UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims): Directive Principles of State Policy | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q.1. Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates    (2021)
(a) the Right to Equality
(b) the Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) the Right to Freedom
(d) the Concept of Welfare

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy)- Article 39- says that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment. 

Q.2. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare state?     (2020-I)
(a) Directive principles of state policy
(b) Fundamental rights
(c) Preamble
(d) Seventh schedule

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Directive principles of state policy are given in the Part IV of the Indian Constitution (Article 36→51). Within that, Article 38 mentioned about State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people.

Q.3. With reference to the provisions contained in part IV of the constitution of India, which of the following statements is/ are correct?     (2020-I)

1. They shall be enforceable by courts
2. They shall not be enforceable by any court
3. The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the state

Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Part-IV of the Indian Constitution deals with the Directive Principles of the State Policy (Article 36 to Article 51)
Article 37: Provisions of Part-IV shall not be enforceable by any court (Hence, 2nd statement is correct)
Article 37 of the Indian Constitution also states that it shall be the duty of the state to apply these principles in making laws as they are fundamental in the governance of the country. So, #3 is correct. So, by elimination, the answer is d.

Q.4. Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)?    (2020-I)

1. Preamble
2. Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Fundamental Duties

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mentions about dignity of an individual. Preamble of Indian Constitution speaks about “EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity” So #1 is correct.
Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mentions about the Right to Work. Similar concept in Article 41 of the Indian Constitution, under the head of DPSPs. Article 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mentions about duties. A similar concept that was inserted in the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 under Part IV-A of the Constitution (Article 51A).

Q.5. The ideal of Welfare State' in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its   (2015-I)
(a) Preamble
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Fundamental Rights
(d) Seventh Schedule

Correct Answer is Option (b)
A welfare state is a concept of the government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) provides guidelines to the central and the state governments of India, to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies. The concepts behind DPSP is to establish a "Welfare State" rather than a "Police State" Such as of colonial era. In other words, motive behind inclusion of DPSP is to establish social and economic democracy rather than political democracy

Q.6. Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:    (2015-I)

1. The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.
2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Socio-economic democracy is spelt out because it provides for the idea of a welfare state. For e.g. consider Article 39 (b) and (c) which provide for minimizing inequalities in income and wealth; and ensuring that the wealth is not concentrated in the hands of few. While other article provide for the health of children, rights of working women etc. DPSP is not enforceable by courts. Only fundamental rights can be enforced by the courts.

Q.7. In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the    (2014 - I)
(a) Preamble to the Constitution
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Fundamental Duties
(d) Ninth Schedule

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Promotion of international peace and security is included in the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 51 of constitution that mentions to promote international peace and security and maintain just and honourable relations between nations between nations; to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and to encourage settlements of international disputes by arbitration.

Q.8. According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?    (2013 - I)
(a) Fundamental Rights
(b) Fundamental Duties
(c) Directive Principles of State Policy
(d) Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines to the central and State government of India to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies. DPSPs aim to create social and economic conditions under which the citizens can lead a good life. They also aim to establish social and economic democracy through a welfare state. They act as a check on the government. It is a yardstick in the hands of the people to measure the performance of the government. It shall be the duty of the state to apply these principles in making laws.

Q.9. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education?     (2012 - I)

1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
3. Fifth Schedule
4. Sixth Schedule
5. Seventh Schedule

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The items DPSP, Rural and Urban Local Bodies, 6th Schedule, 7th Schedule provide provision for education.

Q.10. With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following:    (2010)

1. Fundamental Rights
2. Fundamental Duties
3. Directive Principles of the State Policy

Which of the above provisions of the Constitution of India is/are fulfilled by the National Social Assistance Programme launched by the government of India?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) which came into effect from 15th August, 1995 represents a significant step towards the fulfillment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 (Right to Work, to Education and to Public Assistance in certain cases) of the Constitution

Q.11. Which of the following is/are included in the Directive Principles of the State Policy?    (2008)

1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
2. Prohibition of consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of other drugs which are injurious to health.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect as it is a Fundamental Right under article 23 of Part III of the constitution. Statement 2 corresponds to Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 47 under Part IV of the Constitution.

Q.12. The purpose of the inclusion of Directive Principles of the State Policy in the Indian Constitution is to establish:    (2002)
(a) political democracy
(b) social democracy
(c) Gandhian democracy
(d) social and economic democracy

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The purpose of Directive Principles of State Policy is to establish the social and economic democracy. Political democracy is established by the Fundamental Rights.

Q.13. Which one of the following Articles of the Directive Principles of the State Policy deals with the promotion of international peace and security?     (2002)
(a) 51
(b) 48 A
(c) 43 A
(d) 41

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This comes under Directive Principles of State Policy under part IV of the Constitution. Article 51 states that the state shall endeavour to promote international peace and security.