UPSC IAS / IPS — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

Right to Property was removed from the category of Fundamental Rights and made a Constitutional Right by which amendment?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. 44th Amendment — This question asks about a specific constitutional amendment that changed the status of the Right to Property in the Indian Constitution. The Right to Property was originally listed as a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(f) of the Indian Constitution. However, the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 removed this right from Part III (Fundamental Rights) and relocated it to Part XII-B as a Constitutional Right under Article 300-A. This amendment was passed during the Emergency period and significantly altered the constitutional framework regarding property rights in India. The 44th Amendment is historically significant as it made property rights subject to state regulation while retaining them as a constitutional guarantee, thereby reducing their fundamental status. The 44th Amendment removed the Right to Property from Fundamental Rights and made it a Constitutional Right.

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A. 42nd Amendment

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C. 45th Amendment

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D. 50th Amendment

Question 2

The 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution primarily relates to:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Devolution of powers to rural local governments — This question asks about the primary focus of the 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution. The 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, enacted in 1992, was a landmark legislation that fundamentally restructured rural governance in India by establishing a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions and devolving significant powers, functions, and finances from the state to these grassroots democratic bodies. This amendment recognized Panchayats as institutions of self-governance and ensured democratic participation at the village level through regular elections and reserved seats for women and scheduled castes/tribes. Option (B) is correct because the entire objective of the 73rd Amendment was to empower rural local governments by transferring administrative and financial responsibilities closer to the people, whereas options (A), (C), and (D) relate to different constitutional matters—State Election Commissions, parliamentary reservations, and political party regulations respectively. The 73rd Amendment to

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A. Establishment of State Election Commission

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C. Reservation of seats in Parliament

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D. Regulation of political parties

Question 3

Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the President's power to declare a National Emergency?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Article 352 — This question asks about which constitutional article grants the President the power to declare a National Emergency in India. Article 352 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to declare a National Emergency when the security of India or any part of it is threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. This is the primary emergency provision that allows the President to proclaim a state of national emergency, which subsequently enables the Central Government to assume extraordinary powers. The other options refer to different types of emergencies: Article 356 deals with President's Rule in states, Article 360 addresses Financial Emergency, and Article 368 concerns the amendment procedure of the Constitution. The correct answer is (A) Article 352.

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B. Article 356

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C. Article 360

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D. Article 368

Question 4

The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Article 324 — This question asks about the constitutional provision that established the Election Commission of India as a constitutional body. The Election Commission of India is established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the "Superintendence, direction and control of elections." Article 324 grants the Election Commission the authority to conduct all elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. This article specifically empowers the President to establish an independent constitutional body responsible for ensuring free and fair elections in India. The other options refer to different constitutional provisions: Article 315 deals with the Public Service Commission, Article 330 relates to reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes in the Lok Sabha, and Article 335 concerns claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in services. The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.

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A. Article 315

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C. Article 330

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D. Article 335

Question 5

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are not enforceable by courts. However, the Constitution qualifies this statement in which article?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Article 37 — This question asks which article of the Indian Constitution qualifies the non-enforceability of the Directive Principles of State Policy by providing important context. Article 37 is the qualifying article that explains the nature and status of the Directive Principles of State Policy. Article 37 states that while the Directive Principles shall not be enforceable by any court, they are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the state to apply these principles in making laws. This article essentially acknowledges that although DPSPs lack legal enforceability (unlike Fundamental Rights under Article 32), they hold moral and political force and guide the state's legislative and executive functions. Articles 36-51 collectively constitute the entire DPSP section, but Article 37 specifically serves as the introductory and qualifying article that explains this unique status. The correct answer is (B) Article 37.

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A. Article 36

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C. Article 39

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D. Article 44

Question 6

The Election Commission of India conducts elections to the Lok Sabha. Which article of the Constitution establishes the Election Commission?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Article 324 — This question asks about the constitutional provision that establishes India's Election Commission. The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Part XV of the Indian Constitution, specifically by Article 324, which grants it the authority to conduct all elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. Article 324 empowers the Election Commission to oversee the entire electoral process, including the preparation of voter rolls, conduct of elections, and addressing electoral disputes. The other options refer to different constitutional articles: Article 280 deals with the Finance Commission, Article 352 pertains to the proclamation of national emergency, and Article 268 concerns the distribution of taxes. The correct answer is (A) Article 324, which establishes the Election Commission of India in the Indian Constitution.

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B. Article 280

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C. Article 352

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D. Article 268

Question 7

Under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following writs can be issued by the Supreme Court to prevent illegal detention of a person?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Habeas Corpus — Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs including Habeas Corpus, which is specifically used to secure the release of a person illegally detained or imprisoned. This is a Fundamental Right available to any citizen. Habeas Corpus means 'you shall have the body' and ensures personal liberty.

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A. Mandamus

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C. Prohibition

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D. Certiorari

Question 8

Which Article of the Indian Constitution prescribes the procedure for the removal of the President of India?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Article 61 — Article 61 deals with the impeachment of the President. The President can be removed on grounds of violation of the Constitution. The process requires a written charge signed by at least 1/4th of Members of either House, and removal requires a 2/3rd majority in both Houses. Article 56 covers resignation of the President.

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A. Article 56

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C. Article 75

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D. Article 100

UPSC IAS / IPS - MCQ Practice Questions