Preamble & History — Set 1
Constitution Special · प्रस्तावना और इतिहास · Questions 1–10 of 140
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution begins with which words?
Correct Answer: B. We the People of India
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution begins with the words 'WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA'. This reflects the principle that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India — it is a people's constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly on behalf of the people of India. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
When was the Indian Constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly?
Correct Answer: C. November 26, 1949
The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. This date is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas). The Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, commemorating the date the Indian National Congress had declared 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) in 1930.
The Objective Resolution, which became the basis of the Preamble, was moved by?
Correct Answer: B. Jawaharlal Nehru
The Objective Resolution was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946, in the Constituent Assembly. It outlined the aims and objectives of the Constitution and served as the philosophical foundation for the Preamble. It declared India to be an Independent, Sovereign, Democratic Republic guaranteeing justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
The words 'SOCIALIST' and 'SECULAR' were added to the Preamble by which amendment?
Correct Answer: B. 42nd Amendment
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 added the words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. It also added the word 'Integrity'. The original Preamble described India as a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic'. After 1976, it became 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic'.
The Preamble declares India to be a Union of States with 5 objectives. Which of these is NOT mentioned?
Correct Answer: C. Socialism
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution secures to all citizens: JUSTICE (social, economic, political); LIBERTY (of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship); EQUALITY (of status and of opportunity); and promotes FRATERNITY (ensuring dignity of the individual and unity of the Nation). 'Socialism' is part of the description of the republic (SOCIALIST), not listed as an objective for citizens. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
The Lahore Session of 1929 was significant because the Indian National Congress?
Correct Answer: B. Adopted the Poorna Swaraj (Complete Independence) Resolution
The historic Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (December 1929), presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, passed the famous Poorna Swaraj (Complete Independence) resolution. It declared that 'complete independence' was the goal of the Congress. January 26, 1930 was observed as Independence Day, which is why January 26 was chosen for the Constitution to come into force in 1950.
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.
Who called the Preamble 'the key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution'?
Correct Answer: B. Ernest Barker
The political scientist Ernest Barker described the Preamble of the Indian Constitution as the 'key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution'. The Preamble reflects the aspirations and values of the founding fathers. It is a brief introductory statement that sets out guiding values, principles, and defines the nature of the state.
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.