Preamble & History — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. Free and fair elections based on universal adult franchise

'Political Justice' in the Preamble is ensured primarily through free and fair elections based on universal adult franchise (Article 326) — every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote regardless of religion, race, caste, sex, or status. The Election Commission (Article 324) conducts free and fair elections to secure political justice for all citizens. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: C. A mixed economy with social welfare provisions and a commitment to reducing inequality

The term 'Socialist' in the Indian Preamble has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to mean a mixed economy — a blend of public and private sectors — with emphasis on social welfare provisions. It does not mean abolition of private property or Soviet-style socialism. India follows democratic socialism which aims at eradicating poverty, inequalities in income and status, and reducing concentration of wealth.

Correct Answer: B. Once (42nd Amendment 1976)

The Preamble has been amended only once — by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. This amendment added three words: 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity'. In the Kesavananda Bharati case, the Supreme Court held that the Preamble can be amended under Article 368, and the 42nd Amendment did so.

Correct Answer: B. Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21)

The 'Dignity of the Individual' in the Preamble is most directly linked to Article 21 — the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. The Supreme Court has expanded Article 21 to include the right to live with dignity, right to health, right to livelihood, and other aspects of a dignified human existence. The Preamble's vision of dignity is reflected in the Constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights.

Correct Answer: A. January 22, 1947

The Objective Resolution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947, after being moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946. This resolution formed the philosophical basis of the Indian Constitution and was later incorporated (with some changes) into the Preamble. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: B. Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-18) and Directive Principles

'Equality of Status and Opportunity' in the Preamble is secured primarily through Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-18): right to equality before law, prohibition of discrimination, abolition of untouchability, and abolition of titles. Directive Principles (Articles 36-51) further guide the state to ensure equal pay for equal work and equal opportunity in public employment. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: B. 2 years 11 months 18 days

The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to complete the Constitution — from December 9, 1946 (first meeting) to November 26, 1949 (adoption). It held 11 sessions for a total of 165 days. It cost approximately ₹64 lakh. The Constitution was the longest written constitution in the world at the time of its adoption.

Correct Answer: B. Karachi Session 1931

The Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress (1931), presided over by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, adopted a resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy for the first time. This was the first Congress declaration of fundamental rights for citizens. Many of these rights were later incorporated in Part III of the Indian Constitution.

Correct Answer: B. Dominion under the British Crown

Before January 26, 1950, India was a Dominion under the British Crown (from August 15, 1947 to January 26, 1950). On January 26, 1950, the Constitution came into force, transforming India into a fully sovereign republic with an elected President replacing the British monarch as the head of state. India chose to remain in the Commonwealth but as a republic.

Correct Answer: B. Directive Principles (especially Articles 38, 39, 41, 42)

'Economic Justice' in the Preamble is primarily secured through the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly: Article 38 (minimise inequalities in income, status), Article 39 (equal pay for equal work, right to livelihood), Article 41 (right to work), and Article 42 (just and humane conditions of work). These DPSPs guide the state toward creating an economically just society. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.