Civics Polity · General Awareness

Constitutions and Law

2,792 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

The provisions for allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to the states and union territories are carried in the

  1. Third Schedule of the Indian Constitution

  2. Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

  3. Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

  4. Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Fourth Schedule to the Constitution provides for allocation of seats to the States and Union Territories in Rajya Sabha. The allocation of seats is made on the basis of the population of each State. Consequent on the reorganization of States and formation of new States, the number of elected seats in the Rajya Sabha allotted to States and Union Territories has changed from time to time since 1952.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not provided by the Indian constitution?

  1. Presence of nominal and real executives

  2. Collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature

  3. Membership of the ministers in the legislatures

  4. Dissolution of the Upper House
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Lower House or the Lok Sabha can be dissolved, but the Upper House or the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body.

Multiple choice

Which part of the Indian constitution carries “Emergency Provisions”?

  1. Part XX

  2. Part XVIII

  3. Part XXI

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

Emergency Provisions are contained in Part XVIII (Articles 352-360) of the Indian Constitution. These provisions allow the President to declare emergencies (national, state, or financial) during extraordinary circumstances. Part XX is on Amendment, Part XXI on Temporary/Transitional Provisions, and Part XVI on Special Provisions for SC/ST/OBC.

Multiple choice

In the Indian constitution, the expression “Proclamation of Emergency” refers to

  1. National Emergency under Article 352

  2. President Rule under Article 356

  3. Financial Emergency under Article 360

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

In the Indian constitution, the expression “Proclamation of Emergency” refers to National Emergency under Article 352,President Rule under Article 356 and Financial Emergency under Article 360

Multiple choice

On which of the following grounds can the President of India, under Article 352, proclaim emergency?

  1. War
  2. Internal disturbance
  3. Armed rebellion
  4. External aggression
  5. Imminent danger

  1. Only 1, 3 and 4

  2. Only 1, 2 and 4

  3. Only 1, 3, 4 and 5

  4. Only 1, 2, 3 and 5
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, the President can issue different proclamations of emergency on the grounds of war, external aggression, armed rebellion or imminent danger. The 44th Amendment substituted the words “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion”.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. The Indian Constitution is largely a borrowed Constitution.
  2. Emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution have been borrowed from the Weimar Constitution of Germany.

Which of the statements given is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. The Indian Constitution has borrowed various provisions from different sources. That is why it is one of the lengthiest and most comprehensive constitutions of the world. Statement 2 is incorrect. Emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution have been borrowed from the Government of India Act of 1935. Provisions for suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency have been borrowed from the Weimar Constitution of Germany.

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.”