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 social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

The powers of three organs of Indian government are defined by the _______________.

  1. Majority party.

  2. Opposition.

  3. Members of parliament

  4. Constitution.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The government has three branches: the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. Indian President is the head of the state and exercises his or her  power directly or through officers subordinate to him. The power of three branches is well defined in constitution. It believes in Separation of Power for all three branches.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

The authority to not intervene in the matters of religion is provided to the state by the _________.

  1. Constitution

  2. President

  3. Parliament

  4. Supreme court
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Constitution has preamble which clearly mentions India to be a Secular nation. The fundamental rights give us various religious freedoms. It makes it clear that the State cannot interfere in the religious affairs of various communities. All these are mentioned in the Indian Constitution.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

Match the following relating to the guiding values of the Constitution and their meaning:

A. Sovereign I Government will not favour any religion
B. Republic  II People have the supreme power to make decisions
C. Fraternity III Head of the state is an elected person
D. Secular IV People should live like brothers and sisters


  1. D-II, B-III, C-I, A-IV

  2. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I

  3. A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I

  4. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Sovereign means India is free from foreign interference. India is free to frame her own economic, social and foreign policies. 

Republic means the head of the state has no hereditary right. The Head of the State in India is the President who is indirectly elected by the people. 
Fraternity implies friendship among a group of people sharing common interests. The unity and integrity of India can be preserved only through a spirit of brotherhood among all its citizens, irrespective of their languages, caste, creed or religion.
Secular means freedom to preach and practice a religion of one's own choice. We do not have a state religion. 

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

India is a democratic republic, because ________________.

  1. there is independence of judiciary

  2. the Head of the State is elected by the people

  3. there is a distribution of powers between the Centre and the States

  4. there is Parliamentary supremacy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Option B is the correct answer. India is a democratic republic because the Head of the State is elected by the people. A democratic republic is a representative government where the power resides with the people. People choose and majority decides. 

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

The Indian Constitution comprises of _____________________.

  1. $395$ Articles, $22$ Parts and $12$ Schedules
  2. $371$ Articles, $21$ Parts and $11$ Schedules
  3. $372$ Articles, $20$ Parts and $7$ Schedules
  4. $381$ Articles, $23$ Parts and $8$ Schedules
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The most unique feature of the Indian Constitution is that it is the lengthiest written Constitution of the World. Thus, it is a very comprehensive and detailed document. Originally Constitution contained a Preamble, 395 Articles divided into 22 parts and Eight Schedules. But the Various amendment carried out since it was enacted has increased the number of articles, Schedules, and Parts.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

Which one among the following statements is not correct?
The word 'socialist'in the Preamble of the Constitution of India, read with _______________.

  1. Article $39$(d), would enable the Court to uphold the constitutionality of nationalization laws
  2. Articles $14$, would enable the Court to strike down a statute which failed to achieve the socialist goal to the fullest extent
  3. Article $25$, would enable the Court to ensure freedom guaranteed under that Article
  4. Article $23$, would enable the Court to reduce inequality in income and status
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Preamble declares India a Secular and Socialistic State. India is a Democratic Socialism which involved nationalization of all means of Production and distribution of wealth and equality of opportunity. Directive Principles of State Policy represents the Socialistic feature of India. Secular state means India remains neutral in the affairs of religion and all religions in our country have the same status. Article 25 to 28 (Fundamental Rights) ensures the secular feature of the Nation.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

The part of the Constitution that reflects the mind and ideals of the framers is _________________.

  1. directive principles

  2. fundamental rights

  3. preamble

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

The Preamble, a preface of the Constitution contains the basic philosophy and fundamental values on which the Constitution is based. It reflects the ideology, dreams and grand vision of makers of the Constitution.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

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. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Preamble of the Constitution is the Preface or introduction to the Constitution which contains the summary and essence of the Constitution. It contains the ideals and philosophy of the Constitution and is an integral part of the Constitution.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

The Constituent Assembly arrived at decisions on the various provisions of the Constitution ___________.

  1. by a majority vote

  2. by a two-thirds majority

  3. by consensus

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

The Constituent Assembly deliberated over various provisions to be incorporated in Constitution and reached a decision by consensus i.e., unanimity or agreement of all members. The members of Constituent Assembly were very keen in adopting provisions and discussed at great length until the consent of all members is achieved and doubts are extinguished.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

The Indian Constitution establishes a secular state, meaning:
1. the State treats all religions equally.
2. freedom of faith and worship is allowed to all the people.
3. educational institutions, without exception, are free to impart religious instruction.
4. the State makes no discrimination on the basis of religion in matters of employment.

  1. I and II

  2. I, II and III

  3. II, III and IV

  4. I, II and IV
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Constitution of India provides for a Secular State meaningly India has no particular religion as the official religion and it remains neutral in the affairs of religion or on other words each and every Religion gets equal status and support from the state. The term "secular" was added to the Preamble by 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

In which case, it was held by the Supreme Court that 'Preamble is the basic structure of the Constitution of India?

  1. Golaknath case, (1967) 2 SCR 769

  2. Maneka Gandhi case, AIR 1978 SC 597

  3. Swarn Singh case, AIR 1989 SC 188

  4. Keshvananda Bharti case, AIR 1973 SC 1461
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Kesavananda Bharati judgment or His Holiness Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalvaru and Ors. v. State of Kerala and Anr. (case citation: (1973) 4 SCC 225) is a landmark decision of the Supreme Court of India that outlined the basic structure doctrine of the Constitution.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

The provision in respect of Comptroller and Auditor-General of India are provided under which of the following Articles  of Constitution?

  1. Article 148 to Article 151

  2. Article 145 to Article 148

  3. Article 140 to Article 145

  4. Article 135 to Article 139
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). Article 148 to Article 151 are the provisions in respect of CAG. He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. He is the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both the levels- the Centre and the State. 

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

Which of the following is correct statement in D.C. Wadhwa v. State of Bihar _____________________.

  1. President is entitled to promulgate ordinances during the recess of the Parliament

  2. Colourable re-promulgation of ordinances in unconstitutional

  3. Article 123 of Constitution empowers the President to issue successive ordinances

  4. Governor's power of re- issuances of ordinances cannot be questioned in Court of law
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The case of D.C. Wadhwa v. the State of Bihar is a fine example of the abuse of Ordinance-making power. In this case, the Bihar Governor promulgated 256 Ordinances and all of them were kept alive for period ranging from 1-14 years by re-promulgation from time to time. Out of 256, 69 were re-promulgated several times with the prior permission of the President. The Court, in this case, held that the colorable re-promulgation of ordinances is unconstitutional, as it amounts to fraud on the Constitution. 

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

In keshvananda Bharti's case justice Sikri had tried to tabulate the basic feature of the Constitution, they are:
(i)  supremacy of the Constitution
(ii) republican and democratic form of Government
(iii) secular character of the Constitution
(iv) separation of power.

  1. (i), (iii)

  2. (i), (ii)

  3. (ii), (iv)

  4. (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In Keshvananda Bharti's case the Supreme Court explained that Directive Principles and fundamental rights together belonged to the basic structure of the Constitution. However, the Court did not outline the basis of what constituted the basic structure of the Constitution but merely reserved for itself the right to pronounce what constituted the basic structure. Justice Sikri tried to tabulate the basic feature of the Constitution as the supremacy of the Constitution, republican and democratic form of government, secular character, separation of power and federal character.

Multiple choice social studies ideals of our constitution preamble of the indian constitution features of indian democracy features of the constitution and preamble

What is the purpose of the Preamble in the Constitution?

  1. It is like an introduction to the constitution.

  2. It is not a part of the contents but it explains the purposes and objectives with which the Constitution has been written

  3. It provides the guidelines of the Constitution.

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

  • The Preamble is an introduction to the Constitution which gives the insight or summary of the Constitution. The Indian judiciary has realised the significance of the preamble and declared it to be an integral part of the constitution. It contains the ideals and philosophy of the constitution.
  • The Preamble is like an introduction or preface of a book. As an introduction, it is not a part of the contents but it explains the purposes and objectives with which the document has been written. So is the case with the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. As such the Preamble provides the guidelines of the Constitution.
  • The Preamble, in brief, explains the objectives of the Constitution in two ways: one, about the structure of the governance and the other, about the ideals to be achieved in independent India. It is because of this, the Preamble is considered to be the key to the Constitution.