Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Polity (19 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:

1. Article 44 of the Indian constitution says, “The state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.”
2. A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption.
3. The principles laid down in the Part IV of the Indian Constitution is fundamental in the governance of the country, and shall be enforceable by any court in India.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: A UCC would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc. Article 44 of the Indian constitution says, “The state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.” Article 44 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy, described in Part IV of the Constitution. According to Article 37, “The provisions contained in this Part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the principles therein laid down are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.” Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

2. Consider the following statements:

1. According to Article 200 of the Constitution of India, the Governor can reserve a bill for the consideration of the President only if the Governor forms an opinion that the Bill would endanger the position of the High Court.
2. The Constitution of India does not mention the grounds on which a Governor may withhold his assent to a Bill.

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: (C)

Explanation: Article 200 of the Constitution provides certain options for the Governor to exercise when a Bill reaches him from the Assembly. The provision concerned makes it clear that a Bill can be reserved for the consideration of the President only if the Governor forms an opinion that the Bill would endanger the position of the High Court by whittling away its powers. The Constitution does not mention any other type of Bill which is required to be reserved for the consideration of the President. The fact that the Constitution does not mention the grounds on which a Governor may withhold assent to a Bill shows that this power should be exercised by the Governor extremely sparingly and after very careful consideration of the consequences of such action. Hence, both statements are correct.

3. The Parliament cannot amend these provisions which form the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution, that include:

1. Freedom and dignity of the individual
2. Principle of equality
3. Effective access to justice
4. Principle of reasonableness

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Even though the basic structure doctrine was given by the SC, it is yet to define or clarify as to what constitutes the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution. It is not mentioned anywhere in the constitution, and our understanding of the basic structure comes from the various judgements of the court.

The following have emerged as ‘basic features’ of the Constitution:

  1. Supremacy of the Constitution; Sovereign, democratic and republican nature of the Indian polity; Secular character of the Constitution.
  2. Separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary; Federal character of the Constitution; Unity and integrity of the nation; Welfare state (socio-economic justice).
  3. Judicial review; Freedom and dignity of the individual; Parliamentary system; Rule of law; Harmony and balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles; Principle of equality.
  4. Free and fair elections; Independence of Judiciary; Limited power of Parliament to amend the Constitution; Effective access to justice; Principle of reasonableness; Powers of the Supreme Court under Articles 32, 136, 141 and 142.

4. Consider the following statements regarding President’s rule that is imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution:

1. It cannot be imposed without the written recommendation of the Governor of the concerned state.
2. Every proclamation of President’s rule must be approved by both the houses of Parliament within a stipulated time.

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: (B)

Explanation:

  • Article 356 empowers the President to issue a proclamation, if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
    Notably, the president can act either on a report of the governor of the state or otherwise too (i.e. even without the governor’s report).
  • A proclamation imposing President’s Rule must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months from the date of its issue. If approved by both the Houses of Parliament, the President’s Rule continues for six months. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

5. A federal government means a government in which:

(a) There is division of powers between the Central and state governments; and also between the federal and state judiciaries
(b) All the powers are vested in the national government and the regional governments derive their authority from the national government.
(c) A large number of powers are vested in the national government and the regional governments, with some independent powers, derive their authority from the national government
(d) Powers are divided between the national government and the regional governments by the Constitution and both operate in their respective jurisdictions independently

Answer: (D)

Explanation: A federal government is one in which powers are divided between the national government and the regional governments by the Constitution itself and both operate in their respective jurisdictions independently. In a federal model, the national government is known as the Federal government or the Central government or the Union government and the regional government is known as the state government or the provincial government. Hence, option (d) is correct.