Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- A Constitution is best described as:
a) A list of national holidays
b) A document containing rules for governing a country
c) A record of historical events
d) A collection of folk tales
Answer: b) A document containing rules for governing a country - Who drafted the Constitution of India?
a) The Parliament of India
b) The British Government
c) The Constituent Assembly
d) The President of India
Answer: c) The Constituent Assembly - Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
b) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar - The Preamble of the Indian Constitution begins with the words:
a) “India, that is Bharat,”
b) “In the name of God,”
c) “We, the People of India,”
d) “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,”
Answer: c) “We, the People of India,” - Which of the following terms in the Preamble means that India is free from external control?
a) Socialist
b) Secular
c) Sovereign
d) Republic
Answer: c) Sovereign - The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added to the Preamble by which amendment?
a) 44th Amendment
b) 42nd Amendment
c) 86th Amendment
d) 1st Amendment
Answer: b) 42nd Amendment - Which Fundamental Right protects citizens against forced labour or ‘begar’?
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom
c) Right Against Exploitation
d) Right to Constitutional Remedies
Answer: c) Right Against Exploitation - Which article provides for free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years?
a) Article 19
b) Article 21
c) Article 21A
d) Article 32
Answer: c) Article 21A - The Right to Constitutional Remedies is also called the “heart and soul” of the Constitution because it:
a) Is the longest article
b) Allows citizens to move courts to protect their rights
c) Was added last
d) Is about the President’s power
Answer: b) Allows citizens to move courts to protect their rights - Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution in which year?
a) 1950
b) 1976
c) 2002
d) 2005
Answer: b) 1976
Short Answer Questions & Answers
- What is the main purpose of a Constitution for a country?
Answer: The main purpose of a constitution is to provide a framework of rules and procedures for governing the country. It defines the powers of the government, the rights of the citizens, and ensures the country is run according to defined laws and not individual whims. - Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly. - What is the Preamble to the Constitution?
Answer: The Preamble is an introductory statement to the Constitution that summarizes its fundamental aims, ideals, and the nature of the Indian state. - Explain what ‘Secularism’ means in the context of the Indian Preamble.
Answer: In the Indian context, ‘Secular’ means the state does not have an official religion. All religions receive equal respect and recognition from the state, and citizens have the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate any religion.
- List any two freedoms guaranteed under the ‘Right to Freedom’ (Articles 19-22).
Answer: Any two of the following: Freedom of speech and expression; Freedom to assemble peacefully; Freedom to form associations; Freedom to move freely throughout India; Freedom to reside and settle in any part of India; Freedom to practice any profession. - What does the ‘Right to Equality’ (Articles 14-18) prohibit?
Answer: The Right to Equality prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It also abolishes the practice of untouchability and forbids the state from conferring titles. - Name one Fundamental Duty of an Indian citizen related to protecting the nation.
Answer: To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so. (OR: To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India).
- On which date did the Constitution of India come into force? What do we celebrate on this day?
Answer: The Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950. We celebrate this day as Republic Day.
Long Answer Questions & Answers
- “The Preamble is the soul of the Indian Constitution.” Explain this statement by describing the key objectives and ideals laid down in the Preamble.
Answer: The Preamble is called the soul of the Constitution because it encapsulates the very essence and foundational principles upon which the entire document is built. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. ‘Sovereign’ means independent from foreign control. ‘Socialist’ aims for fair distribution of wealth to reduce inequalities. ‘Secular’ ensures equal respect for all religions. ‘Democratic’ means the government is elected by the people, and ‘Republic’ indicates an elected head of state.
Furthermore, it sets forth the cardinal objectives of the state: to secure for all citizens Justice (social, economic, and political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship), Equality (of status and opportunity), and to promote Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation. These words guide the interpretation of all laws and government actions, making the Preamble the guiding spirit and philosophical foundation of the Indian Constitution.
- Describe the process of the making of the Indian Constitution. Your answer should include the role of the Constituent Assembly and the Drafting Committee.
Answer: The Indian Constitution was meticulously crafted by a body of elected representatives called the Constituent Assembly. Elections for this assembly were held in July 1946, and it first met in December 1946. It was a representative body with members from diverse backgrounds, religions, and communities.
The Assembly appointed a crucial Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a draft of the Constitution. The members of the Assembly deliberated for over three years, holding 114 days of sessions. Every clause was debated thoroughly, and these discussions are preserved as the ‘Constituent Assembly Debates.’
Finally, the Constitution was adopted by the Assembly on November 26, 1949, and it came into force on January 26, 1950. This marked the day India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic. Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the President of the Assembly, steering its proceedings.
- Discuss the importance of Fundamental Rights in a democracy. How does the ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’ protect these rights?
Answer: Fundamental Rights are essential for the all-round development of individuals and are the bedrock of Indian democracy. They protect citizens from arbitrary state power and ensure dignity, liberty, and equality. For instance, they prevent discrimination, abolish untouchability, guarantee freedoms of speech and religion, and protect against exploitation.
The Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32) is the guardian of all other Fundamental Rights. It empowers citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court (and High Courts under Article 226) if any of their Fundamental Rights are violated. The courts can issue various writs (like Habeas Corpus, Mandamus) to enforce these rights. This provision makes Fundamental Rights justiciable (enforceable in a court of law). Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rightly called this right the “heart and soul” of the Constitution because without an effective enforcement mechanism, the other rights would be meaningless. It ensures that the promise of the Constitution is a living reality for every citizen.