Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Polity (12 September 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : Polity

1. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Objectives resolution’:

1. The resolution laid down the fundamentals and philosophy of the constitutional structure.
2. This Resolution was not unanimously adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
3. It missed out on the safeguards for minorities, backward and tribal areas.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (A)

Explanation: In December, 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the historic ‘Objectives Resolution’ in the Assembly. It laid down the fundamentals and philosophy of the constitutional structure. It included the major values and ideals of sovereignty, republic, fundamental rights, directive principles, non-interference etc. It sought to secure to ideals mentioned in the Preamble. It provided for adequate safeguards for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and depressed and other backward classes. This Resolution was unanimously adopted by the Assembly on January 22, 1947. It influenced the eventual shaping of the constitution through all its subsequent stages. Its modified version forms the Preamble of the present Constitution. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

2. Article 368 gives Parliament the power to amend the Constitution and describes its procedure. Consider the following statements regarding the legal position with regards to the amendment of this article itself?

1. The article can be amended by the Parliament only if the amendment does not destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.
2. The article can be amended by the Parliament only if a bill to this effect was introduced by the President.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

Explanation: An amendment of the Constitution can be initiated only by the introduction of a bill for the purpose in either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) and not in the state legislatures. The bill can be introduced either by a minister or by a private member and does not require prior permission of the president. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

3. A resolution of disapproval of national emergency is different from a resolution approving the continuation of a proclamation in which of the following respects?

1. Disapproval of emergency requires the approval of both the houses, whereas approval of proclamation can be done only by the Lok Sabha.
2. Disapproval requires special majority, whereas approval requires a simple majority.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Explanation: A resolution of disapproval is different from a resolution approving the continuation of a proclamation in the following two respects:

  • First one (disapproval) is required to be passed by the Lok Sabha only, while the second one needs to be passed by the both Houses of Parliament. The first one is to be adopted by a simple majority only, while the second one needs to be adopted by a special majority. This is done to put greater safeguards as emergency in an extraordinary measure and must be resorted to only in exceptional circumstances. Hence, both statements are incorrect.

4. Consider the following statements regarding Fundamental Duties:

1. The Part IV-A of the Constitution which consists of only one Article 51-A specifies the eleven Fundamental Duties.
2. The 91th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 added one fundamental duty to the constitution.
3. Like the Directive Principles, the Fundamental duties are also non-justiciable in nature.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The original constitution did not provide for the Fundamental Duties of the citizens. These were added during the operation of internal emergency (1975–77) by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 added one more fundamental duty.
  • The Part IV-A of the Constitution (which consists of only one Article 51-A) specifies the eleven Fundamental Duties viz., to respect the Constitution, national flag and national anthem; to protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country; to promote the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people; to preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture and so on.
  • The fundamental duties serve as a reminder to citizens that while enjoying their rights, they have also to be quite conscious of duties they owe to their country, their society and to their fellow citizens. However, like the Directive Principles, the duties are also non-justiciable in nature.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

5. The Directive Principles resemble the ‘Instrument of Instructions’ enumerated in the:

(a) Montague Chelmsford Act 1919
(b) Nehru Report, 1928
(c) Government of India Act of 1935
(d) Objectives Resolution, 1946

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Dr B R Ambedkar had said ‘the Directive Principles are like the instrument of instructions, which were issued to the Governor-General and to the Governors of the colonies of India by the British Government under the Government of India Act of 1935.’ What is called Directive Principles is merely another name for the instrument of instructions. The only difference is that they are instructions to the legislature and the executive. Hence, option (c) is correct.