NMMS - National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Social Science: Indian Constitution Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which part of the Indian Constitution is referred to as the 'conscience' of the Constitution and protects citizens from the arbitrary exercise of power by the State?
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Preamble
- Fundamental Rights (Correct answer)
- Fundamental Duties
Correct answer: Fundamental Rights
Part III of the Indian Constitution, which contains the Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35), is often called the 'conscience' of the Constitution. These rights are guaranteed to all citizens and protect them against the arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the State.
Question 2: A state government is formulating a new policy to ensure that all workers receive a living wage and to provide assistance to the elderly and unemployed. In doing so, the government is applying the principles found in which part of the Indian Constitution?
- Part III: Fundamental Rights
- Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy (Correct answer)
- Part V: The Union
- The Preamble
Correct answer: Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy
The Directive Principles of State Policy, found in Part IV of the Constitution, are guidelines for the state to follow in governance. These principles aim to create a welfare state by securing social and economic justice. Specifically, they include directives to secure a living wage for workers and provide public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, etc.
Question 3: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic'. The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added to the Preamble by which constitutional amendment?
- 44th Amendment Act
- 24th Amendment Act
- 86th Amendment Act
- 42nd Amendment Act (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 42nd Amendment Act
The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular', along with 'and integrity', were added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
Question 4: Which of the following statements accurately describes the system of government in India?
- A presidential republic with a single-tier government.
- A federal republic with a parliamentary system. (Correct answer)
- A monarchy with a bicameral legislature.
- A unitary state with a ceremonial president.
Correct answer: A federal republic with a parliamentary system.
India is a federal republic, which means power is divided between the central government and state governments. It has a parliamentary system of government, similar to the British model, where the executive (the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is responsible to the legislature (Parliament).
Question 5: The 'Right to Freedom' under the Indian Constitution guarantees several rights. Which of the following is NOT included under the Right to Freedom (Article 19-22)?
- Right to freedom of speech and expression.
- Right to assemble peacefully and without arms.
- Right against exploitation and forced labor. (Correct answer)
- Right to practice any profession, occupation, or business.
Correct answer: Right against exploitation and forced labor.
The Right to Freedom, covered in Articles 19-22, includes freedom of speech, assembly, movement, and the right to practice any profession. The Right against Exploitation, which prohibits forced labor and child labor, is a separate Fundamental Right covered in Articles 23-24.
Question 6: A student in a remote village is denied admission to a local public school solely based on their caste. This action violates which Fundamental Right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?
- Right to Freedom of Religion
- Cultural and Educational Rights
- Right against Exploitation
- Right to Equality (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Right to Equality
The Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Denying admission to a public school based on caste is a direct violation of Article 15, which is a key component of the Right to Equality.
NMMS - National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Social Science: Indian Constitution Questions and Answers
Which part of the Indian Constitution is referred to as the 'conscience' of the Constitution and protects citizens from the arbitrary exercise of power by the State?