Test: Features Of The Indian Constitution - UPSC MCQ

B is the correct option.Article 368 does not contain a power to amend the constitution but only a procedure. The power to amend comes from the normal legislative power of Parliament. Therefore, amendments which "take away or abridge" the Fundamental Rights provisions cannot be passed.

Fundamental Duties- The Fundamental Duties are defined as the moral obligations of all citizens to help promote a spirit of patriotism and to uphold the unity of India. The idea for Fundamental Duties has been taken from erstwhile USSR now Russia.

Directive principles- The concept of Directive Principles of State Policy was borrowed from the Irish Constitution. The makers of the Constitution of India were influenced by the Irish nationalist movement. Hence, the Directive Principles of the Indian constitution have been greatly influenced by the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Federal system- India borrowed the idea of a federal system with a strong centre from Canada.
The Canadian constitution has a quasi-federal form of government federal system with a strong central government. The same is the case with India.
We have taken the idea of residual powers from Canada.

Emergency provisions- The Indian Constitution gives the President the authority to declare three types of emergencies: National Emergency, State Emergency and Financial Emergency. Emergency provisions in India are borrowed from the Weimar Constitution of Germany.

D is the correct option.The preamble of the Indian constitution is taken from the constitution of the USA. The Constitution of India has picked the best features from other constitutions of the world.

B is the correct option. The Central Information Commission is a statutory body, set up under the Right to Information Act in 2005 

In the Westminster system, the following is correct:

1. The head of the State is also the executive head.

   • This statement is incorrect in the context of the Westminster system. In this system, the head of state (such as a monarch or a president) is separate from the executive head (the Prime Minister). The head of state performs ceremonial duties, while the Prime Minister, who is the executive head, runs the government.

2. Council of ministers is responsible to the head of the State.

   • This statement is also incorrect. In the Westminster system, the Council of Ministers (or Cabinet) is responsible to the Parliament, not directly to the head of state. The head of state appoints the Prime Minister, who is then accountable to the Parliament.

Therefore, the correct option is:

      2. Neither 1 nor 2

The phrase "procedure established by law" seems to be borrowed from article 31 of the Japanese Constitution.By adopting the phrase "procedure established by law" the Constitution gave the legislature the final word to determine the law.

Provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution of India:
The provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution of India have been borrowed from South Africa. Here is a breakdown of the key points:
1. Article 368: This article deals with the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and the procedure for doing so. It is similar to Section 74 of the South African Constitution.
2. Procedure for Amendment: The procedure for amending the Constitution includes two types of changes: ordinary and special. The ordinary procedure requires a simple majority in both houses of Parliament, while the special procedure requires a special majority (two-thirds majority) in both houses.
3. Limitations on Amendment: Just like in South Africa, the Indian Constitution also imposes certain limitations on the amendment process. These limitations include the basic structure doctrine, which prohibits amendments that alter the fundamental structure of the Constitution.
4. Judicial Review: The Indian judiciary has the power of judicial review, similar to South Africa, which means that it can review and strike down constitutional amendments if they are found to be unconstitutional.
5. Amendment Procedures: Both India and South Africa have detailed procedures for amending their respective constitutions. These procedures ensure that amendments are carefully considered and allow for public participation.
It is important to note that while the provisions related to the amendment process have been borrowed from South Africa, the Indian Constitution also incorporates several other elements from various countries, including the United States, Ireland, and Germany, among others. However, when it comes to the specific provisions related to the amendment process, South Africa has served as a significant influence.

Part III of the Constitution of India deals with the fundamental rights.
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country and it is divided into several parts and articles that provide for the governance and functioning of the nation. The fundamental rights are a set of rights recognized and guaranteed to every citizen of India, ensuring equality, freedom, and justice.
Key Points:
- Part III: The fundamental rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution of India. This part consists of Articles 12 to 35.
- Enforcement: These fundamental rights can be enforced by individuals through the judiciary. If any person's fundamental rights are violated, they can approach the courts for redressal.
- Protection: The fundamental rights protect the citizens against any form of discrimination, oppression, and violation of their basic rights.
- Categories: The fundamental rights are categorized into six main categories - Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
- Significance: The fundamental rights form the cornerstone of democracy and ensure that every citizen is treated with dignity and equality. They provide a framework for the protection of individual liberties and promote social justice.
In conclusion, Part III of the Constitution of India deals with the fundamental rights, which are essential for the protection and promotion of individual rights and liberties in the country.

Parliamentary form of government is the basic feature of the Constitution.The Constitution of India establishes a parliamentary form of a government both at the Centre and the State.

The correct option is C.
The Schedules to the Constitution, which are now 12 in number, elaborate on government policy or rules in relation to specific Articles of the Constitution.