Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Directive Principles of State Policy are best described as:
a) Laws that citizens must obey.
b) Guidelines for the government in making laws and policies.
c) Rights that citizens can enforce in court.
d) Rules for the functioning of Parliament.
Answer: b) Guidelines for the government in making laws and policies. - Directive Principles aim to establish India as a:
a) Theocratic state
b) Welfare state
c) Police state
d) Federal state
Answer: b) Welfare state - The idea of Directive Principles in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the constitution of:
a) United States of America
b) United Kingdom
c) Ireland
d) Canada
Answer: c) Ireland - Which of the following is a principle relating to economic equality?
a) Separation of judiciary from the executive
b) Protection of historical monuments
c) Equal pay for equal work for men and women
d) Promotion of international peace
Answer: c) Equal pay for equal work for men and women - The Gandhian Principle among the Directive Principles includes:
a) Organising village panchayats as units of self-government.
b) Ensuring the independence of the judiciary.
c) Reducing inequality of income.
d) Fostering respect for international law.
Answer: a) Organising village panchayats as units of self-government. - Which principle aims to ensure that judges are free from the influence of the government?
a) Principle for International Peace
b) Principle relating to Law, Justice and Administration
c) Miscellaneous Principle
d) Gandhian Principle
Answer: b) Principle relating to Law, Justice and Administration - A key difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles is that Directive Principles are:
a) Justiciable
b) Non-justiciable
c) Enforceable in court
d) Only for government officials
Answer: b) Non-justiciable - Which of the following is a ‘Miscellaneous’ Directive Principle?
a) Providing adequate wages to workers.
b) Protecting and improving the environment.
c) Promoting cottage industries.
d) Ensuring free legal aid.
Answer: b) Protecting and improving the environment. - If a citizen’s Fundamental Right is violated, they can:
a) Complain to the United Nations.
b) Move the court for its protection.
c) Write a letter to the Directive Principles department.
d) None of the above.
Answer: b) Move the court for its protection. - The provision for free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years is an implementation of a Directive Principle aimed at:
a) Economic Equality
b) Social Equality and Educational Uplift
c) Administrative Importance
d) International Peace
Answer: b) Social Equality and Educational Uplift
Short Answer Questions & Answers
- Why did the makers of the Indian Constitution include Directive Principles of State Policy?
Answer: The Constitution makers included Directive Principles to provide guidelines or directives to the government to overcome major national challenges like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and backwardness, and to establish a welfare state for the improvement of citizens’ conditions. - In which part of the Indian Constitution are the Directive Principles of State Policy listed?
Answer: Directive Principles of State Policy are listed in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. - List two objectives of a welfare state as per the Directive Principles.
Answer: Two objectives are: (i) Removing social inequalities and economic disparities, and (ii) Providing equal opportunities to all citizens.
- State two Gandhian Principles included in the Directive Principles.
Answer: Any two of the following: (i) Promotion of cottage industries and handicrafts in villages, (ii) Prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs, (iii) Organising village panchayats as units of self-government.
- What is meant by the ‘separation of judiciary from the executive’?
Answer: It means that the branch of government responsible for interpreting laws (judiciary) should be independent and free from the control or influence of the branch responsible for implementing laws (executive), ensuring fair justice.
- Name one Directive Principle that relates to fostering international relations.
Answer: The state should conduct its foreign affairs to establish friendly and cordial relations with other countries. (OR: The state shall encourage international peace and security). - What is the duty of a citizen regarding cultural heritage according to the Directive Principles?
Answer: Every citizen should respect the cultural heritage of the country and protect historical monuments and buildings. - Why are Directive Principles said to be ‘non-justiciable’?
Answer: Directive Principles are non-justiciable because they are not legally enforceable by the courts. A citizen cannot approach the court to demand their implementation, unlike Fundamental Rights.
Long Answer Questions & Answers
- Explain the concept of Directive Principles of State Policy. How do they aim to transform Indian society, particularly in the field of economic equality?
Answer: Directive Principles of State Policy are a set of guidelines or instructions enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. They are not enforceable by courts but are fundamental in the governance of the country. Their purpose is to guide the state (government) in making laws and policies to establish a welfare state—a system that works for the maximum benefit of the maximum number of people.
In the field of economic equality, they aim to create a socialist society by reducing vast inequalities. Key principles include:
- Reducing Income Inequalities: The state should strive to ensure wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a few.
- Ensuring Fair Work Conditions: The government should secure adequate means of livelihood and equal pay for equal work for both men and women. It should also ensure humane working conditions and protect workers from exploitation.
- Social Security: The state should provide relief to vulnerable sections like the elderly, sick, and disabled.
- Child Welfare: Economic and moral exploitation of children should be stopped.
Through these directives, the Constitution aims to build a socially and economically just society, lifting people out of poverty and ensuring dignity for all workers.
- Categorize the Directive Principles of State Policy into different groups with examples. What is their significance in India’s political life?
Answer: Directive Principles can be broadly categorized into the following groups with examples:- 1. Principles Relating to Economic Equality: Aim to establish a socialist society. Example: Equal pay for equal work, reducing income inequality.
- 2. Gandhian Principles: Based on Gandhian philosophy for reconstruction. Example: Organising village panchayats (self-government), promoting cottage industries, prohibition of intoxicants.
- 3. Principles Relating to Law, Justice, and Administration: Aim for a fair administrative system. Example: Separation of judiciary from executive, independent judiciary.
- 4. Principles for International Peace: Guide India’s foreign policy. Example: Promoting international peace and security, fostering respect for international law.
- 5. Miscellaneous Principles: Cover other important areas. Example: Protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, uniform civil code.
Significance: Despite being non-justiciable, they play a crucial role in India’s political life. They:
- Provide a philosophical roadmap for governments to work towards a just society.
- Serve as a test for the performance of any government. Parties are judged on their efforts to implement these principles.
- Act as a source of inspiration for much progressive legislation (e.g., the Right to Education Act, Minimum Wages Act).
- Keep the welfare of the people at the center of governance, reminding the state of its moral duty beyond just maintaining law and order.
- “Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights are both for the well-being of citizens but differ significantly.” Compare and contrast these two features of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: While both aim for citizen well-being, they differ in nature, enforceability, and purpose.
| Feature | Fundamental Rights | Directive Principles of State Policy |
| Nature & Purpose | They are negative obligations on the state, preventing it from encroaching on individual liberties (e.g., freedom of speech). They provide claims to citizens against the state. | They are positive instructions to the state, directing it to take active steps to promote social and economic welfare. They outline duties of the state towards citizens. |
| Enforceability (Justiciability) | They are justiciable. If violated, a citizen can directly approach the Supreme Court or High Court for enforcement and remedy. | They are non-justiciable. They cannot be enforced in court. No citizen can sue the government for failing to implement a Directive Principle. |
| Location in Constitution | Part III of the Constitution. | Part IV of the Constitution. |
| Focus | Focus on political democracy and individual freedom. They protect the citizen from the state. | Focus on social and economic democracy. They guide the state to create conditions for a good life. |
| Example | Right to Equality (Article 14-18) prevents discrimination. | Principle of equal pay for equal work directs the state to make laws to ensure it. |
In essence, Fundamental Rights are about individual liberty and are legally protected, while Directive Principles are about collective welfare and provide moral and political direction to the government. They are complementary; one ensures freedom, the other strives for justice.