Civics Polity

Constitutional Amendments

599 Questions

Constitutional amendments questions evaluate knowledge of the historical adoption of the Indian Constitution and its subsequent modifications. Key themes include specific amendment acts, the insertion of new articles, and changes to the Preamble. Mastery of this topic is essential for general awareness sections in UPSC and state civil services exams.

Major amendment actsFundamental rights amendmentsConstitution adoptionPreamble amendmentsNew article insertions

Constitutional Amendments Questions

Multiple choice

What was passed by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26th November 1949, and came into effect from 26th January 1950?

  1. Declaration of Independence

  2. The Constitution

  3. Bill of Rights

  4. Human Rights Commission
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949 and came into effect on January 26, 1950. November 26 is now celebrated as Constitution Day. January 26 was chosen as Republic Day to commemorate the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930.

Multiple choice

In which list the entry of education figured in the Constitution of India prior to 42nd Amendment?

  1. Concurrent list

  2. Centre list

  3. State list

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Prior to the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976), education was listed in the State List of the Constitution, meaning state governments had exclusive legislative authority over education. The 42nd Amendment moved education to the Concurrent List, allowing both central and state governments to make laws on educational matters. This was a significant shift in India's federal educational governance.

Multiple choice

Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution have been taken from the

  1. Russian Constitution

  2. U.S. Constitution

  3. British Constitution

  4. Act of 1935
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution are primarily inspired by the US Constitution's Bill of Rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, acknowledged this influence while adapting these rights to Indian conditions.

Multiple choice

Indian Constitution was enacted and adopted on

  1. 26th January, 1950

  2. 26th November, 1949

  3. 15th August, 1947

  4. 14th August, 1947
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950.

Multiple choice

The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978

  1. provides that during emergency, the right to move to the Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights except articles 20 and 21 is suspended of the Constitution

  2. provides that the President can authorize the expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of the State

  3. permits, during emergency (under Article 352), the State Legislative Assemblies to legislate on Railways

  4. allows the administration of Scheduled and Tribal areas
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 provides that during emergency, the right to move to the Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights except articles 20 and 21 is suspended of the Constitution.

Multiple choice

Hindu Succession Amendment Act 2005 came into effect on

  1. 9th June, 2005

  2. 9th August, 2005

  3. 9th July, 2005

  4. 9th September, 2005
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

On 9 September 2005, the Hindu Succession (Amendment Act), 2005 (Amendment Act) came into effect and daughters in a joint Hindu family, governed by Mitakshara law, were granted statutory right in the coparcenary property of their fathers.

Multiple choice

In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court hold that ‘basic features” of the Constitution of India cannot be amended by exercising the power of amendment under Article 368?

  1. Sajjan Singh -Vs- State of Rajasthan

  2. Sankari Prasad -Vs- Union of India

  3. Keshavananda Bharati -Vs- State of Kerala

  4. Golaknath -Vs- State of Punjab
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Supreme Court laid down the basic structure doctrine in this case. According to this, some of the provisions of the Constitution of India form its basic structure, which are not amendable by the Parliament by exercise of its constituent power under Article 368.

Multiple choice

Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Amendment procedure?

  1. Article 348

  2. Article 368

  3. Article 367

  4. Article 347
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Article 368 of the Indian Constitution outlines the procedure for constitutional amendments. It specifies that amendments can be initiated by Parliament and require special majorities in both Houses, plus ratification by states for certain provisions.

Multiple choice

The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th November

  1. 1950

  2. 1949

  3. 1952

  4. 1947
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. It came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. The question asks about adoption, not implementation.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the competent authority to amend the Constitution?

  1. Parliament

  2. State legislatures

  3. President

  4. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Parliament has the exclusive power to amend the Constitution under Article 368. Amendments require a special majority (2/3 of members present and voting, plus absolute majority of total membership). State legislatures can only ratify certain amendments related to federal matters.

Multiple choice

The Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution for the first time in

  1. 1974

  2. 1975

  3. 1976

  4. 1977
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act during the Emergency period in 1976. Inspired by the Soviet Constitution, they were added to remind citizens of their civic responsibilities while enjoying fundamental rights. Originally 10 duties were added, and an 11th duty was added later by the 86th Amendment regarding education of children aged 6-14 years.