Preamble and Features of the Constitution MCQ: The Berubari Union Case, the Eighth Schedule & Indian Secularism

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

1. Q1.The suspension of Fundamental Rights during an Emergency is borrowed from:

   • A.US Constitution
   • B.Constitution of Germany (Weimar)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.British Constitution
   • D.Government of India Act 1935

   Explanation: The suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency is a feature borrowed from the Weimar Constitution of Germany.

2. Q2.Who stated that the 'Indian Constitution was born in November 1949'?

   • A.Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
   • B.Sir Ivor Jennings
   • C.Granville Austin
   • D.P.R. Deshmukh✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: This statement is often attributed to members of the Constituent Assembly discussing the adoption date. However, strictly based on Laxmikanth, P.R. Deshmukh commented on the constitution being effectively born then.

3. Q3.The 'Eighth Schedule' of the Constitution currently recognizes how many languages?

   • A.14
   • B.18
   • C.22✓ Correct Answer
   • D.24

   Explanation: The Eighth Schedule currently contains 22 languages. Originally, it had 14 languages.

4. Q4.Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Parliamentary System of Government in India?

   • A.Presence of nominal and real executives
   • B.Majority party rule
   • C.Dissolution of the lower house
   • D.Strict separation of powers✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The Parliamentary system is based on the principle of cooperation and coordination between the legislative and executive organs, not strict separation of powers (which is a Presidential feature).

5. Q5.The term 'Secular' in the Indian context means:

   • A.State has no religion
   • B.State is irreligious
   • C.Separation of religion and state is absolute
   • D.Sarva Dharma Sambhav✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Indian secularism is not a negative concept (irreligious) but a positive one, implying 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav' - equal respect for all religions.

6. Q6.Which amendment is known as the 'Anti-Defection' amendment?

   • A.51st Amendment
   • B.52nd Amendment✓ Correct Answer
   • C.61st Amendment
   • D.69th Amendment

   Explanation: The 52nd Amendment Act of 1985 introduced the Anti-Defection Law by adding the Tenth Schedule.

7. Q7.The ideal of 'Fraternity' in the Preamble ensures:

   • A.Dignity of the individual only
   • B.Unity of the Nation only
   • C.Dignity of the individual and Unity & Integrity of the Nation✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Economic Equality

   Explanation: According to the Preamble, Fraternity assures two things: the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.

8. Q8.Which part of the Constitution is often described as the 'Magna Carta of India'?

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

   Explanation: Part III of the Constitution, containing Fundamental Rights, is justly described as the Magna Carta of India.

9. Q9.The 'Joint Sitting' of the two Houses of Parliament is a feature borrowed from:

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

   Explanation: The provision for a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament is borrowed from the Australian Constitution.

10. Q10.In the 'Berubari Union' case (1960), the Supreme Court held that:

    • A.Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution
    • B.Preamble is NOT a part of the Constitution✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Preamble can be amended
    • D.Preamble is the source of power for the legislature

    Explanation: In the Berubari Union case (1960), the Supreme Court specifically opined that the Preamble is NOT a part of the Constitution. This was later overturned in 1973.

11. Q11.In which case did the Supreme Court hold that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution for the second time?

    • A.LIC of India case (1995)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Golaknath case (1967)
    • C.Minerva Mills case (1980)
    • D.S.R. Bommai case (1994)

    Explanation: In the LIC of India case (1995), the Supreme Court again held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.

12. Q12.The term 'Sovereignty' in the Preamble implies that India is:

    • A.Dependent on other nations
    • B.A dominion of the British Crown
    • C.Neither a dependency nor a dominion of any other nation✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Free to conduct internal affairs but not external

    Explanation: Sovereign means India is an independent state, neither a dependency nor a dominion of any other nation, and is free to conduct its own affairs (both internal and external).

13. Q13.Which of the following provisions was borrowed from the US Constitution?

    • A.Office of Governor
    • B.Judicial Review✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Advisory Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
    • D.Bicameralism

    Explanation: Judicial Review, Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary, and Impeachment of the President are borrowed from the US Constitution.

14. Q14.The 'Structural Part' of the Constitution is, to a large extent, derived from:

    • A.Government of India Act, 1919
    • B.Government of India Act, 1935✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Indian Independence Act, 1947
    • D.British Constitution

    Explanation: The structural part of the Constitution is, to a large extent, derived from the Government of India Act of 1935.

15. Q15.The 'Philosophical Part' of the Constitution (Fundamental Rights and DPSP) derives its inspiration from:

    • A.American and Irish Constitutions✓ Correct Answer
    • B.British and French Constitutions
    • C.Canadian and Australian Constitutions
    • D.USSR and Japanese Constitutions

    Explanation: The Fundamental Rights (American) and Directive Principles (Irish) form the philosophical part of the Constitution.

16. Q16.Which Article of the Constitution deals with the 'Right to Constitutional Remedies'?

    • A.Article 14
    • B.Article 19
    • C.Article 32✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Article 21

    Explanation: Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

17. Q17.The Indian Constitution embodies the 'Positive Concept of Secularism'. This means:

    • A.Strict separation between religion and state
    • B.State gives special protection to minorities only
    • C.Equal protection to all religions✓ Correct Answer
    • D.State has a national religion

    Explanation: The positive concept of secularism means giving equal respect to all religions or protecting all religions equally.

18. Q18.Three-tier government was constitutionalized by which Amendment Acts?

    • A.73rd and 74th Amendments, 1992✓ Correct Answer
    • B.42nd and 44th Amendments
    • C.61st and 69th Amendments
    • D.86th and 97th Amendments

    Explanation: The 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts of 1992 added a third tier of government (Panchayats and Municipalities), which is not found in any other constitution.

19. Q19.The feature of 'Emergency Provisions' is intended to safeguard:

    • A.Sovereignty, unity, integrity and security of the country✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Financial stability of the states only
    • C.Power of the ruling party
    • D.Rights of the foreigners

    Explanation: Emergency provisions enable the President to safeguard the sovereignty, unity, integrity, and security of the country, the democratic political system, and the Constitution.

20. Q20.Under the Indian Constitution, the 'Residuary Powers' are vested in:

    • A.States
    • B.Centre✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Both Centre and States
    • D.President

    Explanation: The Constitution vests the residuary powers (subjects not enumerated in any of the three lists) in the Centre. This reflects a strong Unitary bias.