Preamble and Features of the Constitution MCQ: The Preamble's Words, the 42nd Amendment & the Objective Resolution

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

1. Q1.Which amendment act is known as the 'Mini-Constitution' of India?

   • A.42nd Amendment Act, 1976✓ Correct Answer
   • B.44th Amendment Act, 1978
   • C.73rd Amendment Act, 1992
   • D.86th Amendment Act, 2002

   Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 introduced extensive changes to the Constitution, earning it the title 'Mini-Constitution'.

2. Q2.The idea of 'Liberty, Equality and Fraternity' in the Preamble is borrowed from which country's constitution?

   • A.French Constitution✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Australian Constitution
   • C.British Constitution
   • D.USSR Constitution

   Explanation: The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity in our Preamble were taken from the French Revolution (1789–1799).

3. Q3.Which of the following words was NOT added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976?

   • A.Socialist
   • B.Secular
   • C.Integrity
   • D.Republic✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The 42nd Amendment added three new words to the Preamble: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity. 'Republic' was already part of the original Preamble.

4. Q4.In which case did the Supreme Court declare that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution?

   • A.Berubari Union case (1960)
   • B.Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Golaknath case (1967)
   • D.Minerva Mills case (1980)

   Explanation: In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court rejected the earlier opinion and held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.

5. Q5.The Indian Constitution establishes a secular state. What does this imply?

   • A.The state has a religion of its own
   • B.The state is anti-religious
   • C.The state gives equal respect to all religions✓ Correct Answer
   • D.The state promotes only the majority religion

   Explanation: The Indian Constitution embodies the positive concept of secularism, meaning all religions in our country (irrespective of their strength) have the same status and support from the state.

6. Q6.Which schedule of the Indian Constitution contains provisions regarding the administration of Tribal Areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram?

   • A.Fifth Schedule
   • B.Sixth Schedule✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Seventh Schedule
   • D.Eighth Schedule

   Explanation: The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas in the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

7. Q7.The feature of 'Parliamentary Privileges' in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from:

   • A.British Constitution✓ Correct Answer
   • B.US Constitution
   • C.Irish Constitution
   • D.Canadian Constitution

   Explanation: Parliamentary privileges, bicameralism, and the rule of law are features borrowed from the British Constitution.

8. Q8.Who moved the 'Objective Resolution' in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946?

   • A.Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
   • B.Jawaharlal Nehru✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Dr. Rajendra Prasad
   • D.Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

   Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru moved the historic 'Objectives Resolution' on December 13, 1946, which laid down the fundamentals and philosophy of the constitutional structure.

9. Q9.The concept of 'Procedure established by law' is borrowed from:

   • A.US Constitution
   • B.British Constitution
   • C.Japanese Constitution✓ Correct Answer
   • D.German Constitution

   Explanation: The concept of 'Procedure established by law' is borrowed from the Japanese Constitution.

10. Q10.Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution?

    • A.Integrated and Independent Judiciary
    • B.Presidential System✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Single Citizenship
    • D.Universal Adult Franchise

    Explanation: The Indian Constitution provides for a Parliamentary form of government, not a Presidential system.

11. Q11.How many schedules were there in the original Indian Constitution?

    • A.8✓ Correct Answer
    • B.10
    • C.12
    • D.9

    Explanation: The original Constitution contained 8 schedules. Currently, there are 12 schedules.

12. Q12.The 'Instrument of Instructions' contained in the Government of India Act 1935 has been incorporated in the Constitution of India as:

    • A.Fundamental Rights
    • B.Directive Principles of State Policy✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Fundamental Duties
    • D.Emergency Provisions

    Explanation: The Directive Principles resemble the 'Instrument of Instructions' enumerated in the Government of India Act of 1935.

13. Q13.Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with 'Fundamental Rights'?

    • A.Part II
    • B.Part III✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Part IV
    • D.Part V

    Explanation: Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12 to 35) deals with Fundamental Rights.

14. Q14.The 'Federal System with a strong centre' has been borrowed from:

    • A.USA
    • B.Canada✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Australia
    • D.Germany

    Explanation: The federal scheme with a strong centre, vesting of residuary powers in the centre, etc., are borrowed from the Canadian Constitution.

15. Q15.The term 'We, the People of India' in the Preamble signifies:

    • A.Sovereignty lies with the British Crown
    • B.Sovereignty lies with the Parliament
    • C.Sovereignty lies with the People✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Sovereignty lies with the Supreme Court

    Explanation: The Preamble emphasizes that the Constitution derives its authority from the People of India.

16. Q16.Which Article of the Constitution abolishes 'Untouchability'?

    • A.Article 16
    • B.Article 17✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Article 18
    • D.Article 23

    Explanation: Article 17 abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form.

17. Q17.The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, dealing with Anti-Defection Law, was added by which Amendment?

    • A.52nd Amendment Act, 1985✓ Correct Answer
    • B.61st Amendment Act, 1989
    • C.73rd Amendment Act, 1992
    • D.42nd Amendment Act, 1976

    Explanation: The Tenth Schedule was added by the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985, also known as the Anti-Defection Law.

18. Q18.Which feature of the Indian Constitution is described as a 'novel feature' by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?

    • A.Fundamental Rights
    • B.Directive Principles of State Policy✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Fundamental Duties
    • D.Preamble

    Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described the Directive Principles of State Policy as a 'novel feature' of the Indian Constitution.

19. Q19.The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is based on:

    • A.Philosophy of Gandhi
    • B.Objectives Resolution✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Indian Independence Act, 1947
    • D.Government of India Act, 1935

    Explanation: The Preamble is based on the 'Objectives Resolution', drafted and moved by Pandit Nehru, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly.

20. Q20.In the Indian Constitution, the power to amend the Constitution is vested in:

    • A.President
    • B.Supreme Court
    • C.Parliament✓ Correct Answer
    • D.People

    Explanation: Article 368 vests the power to amend the Constitution in the Parliament.