1. The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:
a) 26th January 1950
b) 26th November 1949
c) 15th August 1947
d) 26th January 1949
Answer: b) 26th November 1949
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949. However, it came into full effect on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. This date (Jan 26) was chosen to honour the "Purna Swaraj" declaration of independence made by the Indian National Congress in 1930.
2. Which part of the Indian Constitution is often referred to as its 'conscience'?
a) Part IV (Directive Principles)
b) Part IV-A (Fundamental Duties)
c) Part III (Fundamental Rights)
d) Preamble
Answer: c) Part III (Fundamental Rights)
Explanation: Part III (Articles 12-35) containing the Fundamental Rights is often called the conscience of the Constitution because these rights are justiciable and protect individuals from arbitrary state action. They are essential for the development of an individual's personality and are guaranteed and enforced by the courts.
3. The Fundamental Right that prohibits human trafficking and forced labour is:
a) Right to Equality
b) Right against Exploitation
c) Right to Freedom
d) Right to Constitutional Remedies
Answer: b) Right against Exploitation
Explanation: Article 23 of the Constitution, under the Right against Exploitation, explicitly prohibits human trafficking, begar (forced labour without payment), and other similar forms of forced labour. Any contravention of this provision is an offence punishable by law.
4. Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Right?
a) Right to Property
b) Right to Freedom of Religion
c) Right to Equality
d) Cultural and Educational Rights
Answer: a) Right to Property
Explanation: The Right to Property was originally a Fundamental Right under Article 31. However, it was removed by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978. It is now a constitutional right under Article 300A, meaning no person can be deprived of their property except by authority of law, but it is not enforceable as a Fundamental Right.
5. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are:
a) Justiciable and enforceable in a court of law.
b) Non-justiciable but fundamental in the governance of the country.
c) Justiciable only on the order of the President.
d) Applicable only to Union Territories.
Answer: b) Non-justiciable but fundamental in the governance of the country.
Explanation: As per Article 37, the Directive Principles are not enforceable by any court. However, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. They serve as a guide for the government to establish a just society.
6. The idea of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution has been borrowed from the constitution of:
a) United States of America
b) United Kingdom
c) Ireland
d) Soviet Union (USSR)
Answer: d) Soviet Union (USSR)
Explanation: The concept of Fundamental Duties was not part of the original constitution. They were added by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976 on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. The inspiration for their inclusion came from the Constitution of the former Soviet Union (USSR).
7. Which article of the Constitution provides for the Right to Education?
a) Article 21
b) Article 21A
c) Article 19
d) Article 32
Answer: b) Article 21A
Explanation: Article 21A was inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002. It makes the Right to Education a Fundamental Right for children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. It states that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children in this age group.
8. The "Uniform Civil Code" for the citizens is mentioned in which part of the Indian Constitution?
a) Fundamental Rights (Part III)
b) Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A)
c) Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)
d) Preamble
Answer: c) Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)
Explanation: Article 44, under Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy), states that "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India." It is a directive aimed at promoting national integration and gender equality, but it is not yet implemented.
9. Which of the following is a Fundamental Duty of an Indian citizen?
a) To pay taxes
b) To vote in elections
c) To protect and improve the natural environment
d) To obey the laws of the land
Answer: c) To protect and improve the natural environment
Explanation: This is a Fundamental Duty listed under Article 51A(g). The other options, like paying taxes and voting, are legal and civic responsibilities, but they are not explicitly mentioned as Fundamental Duties in the Constitution.
10. The 'Heart and Soul of the Constitution' is a phrase used by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to refer to:
a) The Preamble
b) The Right to Freedom
c) The Right to Constitutional Remedies
d) The Directive Principles of State Policy
Answer: c) The Right to Constitutional Remedies
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called Article 32 (the Right to Constitutional Remedies) the "heart and soul" of the Constitution. This is because it empowers citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights. Without this right, the other Fundamental Rights would be rendered ineffective.
11. The Directive Principle that aims to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State is found in:
a) Article 40
b) Article 44
c) Article 48
d) Article 50
Answer: d) Article 50
Explanation: Article 50 directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. This is essential to ensure the independence