Which of the following terms was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through amendment?
ASocialist and Secular
BDemocratic and Republican
CSovereign and Federal
DSecular and Federal
Correct Answer:
A. Socialist and Secular
Explanation:
The terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added to the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 during the Emergency period. 'Sovereign', 'Democratic', 'Republican', and 'Federal' were part of the original Preamble drafted by Dr. B.R.
Which Fundamental Right can be suspended during a National Emergency except in respect of Articles 20 and 21?
ARight to Equality
BRight to Freedom
CRight to Constitutional Remedies
DRight Against Exploitation
Correct Answer:
B. Right to Freedom
Explanation:
Article 19 (Right to Freedom) can be suspended during a National Emergency under Article 359.
However, Articles 20 (protection against conviction for offences) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) cannot be suspended even during emergency.
This ensures protection against arbitrary arrest and punishment.
The 73rd Amendment Act introduced Panchayati Raj at the grassroots level. Which of the following is NOT a feature of this amendment?
ACreation of three-tier Panchayati Raj system
BReservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
CDirect election of Mukhya Mantris by people
DConstitution of State Election Commissions
Correct Answer:
C. Direct election of Mukhya Mantris by people
Explanation:
The 73rd Amendment (1992) created a three-tier Panchayati Raj system (village, block, district) with reservation of seats for SCs/STs, but Mukhya Mantris (State Chief Ministers) are NOT elected directly by people.
They are elected by the state legislature.
Panchayat Chairpersons/Pradhans are elected, and State Election Commissions were constituted to conduct Panchayat elections.
Under Article 368, which amendments require ratification by state legislatures?
AAmendments affecting the federal structure and powers of state legislatures
BAll amendments to the Constitution
CAmendments relating only to Fundamental Rights
DAmendments requiring special majority in Parliament only
Correct Answer:
A. Amendments affecting the federal structure and powers of state legislatures
Explanation:
Article 368(3) requires that amendments affecting the division of powers between Union and states, and amendments altering the provisions regarding representation of states in Parliament, must be ratified by at least half of the state legislatures in addition to parliamentary approval.
This protects federalism.
For example, amendments to Article 1 (territory of India) and Articles 245-255 (distribution of legislative powers) require state ratification.
Which of the following statements about the President's power of pardon under Article 72 is incorrect?
AThe President can grant pardon only on advice of the Council of Ministers
BPardons can be granted in cases of crimes against Union law
CThe President can pardon, reprieve, respite and remit sentences
DThe President's pardoning power extends to cases involving death sentences imposed by all courts
Correct Answer:
D. The President's pardoning power extends to cases involving death sentences imposed by all courts
Explanation:
Article 72 grants the President power to pardon, reprieve, respite, and remit sentences in three categories: (1) offences against Union law, (2) sentences imposed by court-martial, and (3) sentences of death.
However, the President can only exercise this on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
The President cannot pardon offences against state laws or grant pardon in impeachment cases.
The power applies to cases where conviction is under Union law specifically.