Indian constitutions - short notes with MCQs
The Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, is the supreme law of India. It is a remarkable document that governs the country and provides the framework for its political system. Some key features include:
Preamble: The preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic that ensures justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to its citizens.
Federal Structure: The Constitution establishes a federal structure with a strong center. It divides powers between the central government and states to maintain unity and diversity.
Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including the right to equality, freedom of speech, and the right to life and personal liberty.
Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for the government to ensure social and economic justice and the welfare of the people.
Parliamentary System: India follows a parliamentary system of government where the President is the ceremonial head, and the Prime Minister is the head of the government.
Independent Judiciary: The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary with the Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal.
Amendment Procedure: The Constitution can be amended to adapt to changing circumstances. Amendments require a special majority of the Parliament.
Emergency Provisions: The Constitution provides for the declaration of a state of emergency in times of war, external aggression, or internal disturbance.
Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen over 18 years has the right to vote, making India one of the largest democracies globally.
Scheduled Castes and Tribes: The Constitution includes provisions for the upliftment and protection of the rights of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. When was the Indian Constitution adopted?
A. August 15, 1947
B. January 26, 1950
C. October 2, 1942
D. December 6, 1956
Answer: B
2. What does the Preamble of the Constitution declare India to be?
A. Socialist republic
B. Monarchy
C. Democratic state
D. All of the above
Answer: D
3. What is the fundamental right related to equality in the Indian Constitution?
A. Right to freedom of speech
B. Right to life and personal liberty
C. Right against exploitation
D. Right to equality
Answer: D
4. What do Directive Principles of State Policy provide?
A. Mandatory laws
B. Guidelines for the government
C. Fundamental rights
D. Economic policies
Answer: B
5. Who is the head of the government in the Indian parliamentary system?
A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Chief Justice
D. Governor
Answer: B
6. What is the highest court of appeal in India?
A. High Court
B. Supreme Court
C. Constitutional Court
D. District Court
Answer: B
7. How can the Indian Constitution be amended?
A. Simple majority in Parliament
B. Two-thirds majority in Parliament
C. Special majority in Parliament
D. Unanimous consent of states
Answer: C
8. Which part of the Constitution deals with emergency provisions?
A. Part I
B. Part III
C. Part XVIII
D. Part XI
Answer: C
9. What is the voting age in India?
A. 16 years
B. 18 years
C. 21 years
D. 25 years
Answer: B
10. Who is the head of the state in India?
A. Prime Minister
B. President
C. Chief Justice
D. Governor
Answer: B
11. What is the minimum voting age in India?
A. 16 years
B. 18 years
C. 21 years
D. 25 years
Answer: B
12. What does the term "Rajya Sabha" refer to in the Indian context?
A. Lower House of Parliament
B. President's house
C. Council of States
D. State Assembly
Answer: C
13. Which schedule of the Constitution deals with the division of powers between the Union and the States?
A. First Schedule
B. Second Schedule
C. Seventh Schedule
D. Tenth Schedule
Answer: C
14. What does the term "Lok Sabha" refer to in the Indian context?
A. Upper House of Parliament
B. President's house
C. People's Assembly
D. State Council
Answer: C
15. Who has the power to declare a state of emergency in India?
A. Prime Minister
B. President
C. Chief Justice
D. Governor
Answer: B
16. How many schedules are there in the Indian Constitution?
A. 20
B. 22
C. 25
D. 12
Answer: B
17. Which article of the Constitution deals with the right to freedom of speech and expression?
A. Article 15
B. Article 19
C. Article 21
D. Article 25
Answer: B
18. What is the term for the principle that no person can be subjected to harsher punishment than the one applicable at the time of the offense?
A. Ex post facto law
B. Habeas corpus
C. Writ jurisdiction
D. Jurisprudence
Answer: A
19. Who is the guardian of the Fundamental Rights in India?
A. Parliament
B. Judiciary
C. President
D. Prime Minister
Answer: B
20. What does the term "Jan Lokpal" refer to in the context of Indian governance?
A. Local self-government
B. Ombudsman to investigate corruption
C. Panchayati Raj
D. Special economic zones
Answer: B
21. What is the term for a system where the executive is derived from and accountable to the legislature?
A. Presidential system
B. Parliamentary system
C. Federal system
D. Unitary system
Answer: B
22. Who has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha in India?
A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Speaker of the Lok Sabha
D. Chief Justice
Answer: A
23. What is the term for a system where power is divided between a central government and regional governments?
A. Unitary system
B. Federal system
C. Parliamentary system
D. Presidential system
Answer: B
24. Which fundamental right guarantees protection against arbitrary arrest and detention?
A. Right to equality
B. Right to life and personal liberty
C. Right against exploitation
D. Right to freedom of religion
Answer: B
25. What is the term for a situation where a person cannot be tried twice for the same offense?
A. Double jeopardy
B. Habeas corpus
C. Writ jurisdiction
D. Judicial review
Answer: A
26. Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?
A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Chief Justice of India
D. Collegium system
Answer: A
27. What is the term for a situation where the court examines the constitutionality of governmental action?
A. Writ jurisdiction
B. Judicial review
C. Habeas corpus
D. Stare decisis
Answer: B
28. Which amendment of the Constitution lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years?
A. 42nd Amendment
B. 44th Amendment
C. 50th Amendment
D. 61st Amendment
Answer: D
29. Who has the power to appoint judges of the High Court?
A. President
B. Chief Justice of India
C. Governor of the State
D. Prime Minister
Answer: A
30. What is the term for a system where there is a division of powers between a central government and regional governments, each having its own sphere of authority?
A. Unitary system
B. Federal system
C. Parliamentary system
D. Presidential system
Answer: B
31. What is the term for a legal order that requires a person to be brought before a court or judge, especially for investigation of a restraint of the person's liberty?
A. Habeas corpus
B. Writ jurisdiction
C. Judicial review
D. Stare decisis
Answer: A
32. Who is the custodian of the Constitution of India?
A. Prime Minister
B. Parliament
C. President
D. Chief Justice of India
Answer: C
33. What is the term for the power of the court to review and possibly nullify actions of the executive and legislative branches of government?
A. Judicial review
B. Habeas corpus
C. Writ jurisdiction
D. Stare decisis
Answer: A
34. What is the term for a system where the head of government is also the head of state?
A. Parliamentary system
B. Presidential system
C. Monarchical system
D. Unitary system
Answer: B
35. Which constitutional amendment is known as the "Mini Constitution of India"?
A. 42nd Amendment
B. 44th Amendment
C. 50th Amendment
D. 61st Amendment
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