UPSC Previous Year Questions: Preamble of the Constitution - UPSC MCQ

• In the cases the Berubari Union case (1963) and the Kesavnanda Bharati Case (1973), the Supreme Court of India quoted the following observations of Willoughby about the Preamble to the American Constitution:-
• It has never been regarded as the source of any substantive power conferred on the Government of the United States, or on any of its departments.
• Such power embrace only those expressly granted in the body of the Constitution and such as may be implied from those so granted. What is true about the powers is equally true about the prohibitions and limitations.

Hence Preamble to the constitution of India is part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts
Therefore the correct answer is (d)

The Preamble to the Constitution of India does not explicitly embody Economic Liberty. Here is a brief explanation:
Embodied Objectives in the Preamble:
1. Liberty of thought: The Preamble states that it aims to secure for all its citizens "liberty of thought," which means the freedom to think and form opinions without any undue influence or restriction.
2. Liberty of expression: The Preamble also mentions "liberty of expression," which means the freedom to express one's thoughts and ideas through speech, writing, or any other form of communication without any constraint.
3. Liberty of belief: Lastly, the Preamble talks about "liberty of belief," which signifies the freedom to hold and practice any religious or non-religious belief without any interference.
Not Embodied in the Preamble:
- Economic Liberty: Although the Constitution promotes social, economic, and political justice, the Preamble does not explicitly mention "economic liberty." This term generally refers to the freedom to engage in economic activities, such as starting a business or working in a chosen profession, without undue government intervention. While the Constitution contains provisions to promote economic well-being, it does not specifically mention economic liberty as an objective in the Preamble.The Preamble mentions only Liberty of thought, expression, faith, belief and worship.

The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in:
The Preamble
The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution and reflects the vision and aspirations of the framers. It elucidates the fundamental principles and values upon which the Constitution is based. Specifically, the Preamble includes:
- The source of authority: The Preamble states that the authority of the Constitution comes from "We, the people of India."
- Objectives: It outlines the objectives of the Constitution, which include justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- The nature of the Indian state: The Preamble declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
- The commitment to the welfare of the people: By mentioning the objectives, the Preamble highlights the commitment of the Constitution makers to establish a welfare state that promotes the well-being of its citizens.
In summary, the Preamble serves as a reflection of the collective vision and aspirations of the Constitution makers, making it the most accurate answer to the question.

The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were added to the Preamble of the Constitution of India by the 42nd amendment. The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 is one of the most important amendments to the Indian Constitution. It was enacted by the Indian National Congress headed by Indira Gandhi then.

Thus, the correct answer is D

The idea of the Preamble was borrowed from the U.S.A.
Preamble:
- A Preamble is an introductory statement in a constitution that sets forth the guiding purpose, principles, and values of the document.
- It serves as a summary of the constitution and an expression of the intentions of its framers.
Borrowed from the U.S.A:
- The concept of including a Preamble in a constitution was inspired by the United States Constitution.
- The U.S. Constitution's Preamble begins with the famous phrase "We the People" and goes on to outline the fundamental purposes and guiding principles of the document.
- Similarly, the Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects the aspirations and values of the Indian people and sets the tone for the rest of the document.
In conclusion, the idea of incorporating a Preamble in a constitution was borrowed from the United States of America, and it serves as an essential introduction to the document, expressing the guiding principles and values that underpin the constitutional framework.

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was prepared by Jawaharlal Nehru. It was based on the Objectives Resolution, which was drafted and moved by Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946. The Constituent Assembly adopted the Objectives Resolution on January 22, 1947.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

The correct answer is C: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
Explanation:
The Preamble to the Constitution of India describes the country as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. Each term represents a specific characteristic of the nation and its political system:
1. Sovereign:
- Refers to the fact that India is an independent nation, free from foreign control or influence.
- The country has the authority to make decisions on internal and external matters without any external interference.
2. Socialist:
- Indicates a commitment to social and economic equality.
- The government aims to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor, and to ensure a fair distribution of resources and opportunities for all citizens.
3. Secular:
- Represents the principle of religious neutrality.
- The state does not promote any particular religion and guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens.
- All religions are treated equally and with equal respect.
4. Democratic:
- Emphasizes the importance of a democratic system of governance.
- The people of India elect their representatives through regular, free, and fair elections.
- The government is accountable to the people, and their will is expressed through their elected representatives.
5. Republic:
- Highlights the fact that the head of state, the President, is not a hereditary monarch but an elected representative.
- The President serves a fixed term and is indirectly elected by the people through an Electoral College.
In summary, the Preamble to the Constitution of India represents the fundamental principles and values that guide the nation and its political system. It emphasizes the importance of sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, and republicanism in defining the character of the Indian state.

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was amended by the 42nd Amendment. Here is an explanation for the answer:
42nd Amendment:
- Passed in 1976
- Also known as the "Mini-Constitution" due to its significant changes to the Indian Constitution
- Introduced by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi
Major changes made by the 42nd Amendment to the Preamble:
- Addition of the words "Socialist" and "Secular": These words were added to emphasize the commitment of the Indian state to promote social and economic equality, as well as religious tolerance and freedom for all its citizens.
- Addition of the term "Unity and integrity of the Nation": This phrase was added to underline the importance of national unity and territorial integrity, which were considered essential for the progress and development of the country.
- The Preamble was amended to state that the Indian Constitution aims to secure justice, liberty, and equality for all its citizens and promote fraternity among them.
Overall, the 42nd Amendment significantly altered the Preamble of the Indian Constitution to reflect the changing social, economic, and political landscape of India during that time.The Preamble has only been amended once in 1976 by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act.

The correct answer is: B: Twenty-sixth day of November, 1949
Explanation:

• The quotation provided is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the goals and objectives of the country's governing document.
• The date mentioned in the Preamble, "X," refers to the day when the Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
• The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and it came into effect on January 26, 1950.
• Therefore, "X" stands for the "Twenty-sixth day of November, 1949."

The objectives of the Constitution are mentioned in the Preamble. The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution and embodies the key objectives and principles that the Constitution aims to achieve. These objectives include:
Justice: Ensuring social, economic, and political justice for all citizens.
- Social justice: promoting equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination.
- Economic justice: ensuring the equitable distribution of wealth and resources.
- Political justice: providing equal access to political power and decision-making.
- Liberty: Guaranteeing individual freedoms and liberties, such as freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
- Equality: Ensuring that all citizens have equal status and opportunities, regardless of their race, religion, caste, or gender.
- Fraternity: Promoting a sense of brotherhood and unity among the diverse population while respecting their individual differences.
- Sovereignty: Establishing India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
- Unity and integrity of the Nation: Ensuring the territorial integrity and political unity of India.
These objectives are further elaborated upon and enshrined within the various provisions of the Constitution, particularly in Part III (Fundamental Rights) and Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy). However, it is the Preamble that specifically outlines the objectives of the Constitution as a whole.The Preamble contains the objectives that the Constitution seeks to provide the citizens.

The eminent lawyer and jurist, Nani Palkhivala was one of India’s most distinguished lawyers. He appeared in several landmark judgements and famously remarked that the Preamble is the identity Card of the Constitution.

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.

The concept of Socialism is not well explained by the Preamble. However, the Supreme Court in the D. S Nakara vs. Union of India, 1983 Case attempted to provide a definition whereby socialism is considered not as communist socialism but democratic socialism.

All of the following four emerge from the Preamble:

1. When the Constitution was enacted

2. The ideals that were to be achieved

3. The system of government

4. The source of authority

The Preamble of India goes as follows:

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 26th day of November 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

The Constitution of the USSR was the source for the ideals of justice in the Preamble and the concept of fundamental Duties.

The French Constitution inspired the provisions of liberty, equality and fraternity in the Preamble and also the concept of Republic.

The Court held that the basic elements or the fundamental features of the Constitution as contained in the Preamble cannot be altered by an amendment under Article 368.

The Preamble is a part of the Constitution. However, it is not enforceable in a court of law as established by the judgements in Keshavananda Bharati case (1973), S. R Bommai case (1994) and LIC Case (1995).

K. M Munshi was a stalwart in the Indian freedom struggle and played an important role in the making of the Constitution as he was a member of the Drafting Committee.

Sir Ernest Barker, a distinguished English political scientist, paid a glowing tribute to the political wisdom of the authors of the Preamble. He was so moved by the text of the Preamble that he quoted it at the opening of his popular book, Principles of Social and Political Theory (1951).