Test: Class 8 Polity NCERT Based-1 (UPSC Level) - UPSC MCQ

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad - First President of India: Correctly matched. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was indeed the first President of India. He served as the President from 1950 to 1962.

2. Constituent Assembly - Formed in December 1946: Correctly matched. The Constituent Assembly of India was indeed formed in December 1946. It was tasked with drafting the Constitution of India.

3. Adoption of Indian Constitution - 26th January 1950: Incorrectly matched. The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949, but it came into force on 26th January 1950. The adoption date is not the same as the date it came into force.

4. Right to Equality - Prevents discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, and place of birth: Correctly matched. The Right to Equality is one of the Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution, and it does prevent discrimination on these grounds.

Therefore, three pairs are correctly matched: 1, 2, and 4.

- Statement 1 is correct. In independent India, the rule of law is a fundamental principle ensuring that all individuals are treated equally by the law, without discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. This is a cornerstone of India’s democratic and legal system, as enshrined in the Constitution.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Sedition Act of 1870 was indeed a colonial law introduced by the British, which allowed the government to arrest individuals who criticized or protested against it without the necessity of a trial. This act exemplifies the arbitrary nature of colonial legal systems.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian Parliament can indeed amend, modify, or even repeal laws, including controversial ones, if they are found to be problematic or if there is significant public demand for change. Additionally, the judiciary has the power to review and strike down laws that contradict the Constitution.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I correctly highlights the role of the Parliament in making laws in Indian democracy. This is a fundamental aspect of the legislative process in the country.

Statement-II provides historical context, explaining that in ancient India, laws did not apply equally to all individuals. It elaborates on the unequal treatment based on caste backgrounds. While both statements are factually correct, they address different aspects of legal systems at different times. Statement-I focuses on the present role of the Parliament, while Statement-II discusses historical disparities in law application. Therefore, both statements are correct but do not directly explain or relate to each other, making option (b) the correct choice.

The Supreme Court of India introduced Public Interest Litigation (PIL) as a mechanism to ensure that even individuals or organizations representing those whose rights have been violated can file a PIL in the High Court or the Supreme Court. This simplified legal process significantly increased access to justice, allowing for grievances to be addressed more effectively, especially for those who might find it challenging to navigate traditional legal procedures due to financial or social constraints.

Statement-I correctly states that the Supreme Court of India is indeed the highest judicial authority in the country, and its decisions hold binding authority over all other courts in India. This is a fundamental aspect of the Indian judicial system.
Statement-II accurately describes the power of the Supreme Court to review laws and potentially modify or cancel them if they are found to be in violation of the basic structure of the constitution. This process, known as judicial review, is a crucial function of the judiciary to ensure that laws align with the constitutional framework.
Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains why the Supreme Court's decisions are binding on all other courts—it is due to the power of judicial review vested in the Supreme Court.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The Supreme Court of India exercises the power of judicial review, which allows it to modify or invalidate laws if they are found to violate the basic structure of the Constitution. This is a significant function of the judiciary, ensuring that legislative actions adhere to constitutional principles.

2. Statement 2 is correct: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a mechanism developed by the Supreme Court to promote access to justice. It enables individuals or organizations to file cases on behalf of those whose rights are violated, even if the filers are not directly affected by the issue. This has been instrumental in addressing public grievances, especially for disadvantaged groups who might otherwise find it difficult to approach the courts.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect: While the decisions of a High Court are binding on all lower courts within its own state, they are not binding on lower courts in other states. Only the decisions of the Supreme Court are binding on all courts throughout India, ensuring a uniform interpretation of law across the country.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.

Statement-I correctly highlights the provision in the Indian Constitution that guarantees the Right to Equality, ensuring that no citizen faces discrimination based on various factors like religion, race, caste, gender, and place of birth. This fundamental right is indeed enshrined in the Constitution.
Statement-II accurately describes secularism as a key feature of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing that the state does not promote any specific religion as the state religion. This aligns with the principle of secularism in India's governance.
Therefore, Option A is the correct answer as both statements are factually accurate, and Statement-II indeed provides an explanation for Statement-I within the context of the Indian Constitution.

The primary goal of secularism in a country, as outlined in the content, is to safeguard the freedom of individuals to come out of their religion, embrace another religion, or interpret religious teachings differently. This fundamental aspect of secularism helps in ensuring freedom of belief and expression, preventing the domination of one religion over another, and protecting individuals' rights to religious freedom. By maintaining a separation between the power of religion and the power of the state, secularism promotes equality and freedom within and between religions, fostering a democratic and inclusive society.

1. The Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
- This statement is correct. According to Article 110 of the Indian Constitution, a Money Bill is defined and must be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments, but it cannot amend or reject a Money Bill.

2. The Rajya Sabha has the power to amend the Money Bill.
- This statement is incorrect. The Rajya Sabha cannot amend a Money Bill. It can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha may choose to accept or reject. If the Rajya Sabha does not return the Money Bill within 14 days, it is deemed to be passed by both Houses in the form it was passed by the Lok Sabha.

3. The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- This statement is correct. The Vice-President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as provided by Article 64 of the Constitution.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3 only. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

The concept of "Rule of Law" in a democratic nation like India signifies that all laws apply equally to every citizen, ensuring that no individual, not even the President, is above the law. This principle emphasizes equality before the law, ensuring that justice is impartial and fair for all members of society.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Indian secularism is characterized by a "principled distance" rather than a strict separation. Unlike American secularism, which maintains a rigid separation between religion and state, Indian secularism allows for state intervention in religious matters when necessary to uphold constitutional values and fundamental rights.

Statement 2 is correct. The Indian Constitution permits the State to intervene in religious practices, particularly when such practices infringe on individual rights or promote social discrimination. An example of this is the banning of untouchability, a practice that discriminates against lower caste individuals. This intervention is justified as it aligns with protecting fundamental rights and ensuring equality.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian State does not promote any specific religion. Instead, it maintains neutrality and does not officially endorse or support any religion. This is to ensure that all religions are treated equally and to prevent the dominance of one religion over others, thus promoting religious freedom and equality.

Therefore, only Statement 2 is correct, making Option C the right choice.

Federalism is a prime feature of the Indian Constitution, indicating the existence of multiple levels of government in the country. This system ensures that there are governments at both the state and central levels, with defined powers and jurisdictions for each. Federalism allows for a distribution of powers between these levels, promoting cooperative governance while maintaining the unity of the nation.

1. Lok Sabha - House of the People: This pair is correctly matched. Lok Sabha is indeed known as the House of the People and is the lower house of India's Parliament.

2. Rajya Sabha - Chaired by the President of India: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Rajya Sabha is actually chaired by the Vice-President of India, not the President. The President of India is a part of the Parliament but does not chair the Rajya Sabha.

3. Money Bill - Introduced only in Lok Sabha: This pair is correctly matched. According to the Indian Constitution, a Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament.

4. Universal Adult Franchise - Right to vote for all adult citizens: This pair is correctly matched. Universal Adult Franchise refers to the right to vote granted to all adult citizens of a country without any discrimination.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched: 1, 3, and 4.

The Parliament in India plays a crucial role in creating and passing laws, overseeing the government's functioning, and representing the people. It is the highest law-making body in the country consisting of the President, the Rajya Sabha, and the Lok Sabha. Additionally, the Parliament keeps a check on the ministers and their work, has the power to question the government during the question hour, and its approval is vital in all financial matters. This central institution embodies the democratic principles of governance, ensuring that the government remains accountable to the citizens it serves.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Indian Constitution was indeed adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950. These dates are significant as they mark the formal adoption and implementation of the Constitution, with 26th January celebrated as Republic Day in India.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Constituent Assembly of India was headed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who served as its President. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee but not the head of the entire Constituent Assembly.

- Statement 3 is correct. The Indian Constitution establishes India as a secular state, meaning it does not promote any particular religion as the state religion. This is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that all religions are treated equally and that the state does not interfere in religious affairs.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option B the correct choice.