Q20. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Preamble of which country’s Constitution?
[WBCS Mains 2023, Polity and Economy (exam year 2023)]
(A) United States of America
(B) Switzerland
(C) United Kingdom
(D) Canada
Answer: (A) United States of America
Explanation: The Indian Preamble drew inspiration from the United States’ constitutional preamble, notably its people-centred opening. India’s own underlying aims were developed through the Objectives Resolution. The Preamble articulates the State’s nature and its commitments to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Q19. Under Article 217(1), a judge of the Rajasthan High Court other than its Chief Justice is appointed by the President after consultation with whom?
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2023]
(A) The High Court Chief Justice, Attorney General and Governor
(B) The Governor, Chief Justice of India and High Court Chief Justice
(C) The Union Law Minister and Governor
(D) The Chief Justice of India and Governor only
Answer: (B) The Governor, Chief Justice of India and High Court Chief Justice
Explanation: The Constitution requires consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the State Governor and, for appointments other than the High Court Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of that High Court. Such constitutional arrangements are part of the institutional framework supporting judicial independence.
Q18. The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of _______ and flexibility.
[Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial), 20 October 2022, Shift 2]
(A) Conformity
(B) Rigidity
(C) Durability
(D) Uniformity
Answer: (B) Rigidity
Explanation: Rigidity refers to comparatively demanding procedures for making constitutional changes; flexibility means certain provisions are easier to alter. India combines both approaches. Article 368 requires special majorities for many amendments and State ratification for specified federal matters, preserving stability while allowing reform.
Q17. Which of the following features of the Indian Constitution was adopted from the United States?
[RRB Group D, 24 August 2022, Shift 3]
(A) Parliamentary government
(B) Procedure established by law
(C) Fundamental Rights
(D) Fundamental Duties
Answer: (C) Fundamental Rights
Explanation: The framers took inspiration for constitutionally guaranteed Fundamental Rights from the United States. Parliamentary government reflects the British model, “procedure established by law” was influenced by Japan, and Fundamental Duties were inspired by the former Soviet Constitution.
Q16. Which constitutional feature means that governments exist both at the Centre and at the State level?
[RRB Group D, 22 August 2022, Shift 1]
(A) Parliamentary form of government
(B) Fundamental Rights
(C) Secularism
(D) Federalism
Answer: (D) Federalism
Explanation: Federalism establishes two constitutional levels of government, each exercising assigned authority. In India, the Union and States draw their powers from the Constitution. The Seventh Schedule allocates subjects, while courts can resolve disputes about constitutional competence and authority.
Q15. Which of the following is non-justiciable?
[WBCS Mains 2021, Paper V, held May 2022]
(A) Fundamental Rights
(B) Directive Principles of State Policy
(C) Criminal Procedure Code
(D) None of the above
Answer: (B) Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation: Directive Principles, contained in Part IV, guide the State towards socioeconomic welfare but cannot ordinarily be enforced directly by courts. They remain fundamental in governance under Article 37. Fundamental Rights differ because individuals can seek judicial remedies for their infringement.
Q14. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Constitution of India?
[UPSC NDA-II, General Ability Test, 14 November 2021]
(A) It provides basic rules
(B) It specifies governmental powers
(C) It is the supreme law of the land
(D) It establishes the supremacy of the judiciary
Answer: (D) It establishes the supremacy of the judiciary
Explanation: The Constitution is supreme over the legislature, executive and judiciary. Courts have vital powers of interpretation and judicial review, but they are not placed above the Constitution. Each institution must operate within its own constitutional powers and limitations.
Q13. What does “constitutional government” mean?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, General Studies Paper I, 10 October 2021]
(A) A representative government necessarily having a federal structure
(B) A government whose Head enjoys nominal powers
(C) A government whose Head enjoys real powers
(D) A government limited by the Constitution
Answer: (D) A government limited by the Constitution
Explanation: Constitutional government means public authority is exercised under established constitutional limits rather than arbitrary discretion. Its defining principle is limited government. Such a government may be parliamentary or presidential, and federal or unitary, provided its powers are legally constrained.
Q12. Which statement about the Constitution of India is NOT correct?
[UPSC NDA-I, General Ability Test, 18 April 2021]
(A) “Socialist” and “Secular” were not originally included
(B) The Preamble states constitutional objectives
(C) The Preamble is enforceable in a court of law
(D) A republic ultimately derives authority from the people
Answer: (C) The Preamble is enforceable in a court of law
Explanation: The Preamble communicates constitutional ideals and helps guide interpretation, but it does not independently create enforceable legal rights. It forms part of the Constitution and may illuminate unclear provisions. Courts enforce operative constitutional provisions rather than the Preamble by itself.
Q11. Who described the Indian Constitution as neither purely federal nor unitary, but as a novel combination of both?
[MPSC State Service Mains 2020, General Studies II]
(A) Dr B. R. Ambedkar
(B) K. C. Wheare
(C) Durga Das Basu
(D) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: (C) Durga Das Basu
Explanation: Constitutional scholar Durga Das Basu characterised India’s arrangement as combining federal and unitary principles in an unusual form. The States possess constitutionally assigned powers, yet the Union enjoys significant supremacy in specified matters. This balance distinguishes India from classical federations.
