Preamble & History — Set 11
Constitution Special · प्रस्तावना और इतिहास · Questions 101–110 of 140
The provision on which the Constituent Assembly was based — the Cabinet Mission Plan 1946 — was proposed by representatives of which country?
Correct Answer: C. United Kingdom
The Cabinet Mission was sent by the United Kingdom's Labour Government in May 1946. The United Kingdom dispatched the Cabinet Mission under Prime Minister Clement Attlee to discuss the framework for Indian independence. The Cabinet Mission from the United Kingdom (UK) included Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander. The UK-sent Cabinet Mission's proposals formed the basis of the Constituent Assembly's formation.
The Indian Preamble's phrase 'WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA' expresses which principle?
Correct Answer: C. Popular Sovereignty — that constitutional authority comes from the people
The phrase 'WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA' in the Preamble expresses the principle of Popular Sovereignty — that the ultimate authority in a democracy vests in the people and the Constitution derives its validity from the consent and will of the people. It declares that the people are the fountainhead of all political power and that government is accountable to the people. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
India's Constitution has the largest number of articles among all written constitutions. True or false?
Correct Answer: A. True — it has 448 articles
India's Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world. After many amendments, it now has approximately 448 articles (with sub-articles like 21A, 31B, etc.) organized in 25 Parts and 12 Schedules. The original had 395 articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules. The US Constitution, by contrast, has only 7 original articles plus 27 amendments.
The term 'Liberty of expression' in the Preamble is most directly given effect by?
Correct Answer: B. Article 19(1)(a) — Freedom of Speech and Expression
'Liberty of expression' in the Preamble is most directly given effect by Article 19(1)(a) which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. This includes freedom of the press. However, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) on grounds like sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, public order, decency, morality, and contempt of court.
Which term used in the Preamble is not explicitly defined anywhere in the Constitution?
Correct Answer: C. Socialist
The term 'Socialist' added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment (1976) is not explicitly defined anywhere in the Constitution. The Supreme Court in Excel Wear v. Union of India (1979) held that the Indian variety of socialism does not necessarily mean nationalization or state ownership of all means of production. The Indian Constitution ensures a mixed economy — public and private sectors coexist.
The Preamble provides the guiding philosophy while the actual enforcement mechanisms are provided in?
Correct Answer: B. Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles (Part IV)
The Preamble sets out the philosophy and goals of the Constitution — justice, liberty, equality, fraternity. The actual mechanisms for enforcing these are in Part III (Fundamental Rights, Articles 12-35, enforceable in courts) and Part IV (Directive Principles, Articles 36-51, guidelines for state action). Together, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles operationalize the Preamble's vision.
The word 'REPUBLIC' in the Preamble of India signifies?
Correct Answer: A. India is not a monarchy and the head of state is an elected person
The word 'REPUBLIC' in the Preamble of India signifies that India is not a monarchy — the head of state (President) is elected and not hereditary. In a republic, the supreme power rests with the people and their elected representatives. The President of India is elected for a fixed term and is accountable to the people through the Constitution. This contrasts with monarchies like the United Kingdom where the head of state inherits power.
The Constituent Assembly of India was set up under which plan?
Correct Answer: B. Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
The Constituent Assembly of India was set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, which was put forward by three British Cabinet Ministers — Stafford Cripps, Pethick Lawrence, and A.V. Alexander. The plan outlined a scheme for Indian independence and the formation of a Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly first met on December 9, 1946. The Cabinet Mission Plan rejected the idea of Pakistan and proposed a united India with a three-tier federal structure.
The Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly eventually became which part of the Constitution?
Correct Answer: C. The Preamble
The Objective Resolution was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946 and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947. It laid down the fundamental objectives of the new Indian state. The Objective Resolution became the foundation and spirit of the Preamble of the Constitution. The Preamble embodies the goals and aspirations outlined in the Objective Resolution, including sovereignty, democracy, republic, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Who described the Preamble as the 'horoscope' of the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer: B. K.M. Munshi
K.M. Munshi, a member of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, described the Preamble as the 'horoscope of our sovereign democratic republic'. This metaphor suggests that the Preamble captures the essential nature and aspirations of the Constitution, just as a horoscope captures the essence of a person's character and future. The Preamble is also called the 'political horoscope' of the Constitution.