Laxmikanth MCQs: Concept of the Constitution | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Ans: (b)

• The definition of the constitution provided by political scientists and constitutional experts like Gilchrist, Gettell, Wheare, and Wade and Phillips collectively emphasizes that a constitution is a document with special legal sanctity, outlining the framework and principal functions of the government's organs.
• It serves as a foundational guide that declares the governing principles for the operation of the government.
• This definition underscores the critical role of a constitution in structuring and regulating the functions of a government in a country.

Ans: (b) 

• Statement 1 is correct. The word "constitution" comes from the Latin term "constituere," which means to establish or set up. This origin shows how a constitution plays a crucial role in forming the legal and political structure of a state. 
• Statement 2 is also correct. According to Wade and Phillips, a constitution has a unique legal importance. It lays out the framework and main functions of the government's branches. This definition effectively captures what a constitution does in organizing the government and establishing its guiding principles. 
• Statement 3 is incorrect. Gilchrist defines a constitution as including rules or laws that specify how the government is organized and how powers are divided among its branches. Therefore, the statement wrongly implies that Gilchrist's definition does not cover the division of powers, which is not accurate. 

The correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Ans: (c) 
1. Gilchrist: Correctly matched. Gilchrist's definition indeed involves rules or laws that determine the government's organization and distribution of powers among its organs.
2. Gettell: Correctly matched. Gettell's definition covers the fundamental principles shaping the state's form, including government organization and its relationship with the people.
3. Wheare: Correctly matched. Wheare describes the constitution as encompassing the entire system of government and forming a collection of rules regulating it.
4. Wade and Phillips: Incorrectly matched. While their definition involves legal sanctity and the framework of the government's organization, it does not specifically mention the distribution of powers as described here.
Thus, only three pairs are correctly matched.

Ans: (a) 
In this context, both Statement-I and Statement-II are accurate and complement each other. Statement-I highlights the essence of a constitution by delineating its role in determining government organization, power distribution, and principles guiding governance. Statement-II further elaborates on the comprehensive nature of a constitution, emphasizing its function in establishing and regulating the entire governmental system within a country. Hence, both statements are correct, with Statement-II effectively explaining the content of Statement-I.

Ans: (c)

• A crucial quality that a well-constructed constitution should possess is adaptability.
• This means that a constitution should be dynamic and capable of adjusting to changing circumstances and requirements.
• By being adaptable, a constitution can remain relevant and effective over time, ensuring that it can address the evolving needs and challenges faced by a nation's political system.
• Remember, the adaptability of a constitution is essential to ensure that it remains a living document that can effectively govern a society through different eras and changing circumstances.

Ans: (b)

• Statement 1 is correct. A good constitution is characterized by brevity, meaning it should be concise and avoid unnecessary details. This ensures that the document is straightforward and reduces confusion in its interpretation.
• Statement 2 is correct. Adaptability is a crucial quality of a constitution, allowing it to remain relevant and effective over time. This means the constitution can evolve and adapt to changes in society, technology, and politics, making it a "living document."
• Statement 3 is incorrect. Clarity in a constitution's language is intended to reduce, not increase, judicial discretion. Clear provisions are meant to minimize ambiguities and make the document understandable and accessible, reducing the potential for varied interpretations.

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

Ans: (a)

•  In this case, both statements are in alignment with the qualities of a good constitution as described in the provided content. 
•  Statement-I emphasizes the importance of conciseness in a constitution to prevent confusion, which resonates with the quality of clarity mentioned in the source material. 
•  Statement-II further reinforces this by highlighting the need for clear expressions to ensure better understanding, which complements the idea of definiteness in a constitution. 
•  Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the significance of Statement-I in the context of constructing a good constitution. 

Ans: (b)
A "Rigid Constitution" involves a distinct procedure for amending the constitution, separating constitutional amendments from regular legislative processes. This characteristic ensures that changes to the fundamental laws of the land undergo a more stringent and deliberate process compared to ordinary laws. This feature is exemplified in countries like the USA, Australia, and Switzerland, where constitutional amendments require a special and usually more rigorous procedure, emphasizing the importance and gravity of such changes.

Ans: (b) 

• Statement 1 is correct. A rigid constitution needs a special process to be changed, which sets it apart from regular laws. This feature is seen in countries like the USA, where changing the constitution is more complicated than making regular laws.
• Statement 2 is correct. An unwritten constitution isn't found in one document but is built on traditions, practices, and court decisions. A good example is the UK, where the constitution is mainly unwritten and comes from various sources.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. Constitutionalism means more than just having a constitution document. It is about limiting the power of the government to stop it from becoming too powerful. It focuses on the rule of law and protecting individual rights, making sure that government power is not used in a random or cruel way.

Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. The correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Ans: (c)

• Rigid Constitution: This type of constitution needs a special process for changes, which makes it different from regular laws. Countries like the USA and Australia are good examples of this. 
• Unwritten Constitution: This constitution is based on traditions, practices, and court decisions instead of being contained in a single written document. The UK is a notable example of an unwritten constitution. 
• Federal Constitution: A federal constitution divides powers between national and regional governments, allowing each to operate independently in its own areas. Examples of countries with federal constitutions include the USA, Switzerland, and Canada. 
• Procedural Constitution: This type of constitution is not correctly matched. It outlines legal and political frameworks and restricts government power to safeguard democratic processes and human rights. The previous description mistakenly referred to it with traits of a prescriptive constitution, which focuses on societal objectives and public authorities.