Fundamental Duties MCQ: Enforcement Acts, the Wildlife Protection Act & Swachh Bharat

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.What does M. Laxmikanth cite as a reason why the duties are not merely 'moral precepts'?

   • A.Because they are legally enforceable by the Parliament via laws✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Because they are written in English
   • C.Because the President can enforce them
   • D.Because they are in Part III

   Explanation: Although non-justiciable in themselves, they are not merely moral precepts because the Parliament can provide for the imposition of appropriate penalties via legislation.

2. Q2.Under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, disrespecting which of the following is punishable?

   • A.The Constitution of India
   • B.The National Flag
   • C.The National Anthem
   • D.All of the above✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: This Act punishes disrespect to the Constitution of India, the National Flag, and the National Anthem, enforcing Article 51A(a).

3. Q3.Which Fundamental Duty is often linked to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission)?

   • A.Article 51A(g) - Protect environment✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Article 51A(i) - Safeguard public property
   • C.Article 51A(j) - Strive for excellence
   • D.Article 51A(b) - Cherish ideals

   Explanation: Article 51A(g), which mandates protecting and improving the natural environment, is conceptually linked to cleanliness drives like Swachh Bharat.

4. Q4.Which committee's observation states that 'essentially all existing laws are consistent with the Fundamental Duties'?

   • A.Verma Committee (1999)✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Swaran Singh Committee (1976)
   • C.Sarkaria Commission (1983)
   • D.Venkatachalam Commission (2002)

   Explanation: The Verma Committee observed that legal provisions already exist for the enforcement of many Fundamental Duties.

5. Q5.Which Fundamental Duty emphasizes the 'scientific temper'?

   • A.Article 51A(h)✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Article 51A(f)
   • C.Article 51A(c)
   • D.Article 51A(a)

   Explanation: Article 51A(h) is the duty to develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

6. Q6.The Representation of the People Act, 1951, disqualifies members of Parliament/State Legislature for:

   • A.Indulging in corrupt practices (like soliciting votes on religion)✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Not voting in elections
   • C.Not knowing the National Anthem
   • D.Not paying taxes

   Explanation: It disqualifies members for corrupt practices, such as soliciting votes on the ground of religion or promoting enmity between different groups, enforcing the duty of harmony.

7. Q7.Which of the following is NOT mentioned in Article 51A(g) regarding the environment?

   • A.Forests
   • B.Lakes
   • C.Rivers
   • D.Mountains✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Article 51A(g) specifically mentions 'forests, lakes, rivers and wild life'. It does not explicitly mention 'mountains'.

8. Q8.The inclusion of Fundamental Duties was opposed by critics on the ground that it refers to:

   • A.The cultural ethos of the majority only
   • B.A code of conduct for government servants
   • C.A return to monarchy
   • D.Vague concepts like 'Noble Ideals'✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Critics argued the duties used vague concepts like 'noble ideals', 'composite culture', and 'scientific temper' which are difficult to define legally.

9. Q9.Who famously remarked that the inclusion of duties was a 'move to establish a democratic balance'?

   • A.Indira Gandhi✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Jawaharlal Nehru
   • C.Dr. Ambedkar
   • D.Sardar Patel

   Explanation: Indira Gandhi stated that the inclusion of fundamental duties would help to strengthen democracy by establishing a balance between rights and duties.

10. Q10.The Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted in which year, enforcing a Fundamental Duty?

    • A.1972✓ Correct Answer
    • B.1976
    • C.1980
    • D.1986

    Explanation: The Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted in 1972, which prohibits trade in rare and endangered species, enforcing the duty to protect wildlife.

11. Q11.Which Fundamental Duty implies that citizens should not be mere spectators but active participants in nation-building?

    • A.Striving for excellence (Article 51A-j)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Protecting sovereignty (Article 51A-c)
    • C.Paying taxes
    • D.Voting

    Explanation: Article 51A(j) (striving for excellence) implies active participation in individual and collective activities to help the nation rise.

12. Q12.Can a Writ of Mandamus be issued against a citizen for not performing a Fundamental Duty?

    • A.No✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Yes
    • C.Only if the citizen is a government employee
    • D.Only during emergency

    Explanation: Writs are generally issued against the State/public officials. Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, so courts cannot issue Mandamus directly to a citizen to perform a duty.

13. Q13.The Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution based on the need felt during:

    • A.The operation of the internal emergency (1975-77)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.The partition of India (1947)
    • C.The Chinese aggression (1962)
    • D.The drafting of the Constitution (1949)

    Explanation: The need for Fundamental Duties was felt during the operation of the internal emergency (1975–1977) to ensure citizens were conscious of their obligations.

14. Q14.Which Article was the ONLY article in Part IV-A when it was first enacted?

    • A.Article 51A✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Article 51
    • C.Article 50A
    • D.Article 52A

    Explanation: Part IV-A consists of only one Article, which is Article 51A.

15. Q15.According to the Constitution, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its:

    • A.Ideals and Institutions✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Government and Policies
    • C.Ministers and Judges
    • D.Laws and Customs

    Explanation: Article 51A(a): To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.

16. Q16.The Verma Committee identified the 'Forest (Conservation) Act' of which year?

    • A.1980✓ Correct Answer
    • B.1972
    • C.1986
    • D.1991

    Explanation: The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 checks deforestation and diversion of forest land, enforcing the duty to protect the environment.

17. Q17.Which Fundamental Duty promotes the concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (indirectly through brotherhood)?

    • A.Article 51A(e)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Article 51A(a)
    • C.Article 51A(j)
    • D.Article 51A(d)

    Explanation: Article 51A(e) promotes harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood, reflecting the ethos of universal brotherhood.

18. Q18.Why are Fundamental Duties not applicable to foreigners?

    • A.Because they are obligations of citizenship/patriotism✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Because foreigners don't understand the Constitution
    • C.Because foreigners are exempt from all laws
    • D.Because they pay different taxes

    Explanation: Fundamental Duties are defined as the duties of 'every citizen of India'. They are obligations tied to citizenship and patriotism, unlike some Human Rights.

19. Q19.The total number of Fundamental Duties today is:

    • A.11✓ Correct Answer
    • B.10
    • C.12
    • D.9

    Explanation: There are currently 11 Fundamental Duties. Originally 10 were added in 1976, and 1 was added in 2002.

20. Q20.Which legal provision restricts the movement of an association that interferes with the administration of law, aiding the duty of Sovereignty?

    • A.Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Indian Penal Code (IPC)
    • C.Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
    • D.Civil Procedure Code (CPC)

    Explanation: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 allows the government to declare an association unlawful if it interferes with the administration of law or sovereignty.