UPSC IAS / IPS — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution deals with the right to constitutional remedies. Which of the following writs can be issued by the Supreme Court?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto — Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue five types of writs: Habeas Corpus (for unlawful detention), Mandamus (to perform public duty), Prohibition (to prevent illegal action), Certiorari (to quash illegal order), and Quo Warranto (to challenge authority of office). All five are constitutionally recognized remedies under Article 32.

Answer

B. Only Habeas Corpus and Mandamus

Answer

C. Only Certiorari and Quo Warranto

Answer

D. Prohibition, Certiorari, and Mandamus only

Question 2

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. They can be directly enforced through courts — Article 37 of the Constitution explicitly states that DPSP are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced through courts. However, they provide positive directions to the state for governance and policy formulation. Unlike Fundamental Rights (Part III), DPSP cannot be challenged in courts, though courts can use them as interpretive aids. Options A and B are correct characteristics of DPSP.

Answer

A. They are non-justiciable in nature

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B. They aim to establish a welfare state

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D. They guide the government in framing policies

Question 3

Which of the following terms was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through amendment?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Socialist and Secular — The terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added to the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 during the Emergency period. 'Sovereign', 'Democratic', 'Republican', and 'Federal' were part of the original Preamble drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Answer

B. Democratic and Republican

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C. Sovereign and Federal

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D. Secular and Federal

Question 4

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution, which provides the right to constitutional remedies, has been described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. The soul of the Constitution — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called Article 32, which grants the right to move Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights, as 'the soul of the Constitution'. This article is crucial for protecting fundamental rights through writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.

Answer

A. The heart of the Constitution

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C. The conscience of the Constitution

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D. The foundation of the Constitution

Question 5

Which article of the Constitution deals with the composition of the Council of Ministers and their appointment?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Article 75 — Article 75 provides for the appointment and composition of the Council of Ministers. It states that the Prime Minister is appointed by the President, and other ministers are appointed by the President on advice of the PM. The Council of Ministers holds office during the pleasure of the President and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Answer

A. Article 72

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B. Article 74

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D. Article 76

Question 6

The Right to Constitutional Remedies under Article 32 is available only before which court?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Supreme Court of India — Article 32 grants the right to move the Supreme Court of India directly for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. This is a exclusive remedy available before the Supreme Court. High Courts have similar powers under Article 226 for enforcement of constitutional rights, but Article 32 specifically vests exclusive jurisdiction in the Supreme Court.

Answer

A. High Courts

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B. District Courts

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D. Any court of competent jurisdiction

Question 7

Which Directive Principle of State Policy requires the State to endeavor to provide free and compulsory education to children?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Article 45 — Article 45 of the DPSP directs the State to provide free and compulsory education to all children until they attain 14 years of age. This was later enforced through the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Article 46 deals with advancement of SCs/STs, Article 47 with health, and Article 48 with agriculture.

Answer

B. Article 46

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C. Article 47

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D. Article 48

Question 8

Under the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, what is the maximum tenure of a Panchayat before it stands automatically dissolved?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. 5 years — The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 (which inserted Article 243E) provides that every Panchayat shall continue for five years from the date of its constitution and shall stand dissolved after the expiry of this period. Provisions are made for elections to the new Panchayat to be conducted before the dissolution of the old one.

Answer

A. 3 years

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B. 4 years

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D. 6 years

UPSC IAS / IPS - MCQ Practice Questions