Preamble & History — Set 3
Constitution Special · प्रस्तावना और इतिहास · Questions 21–30 of 140
The original Preamble before the 42nd Amendment described India as a?
Correct Answer: C. Sovereign Democratic Republic
The original Preamble (before the 42nd Amendment, 1976) described India as a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic'. After the 42nd Amendment, it was changed to 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic'. The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were not in the original Preamble drafted by the Constituent Assembly.
In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court ruled that the Preamble?
Correct Answer: C. Is a part of the Constitution and can be amended but the Basic Structure cannot
In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution and can be amended under Article 368, but the Basic Structure of the Constitution (as reflected in the Preamble) cannot be amended. This overruled the earlier Berubari Union case (1960) which said the Preamble was not part of the Constitution.
Cultural and Educational Rights under Articles 29-30 protect?
Correct Answer: B. Rights of linguistic and religious minorities
Articles 29-30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities. Article 29 gives every section of citizens the right to conserve its distinct language, script, or culture. Article 30 gives religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The State shall not discriminate against minority institutions in granting aid. These rights protect the diverse cultural fabric of India.
Abolition of untouchability is provided under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 17
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable under law. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (earlier Untouchability Offences Act 1955) was enacted to give effect to Article 17. Article 17 applies not only against the State but also against private individuals, making it one of the unique Fundamental Rights.
Article 16 provides equality of opportunity in matters of?
Correct Answer: B. Public employment
Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence. Article 16(3) allows Parliament to make laws prescribing residence requirements for certain state employment. Article 16(4) allows reservation for backward classes inadequately represented in state services.
The term 'SOVEREIGN' in the Preamble means India is?
Correct Answer: B. Completely independent in internal and external matters, not subject to any external authority
'Sovereign' in the Preamble means that India is a supreme independent state — neither dependent on nor subordinate to any other state or authority. India possesses absolute authority (within constitutional limits) in its internal affairs and is free to conduct its external affairs as it sees fit. India is not a dominion; it is completely free from external control.
Abolition of titles is provided under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 18
Article 18 abolishes titles and provides that no title (except military or academic distinctions) shall be conferred by the State. No citizen shall accept any title from a foreign State without the President's consent. No person holding an office of profit under the State shall accept any present, emolument, or office from any foreign State without the President's consent. This article promotes republicanism and equality by eliminating hereditary distinctions.
Right to Education as a Fundamental Right was added by which Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer: A. 86th Amendment 2002
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A which provides for free and compulsory education to all children between 6 and 14 years as a Fundamental Right. Accordingly, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) was enacted in 2009. The 86th Amendment also amended Article 45 (Directive Principle) and Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) to reflect this change. India became the 135th country to make education a fundamental right.
The Indian Constitution was signed on which date?
Correct Answer: B. January 24, 1950
The Indian Constitution was signed by the members of the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, two days before it came into effect. The Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India on the same day.
Which Fundamental Right was deleted by the 44th Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer: A. Right to Property
The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 deleted the Right to Property (Article 31) from the list of Fundamental Rights. Now property rights are only a legal right under Article 300-A which states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. The 44th Amendment was passed by the Janata government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The right to property as a Fundamental Right was always controversial due to land reform legislation.