The Indian Constitution came into effect on –
(A) 26 January 1949
(B) 26 January 1950
(C) 15 August 1947
(D) 26 November 1949
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Though the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949, it came into force on 26 January 1950. This date was chosen to commemorate the declaration of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) by the Indian National Congress in 1930. Since then, 26 January is celebrated annually as Republic Day.
The source of India’s sovereignty lies in –
(A) The Preamble
(B) The Parliament
(C) The Constitution
(D) The President
Answer: (A)
Explanation: The Preamble begins with “We, the people of India…”, affirming that sovereignty rests with the people. This statement reflects the foundational democratic principle that all authority originates from the people.
Which Amendment added the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ to the Preamble?
(A) 42nd
(B) 44th
(C) 52nd
(D) 61st
Answer: (A)
Explanation: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 added the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ to the Preamble, reflecting the then-government’s commitment to these principles. It is also known as the “Mini-Constitution” due to the extensive changes it introduced.
The Objective Resolution was proposed by –
(A) Jawaharlal Nehru
(B) B.R. Ambedkar
(C) Rajendra Prasad
(D) Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: (A)
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Objective Resolution on 13 December 1946 in the Constituent Assembly. It laid the philosophical foundation for the Indian Constitution and ultimately shaped the Preamble.
The term ‘Republic’ in the Preamble indicates –
(A) Head of state is elected
(B) The country is free
(C) No monarchy
(D) Both A and C
Answer: (D)
Explanation: ‘Republic’ means that India has an elected head of state and no hereditary monarchy. It ensures equality of opportunity in public offices and reaffirms popular sovereignty.
India is described as a Union of States in Article –
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
Answer: (A)
Explanation: Article 1 of the Constitution states, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” This reflects the indestructible nature of the Indian Union, where states do not possess the right to secede.
Which Article declares India as a secular state?
(A) 14
(B) 15
(C) 25
(D) No specific article; implied through Preamble and Fundamental Rights
Answer: (D)
Explanation: Although no single article explicitly declares India a secular state, secularism is embedded through the Preamble and Fundamental Rights (especially Articles 25–28), ensuring freedom of religion and state neutrality in religious matters.
How many Fundamental Duties are enshrined in the Constitution?
(A) 10
(B) 11
(C) 12
(D) 9
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Initially ten, a new Fundamental Duty was added through the 86th Amendment Act, 2002, making the total eleven. These are listed in Part IV-A (Article 51A) of the Constitution.
Which part of the Constitution deals with Directive Principles of State Policy?
(A) Part III
(B) Part IV
(C) Part V
(D) Part II
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Part IV (Articles 36–51) contains the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), guiding the state in enacting laws to establish a just society. Though non-justiciable, they are fundamental to governance.
The idea of Directive Principles was borrowed from the Constitution of –
(A) USA
(B) UK
(C) Ireland
(D) Canada
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The concept of DPSPs in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Irish Constitution, where they are known as ‘Directive Principles of Social Policy’.
The Constitution provides for how many types of emergencies?
(A) Two
(B) Four
(C) Three
(D) One
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Constitution recognizes three types of emergencies:
- National Emergency (Article 352)
- President’s Rule (Article 356)
- Financial Emergency (Article 360)
Which Article deals with President’s Rule?
(A) 352
(B) 356
(C) 360
(D) 365
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Article 356 empowers the President to impose President’s Rule in a state when it fails to function in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Fundamental Rights can be suspended during –
(A) National Emergency
(B) President’s Rule
(C) Financial Emergency
(D) All of the above
Answer: (A)
Explanation: Fundamental Rights (except Articles 20 and 21) may be suspended during a National Emergency under Article 352.
Which schedule of the Constitution deals with Anti-Defection?
(A) 8th
(B) 9th
(C) 10th
(D) 11th
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The 10th Schedule, added by the 52nd Amendment Act (1985), addresses anti-defection provisions to prevent political instability caused by elected members shifting party allegiance.
The maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament should not exceed –
(A) 3 months
(B) 6 months
(C) 1 year
(D) 9 months
Answer: (B)
Explanation: As per Article 85, not more than six months should elapse between two sessions of Parliament.
Money Bill is defined in Article –
(A) 110
(B) 111
(C) 112
(D) 113
Answer: (A)
Explanation: Article 110 defines a Money Bill, which deals exclusively with issues like taxation, borrowing, expenditure from the Consolidated Fund, etc.
How many readings does a Bill have in the Indian Parliament?
(A) Two
(B) Three
(C) One
(D) Four
Answer: (B)
Explanation: A Bill undergoes three readings in each House: Introduction, Consideration, and Passing. Each stage serves a specific purpose in the legislative process.
The Chairman of Rajya Sabha is –
(A) Speaker
(B) President
(C) Vice-President
(D) Prime Minister
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and presides over its sessions.
The tenure of Lok Sabha is –
(A) 4 years
(B) 5 years
(C) 6 years
(D) Depends on President
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The Lok Sabha has a term of five years from the date of its first meeting unless dissolved sooner.
Quorum in Lok Sabha is –
(A) 1/10th of total strength
(B) 1/6th
(C) 1/4th
(D) 2/3rd
Answer: (A)
Explanation: The quorum for a sitting of the Lok Sabha is 1/10th of the total number of members. Without quorum, the House cannot conduct business.
Which part of the Constitution deals with the Union Executive?
(A) Part IV
(B) Part V
(C) Part VI
(D) Part VII
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Part V (Articles 52 to 151) deals with the Union Executive, including the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Attorney General of India.
The President of India is elected for a term of –
(A) 4 years
(B) 5 years
(C) 6 years
(D) 7 years
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The President is elected for a term of five years and is eligible for re-election. The election process is laid down in Article 56.
Which body elects the Vice-President?
(A) Only Rajya Sabha
(B) Only Lok Sabha
(C) Members of both Houses
(D) Electoral College
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Vice-President is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament through proportional representation using the single transferable vote system.
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to –
(A) President
(B) Parliament
(C) Rajya Sabha
(D) Lok Sabha
Answer: (D)
Explanation: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, meaning the entire ministry must resign if it loses the confidence of the House.
The Chief Justice of India is appointed by –
(A) Prime Minister
(B) Law Minister
(C) President
(D) Cabinet
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President, generally following the seniority convention and after consulting other judges as deemed necessary.