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

Q1: 
1. The term 'constitution' is derived from the Latin word "constituere," which means 'to establish' or 'to set up.'
2. A constitution in contemporary usage refers to a set of principles defining the operation of the government and the relationship between the government and the people.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
The term 'constitution' indeed originates from the Latin "constituere," and in contemporary usage, it refers to principles defining government operations and its relationship with the people.

Q2: 
1. Gettell defines the constitution as a document outlining the framework and principal functions of the government's organs.
2. Wade and Phillips consider a constitution as a collection of rules established by conventions, practices, principles, and judicial decisions.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Gettell defines the constitution as including fundamental principles shaping the state's form, covering the organization of the state, distribution of sovereign powers, etc. Wade and Phillips consider it a document with special legal sanctity.

Q3: 
1. A rigid constitution requires a special procedure for amendments.
2. The Constitution of the United Kingdom is an example of a rigid constitution.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
While it's true that a rigid constitution requires a special procedure for amendments, the UK constitution is flexible, not rigid.

Q4: 
Which of the following is NOT a quality of a good constitution?
(a) Brevity
(b) Ambiguity
(c) Clarity
(d) Stability
Ans: (b)
A good constitution should be clear and definite, not ambiguous, to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.

Q5: 
1. A well-constructed constitution should be static to maintain stability.
2. Adaptability is a quality of a good constitution, allowing it to adjust to changing situations and requirements.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
A well-constructed constitution should be dynamic, capable of adapting to changing situations and requirements, ensuring it remains a living document.

Q6: 
1. Constitutionalism implies the existence of a constitution.
2. Constitutionalism is characterized by unrestricted governmental power.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Constitutionalism indeed implies a constitution's existence but emphasizes restricted, not unrestricted, governmental power.

Q7: 
According to Friedrich's definition of constitutionalism, which of the following is essential?
(a) Absolute government
(b) Effective restraints on governmental action
(c) Governance driven by rulers' will
(d) Lack of accountability
Ans: (b)
 Friedrich's definition focuses on effective restraints on government actions and fair play, holding the government accountable.

Q8: 
Which principle is NOT part of Louis Henkin's elements of constitutionalism?
(a) Popular Sovereignty
(b) Unlimited Military Control
(c) Rule of Law
(d) Respect for Individual Rights
Ans: (b)
Henkin's elements include civilian control of the military, not unlimited military control, emphasizing the importance of rule of law and respect for individual rights.

Q9: 
Assertion (A): A constitution articulates the rights and duties of citizens.
Reasoning (R): This makes the rights and duties explicit and legally binding.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of (a)
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of (a)
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans: (a)
A constitution indeed articulates the rights and duties of citizens, making them explicit and legally binding.

Q10: 
1. An enacted constitution is the outcome of a slow evolutionary process.
2. The American Constitution is an example of an enacted constitution.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
An enacted constitution is deliberately made, not the outcome of a slow process. The American Constitution is indeed an enacted constitution.

Q11: 
1. The British Constitution is an example of a written constitution.
2. The Indian Constitution is an example of an enacted constitution.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
The British Constitution is unwritten, evolving from conventions, practices, and judicial decisions. The Indian Constitution is enacted, drafted by a constituent assembly.

Q12: 
1. Constitutionalism aspires to establish a government where powers are unrestrained.
2. A constitutional government is marked by adherence to rules and principles that limit the exercise of rulers' power.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Constitutionalism advocates for a limited government with restrained powers. It emphasizes rule-based governance as opposed to arbitrary rule.

Q13: 
Which of the following is a characteristic of a flexible constitution?
(a) Requires a special procedure for amendments.
(b) Can be amended like ordinary laws.
(c) Distinguishes between constitutional and ordinary laws.
(d) Typically found in federal systems.
Ans: (b)
A flexible constitution can be amended through the same process as ordinary laws, without any special procedures.

Q14: 
1. The British Constitution is an example of an evolved constitution.
2. The USA Constitution is an example of an unwritten constitution.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
The British Constitution is an example of an evolved constitution, and the USA Constitution is an example of a written constitution.

Q15: 
1. Unitary constitutions concentrate power in the national government.
2. In a federal constitution, regional governments operate as subordinate agencies to the national government.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
In a unitary constitution, power is concentrated in the national government. However, in a federal constitution, power is divided between national and regional governments, not subordinated.

Q16: Which definition of constitutionalism emphasizes the contrast between rule-based governance and arbitrary rule?
(a) Friedrich's Definition
(b) Roucek's Definition
(c) Wheare's Definition
(d) Thibaut's Perspective
Ans: (c)
Wheare's definition highlights the contrast between rule-based governance and arbitrary rule, focusing on limitations imposed by the constitution.

Q17: In the context of constitutional qualities, what does 'comprehensiveness' imply?
(a) Constitution should be brief.
(b) Clear expression of provisions.
(c) Inclusion of detailed government powers and citizen rights.
(d) Resistance to easy tampering.
Ans: (c)
Comprehensiveness means that a constitution should thoroughly outline government powers and citizens' rights and duties, aiming to reduce controversies.

Q18: 
1. A prescriptive constitution imposes a broad consensus on societal goals.
2. A procedural constitution focuses on defining legal and political structures.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
A prescriptive constitution outlines societal goals for authorities, while a procedural constitution defines legal and political structures and limits government power.

Q19: Which principle of constitutionalism is directly related to the governance of police by law and judicial control?
(a) Popular Sovereignty
(b) Rule of Law
(c) Democratic Government
(d) Respect for Individual Rights
Ans: (b)
The governance of police by law and judicial control is a principle related to the Rule of Law, ensuring legal accountability and fairness.

Q20: 
1. The constitution of a country defines the boundaries of its political community.
2. The primary function of a constitution is to declare the official language of the state.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
A key function of a constitution is to define the political community's boundaries, but declaring the official language is not a primary function.