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Generate QuizPolity – GK Questions
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As per Article 343, the official language of the Union shall be ______ in Devanagari script.
Answer: Hindi
Article 343(1) states: 'The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script.' However, Article 343(2) allowed English to continue for official purposes for 15 years from commencement of Constitution (i.e., till 1965). The Official Languages Act, 1963 extended the use of English indefinitely for certain purposes.
All constitutional amendments require ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Only amendments that affect federal structure or State interests (e.g., election of President, extent of executive power of Union/States, Supreme Court/High Courts, distribution of legislative powers, representation of States in Parliament, Article 368 itself) require ratification by at least half of State Legislatures. Other amendments need only special majority in Parliament.
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.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is appointed by the ______ and can be removed only in the manner similar to a ______.
Answer: President, Supreme Court Judge
The CAG is appointed by the President under Article 148. For removal, Article 148(1) states that the CAG can be removed only on the grounds and in the manner provided for the removal of a Supreme Court Judge (i.e., by Presidential order after an address by both Houses of Parliament supported by special majority on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity).
The Parliament can make laws on a subject in the State List if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority declaring it expedient in the national interest.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Under Article 249, if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting that it is expedient in the national interest for Parliament to legislate on a State List subject, Parliament can make laws on that subject. Such a resolution remains in force for one year but can be renewed. This provision balances federalism with national needs.
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).
There are currently ______ Fundamental Duties listed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: 11
Originally, the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 added 10 Fundamental Duties. The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 added the 11th duty: 'to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years'. These duties are moral obligations for citizens but are not legally enforceable.
The Supreme Court of India has the power of judicial review over constitutional amendments.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Following the Kesavananda Bharati judgment (1973) and subsequent cases like Minerva Mills (1980), the Supreme Court has the power of judicial review over constitutional amendments. It can strike down amendments that violate the 'basic structure' of the Constitution, even if passed with the required majority under Article 368.
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.
The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on ______.
Answer: November 26, 1949
The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950. November 26 is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) in India since 2015 to honor Dr. Ambedkar's contribution.
Fundamental Rights under the Indian Constitution are absolute and cannot be restricted under any circumstances.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Fundamental Rights are not absolute. Most rights can be restricted by the State under reasonable restrictions specified in the Constitution itself (e.g., Article 19 allows restrictions on freedom of speech in interests of sovereignty, security, public order, etc.). Some rights can also be suspended during a National Emergency (except Articles 20 and 21).
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.
The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under Article ______ of the Constitution.
Answer: 280
Article 280 provides for the constitution of a Finance Commission by the President every five years (or earlier). The Commission recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and States, and among States themselves, and principles governing grants-in-aid to States.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Rajya Sabha is a permanent House under Article 83; it is not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every two years, and fresh elections are held for those seats. This ensures continuity in the Upper House while allowing periodic renewal of membership.
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.
The Constituent Assembly of India took ______ years, ______ months, and ______ days to draft the Constitution.
Answer: 2, 11, 18
The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete the drafting of the Constitution. It first met on December 9, 1946, and the Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 (celebrated as Constitution Day), coming into force on January 26, 1950.
During a Financial Emergency under Article 360, the President can direct reduction of salaries of all government officials including Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 360 empowers the President to proclaim a Financial Emergency if satisfied that India's financial stability or credit is threatened. During such emergency, the President can issue directions for reduction of salaries of all government officials, including Supreme Court and High Court Judges. However, a Financial Emergency has never been proclaimed in India.