Test: Constitution & Political System - 2 - UPSC MCQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 village 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

The items DPSP, Rural and Urban Local Bodies, 6th Schedule, 7th Schedule provide provision for education.

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.

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

To vote in public elections is not a fundamental duty.