Civics Polity · General Awareness

Constitutions and Law

2,587 Questions

Constitutions and Law questions cover fundamental rights, the preamble, critical articles, and amendments from the Indian and United States constitutions. This topic is indispensable for UPSC, state PSC, and SSC exams. Practicing these questions ensures a solid understanding of political frameworks and legal provisions.

Indian Constitution articlesFundamental rights and dutiesConstitutional amendmentsPreamble featuresUS Constitution principles

Constitutions and Law Questions

Multiple choice

Read the following in relation to the emergency under Article 356:

  1. The power under Art 356 should be used sparingly and with great circumspection.
  2. Federalism is the basic feature and Art 356 must be used to preserve this fabric rather than subvert it.
  3. The power granted under Art 356 is not absolute.
  4. Courts can strike down the proclamation as unconstitutional if it is modified or based on irrelevant material.

The above mentioned recommendations/guidelines are the outcomes of which of the following?

  1. S R Bommai Judgement

  2. Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State relationship

  3. Inter-State Council meet in Srinagar

  4. National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Refer Indian Polity by M Laxmikant

Multiple choice

Which of the following changes are affected during the declaration of emergency due to constitutional breakdown of the State machinery?

  1. The President can assume to himself any or all the powers /functions of the Government of the State.
  2. The President can declare that the powers of the Legislature of the State shall be exercised by the Parliament.
  3. The President can assume the powers of the High Court of the State.
  4. The President can suspend the operation of any provision of the Constitution relating to the body or authority in the State if he feels it is desirable to do so for attaining the objectives of the Emergency.

  1. Only 1, 2 and 3

  2. Only 1, 3 and 4

  3. Only 1, 2 and 4

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Article 356 of the Indian Constitution says, “If the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor of a State or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, he may:

1. assume to himself any or all the powers /functions of the Government of the State.

2. declare that the powers of the Legislature of the State shall be exercised by the Parliament.
3. suspend the operation of any provision of the Constitution relating to the body or authority in the State if he feels it is desirable to do so for attaining the objectives of the Emergency. However, the President cannot assume to himself any of the powers vested in the State High Court.

Multiple choice

The Constitution of India provides for liberty of

  1. life
  2. expression
  3. belief
  4. faith

  1. 1, 2 and 3

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1, 3 and 4

  4. 2, 3 and 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Preamble of the Indian constitution states:

“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all.
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”

Multiple choice

While interpreting the constitution, the courts are expected to

  1. resolve the conflict between the Directive Principles and the Fundamental Rights

  2. give precedence to Directive Principles over the Fundamental Rights

  3. give precedence to Fundamental Rights over the Directive Principles

  4. interpret the provisions of Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights as harmoniously as possible
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

While interpreting the constitution, the courts are expected to interpret the provisions of Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights as harmoniously as possible.

Multiple choice

The preamble of our constitution

  1. is a part of the constitution

  2. contains the spirit of the constitution

  3. is a limitation upon the granted power

  4. delineates the basic structure of the constitution of India
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Preamble delineates the basic structure of the Constitution of India. It does not contain laws enforceable in the court, but no law can be enacted or amended in a manner that violates the spirit of the Preamble.

Multiple choice

In which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution has the phrase ‘freedom of press’ been mentioned?

  1. Article 16

  2. Article 19

  3. Article 22

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

Article 19 of the Indian Constitution mentions the ‘Freedom of speech and expression’, which enables an individual to participate in public activities. The phrase, freedom of press has not been used in Article 19, but ‘freedom of expression’ includes freedom of press.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is incorrect in relation to Indian polity?

  1. The Fundamental Rights in India are not absolute.

  2. The Parliament cannot alter the basic structure of the constitution.

  3. Secularism and democracy do not fall under the definition of basic structure.

  4. The Fundamental Rights can only be altered by a constitutional amendment.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The basic structure doctrine is an Indian judicial principle that the Constitution of India has certain basic features that cannot be altered or destroyed through amendments by the Parliament. Secularism and democracy fall under the definition of basic structure.

Multiple choice

While interpreting the Constitution, the courts are expected to

  1. resolve the conflict between the Directive Principles and the Fundamental Rights

  2. give precedence to Directive Principles over the Fundamental Rights

  3. give precedence to Fundamental Rights over the Directive Principles

  4. interpret the provisions of Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights as harmoniously as possible
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Minerva Mills Case, 1980 provides for the harmonious interpretation of the provisions of Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. Changes to the Fundamental Rights require a constitutional amendment.
  2. Such an amendment requires the approval of two-thirds of the members present and voting of both the Houses.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Changes to the Fundamental Rights require a constitutional amendment, which has to be passed by a special majority of both Houses of Parliament. This means that an amendment requires the approval of two-thirds of the members present and voting.