1. Consider the following statements:
I. Through the 44th Constitutional Amendment, of 1978 all the Directive Principles of State Policy have been given preference over Fundamental Rights mentioned in Articles 14 and 19.
II. The Supreme Court has laid down in its verdict in the Minerva Mills Case, 1980 that the preference given only to Directive Principles of State Policy mentioned in Articles 39(b) and 39(c) over Fundamental Rights mentioned in Articles 14 and 19 is Constitutional.
(a) Neither I nor II is correct.
(b) Only I am correct.
(c) Only II is correct.
(d) Both I and II are correct.
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) Only II is correct.
- The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1976 gave more importance to the Directive Principles of State Policy than the Fundamental Rights listed in Articles 14, 19, and 31 to 42.
- The Supreme Court declared this amendment unconstitutional in the Minerva Mills case but said that Fundamental Rights stated in Articles 14 and 19 must still follow the Directive Principles in Articles 39(b) and 39(c).
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2. Which of the following statements is correct regarding Article 368 of the Constitution of India?
(i) Article 368 was amended by the 24th Constitution Amendment Act, 1971.
(ii) Article 368 was amended by the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016.
Codes:
(a) (i) is true and (ii) is false
(b) (i) is false and (ii) is true
(c) Both (i) and (ii) are true
(d) Both (i) and (ii) are false
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (c) Both (i) and (ii) are true
- Part XX of the Constitution contains Article 368, which specifically addresses the powers of Parliament concerning the amendment of the Constitution and the procedure to be followed.
- According to this article, Parliament has the authority, through its constituent power, to modify, add, vary, or repeal any provision of the Constitution.
- The process for such amendments is outlined in Article 368.
- In 1971, the 24th Constitution Amendment Act was enacted, which made two significant changes to the Constitution.
- Firstly, it affirmed the Parliament’s power to amend any part of the Constitution, including fundamental rights.
- Secondly, it made it mandatory for the President to give assent to a Constitutional Amendment Bill.
- Furthermore, the 101st Constitution Amendment Act of 2016 amended Article 368.
- This amendment paved the way for the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the country.
- Consequently, both statements (i) and (ii) are accurate.
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3. The President’s power to veto a Bill for amendment of the Constitution has been taken away by substituting the word ‘shall give his assent’ by which amendment?
(a) 44th Amendment
(b) 23rd Amendment
(c) 24th Amendment
(d) 42nd Amendment
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2013]
Ans. (c) 24th Amendment
- Article 74 states that the President must follow the advice of the council of ministers.
- The 24th amendment removed the President’s power to veto constitutional amendments.
- Now, the President must give his assent to any constitutional amendment bill.
- The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 made it so that the President can ask the council of ministers to reconsider their advice before he follows it.
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4. Which one of the following Bills must be passed by each House of the Indian Parliament separately by the special majority?
(a) Ordinary Bill
(b) Money Bill
(c) Finance Bill
(d) Constitution Amendment Bill
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007, I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (d) Constitution Amendment Bill
- Article 368 of the Constitution establishes the authority and procedure of Parliament to make amendments to the Constitution.
- As per Article 368, an amendment can only be initiated by introducing a Bill in either House of Parliament.
- For the amendment to be approved, it must be passed in each House by a two-thirds majority of the total membership present and voting.
- Once passed, the Bill is presented to the President, who provides their assent.
- Consequently, the Constitution is amended in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Bill.
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5. The Indian Constitution can be amended under the provisions of
(a) Article 368
(b) Article 360
(c) Article 356
(d) Article 352
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (a) Article 368
- Article 368 of the Constitution delineates the authority and procedure of Parliament in amending the Constitution.
- As per Article 368, the initiation of a constitutional amendment requires the introduction of a Bill in either House of Parliament.
- To secure approval, the Bill must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the total membership present and voting in each House.
- Subsequently, the Bill is presented to the President, who grants their assent.
- Consequently, the Constitution is amended in conformity with the provisions specified in the Bill.
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6. Which Article of the Constitution of India lays down the procedure for the amendment of the Constitution?
(a) 348
(b) 358
(c) 368
(d) 378
[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010]
Ans. (c) 368
- Article 368 of the Constitution explains how Parliament can change the Constitution.
- To make a change to the Constitution, a Bill must be put forward in either the House of Parliament, and it must be passed by two-thirds of the members of the House who are present and voting.
- Once this happens, the Bill is presented to the President who will approve it and the Constitution will then be amended according to the Bill.
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7. Amendments to the Constitution may be initiated-
(a) Only in Lok Sabha
(b) Only in Rajya Sabha
(c) Only in State legislative assemblies
(d) Either House of the Parliament
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) Either House of the Parliament
- In India, the Constitution can be changed through a procedure outlined in Article 368(2) of the Constitution. T
- his requires a majority of members from both Houses of Parliament to agree.
- When voting, a majority of all the members of the House and at least 2/3rds of the members present and voting must approve the amendment.
- This process is taken from the Constitution of South Africa.
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8. A bill for the amendment in the Indian Constitution can be presented –
(a) Only in Lok Sabha
(b) Only in Rajya Sabha
(c) Either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha
(d) In the Supreme Court of India
[38th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (c) Either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha
- In India, changes to the Constitution can be started in either the Lower or Upper House of Parliament.
- According to Article 368(2) of the Constitution, both Houses must agree by majority vote.
- For an amendment to pass, more than 2/3 of the members present must vote in favor.
- This process was taken from the Constitution of South Africa.
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9. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by the:
1. Lok Sabha
2. Rajya Sabha
3. State Legislatures
4. President
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 alone
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (d) 1 and 2
- In India, a Constitutional Amendment can be started in either House of Parliament.
- This is stated in Article 368(2) of the Constitution. For it to pass, the majority of both Houses must approve it.
- When voting, more than half of the members from each House and two-thirds of the members present must agree for it to be approved.
- This process is taken from South Africa’s Constitution.
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10. According to the Indian Constitution, the Constitutional amendment of the following topics requires the consent of at least half of the State legislatures.
1. Federal provision of the Constitution
2. Rights of the Supreme Court
3. The process of Constitutional Amendment
4. Formation of new States or transformation in the borders and names of the states
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3
(b) 1, 2, 4
(c) 1, 3, 4
(d) 2, 3, 4
[U.P.P.C.S. Lower (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (a) 1, 2, 3
- The Constitution of India exhibits flexibility and adaptability as it can be amended through the prescribed procedure outlined in Article 368.
- Amendments to the Constitution can be initiated by introducing a Bill in either House of Parliament, and there are three different methods for amending the Constitution.
- Firstly, certain amendments, such as the creation of new states, establishment or abolition of the second chamber of states, changes in citizenship, etc., require a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- These amendments allow for a flexible approach to modifying the Constitution.
- Secondly, there are specific provisions in the Constitution that necessitate a special majority, which entails a majority of the total membership in each House of Parliament and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
- The majority of amendments to the Constitution fall under this category.
- Thirdly, certain Articles of the Constitution, including those pertaining to presidential powers, mode of election, the extent of executive and legislative powers of the Union or the states, provisions regarding the Supreme Court and High Court, representation of states in Parliament, procedure of constitutional amendment, and any of the lists in the 7th Schedule, require both a special majority and approval from more than half of the states.
- These three methods provide the framework for amending the Constitution of India, accommodating varying degrees of majority and state approval depending on the nature of the amendment.
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11. Which of the following are the matters on which a constitutional amendment is possible only with the ratification of the legislatures of not less than one-half of the states?
1. Election of the President
2. Representation of the States in Parliament
3. Any of the Lists in the 7th Schedule
4. Abolition of the Legislature Council of a State
Code:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (a) 1, 2 and 3
- The Constitution of India exhibits flexibility and adaptability, as it can undergo amendments through the prescribed procedure outlined in Article 368.
- Amendments to the Constitution can be initiated by introducing a Bill in either House of Parliament, and there are three distinct approaches to amending the Constitution.
- Firstly, certain categories of amendments, such as the creation of new states, establishment or abolition of the second chamber of states, changes in citizenship, etc., only require a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- In these cases, the Constitution can be amended in a flexible manner.
- Secondly, there are specific provisions in the Constitution that necessitate a special majority, which involves a majority of the total membership in each House of Parliament and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
- This method is applicable to the majority of amendments to the Constitution.
- Thirdly, certain Articles of the Constitution, including those pertaining to presidential powers, mode of election, the extent of executive and legislative powers of the Union or the states, provisions regarding the Supreme Court and High Court, representation of states in Parliament, procedure of constitutional amendment, and any of the lists in the 7th Schedule, require both a special majority and approval from more than half of the states.
- These three different ways provide avenues for amending the Constitution of India, accommodating different levels of majority and state approval depending on the nature of the amendment.
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12. Consider the following statements
1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by the introduction of a Bill in the Lok Sabha only.
2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislatures of all the States of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- The Constitution of India demonstrates its flexibility and versatility through its amendable nature.
- The procedure outlined in Article 368 allows for amendments to the Constitution.
- Amendments to the Constitution can be initiated by introducing a Bill in either House of Parliament, and there are three distinct methods by which the Constitution can be amended.
- The first method involves amendments that require a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- These amendments pertain to categories such as the creation of new states, establishment or abolition of the second chamber of states, changes in citizenship, and more.
- In these cases, the Constitution can be amended in a flexible manner.
- The second method entails amendments that necessitate a special majority.
- This requires a majority of the total membership in each House of Parliament and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
- The majority of the Constitution can be amended using this approach.
- The third method involves amendments that require both a special majority and the approval of more than half of the states.
- These amendments relate to specific Articles of the Constitution, including those concerning presidential powers and mode of election, the extent of executive and legislative powers of the Union or the states, provisions regarding the Supreme Court and High Court, representation of states in Parliament, the procedure of constitutional amendment, and the lists in the 7th Schedule.
- These three distinct ways provide avenues for amending the Constitution of India, accommodating different levels of majority and state approval depending on the nature of the amendment.
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13. Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional Amendments:
(i) In Article 368, two methods of Constitutional Amendment are mentioned.
(ii) Constitutional Amendment Bill can be initiated only in Lok Sabha.
(iii) In case of any dispute between two Houses of Parliament on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, a Joint sitting of both Houses can be summoned.
(iv) The President can not veto a Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) (i) and (ii) only
(b) (i) and (iv) only
(c) (ii) and (iv) only
(d) (ii), (iii), and (iv) only
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) (i) and (iv) only
- Article 368(2) of the Constitution outlines two methods of Constitutional Amendment.
- The first method entails initiating an amendment by introducing a Bill in either House of Parliament.
- The Bill must be passed in each House by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting.
- Once passed, the Bill is presented to the President, who grants their assent, leading to the Constitution being amended in accordance with the provisions stated in the Bill.
- The second method requires the amendment to be ratified by the Legislatures of at least half of the states.
- This ratification is done through a resolution passed by the respective Legislatures.
- Only after such ratification by the required number of states can the Bill, which provides for the amendment in the subject specified in Article 368, be presented to the President for their assent.
- It’s important to note that a Constitutional Amendment Bill can be initiated in either House of Parliament, and there is no provision for a joint sitting of both Houses specifically for a Constitutional Amendment Bill.
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14. When was the first Bill for the amendment of the Indian Constitution presented?
(a) 1950
(b) 1951
(c) 1955
(d) 1958
[38th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (b) 1951
- In 1951, the first amendment to the Indian Constitution was introduced.
- This amendment changed Articles 15, 19, 85, 87, 174, 176, 341, 342, 372, 376, and added two new Articles (31a and 31b), and a 9th Schedule was added to the Constitution.
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15. In the event of the Upper House rejecting a Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by the Lower House
(a) The Bill will have to be dropped
(b) A joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament may be convened to consider and pass the Bill
(c) The Bill shall be deemed to have been passed by both the Houses of Parliament if the Lok Sabha passes it again by a two-thirds majority.
(d) The Bill shall be deemed to have been passed by both the Houses of Parliament despite the disapproval of the Bill by the Upper House.
[U.P.P.C.S (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (a) The Bill will have to be dropped
- The Parliament must give a special vote of approval for the Constitutional Amendment Bill to pass.
- If the Upper House rejects it, the Bill cannot be passed because there is no way for both Houses of the Parliament to discuss the proposed changes together.
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16. The First Constitution Amendment Bill passed in 1951 was related to
(a) Security of the country
(b) Security of the Prime Minister
(c) Protection of agrarian reforms in certain States
(d) Scheduled castes and Scheduled tribes
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
Ans. (c) Protection of agrarian reforms in certain States
- The Constitution Amendment of 1951 added two new parts, Article 31(a) and 31(b), as well as the 9th Schedule, to protect farmland reforms in certain states.
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17. The Ninth Schedule to the Indian Constitution was added by:
(a) First Amendment
(b) Eighth Amendment
(c) Ninth Amendment
(d) Forty-Second Amendment
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (a) First Amendment
- The Constitution Amendment of 1951 added two new Articles, 31(a) and 31(b), and the 9th Schedule to provide protection for agricultural reforms in selected States.
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18. The 93rd Constitution Amendment Bill deals with the:
(a) Continuation of reservation for backward classes in government jobs.
(b) Free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years
(c) Reservation of 30 percent of posts for women in government recruitments
(d) Allocation of more number of Parliamentary seats for recently formed States
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (b) Free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years
- This law requires that all children aged 6-14 receive a free and compulsory education.
- It was added to the Constitution as Article 21-A of the Fundamental Rights, amended Article 45 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, and added Article 51 (a) (k) to the Fundamental Duties.
- This law was passed in 2002 as part of the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act.
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19. ‘Right to Education’ introduced through the 86th Amendment came into force:
(a) In 2002
(b) In 2004
(c) In 2008
(d) In 2010
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (d) In 2010
- In 2002, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act made it a right to have free and compulsory education.
- In 2009, the Parliament passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act to put this law into motion.
- These laws became active on April 1st, 2010.
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20. By which Constitutional Amendment OBCs have been given 27 percent reservation in the admission to educational institutions?
(a) 92nd
(b) 93rd
(c) 94th
(d) 96th
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (b) 93rd
- The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2002 made education a right by adding a new Article 21A.
- The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act in 2009 allowed the right to be put into action.
- Both of these laws were put into effect on April 1st, 2010.
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21. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
| List-I (Amendments to the Constitution) |
List-II |
| A. The Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991 |
1. Establishment of state-level Rent Tribunals |
| B. The Constitution (Seventy-fifth Amendment) Act, 1994 |
2. No reservation for Scheduled Castes in Panchayats in Arunachal Pradesh |
| C. The Constitution (Eightieth Amendment) Act, 2000 |
3. Constitution of Panchayats at Villages or at another local level |
| D. The Constitution (Eighty-third Amendment) Act, 2000 |
4. Accepting the recommendations of the Tenth Finance Commission |
| |
5. Accorded the status of National Capital Territory to Delhi |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 5 1 4 2
(b) 1 5 3 4
(c) 5 1 3 4
(d) 1 5 4 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (a) 5 1 4 2
- The matched list is as follows:
-
| A. The Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991 |
5. Accorded the status of National Capital Territory to Delhi |
| B. The Constitution (Seventy-fifth Amendment) Act, 1994 |
1. Establishment of state-level Rent Tribunals |
| C. The Constitution (Eightieth Amendment) Act, 2000 |
4. Accepting the recommendations of the Tenth Finance Commission |
| D. The Constitution (Eighty-third Amendment) Act, 2000 |
2. No reservation for Scheduled Castes in Panchayats in Arunachal Pradesh |
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22. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
| List -I |
List-II |
| (Provision of Constitutional Amendments) |
(Number of Constitutional Amendments) |
| A. Right to form Co-operative societies under Article 19(1)(c) |
i. 81st Amendment, 2000 |
| B. Protection of SC/ST reservation in filling the backlog of vacancies |
ii. 91st Amendment, 2003 |
| C. Formation of National Judicial Appointments Commission |
iii. 97th Amendment, 2011 |
| D. Limiting the size of the Council of Ministers |
iv. 99th Amendment, 2014 |
Code :
A B C D
(a) (iii) (ii) (iv) (i)
(b) (i) (iv) (ii) (iii)
(c) (iii) (i) (iv) (ii)
(d) (ii) (iii) (i) (iv)
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2013]
Ans. (c) (iii) (i) (iv) (ii)
- The correctly matched list is as follows:
-
| (Provision of Constitutional Amendments) |
(Number of Constitutional Amendments) |
| Right to form Co-operative societies under Article 19(1)(c) |
81st Amendment, 2000 |
| Protection of SC/ST reservation in filling the backlog of vacancies |
91st Amendment, 2003 |
| Formation of National Judicial Appointments Commission |
97th Amendment, 2011 |
| Limiting the size of the Council of Ministers |
99th Amendment, 2014 |
-
Note:- On October 16, 2015, a panel of five judges, with Justice J.S. Khehar as the presiding judge, made a significant ruling by declaring the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and the 99th Amendment null and void.
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23. Which Constitutional Amendment Act dealing with the National Judicial Appointments Commission, was declared unconstitutional by the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court?
(a) 98th Constitutional Amendment Act
(b) 97th Constitutional Amendment Act
(c) 99th Constitutional Amendment Act
(d) 100th Constitutional Amendment Act
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (c) 99th Constitutional Amendment Act
- The Indian Constitution was changed in 2014 with the 99th Amendment to create the National Judicial Appointments Commission.
- On October 15, 2015, a group of five judges ruled that this Commission would affect the independence of the judiciary, so it was declared unconstitutional.
- Hence option (3) is correct.
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24. By which of the following amendments of the Indian Constitution, the term ‘Co-operative Societies’ was added in Article 19(1) (c)?
(a) 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
(b) 73rd Amendment Act, 1993
(c) 97th Amendment Act, 2011
(d) 36th Amendment Act, 1975
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (c) 97th Amendment Act, 2011
- The Constitution of India was amended in 2014 to create the National Judicial Appointments Commission.
- However, the NJAC Act was declared unconstitutional by a team of 5 judges on October 15, 2015, since it would have impacted the independence of the judiciary.
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25. By Which one of the following Constitutional Amendments Delhi became a ‘National Capital Region’?
(a) 61st Amendment
(b) 69th Amendment
(c) 71st Amendment
(d) 79th Amendment
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
Ans. (b) 69th Amendment
- The Constitution (69th Amendment) Act of 1991 gave Delhi the status of a National Capital Region.
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26. Which one of the following, Amendments of the Constitution of India Converts the Union Territory of Delhi into the National Capital Region of Delhi?
(a) 69th Amendment
(b) 70th Amendment
(c) 73rd Amendment
(d) 74th Amendment
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) 69th Amendment
- The Constitution of 1991 gave Delhi the status of a National Capital Region.
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27. Which of the following has banned floor crossing by the member elected on a party ticket to the legislature?
(a) 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act
(b) Representation of Public Law
(c) 42nd Constitutional Amendment
(d) 44th Constitutional Amendment
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (a) 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act
- The 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1985 added the 10th Schedule to the Constitution of India, creating the Anti-Defection Law.
- This law was changed again in 2003 by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act.
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28. In which Amendment was the evil of defections from the political parties in India enacted?
(a) 52nd Amendment
(b) 54th Amendment
(c) 56th Amendment
(d) 58th Amendment
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) 52nd Amendment
- The 52nd Amendment to the Constitution of India in 1985 added the 10th Schedule, which is known as the Anti-Defection Law.
- This law was updated by the 91st Amendment in 2003.
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29. Which one of the following Constitutional Amendments introduced the anti-defection provision in the Constitution for the first time?
(a) 54th Amendment
(b) 53rd Amendment
(c) 52nd Amendment
(d) 51st Amendment
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) 52nd Amendment
- The Anti-Defection Law was added to the Constitution of India in 1985 by the 52nd Amendment.
- It was changed again in 2003 by the 91st Amendment.
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30. 52nd Constitution Amendment is related to–
(a) Defection
(b) Reservation
(c) Election
(d) Protection of minorities
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (a) Defection
- The Anti-Defection Law was added to the Constitution of India in 1985 through the 52nd Amendment Act.
- It was changed again in 2003 through the 91st Amendment Act.
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31. The authoritative text of the Indian Constitution in Hindi was authorized to be published by which of the following constitutional amendments?
(a) 57th Amendment, 1987
(b) 58th Amendment, 1987
(c) 59th Amendment, 1988
(d) 60th Amendment, 1988
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) 58th Amendment, 1987
- The 58th Amendment Act of 1987 made it legal to publish the Indian Constitution in Hindi because many people wanted a version of the Constitution that included all of the changes that had been made.
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32. Which one of the following Amendments to the Constitution is related to the Lowering of the age of voters?
(a) 61st Amendment
(b) 44th Amendment
(c) 42th Amendment
(d) 24th Amendment
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (a) 61st Amendment
- The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1988 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years.
- It became officially effective on March 28, 1989.
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33. Which Constitutional Amendment Act reduced the voting Age from 21 years to 18 years?
(a) 61st
(b) 62nd
(c) 63rd
(d) 64th
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (a) 61st
- The Constitution (Sixty-first Amendment) Act of 1989 reduced the minimum voting age for elections to the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of States from 21 to 18.
- This allowed young people who had previously been unable to vote to have a say in politics and take part in the political process.
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34. The 79th Amendment of the Indian Constitution is related to –
(a) Centre-State Relations
(b) Establishment of two political parties
(c) Fundamental Rights
(d) Reservation of SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (d) Reservation of SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies
- The 79th Constitutional Amendment in 1999 gave Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Anglo-Indians in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies 10 years of reservation.
- This was extended for another 10 years with the 95th Amendment in 2009.
- The 104th Amendment in 2019 made it so that the Anglo-Indian Community’s nomination in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies would not be extended beyond January 25, 2020.
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35. Which Constitutional Amendment makes provision for the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies?
(a) 76th
(b) 77th
(c) 78th
(d) 79th
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) 79th
- In 1999, the 79th Constitutional Amendment changed the amount of time reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies to 10 years
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36. The basic structure theory of the Constitution of India implies that –
(a) Certain features of the Constitution are so essential to it that they cannot be abrogated.
(b) Fundamental rights cannot be abridged or taken away.
(c) The Constitution cannot be amended except in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 368.
(d) The Preamble of the Constitution cannot be amended for it is not a part of the Constitution and at the same time represents it real spirit.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (a) Certain features of the Constitution are so essential to it that they cannot be abrogated.
- The Constitution of India has certain core features that can never be changed.
- This was made clear by the Supreme Court in the Keshavananda Bharati Vs State of Kerala, 1973 case.
- These core features cannot be altered in any way.
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37. The Keshavananda Bharati Case is important because-
(a) It sets aside the orders of the executive
(b) The Supreme Court interpreted the basic features of the Constitution
(c) It brought the Union Government into the dock.
(d) None of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (b) The Supreme Court interpreted the basic features of the Constitution
- In the Keshavananda Bharati Vs State of Kerala court case from 1973, the Supreme Court created the ‘Basic Structure Doctrine’.
- This belief states that Parliament has the ability to change the Constitution, including the fundamental rights, but some of the essential parts of the Constitution cannot be changed by Parliament using Article 368.
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38. The Supreme Court of India enunciated the doctrine of the ‘Basic Structure of the Constitution’ in
(a) The Golakhnath case in 1967
(b) The Sajjan Singh case in 1965
(c) The Shankari Prasad case in 1951
(d) The Keshavananda Bharati case in 1973
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (d) The Keshavananda Bharati case in 1973
- The Supreme Court established the ‘Basic Structure Doctrine’ in the Keshavananda Bharati Vs State of Kerala court case in 1973.
- This belief states that Parliament can change the Constitution, including the essential rights.
- However, some parts of the Indian Constitution, which form the base of the Constitution, cannot be changed by Parliament using its power under Article 368.
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39. In India, who is competent to amend the Fundamental Rights of the citizens?
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Parliament
(d) Supreme Court
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Parliament
- The Supreme Court made the ‘Basic Structure Doctrine’ a law in the Keshavananda Bharati Vs State of Kerala case of 1973.
- This rule states that the Parliament of India can change the Constitution, including the fundamental rights.
- However, some parts of the Constitution that make up the main structure of the Constitution are not able to be changed by the Parliament using the power of Amendment in Article 368.
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40. In which of the following cases the Supreme Court limited the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution for the first time?
(a) A.K. Gopalan Vs. The State of Madras
(b) Golaknath Vs.The State of Punjab
(c) Keshavananda Bharati Vs. The State of Kerala
(d) Minerva Mills Vs. The Union of India
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002]
Ans. (b) Golaknath Vs.The State of Punjab
- In 1967, the Supreme Court said Parliament was not allowed to change the Constitution in the Golaknath Vs. the State of Punjab case, which was the first time the Supreme Court had done this.
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41. Which is unmatched in the context of Constitutional Amendment Procedure?
i. Extension of executive powers of Centre and State.
ii. Supreme and High Court.
iii. Election of President.
iv. Qualification of President.
v. Condition of the Office of the President.
vi. Tenure of President.
vii. Distribution of Legislative Power in Centre and State.
viii. States representation in Parliament.
(a) i ii iii
(b) ii iii iv
(c) iii iv v
(d) iv v vi
(e) vi vii viii
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (d) iv v vi
- Article 368 of the Constitution does not cover the qualifications of the President, the conditions of the President’s office, or how long they stay in office.
- Everything else is included in the Constitutional Amendment Procedure.
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42. Which of the following Constitutional Amendment Acts was termed as Mini Constitution?
(a) 42nd
(b) 44th
(c) 46th
(d) 50th
[47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (a) 42nd
- The Constitution of India was changed in 1976 with the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which is sometimes known as the “mini Constitution”.
- The main goal of this Amendment was to address any issues that had come up in the 1973 Keshavananda Bharati Case.
- The Supreme Court made it clear that certain parts of the Constitution cannot be changed.
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43. By which Amendment of the Constitution of India forests were transferred from the State list to the Concurrent List ?
(a) 41st
(b) 42nd
(c) 43rd
(d) 45th
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (b) 42nd
- The Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act of 1976 changed the Seventh Schedule so that the State List Subjects, such as Forests, Education, and Protection of Wildlife Animals and Birds, were moved to the Concurrent List.
- Therefore, the right answer is (b).
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44. Given below are two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R) :
Assertion (A): India is a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic.
Reason (R): It was substituted by (the 42nd Amendment) Act 1976 for the Sovereign Democratic Republic.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
Code :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- The Preamble has only been changed once, in 1976 by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
- This amendment added three words – Socialist, Secular and Integrity – and was ruled as valid.
- Therefore, option (a) is correct.
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45. Which Amendment of the Constitution provides that no law passed to give effect to Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Articles 39(b) & (c) shall be deemed to be void on the ground that it abridges the rights conferred by Articles 14 and 19.
(a) 25th Amendment
(b) 28th Amendment
(c) 42nd Amendment
(d) 44th Amendment
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
Ans. (a) 25th Amendment
- The 25th Amendment of the Constitution from 1971 stated that any law created to carry out the Directive Principles of State Policy in Articles 39(b) and (c) would not be canceled because it went against Articles 14, 19, or 31 (which was taken out by the 44th Amendment in 1978).
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46. Which of the following Constitutional Amendments is related to the Fundamental Duties?
(a) 42nd
(b) 44th
(c) 46th
(d) 50th
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (a) 42nd
- In 1976, the 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution added a list of 11 duties for citizens to follow as part of Part-4 A, Article 51(A).
- This was based on a recommendation from the Swaran Singh committee and was taken from the Constitution of the Soviet Union.
- Before this, there were only 10 fundamental duties.
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47. Which Constitutional Amendment bifurcated the Combined National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes into two separate bodies?
(a) 42nd Amendment
(b) 44th Amendment
(c) 89th Amendment
(d) 93rd Amendment
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) 89th Amendment
- The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 split the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes into two separate groups:
- the National Commission for Scheduled Castes
- the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
- These two commissions were established according to Articles 338 and 338(A).
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48. When were the Fundamental Duties mentioned in the Constitution?
(a) At the time of framing of Constitution
(b) On 26th January, 1950
(c) In the 42nd Constitutional Amendment
(d) In the 41st Constitutional Amendment
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) In the 42nd Constitutional Amendment
- At first, the Indian constitution did not have any specific responsibilities for its people.
- However, in 1976, the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution added some basic duties that citizens must follow.
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49. The Constitution (98th Amendment) Bill is related to:
(a) Empowering the centre to levy and appropriate service tax
(b) Constitution of the National Judicial Commission
(c) Readjustment of electoral constituencies on the basis of the population census 2001
(d) The demarcation of new boundaries between States.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (b) Constitution of the National Judicial Commission
- Arun Jaitley, who was the Minister of Law and Justice in the NDA Government, presented the 98th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
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50. How many Constitutional Amendments in India have been implemented up to 2013?
(a) 68
(b) 78
(c) 88
(d) 98
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014 ]
Ans. (d) 98
- By May 2013, 98 changes to the Constitution had been put in place.
- By January 2020, there were 104 of these changes.
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51. Which of the following Constitutional Amendment Acts seeks that the size of the Councils of Ministers at the Centre and in a State must not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha and the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of that State, respectively.
(a) 91st
(b) 93rd
(c) 95th
(d) 97th
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (a) 91st
- Before 2003, the Constitution did not say how many ministers could be in the Council of Ministers, so it was up to the Prime Minister or Chief Minister to decide.
- However, in 2003, the Constitution was changed so that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister or Chief Minister, could not be more than 15% of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly of the state.
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52. By which Constitutional Amendment the number of Central Ministers has been limited to 15% of the total number of the members of the Lok Sabha?
(a) 91st Amendment
(b) 92nd Amendment
(c) 90th Amendment
(d) None of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015]
Ans. (a) 91st Amendment
- Before 2003, the Constitution did not state how many ministers should be in the Council of Ministers, so the Prime Minister or Chief Minister had complete control over it.
- However, in 2003, the Constitution was amended to state that the total number of ministers including the Prime Minister/Chief Minister must not be more than 15% of the total members of the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly of that state.
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53. Which of the following Amendments of the Indian Constitution limits the size of the Union Ministry?
(a) 78th amendment
(b) 91st amendment
(c) 88th amendment
(d) 90th amendment
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (b) 91st amendment
- Until 2003, the Constitution did not state how many ministers should be in the Council of Ministers, so it was up to the Prime Minister or Chief Minister to decide. In 2003, the Constitution was amended so that the total number of ministers (including the Prime Minister or Chief Minister) must not exceed 15% of the members of the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly of the state.
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54. Sikkim became a new State by –
(a) 30th Amendment of the Constitution
(b) 34th Amendment of the Constitution
(c) 35th Amendment of the Constitution
(d) 36th Amendment of the Constitution
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (d) 36th Amendment of the Constitution
- Sikkim became the 22nd state of India according to the first schedule of the Indian Constitution, which was amended for this purpose.
- The 35th Amendment to the Constitution provided the details of Sikkim’s association with India.
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55. Mizoram has been granted the status of a State by which of the following Constitutional Amendment?
(a) 53rd
(b) 54th
(c) 55th
(d) 52nd
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2013]
Ans. (a) 53rd
- On June 30, 1986, India and Mizoram’s governments signed a Memorandum of Settlement to make Mizoram a state.
- This was made official by the 53rd Amendment Act.
- The state of Mizoram became official on February 20, 1987.
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56. Which Amendment to the Constitution inserted a new Article 21 A in the Constitution providing Right to Education?
(a) 86th Amendment
(b) 87th Amendment
(c) 88th Amendment
(d) 89th Amendment
[U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]
Ans. (a) 86th Amendment
- The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2002 added a new Article 21-A to the Constitution which made it a fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 to 14 to receive free and compulsory education.
- The law states that the state must provide this education in a way that is determined by law.
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57. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2012 is concerned with……….
(a) Free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 years
(b) Organization and working of co-operative societies
(c) Stringent measures to deal with terrorism
(d) Provision of Lokpal to prevent corruption
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (b) Organization and working of co-operative societies
- On January 12, 2012, the 97th Amendment to the Constitution was made official, which gave legal standing to cooperative organizations.
- This Amendment added the words ‘Cooperative Societies’ to Articles 19(1) of Part III, Article 43(B) of Part IV, and Part IX-B (Articles 243ZH to 243ZT), to encourage voluntary organizations, and help with the formation and operation of cooperative organizations.
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58. President Ram Nath Kovind granted assent to which Constitutional Amendment Act on 18th August 2021?
(a) 106th
(b) 107th
(c) 108th
(d) 105th
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (d) 105th
- President Ram Nath Kovind gave permission to the 105th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2021 on August 18th, 2021.
- This Act lets states choose and name Social and Educational Backward Classes (SEBC).
- According to the Act, each state or territory can make its own list of SEBCs, which may be different from the list of SEBCs in the rest of the country.
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59. Match the following Constitutional Amendments.
| List – I |
List – II |
| (A) 13th Amendment |
(i) Nagaland |
| (B) 18th Amendment |
(ii) Anti-defection law |
| (C) 39th Amendment |
(iii) Clarified the ‘state’ |
| (D) 52nd Amendment |
(iv) The election of President Speaker and Prime Minister cannot be challenged. |
Code :
A B C D
(a) (ii) (iv) (i) (iii)
(b) (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
(c) (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
(d) (i) (iii) (iv) (ii)
(e) (i) (iii) (ii) (iv)
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (d) (i) (iii) (iv) (ii)
- The matched list is as follows :
-
| 13th Amendment |
Nagaland |
| 18th Amendment |
Anti-defection law |
| 39th Amendment |
Clarified the ‘state’ |
| 52nd Amendment |
The election of President Speaker and Prime Minister cannot be challenged |
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60. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given below:
| List-I |
List-II |
| A. Curtailment of the power of judicial review |
1. 61st Amendment |
| B. Abolition of Right to property as a fundamental right |
2. 42nd Amendment |
| C. Lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 |
3. 38th Amendment |
| D. Addition of the word ‘Secular’ in the preamble |
4. 44th Amendment |
Code :
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
| (a) |
1 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
| (b) |
2 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
| (c) |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
| (d) |
4 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) 3 4 1 2
- The match is as follows :
| Curtailment of the power of judicial review |
38th Amendment |
| Abolition of the Right to property as a fundamental right |
44th Amendment |
| Lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 |
42nd Amendment |
| Addition of the word ‘Secular’ in the preamble |
61st Amendment |
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61. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given below the lists.
| List-I |
List-II |
| (Act) |
(Amendment) |
| A. The Constitution (Ninety-Fourth Amendment) Act, 2006 |
1. Amendment in Article 164 |
| B. The Constitution (Ninety Fifth Amendment) Act, 2009 |
2. Amendment in Article 334 |
| C. The Constitution (Ninety Sixth Amendment) Act, 2011 |
3. Amendment in Eighth Schedule |
| D. The Constitution (One hundred-third Amendment) Act, 2019 |
4. Amendment in Article 15 |
Codes :
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
| (a) |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| (b) |
1 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
| (c) |
1 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
| (d) |
1 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
[U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (a) 1 2 3 4
- The correct matched order is as follows:
-
| (Act) |
(Amendment) |
| A. The Constitution (Ninety-Fourth Amendment) Act, 2006 |
1. Amendment in Article 164 |
| B. The Constitution (Ninety Fifth Amendment) Act, 2009 |
2. Amendment in Article 334 |
| C. The Constitution (Ninety Sixth Amendment) Act, 2011 |
3. Amendment in Eighth Schedule |
| D. The Constitution (One hundred-third Amendment) Act, 2019 |
4. Amendment in Article 15 |
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62. Consider the following statements:
1. The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review.
2. The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of the judiciary.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (b) 2 only
- In 1975, the government changed the law (Constitution Amendment 39) to stop the Supreme Court from judging who had been elected as President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Lok Sabha.
- This change was reversed in 1978 (Constitution Amendment 44).
- This means statement 1 was wrong. In 2014, the Supreme Court rejected the 99th Constitution Amendment which tried to introduce the National Judicial Appointment Committee.
- This was because it would have taken away the Supreme Court’s independence and how the different branches of government are separated.
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