Major Amendments — Set 1
Constitution Special · प्रमुख संशोधन · Questions 1–10 of 200
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) is often called?
Correct Answer: B. Mini Constitution
The 42nd Amendment of 1976 is often called the 'Mini Constitution' because it made sweeping changes to the Indian Constitution. It added words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble. It also curtailed Fundamental Rights, expanded Directive Principles, and made Parliament's power to amend the Constitution almost unlimited, before many of its provisions were reversed by the 44th Amendment.
The 44th Amendment (1978) removed which right from the list of Fundamental Rights?
Correct Answer: C. Right to Property
The 44th Amendment of 1978 removed the Right to Property (Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31) from Fundamental Rights. It became a legal right under Article 300A. This change enabled land reform and redistributive economic policies without constitutional challenge.
The 52nd Amendment (1985) introduced the Tenth Schedule dealing with?
Correct Answer: B. Anti-defection law
The 52nd Amendment of 1985 added the Tenth Schedule containing provisions on disqualification on grounds of defection — the Anti-Defection Law. It disqualifies members who voluntarily give up party membership or vote against party direction. The law aimed to bring political stability.
By which amendment was the voting age reduced from 21 to 18 years in India?
Correct Answer: B. 61st Amendment
The 61st Amendment of 1989 reduced the minimum voting age for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections from 21 to 18 years. This extended franchise to millions of young citizens between 18-21 years of age. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
The 73rd Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to which institution?
Correct Answer: B. Panchayati Raj Institutions
The 73rd Amendment of 1992 added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions. It mandated elections, reservation for SCs, STs and women, State Finance Commissions, and District Planning Committees — a major step towards decentralisation. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
The 74th Amendment (1992) added which schedule related to Urban Local Bodies?
Correct Answer: C. Twelfth Schedule
The 74th Amendment of 1992 added Part IXA and the Twelfth Schedule, giving constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities). The Twelfth Schedule lists 18 functional items like urban planning and public health. It mandated regular elections and reservation for SCs, STs, and women.
Article 12 defines 'State' for which purpose?
Correct Answer: B. Fundamental Rights enforcement
Article 12 defines 'State' to determine against whom Fundamental Rights can be enforced. It includes the Government of India, Parliament, state governments, local bodies, and other authorities. The broad definition ensures Fundamental Rights can be enforced against all government entities. This is the gateway article for Part III of the Constitution.
Article 21A (Right to Education) was inserted by which amendment?
Correct Answer: C. 86th Amendment
The 86th Amendment of 2002 inserted Article 21A, making free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6 to 14 years. The Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009 was enacted to give effect to this constitutional provision. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
Right to Constitutional Remedies is guaranteed under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 32
Article 32 guarantees the Right to Constitutional Remedies, which allows citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called it the 'heart and soul of the Constitution.' The Supreme Court can issue writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto. This right itself is a Fundamental Right and cannot be suspended except during National Emergency.
Article 14 guarantees equality before law and equal protection of laws. This is based on which principle?
Correct Answer: A. Reasonable classification
Article 14 guarantees equality before law (negative concept from English law) and equal protection of laws (positive concept from US Constitution). The Supreme Court has held that Article 14 permits reasonable classification but prohibits arbitrary classification. The doctrine of reasonable classification allows different treatment for persons who are not similarly situated. The twin tests are: intelligible differentia and rational nexus with the object.