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Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution?
- Federal with Unitary bias
- Parliamentary form of government
- Presidential form of government
- Independent Judiciary
Answer: Presidential form of government
India follows a Parliamentary system (Westminster model), not Presidential. Key features include federalism with unitary bias, fundamental rights, DPSP, and judicial independence.
Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) added Part IVA (Article 51A) containing 10 Fundamental Duties, based on the Swaran Singh Committee recommendations. One more duty was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).
The minimum age required to become a member of the Rajya Sabha is ______ years.
- 25
- 30
- 35
- 40
Answer: 30
As per Article 84(b), a person must be at least 30 years old to be elected to Rajya Sabha, while 25 years for Lok Sabha. This ensures maturity for upper house responsibilities.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the abolition of untouchability?
- Article 16
- Article 17
- Article 18
- Article 23
Answer: Article 17
Article 17 abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form. It is part of Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35) and is enforceable by law.
The Preamble was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on ______, along with the rest of the Constitution, though most provisions came into force on January 26, 1950.
- August 15, 1947
- November 26, 1949
- January 26, 1950
- December 11, 1946
Answer: November 26, 1949
Constitution adoption timeline: (a) November 26, 1949: Constituent Assembly adopted Constitution including Preamble; this date celebrated as Constitution Day, (b) January 26, 1950: Constitution came into force (chosen to honor 1930 Purna Swaraj declaration), (c) Some provisions (citizenship, elections, provisional Parliament) came into force November 26, 1949 for transitional arrangements. Preamble's adoption date symbolizes completion of constitution-making; enforcement date symbolizes democratic sovereignty.
The Preamble begins with the words 'We, the people of India', indicating that the Constitution derives its authority from ______.
- the British Parliament
- the Constituent Assembly
- the people of India
- the President
Answer: the people of India
Preamble opening phrase: 'We, the people of India' signifies popular sovereignty - Constitution's authority flows from citizens, not from any external power or elite body. Constituent Assembly was elected indirectly but represented people's will. This democratic foundation distinguishes Indian Constitution from colonial-era laws and emphasizes that governance is by, for, and of the people.
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution has been amended only once, by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, which added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity'.
- True
- False
Answer: True
42nd Amendment (1976): Added three words to Preamble: (a) 'Socialist' - reflecting commitment to mixed economy and welfare state, (b) 'Secular' - State has no religion, equal respect for all faiths, (c) 'Integrity' - national unity beyond sovereignty. Original Preamble (1950) had 'Sovereign Democratic Republic'; now 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic'. Preamble amendment subject to basic structure limitation (Kesavananda).
The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) is an online platform launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances to enable citizens to lodge grievances against ______.
- private companies
- any ministry/department/organization of Government of India
- foreign governments
- international organizations
Answer: any ministry/department/organization of Government of India
CPGRAMS (launched 2007): Features: (a) Online grievance submission with unique registration number, (b) Time-bound redressal (typically 30 days), (c) Appeal mechanism if unsatisfied, (d) Analytics for systemic improvements, (e) Integration with state portals. Part of broader public grievance reforms to make administration responsive. Complements RTI, Citizen's Charter, social audit mechanisms. Challenges: Awareness, quality of responses, follow-up on systemic issues.
India follows a system of ______ citizenship, whereas the United States follows dual citizenship (federal and state).
- single
- dual
- multiple
- regional
Answer: single
Citizenship comparison: (a) India: Single citizenship for entire country (Article 5-11), promoting national unity and equal rights across States, (b) USA: Dual citizenship - US citizenship + State citizenship, with States having powers over certain rights (e.g., voting in State elections, property ownership rules). India's single citizenship reflects Constituent Assembly's priority for national integration post-Partition; USA's dual citizenship reflects federal autonomy tradition.
The procedure for amendment of the Constitution requiring special majority was borrowed from which country?
- South Africa
- Russia
- Japan
- France
Answer: South Africa
From South Africa, India borrowed: (a) Procedure for constitutional amendment requiring special majority (Article 368), (b) Election of Rajya Sabha members by proportional representation. Indian amendment procedure: (a) Most provisions: Special majority in Parliament (majority of total membership + 2/3 present and voting), (b) Federal provisions: Additionally ratified by half of State Legislatures. Balances flexibility with protection of core values.
Which feature of the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the United Kingdom?
- Fundamental Rights
- Parliamentary system of government
- Federal structure
- Judicial review
Answer: Parliamentary system of government
India adopted the Parliamentary system (Westminster model) from the UK, featuring: (a) Nominal head (President/Queen) and real executive (PM/Council of Ministers), (b) Collective responsibility of Council to Lok Sabha, (c) Prime Minister as leader of majority party, (d) Bicameral legislature. However, India has a written Constitution and federal structure, unlike UK's unwritten Constitution and unitary system.
The Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme was launched by the Election Commission to increase ______ among citizens.
- voter turnout
- political awareness
- candidate scrutiny
- party membership
Answer: voter turnout
SVEEP launched by ECI in 2009: Multi-pronged strategy to educate voters, build awareness about electoral process, encourage participation. Activities: (a) Voter awareness campaigns, (b) School/college programmes, (c) Media outreach, (d) Collaboration with civil society. Contributed to increased voter turnout, especially among women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were first used in Indian elections on an experimental basis in the ______ Assembly constituency in Kerala in 1982.
- Paravur
- Kottayam
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Ernakulam
Answer: Paravur
EVMs first used experimentally in Paravur Assembly constituency (Kerala) in 1982 by-election. Gradually expanded; used nationwide from 2004 general elections. Features: (a) Reduces bogus voting, (b) Faster counting, (c) Cost-effective. VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) added from 2013 for transparency; now used in all constituencies for verification.
Article 326 guarantees elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of universal adult suffrage for citizens aged 18 years and above.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 326: Elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies shall be on basis of adult suffrage: every citizen aged 18+ years (reduced from 21 by 61st Amendment, 1988) not disqualified under Constitution or law on grounds of non-residence, unsound mind, crime, or corrupt/illegal practice, is entitled to be registered as voter. Foundation of representative democracy in India.
The Election Commission of India is established under which Article of the Constitution?
- Article 324
- Article 325
- Article 326
- Article 327
Answer: Article 324
Article 324(1): Superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and offices of President and Vice President is vested in the Election Commission. EC is an independent constitutional authority with plenary powers over electoral process, ensuring free and fair elections as foundation of Indian democracy.
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 operationalizes which Constitutional provision?
- Article 45
- Article 21A
- Article 41
- Article 46
Answer: Article 21A
Article 21A (inserted by 86th Amendment, 2002): 'The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine.' RTE Act, 2009 operationalizes this Fundamental Right: mandates 25% reservation in private schools for EWS, prohibits screening/capitation fees, sets teacher-student ratios, infrastructure norms. Makes education justiciable right for children 6-14 years.
Under the RTI Act, 2005, the Public Information Officer must provide information within ______ days of receipt of request, or 48 hours if concerning life/liberty.
- 15
- 30
- 45
- 60
Answer: 30
RTI Act, Section 7(1): PIO must provide information within 30 days of request. Section 7(1) proviso: If information concerns life/liberty, must be provided within 48 hours. Section 7(3): If request transferred to another public authority, 30 days computed from receipt by transferee. Time-bound response ensures prompt access to information; penalties for delay promote accountability of public authorities.
The concept of Citizen's Charter in India was first introduced based on recommendations of which committee?
- Santhanam Committee
- Second Administrative Reforms Commission
- Sarkaria Commission
- Punchhi Commission
Answer: Second Administrative Reforms Commission
Citizen's Charter initiative launched in 1997 based on Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recommendations. Charter sets standards of service delivery, timeframes, grievance redressal mechanisms for public services. Not legally enforceable but promotes accountability. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) coordinates implementation. Part of broader good governance reforms to make administration citizen-centric.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 applies to which of the following?
- Only Union Government bodies
- Only State Government bodies
- All public authorities as defined in the Act
- Only constitutional bodies
Answer: All public authorities as defined in the Act
RTI Act, 2005: Applies to all 'public authorities' defined as: (a) Bodies constituted under Constitution/Parliament/State Legislature law, (b) Bodies owned/controlled/substantially financed by government, (c) NGOs substantially financed by government. Enables citizens to seek information from executive, legislature, judiciary, PSUs, local bodies. Foundation of transparency and accountability in governance.
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 is associated with:
- Right to Education
- Goods and Services Tax
- Panchayati Raj
- Anti-Defection Law
Answer: Right to Education
The 86th Amendment Act, 2002: (1) Added Article 21A making education a Fundamental Right for children 6-14 years, (2) Added Directive Principle Article 45 for early childhood care, (3) Added Fundamental Duty Article 51A(k) for parents to provide education opportunities. This amendment operationalized the constitutional commitment to universal elementary education.