers and deter crimes.
- C) To provide a means whereby an injured party can obtain compensation.
- D) To investigate suspects and try them in federal courts.
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Answer: C) To provide a means whereby an injured party can obtain compensation.
Civil law sets out the rights and duties between persons, allowing the injured party to claim a remedy or compensation from the wrongdoer.
Question 7
Which Part of the Constitution of 1973 deals with Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits?
- A) Part III
- B) Part IV
- C) Part V
- D) Part VI
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Answer: D) Part VI
Part VI (Articles 160–174) of the Constitution encompasses the distribution of revenues, borrowing, property, contracts, liabilities, and suits.
Question 8
How is the President of Pakistan elected?
- A) By direct public vote
- B) By the National Assembly only
- C) By the Senate and National Assembly only
- D) By the Senate, National Assembly, and members of Provincial Assemblies
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Answer: D) By the Senate, National Assembly, and members of Provincial Assemblies
The President is elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of the Senate, the National Assembly, and the members of the Provincial Assemblies.
Question 9
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of delegated legislation?
- A) It saves parliamentary time.
- B) It allows for expert opinion on technical matters.
- C) It is more flexible and simpler to amend than an Act of Parliament.
- D) It ensures all laws are debated by democratically elected members.
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Answer: D) It ensures all laws are debated by democratically elected members.
Delegated legislation is made by unelected civil servants or public bodies, not directly debated by the elected members of parliament, which is actually its main disadvantage.
Question 10
In the context of sources of law, how do 'precedents' function in the legal system?
- A) They are informal guidelines that courts may choose to ignore.
- B) They are judgments of superior courts that are binding on subordinate courts.
- C) They are rules created by local authorities for specific localities.
- D) They are agreements made between private contracting parties.
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Answer: B) They are judgments of superior courts that are binding on subordinate courts.
Precedents (case law) are the judgments or decisions of a superior court that establish a legal principle binding on all subordinate courts.
Question 11
A violation of civil law is legally referred to as:
- A) A crime
- B) A tort
- C) A precedent
- D) An ordinance
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Answer: B) A tort
A violation of civil law is a tort (a wrongdoing), which affects the rights of private individuals but is not classified as a crime against the State.
Question 12
If the office of the President becomes vacant, who acts as the President until a new one is elected?
- A) The Prime Minister
- B) The Chief Justice of Pakistan
- C) The Chairman of the Senate
- D) The Speaker of the National Assembly
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Answer: C) The Chairman of the Senate
Under the Constitution, the Chairman of the Senate is next in line to act as President if the office becomes vacant until a new President is formally elected.
Question 13
Which of the following matters would be tried under Criminal Law?
- A) A breach of a commercial contract
- B) Money laundering and fraud
- C) A dispute over property boundaries
- D) A consumer claiming a defective product
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Answer: B) Money laundering and fraud
Fraud and money laundering are criminal activities that threaten society and are prosecuted by the State under criminal laws like the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Question 14
Which body has the power to extend an Ordinance for an additional 120 days?
- A) The President
- B) The Senate
- C) The Supreme Court
- D) The National Assembly
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Answer: D) The National Assembly
The National Assembly may extend any Ordinance for another period of one hundred and twenty days by passing a resolution.
Question 15
What is the consequence if the National Assembly passes a resolution disapproving an Ordinance before its 120-day expiration?
- A) The Ordinance is sent to the Senate for a final decision.
- B) The Ordinance expires on the day the resolution is passed.
- C) The President must amend the Ordinance.
- D) The Ordinance remains in effect until the full 120 days pass.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B) The Ordinance expires on the day the resolution is passed.
If the National Assembly passes a resolution disapproving an Ordinance before its expiration, it shall instantly expire on the day of passing of such resolution.