Olympiad Test Level 1: Indian Polity- 1 - Class 7 MCQ

Answer:
The correct statement is C: Government of India Act, 1935.
Explanation:
The Constitution of India, which was adopted on 26th November 1949, owes much to the Government of India Act, 1935. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Government of India Act, 1909:
- The Government of India Act, 1909, commonly known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced limited electoral reforms in British India.
- These reforms expanded the legislative councils and increased the representation of Indians, but they did not have a significant impact on the Constitution of India.
2. Government of India Act, 1919:
- The Government of India Act, 1919, commonly known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced some significant changes in the governance of British India.
- It introduced the diarchy system, which divided the subjects of administration into reserved and transferred, with the reserved subjects being under the control of the British government and the transferred subjects being under Indian control.
- While the Act did have some influence on the Constitution of India, especially in terms of provincial autonomy, it is not considered to be the primary source of inspiration for the Indian Constitution.
3. Government of India Act, 1935:
- The Government of India Act, 1935, introduced a federal system of government in India and provided a framework for the formation of the Constituent Assembly.
- The Act granted significant autonomy to the provinces and outlined the powers and functions of the central and provincial governments.
- Many provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935, such as the federal structure, parliamentary system, and fundamental rights, were incorporated into the Constitution of India.
- However, the Indian Constitution also made several modifications and additions to the Act, reflecting the aspirations and values of independent India.
Therefore, the Constitution of India owes much to the Government of India Act, 1935.

Analysis:
To determine which option is not a part of the Preamble to the Constitution, we need to understand the content of the Preamble. The Preamble is the introductory statement to the Constitution of a country, outlining the goals and objectives of the Constitution. In the case of the Indian Constitution, the Preamble declares India to be a Sovereign Democratic Republic and emphasizes justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity among its citizens.

The option that is not a part of the Preamble to the Constitution is Secularism. The correct answer is A.
Explanation:
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution includes the following key points:
- Sovereign: This means that India is an independent nation capable of governing itself without interference from external powers.
- Democratic: India follows a system of government where the power lies with the people, who elect their representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
- Republic: India is a country where the head of state is an elected representative, not a hereditary monarch.
- Justice: The Preamble emphasizes the need for social, economic, and political justice to ensure fairness and equality for all citizens.
- Liberty: It ensures individual freedoms and rights to all citizens.
- Equality: The Preamble promotes equality of status and opportunity to all citizens.
- Fraternity: It encourages a spirit of brotherhood and unity among all citizens.
The option Secularism is not explicitly mentioned in the Preamble to the Constitution. However, the concept of secularism is embedded in the Indian Constitution through various provisions that ensure religious freedom and equidistance of the state from all religions.
Therefore, the correct answer is Secularism (Option A).

Answer:
The idea of fundamental duties is derived from the Russian Constitution.
Explanation:
The concept of fundamental duties is a constitutional principle that places certain responsibilities on citizens towards their country. Here is a detailed explanation of the derivation of the idea of fundamental duties from the Russian Constitution:
Background:
- The Russian Constitution, officially known as the Constitution of the Russian Federation, is the supreme law of the Russian Federation.
- It was adopted on December 12, 1993, and has been amended several times since then.
Derivation of Fundamental Duties:
- The concept of fundamental duties was first introduced in the Indian Constitution.
- When drafting the Indian Constitution, the framers drew inspiration from various sources, including other constitutions.
- One of the sources that influenced the inclusion of fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution was the Russian Constitution.
- The framers of the Indian Constitution recognized the importance of including a set of duties that citizens should fulfill towards the nation.
- They found inspiration in the Russian Constitution, which emphasized the responsibilities of citizens towards the state.
Significance of Fundamental Duties:
- The inclusion of fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution serves multiple purposes:
- It promotes a sense of patriotism and nationalism among citizens.
- It reminds citizens of their obligations towards the country.
- It acts as a moral guideline for citizens to act in the best interest of the nation.
- It helps in the overall development and progress of the country.
In conclusion, the idea of fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution is derived from the Russian Constitution. The inclusion of these duties emphasizes the significance of citizen responsibilities towards the nation, promoting patriotism and contributing to the development of the country.

The Indian Constitution is regarded as "Federal in form and unitary in spirit"

The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of federal and unitary features. It establishes a federal system of government with a strong central authority. Here is a detailed explanation:

Federal Features:

• The Constitution provides for the division of powers between the central government and the state governments.


• It establishes a dual polity with separate governments at the central and state levels.


• The central government has exclusive jurisdiction over subjects like defense, foreign affairs, and currency.


• The state governments have the power to legislate on matters listed in the State List.


• The Constitution provides for the appointment of a governor in each state who acts as the representative of the President.


• There is an independent judiciary at both the central and state levels.

Unitary Features:

• The Constitution vests significant powers with the central government.


• The central government can legislate on matters that fall under the State List in certain circumstances.


• In case of a constitutional emergency, the central government can assume control over the administration of a state.


• The states are not completely independent entities and derive their powers from the central government.


• The Constitution provides for a unified judiciary with the Supreme Court having the power of judicial review over both central and state laws.

Federal in Form and Unitary in Spirit:

The Indian Constitution is described as "federal in form and unitary in spirit" because:

• On the surface, the Constitution appears to establish a federal system with a clear division of powers between the central and state governments.


• However, the central government has been given extensive powers to maintain unity and integrity, especially in times of emergencies.


• The central government can influence state policies through financial and administrative means.


• The judiciary has the power to resolve disputes between the central and state governments, ensuring the supremacy of the central government.

Overall, while the Indian Constitution has federal features, its unitary elements give the central government a significant role, making it "federal in form and unitary in spirit".

He is elected indirectly by an electoral collage.

Constitution Amendment Bill
The Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by each House of the Indian Parliament separately, by special majority. This means that it requires the support of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting in each House, as well as the support of a majority of the total membership of each House.
Explanation:
- The Constitution Amendment Bill is a proposed change or addition to the Constitution of India.
- It can be introduced in either House of Parliament and must be passed by both Houses separately.
- After being passed by both Houses, it must be ratified by at least half of the state legislatures before it can become law.
- The special majority requirement ensures that any changes to the Constitution receive broad support from members of Parliament.
Therefore, the Constitution Amendment Bill is the correct answer as it requires a special majority in both Houses of the Indian Parliament.

Explanation:
The correct answer is C: National Advisory Council.
Constitutional bodies are those that are mentioned and established in the Constitution of India. They have specific roles and functions defined by the Constitution itself. The Planning Commission and the Election Commission are both examples of constitutional bodies.
The Planning Commission was a constitutional body that was responsible for formulating five-year plans and advising the government on economic and social issues. However, the Planning Commission was replaced by the NITI Aayog in 2015, making it no longer a constitutional body.
The National Advisory Council (NAC) was not a constitutional body. It was a non-statutory body that was set up by the government to advise on various policy issues. It was dissolved in 2014.
The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body that was established to facilitate coordination between the states and the central government. It is responsible for discussing and resolving disputes between states and ensuring the smooth working of federalism in India.
In summary, the National Advisory Council (NAC) is not a constitutional body, while the Election Commission and Inter-State Council are constitutional bodies.

Article 44

Article 44 of the Constitution of India is related to the Uniform Civil Code for citizens. It is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are guidelines for the government to establish social and economic conditions that promote the welfare of the people.

Key Points about Article 44:

• Uniform Civil Code: Article 44 aims to implement a Uniform Civil Code throughout the country. This code would replace the personal laws based on different religions and establish a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and other personal matters.


• Secularism: The idea behind the Uniform Civil Code is to promote secularism and equality by ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, are subject to the same set of laws.


• Controversy: The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code has been a topic of debate and controversy in India. Some argue that it is necessary to achieve gender equality and national integration, while others believe that it infringes upon religious freedom and cultural diversity.


• Progress: Despite being a Directive Principle, Article 44 has not been implemented in its entirety. However, there have been efforts to introduce uniformity in certain areas, such as the Hindu Code Bill, which brought reforms in Hindu personal laws.


• Legal Reforms: The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code would require significant legal reforms and consultations with various religious and community groups to ensure their concerns and interests are taken into account.

In conclusion, Article 44 of the Indian Constitution relates to the Uniform Civil Code for citizens. It aims to bring about uniformity in personal laws and promote secularism and equality. While its implementation has been a subject of debate, efforts have been made to introduce reforms in certain areas.

Main Task of a Gram Panchayat:
The main task of a Gram Panchayat is to implement development programmes for all villages that come under it. This includes various responsibilities and duties that aim to improve the overall well-being and development of the rural areas. It plays a crucial role in local governance and acts as the lowest level of administration in rural areas.
Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Implementing Development Programmes: The Gram Panchayat is responsible for planning and executing various development initiatives for the villages under its jurisdiction. This includes infrastructure development, healthcare facilities, education, sanitation, and other welfare schemes.
2. Providing Basic Services: It ensures the provision of basic services such as clean drinking water, electricity supply, road connectivity, and public facilities like schools, hospitals, and community centers.
3. Ensuring Social Justice: The Gram Panchayat works towards promoting social justice by addressing the needs of marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the society. It takes initiatives for poverty alleviation, empowerment of women, and welfare of scheduled castes and tribes.
4. Managing Local Resources: It is responsible for the efficient utilization and management of local resources such as land, water bodies, forests, and natural resources. This involves sustainable development practices and conservation efforts.
5. Revenue Collection: The Gram Panchayat collects revenue through various means such as property tax, fees for services provided, and grants from the government. This revenue is used for the development and maintenance of the village infrastructure.
6. Conflict Resolution: It plays a crucial role in resolving disputes and conflicts at the local level. The Gram Panchayat acts as a platform for mediation and arbitration, ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony in the village.
7. Representing the Village: The Gram Panchayat represents the village and acts as a voice for the community. It communicates the needs and demands of the villagers to higher levels of administration and government authorities.
Conclusion:
The Gram Panchayat serves as the primary governing body for rural areas and is entrusted with the responsibility of implementing development programmes and ensuring the overall welfare of the villages. Through its various roles and responsibilities, it aims to bring about positive changes and upliftment in the rural communities.

Right to Equality in our Constitution has abolished the practice of Untouchability.
The Right to Equality is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution under Article 14-18. It ensures equal treatment and protection of all individuals without any discrimination. One of the significant achievements of the Right to Equality is the abolition of the practice of untouchability in India. Here's a detailed explanation:
Untouchability:
- Historically, the caste system in India divided society into hierarchical groups, with the lowest caste known as "untouchables" or Dalits.
- Untouchability refers to the social practice of discriminating against and segregating individuals belonging to the Dalit community.
- Dalits faced severe social, economic, and political marginalization, enduring various forms of discrimination, including restrictions on access to public spaces, education, and employment.
- The practice of untouchability perpetuated a system of social inequality and violated the principles of human dignity and equality.
Abolition through the Right to Equality:
- The Right to Equality, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, played a pivotal role in abolishing the practice of untouchability.
- Article 17 specifically declares the abolition of untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form.
- It states that untouchability is a punishable offense and provides legal protection to individuals against discrimination based on caste and untouchability.
- The Constitution also empowers the government to take affirmative action through reservation policies to uplift the socially and educationally disadvantaged sections of society, including Dalits.
- The aim is to provide equal opportunities and representation to marginalized communities, thereby promoting social justice and equality.
Impact and Significance:
- The abolition of untouchability through the Right to Equality has had a profound impact on Indian society.
- It has helped in dismantling the deep-rooted discriminatory practices and challenging the social hierarchy based on caste.
- Dalits have gained greater access to education, employment, and public spaces, empowering them to assert their rights and participate in societal development.
- The legal provisions have also raised awareness about the rights and dignity of all individuals, fostering a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
- While challenges and discrimination still exist, the constitutional guarantee of equality has been a crucial step towards eradicating the practice of untouchability and promoting social justice in India.
In conclusion, the Right to Equality, as embodied in the Indian Constitution, has played a significant role in abolishing the practice of untouchability. It has brought about positive changes in societal attitudes and provided legal protection to marginalized communities, particularly Dalits. However, there is still work to be done to ensure full equality and address the entrenched social inequalities that persist in India.