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Under Article 256, States are obligated to exercise executive power to ensure compliance with ______.
- State Legislature laws only
- Parliament laws and existing laws
- Supreme Court directions only
- Governor's orders only
Answer: Parliament laws and existing laws
Article 256: State executive power must be exercised to ensure compliance with Parliament laws and existing laws applicable in State. Union can give directions to States for this purpose. Article 257 extends this to Union directions on matters like railways, communications. Ensures national policy uniformity.
The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains how many Lists for distribution of legislative powers?
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
Answer: Three
Seventh Schedule contains three Lists: Union List (List I - 97 subjects), State List (List II - 61 subjects), Concurrent List (List III - 52 subjects). Parliament has exclusive power on Union List, State Legislatures on State List, and both on Concurrent List (Union law prevails in conflict).
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic ______.
- Monarchy
- Republic
- Federation
- Confederation
Answer: Republic
The Preamble declares India to be a 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic'. The term 'Republic' signifies that the head of State (President) is elected, not hereditary, and that political sovereignty rests with the people, not a monarch. This distinguishes India from constitutional monarchies like the UK.
Under which Article can the President refer a question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its advisory opinion?
- Article 131
- Article 136
- Article 143
- Article 145
Answer: Article 143
Article 143 empowers the President to refer any question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its advisory opinion. The Supreme Court may hear such references and submit its report to the President. While advisory, such opinions carry significant weight (e.g., Ayodhya reference, 1993).
Which Schedule of the Constitution contains the list of States and Union Territories of India?
- First Schedule
- Second Schedule
- Third Schedule
- Fifth Schedule
Answer: First Schedule
The First Schedule of the Constitution lists the States and Union Territories of India along with their territorial jurisdictions. It is amended whenever there is reorganization of States (e.g., creation of Telangana in 2014) or changes in Union Territory status.
What is the maximum gap allowed between two sessions of Parliament?
- 3 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 1 year
Answer: 6 months
Article 85 states that the President shall summon each House of Parliament to meet such that six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session. This ensures parliamentary accountability and regular legislative business.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is established under which Article of the Constitution?
- Article 315
- Article 320
- Article 324
- Article 335
Answer: Article 315
Article 315 provides for a Union Public Service Commission for the Union and a State Public Service Commission for each State. UPSC conducts examinations for recruitment to All India Services and Central Services, and advises the government on disciplinary matters and promotions.
During a National Emergency, which Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended even by a Presidential order?
- Articles 14 and 19
- Articles 20 and 21
- Articles 25 and 26
- Articles 32 and 226
Answer: Articles 20 and 21
After the 44th Amendment Act, 1978, Articles 20 (protection in respect of conviction for offences) and 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency. Earlier, during the 1975 Emergency, even Article 21 was suspended, leading to this safeguard.
Which Article prohibits trafficking in human beings and forced labour?
- Article 21
- Article 22
- Article 23
- Article 24
Answer: Article 23
Article 23 prohibits trafficking in human beings, begar (forced labour), and other similar forms of forced labour. Any contravention is punishable by law. Article 24 separately prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines, or hazardous occupations.
The idea of 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution was borrowed from:
- USA
- UK
- France
- Ireland
Answer: France
The ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble were inspired by the French Revolution (1789). These principles reflect the influence of French constitutional thought on the Indian Constitution's vision of a just and egalitarian society.
A Money Bill can be introduced in the Parliament only with the prior recommendation of:
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- President of India
- Prime Minister
- Finance Minister
Answer: President of India
Under Article 117, a Money Bill (dealing with taxation, government expenditure, etc.) can be introduced in Lok Sabha only with the prior recommendation of the President. Additionally, Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha), and Rajya Sabha has limited powers over them (can only recommend changes within 14 days).
The 'Basic Structure Doctrine' of the Constitution was propounded by the Supreme Court in which landmark case?
- Golaknath Case (1967)
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
- Minerva Mills Case (1980)
- S.R. Bommai Case (1994)
Answer: Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
The Basic Structure Doctrine was established in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case (1973). The Supreme Court held that while Parliament has power to amend the Constitution under Article 368, it cannot alter the 'basic structure' or essential features of the Constitution (e.g., supremacy of Constitution, secularism, federalism, judicial review).
Which type of emergency has never been proclaimed in India so far?
- National Emergency (Article 352)
- State Emergency/President's Rule (Article 356)
- Financial Emergency (Article 360)
- All have been proclaimed
Answer: Financial Emergency (Article 360)
Financial Emergency under Article 360 has never been proclaimed in India. National Emergency has been proclaimed three times (1962, 1971, 1975), and President's Rule under Article 356 has been imposed over 120 times in various States. The non-use of Article 360 reflects India's relatively stable financial management.
Which Schedule of the Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to States and Union Territories?
- First Schedule
- Fourth Schedule
- Seventh Schedule
- Ninth Schedule
Answer: Fourth Schedule
The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution specifies the allocation of Rajya Sabha seats to States and Union Territories. It is amended periodically to reflect changes in population and creation of new States. Currently, Rajya Sabha has 245 members (233 elected + 12 nominated).
Which Article of the Constitution directs the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout India?
- Article 40
- Article 44
- Article 48
- Article 50
Answer: Article 44
Article 44, a Directive Principle of State Policy, directs the State to secure for citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India. It aims to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens.
Which Fundamental Right was described by Dr. Ambedkar as the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution?
- Right to Equality
- Right to Freedom
- Right against Exploitation
- Right to Constitutional Remedies
Answer: Right to Constitutional Remedies
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) as the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution because it provides the mechanism for enforcement of all other Fundamental Rights. Without this right, other rights would be meaningless as there would be no remedy for their violation.
How many languages are currently included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
- 18
- 20
- 22
- 24
Answer: 22
The Eighth Schedule originally had 14 languages. Through various amendments (71st, 92nd, and 96th), four more languages were added: Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (1992); Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (2003); making the total 22 scheduled languages. [[3]][[14]]
The President of India can be impeached for 'violation of the Constitution' under which Article?
- Article 60
- Article 61
- Article 65
- Article 72
Answer: Article 61
Article 61 lays down the procedure for impeachment of the President. Charges can be initiated in either House of Parliament, require a 14-day notice, and must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the total membership of that House. The other House then investigates the charges.
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution describes India as a:
- Federation of States
- Union of States
- Confederation of States
- Unitary State
Answer: Union of States
Article 1 of the Constitution states: 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.' The term 'Union of States' was deliberately chosen by the Drafting Committee to indicate that Indian federation is not a result of an agreement among states and that states have no right to secede from the Union.
In case of a conflict between a law made by Parliament and a law made by a State Legislature on a subject in the Concurrent List, which law prevails?
- State law always prevails
- Central law always prevails
- The law which received Presidential assent first prevails
- The matter is decided by the Supreme Court
Answer: Central law always prevails
Under Article 254, if there is a repugnancy between a Central law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject, the Central law prevails. However, if the State law has been reserved for the President's consideration and has received his assent, then the State law prevails in that State (subject to Parliament's power to override later).