Constitution & Political System - Solved Questions (2004-2016) | UPSC Topic Wise Previous Year Questions PDF Download

Question 1: The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the    [2016-I]
(a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
(b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership
(c) Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

Correct Answer is Option (d)

If the Rajya Sabha declares that it is necessary in the national interest that Parliament should make laws on a matter in the State List, then the Parliament becomes competent to make laws on that matter. Such a resolution must be passed by the Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-third of its members present and voting.

Question 2: The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to    [2015-I]
(a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
(b) determine the boundaries between States
(c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
(d) protect the interests of all the border States

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India deals with administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes in these areas. The Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India contains provisions concerning the administration of tribal areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

Question 3: Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India?     [2015-I]
(a) The President of India
(b) The Prime Minister of India
(c) The Lok Sabha Secretariat
(d) The Supreme court of India

Correct Answer is Option (d)

The Supreme Court of India is the apex court in India. As stated by the Indian Constitution, the function of the Supreme Court of India is that of the custodian of the Constitution.

Question 4: "To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India" is a provision made in the     [2015-I]
(a) Preamble of the Constitution
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Fundamental Rights
(d) Fundamental Duties

Correct Answer is Option (d)

The idea behind incorporation of fundamental duties was to remind the citizens of the country that they have certain obligations towards the country and society. The fundamental duties were added to the constitution on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. There were ten fundamental duties at the time of incorporation but the eleventh was inserted by the 86th Amendment in 2002. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India is one of the fundamental duty mentioned in the constitution.

Question 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

Question 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.

Question 7: Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection? [2014 - I]
(a) Second Schedule
(b) Fifth Schedule
(c) Eighth Schedule
(d) Tenth Schedule

Correct Answer is Option (d)

The 52nd Amendment act of 1985, added 10th schedule to the Constitution. This is often referred to as anti-defection law.

Question 8: 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.

Question 9: With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were    [2013 - I]
(a) directly elected by the people of those Provinces
(b) nominated by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
(c) elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
(d) selected by the Government for their expertise in constitutional matters

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The members of the constituent Assembly from the provinces were indirectly elected by the members of the provincial assemblies, who themselves were elected on a limited franchise.

Question 10: 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.

Question 11: Consider the following statements:     [2013 - I]

1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.

2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the

States of India.

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 (d)

An amendment to the constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in either house of the parliament. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of at least half of the states.

Question 12: Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?    [2013 - I]
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes 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)

National Development council is not a constitutional body. It is an extra-constitutional body. Planning Commission is a non-constitutional and non-statutory body. It was created by the Govt. of India in 1950 by a resolution. Zonal councils were set up under the states Re-Organization Act, 1956 (So it is not a constitutional body) to faster interstate co-operation and co-ordination among the states. Currently there are total five zonal councils viz Northern, Western, Eastern, Central and Southern.

Question 13: Consider the following statements:     [2013 - I]
1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
3. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Directive Principles of State Policy lays down that the State shall take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self government. Planning for economic development and social justice is one such power given to village panchayats. There are 52 items in the concurrent list. Economic and social planning is placed under entry no. 20. Article -40 of the constitution of India has the provision for organisation of vilage panchayats Directive Principles of state policy lays down that the state shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self government.

Accordingly village panchayats have been entrusted with the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.

The national development council includes members of the planning commission, but it is a separate body.

Question 14: ‘Economic Justice’ as one of the objectives of the Indian Constitution has been provided in [2013 - I]
(a) the Preamble and the Fundamental Rights
(b) the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is Option (b)

The Preamble to the Constitution of India in its introductory statement says- “Justice- Social, Economic and Political” and the Directive Principles of state policies aim to create social and economic condition under which the citizens can lead a good life. They also aim to establish social and economic democracy through a welfare state.

Question 15: Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India:     [2012 - I]
1. Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code
2. Organizing village Panchayats
3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas
4. Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities

Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Organizing village Panchayats and promoting cottage industries in rural areas are the Gandhian principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Question 16: Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?    [2012 - I]
(a) To change the existing territory of a State and to change the name of a State
(b) To pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India Services
(c) To amend the election procedure of the President and to determine the pension of the President after his/her retirement
(d) To determine the functions of the Election Commission and to determine the number of Election Commissioners

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Rajyasabha can pass a resolution empowering the parliament to make laws in the state list and to create one or more All India Services. This is a special power that has been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the constitution.

Question 17: 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.

Question 18: According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?     [2012 - I]
1. The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission
2. The Report of the Public Accounts Committee
3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
4. The Report of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes

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

Correct Answer is Option (c)

CAG gives three audit reports to president which are laid by the president before both the houses of the parliament. Subsequently the Public Accounts committee examines them and reports its findings to the parliament.

Question 19: Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?   [2012 - I]

1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture

2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice

3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry

4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity

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

Correct Answer is Option (c)

All the statements except 2 regarding the Fundamental Duties of citizens are correct.

Question 20: The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the Act provided in the    [2012 - I]
(a) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
(b) Montagu-Chelmsford Act, 1919
(c) Government of India Act, 1935
(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Distribution of power between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the Government of India Act. 1935.

Question 21:  Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a fundamental duty ?     [2011 - I]
(a) To vote in public elections
(b) To develop the scientific temper
(c) To safeguard public property
(d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals

Correct Answer is Option (a)

To vote in public elections is not a fundamental duty.

Question 22: 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.

Question 23: Which one of the following Constitutional Amendments states that the total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Minister shall not exceed fifteen percent of the total number of members of the House of the People?    [2009]

(a) 90th
(b) 91st
(c) 92nd
(d) 93rd

Correct Answer is Option (b)

The above provision has been added by 91st Constitutional Amendment Act 2003.

Question24: 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.

Question 25: Which Schedule of the Constitution of India contains: Special provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas in several States? [2008]

(a) Third
(b) Fifth
(c) Seventh
(d) Ninth

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Fifth schedule relates to the control and administration of scheduled areas in states other than Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram. While Sixth Schedule deals with administration and control of tribal areas in the state of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura.

Question 26: Under which one of the following Constitution Amendment Acts, four languages were added to the list of languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, thereby raising their number to 22?    [2008]
(a) Constitution (Ninetieth Amendment) Act
(b) Constitution (Ninety-first Amendment) Act
(c) Constitution (Ninety-second Amendment) Act
(d) Constitution (Ninety-third Amendment) Act

Correct Answer is Option (c)

92nd Amendment Act 2003 added Bodo, Santhali, Maithali and Dogri languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. Originally there were 14 languages in the 8th schedule. 21st amendment act added Sindhi language. 71st amendment act added Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali languages.

Question 27: Which of the following Constitution Amendment Acts seeks that the size of the Councils of Ministers at the Centre and in a State must not exceed 15 per cent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha and the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of that State, respectively?    [2007]

(a) 91st
(b) 93rd
(c) 95th
(d) 97th

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The above provision has been added by 91st constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

Question 28: Which one of the following subjects is under the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India ?   [2006]

(a) Regulation of labour and safety in mines and oilfields
(b) Agriculture
(c) Fisheries
(d) Public Health

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Agriculture (Entry 14), Fisheries (Entry 21), Public Health (Entry 6) are in the State List. Regulation of Labour and safety in mines and oil fields is in the Union list under Entry 55 (Art 246).

Question 29: What does the 104th Constitution Amendment Bill related to?    [2006]

(a) Abolition of Legislative Councils in certain states.
(b) Introduction of dual citizenship for persons of Indian origin living outside India.
(c) Providing quota to socially and educationally backward classes in private educational institutions.
(d) Providing quota for religious minorities in the services under the central Government.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The Indian Parliament has passed the 104th Constitution Amendment Bill, providing reservations for the socially and educationally backward classes, besides the Scheduled Classes and Scheduled Tribes, in all private aided and unaided educational institutions.

Question 30: Which one among the following commission was set up in pursuance of a definite provision under an Article of the Constitution of India?     [2006]
(a) University Grants Commission
(b) National Human Rights Commission
(c) Election Commission
(d) Central Vigilance Commission

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission under Article 324.

Question 31: Consider the following statements: [2006]

1. Free and compulsory education to the children of 6-14 years age-group by the State by the seventy-sixth Amendment to the Constitution of India.
2. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan seeks to provide computer education even in rural areas.
3. Education was included in the Concurrent List by the Forty-second Amendment, 1976 to the Constitution of India’.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Statement 1 is incorrect as this provision was added by 86th Amendment Act (not 76th ).

Question 32: Consider the following statements: [2005]

1. Part IX of the Constitution of India provisions for Panchyats and was inserted by the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1992.
2. Part IX A of the Constitution of India contains provisions for Municipalities and the Article 243 Q envisages two types of Municipalities a Municipal Council and a Municipal Corporation for every State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (a)

73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments were passed by Parliament in December, 1992. Through these amendments local self-governance was introduced in rural and urban India. The Acts came into force as the constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 on April 24, 1993 and the constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 on June 1, 1993. These amendments added two new parts to the constitution, namely, 73rd Amendment added part IX titled "The Panchayats" and 74th Amendment added part IXA titled "The Municipalities". The Local bodies-'Panchayats' and 'Municipalities' came under Part IX and IXA of the Constitution after 43 years of India becoming a republic.

Question 33: Consider the following statements:     [2005]

1. Article 371 A to 371 I were inserted in the Constitution of India to meet regional demands of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunchal Pradesh and Goa.
2. Constitution of India and the United States of America envisage a dual policy (The Union and the States) but a single cititzenship.
3. A naturalized citizen of India can never be deprived of his citizenship.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 only

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Article 371 A to I deals with special provisions to - Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa. The Constitution of India envisages a single policy for both Union and the States. A naturalized citizen is one who acquires citizenship either by Naturalization or by Registration. They can be deprived of citizenship if they acquired citizenship by using fraudulent means.

Question 34: The Constitution (98th Amendment) Act is related to:    [2005]

(a) empowering the centre to levy and appropriate service tax
(b) the Constitution of the National Judicial Commission
(c) readjustment of electoral constituencies on the basis of the population census 2001
(d) the demarcation of new boundaries between States.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

The Constitution 98th Amendment Bill, 2003, seeks to constitute a National Judicial Commission (NJC) by including Chapter IV-A in Part V of the Constitution which will be in charge of appointing judges to the higher judiciary and for transferring High Court Judges.

Question 35: Consider the following statements: [2005]

1. The Constitution of India has 20 parts.
2. There are 390 Articles in the Constitution of India in all.
3. Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules were added to the Constitution of India by the Constitution (Amendment) Acts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The Constitution of India has 24 parts, 12 schedules and more than 444 articles at present. In the original constitution, there were 22 parts, 8 schedules and 395 articles. Ninth Schedule was added by 1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951. Tenth Schedule was added by 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985. Eleventh Schedule was added by 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. Twelfth Schedule was added by 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

Question 36: Who among the following was the chairman of the Union Constitution Committee of the Constituent Assembly?    [2005]

(a) B.R. Ambedkar
(b) J. B. Kripalani
(c) Jawaharalal Nehru
(d) Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Chairman of different Committees of Constituent Assembly: Union Power Committee – Jawaharlal Nehru, Drafting Committee – B R Ambedkar, Flag Committee – J B Kriplani, Fundamental Rights and Minority Committee – Vallabh Bhai Patel, Provincial Constitution Committee – Vallabh Bhai Patel. Jawaharlal Nehru was the chairman of the Union Constitution Committee.

Question 37: Which one of the following statements correctly describes the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India? [2004]

(a) It contains the scheme of the distribution of powers between the Union and the States
(b) It contains the languages listed in the Constitution
(c) It contains the provisions regarding the administration of tribal areas
(d) It allocates seats in the Council of States

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Fourth schedule allocates seats in the Council of States i.e. Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament).

Question 38: Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India says that the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union?     [2004]

(a) Article 257
(b) Article 258
(c) Article 355
(d) Article 358

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Article 257 in the Constitution states that the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose. Article 258: Power of the Union to confer powers on the States in certain cases; Article 355: Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance; Article 358: Suspension of provisions of Article 19 during emergencies.

Question 39: Match List I (Articles of the Constitution of India) with List II (Provision) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:    [2004]

(a) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
(b) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
(c) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
(d) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

Correct Answer is Option (c)

These are Fundamental rights under Part III of the Constitution.

Question 40: Which Article of the Constitution of India says, ‘No child below the age of fourteen years shall the employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment’?    [2004]

(a) Article 24
(b) Article 45
(c) Article 330
(d) Article 368

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Article 24 of the constitution states that, no child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.