1. Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the Indian Constitution?
a) Federalism
b) Parliamentary Form of Government
c) Right to Own Property as a Fundamental Right
d) Separation of Powers
Answer: c) Right to Own Property as a Fundamental Right
Explanation: Initially, the Right to Property was a Fundamental Right, but it was removed by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978, and is now a legal right.
2. What does ‘Federalism’ in the Indian Constitution mean?
a) Power is centralized at the national level
b) Power is divided between the central and state governments
c) Only the states have the power to govern
d) The judiciary has the highest authority
Answer: b) Power is divided between the central and state governments
Explanation: Federalism in India means that there is more than one level of government—the central government, state governments, and local governments (Panchayati Raj).
3. In a Parliamentary form of government, the head of the state is usually:
a) Directly elected by the people
b) A constitutional authority with limited powers
c) The most powerful executive authority
d) A military leader
Answer: b) A constitutional authority with limited powers
Explanation: In India, the President is the head of the state but has limited powers, while the Prime Minister is the head of the government.
4. What is the main function of the Judiciary as per the Indian Constitution?
a) To make laws
b) To interpret and apply laws
c) To elect the government
d) To decide economic policies
Answer: b) To interpret and apply laws
Explanation: The judiciary ensures that laws are followed, interprets them, and protects Fundamental Rights through judicial review.
5. Which part of the Indian Constitution is considered its ‘conscience’?
a) Preamble
b) Directive Principles of State Policy
c) Fundamental Rights
d) Fundamental Duties
Answer: c) Fundamental Rights
Explanation: Fundamental Rights protect citizens against state power and guarantee freedoms and equality.
6. How does the Constitution ensure the Separation of Powers?
a) By merging all government organs
b) By assigning different powers to the legislature, executive, and judiciary
c) By allowing the judiciary to control the legislature
d) By giving all power to the President
Answer: b) By assigning different powers to the legislature, executive, and judiciary
Explanation: The Indian Constitution ensures a system of checks and balances between the three organs of government.
7. What does the term ‘Secularism’ mean in the Indian Constitution?
a) The government can promote one religion over others
b) Citizens must follow the religion of the majority
c) The state does not officially promote any religion
d) The government can only make laws for Hindu citizens
Answer: c) The state does not officially promote any religion
Explanation: India is a secular country, meaning it treats all religions equally and does not have an official state religion.
8. Which of the following is a feature of Fundamental Rights?
a) They can never be changed
b) They are absolute and unlimited
c) They protect individuals against both the State and other individuals
d) They apply only to citizens and not foreigners
Answer: c) They protect individuals against both the State and other individuals
Explanation: Fundamental Rights ensure protection against government overreach and also guarantee individual freedoms.
9. What does the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) aim to achieve?
a) Protect individual freedoms
b) Lay down guidelines for governance and socio-economic justice
c) Enforce criminal laws
d) Provide for military rule during emergencies
Answer: b) Lay down guidelines for governance and socio-economic justice
Explanation: DPSPs are non-enforceable in courts but guide the government in creating policies for welfare and justice.
10. Why is the Indian Constitution considered a ‘living document’?
a) It cannot be changed
b) It is handwritten and preserved
c) It evolves through amendments to address new challenges
d) It contains the original writings of Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: c) It evolves through amendments to address new challenges
Explanation: The Indian Constitution can be amended to reflect social, political, and economic changes, making it adaptable to modern needs.
