UPSC IAS / IPS — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. Federal — The Preamble mentions: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. 'Federal' is not explicitly stated in the Preamble, though federalism is incorporated through Articles 1-7 and other constitutional provisions. 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

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A. Sovereign Democratic Republic

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B. Secular

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C. Socialist

Question 2

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.

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B. Only Habeas Corpus and Mandamus

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C. Only Certiorari and Quo Warranto

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D. Prohibition, Certiorari, and Mandamus only

Question 3

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.

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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 4

Which of the following statements regarding the composition of Parliament is correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members — Article 80 specifies that Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members (238 elected + 12 nominated by President). Lok Sabha has 545 members including 2 Anglo-Indians nominated by President (not 545 including nominated members separately). Lok Sabha members serve 5-year terms, not 6. Rajya Sabha members are elected by state legislatures, not directly elected by universal adult suffrage.

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A. Lok Sabha has 545 members including nominated Anglo-Indians

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C. Both houses are directly elected by universal adult suffrage

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D. Lok Sabha members serve a tenure of 6 years

Question 5

Under Article 356 of the Constitution, the President can declare President's Rule in a state when:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. The President is satisfied that the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution — Article 356 (Emergency Provisions) allows the President to declare President's Rule (National Emergency at state level) when satisfied that the constitutional machinery has broken down and the state cannot be governed according to the Constitution. This typically follows dismissal of the state government. The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers but the constitutional ground is the failure of constitutional governance in the state.

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A. The state government fails to comply with any directions given by the Union

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C. The Prime Minister recommends dissolution of state assembly

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D. The state legislature fails to pass the annual budget

Question 6

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment introduced provisions for Panchayati Raj. Which of the following is a key feature mandated by this amendment?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Three-tier panchayat structure in states with population above 20 lakh — The 73rd Amendment (1992) made Articles 243 et seq. mandatory for panchayats. Key features include: three-tier system (village, block, district) for states with population above 20 lakh; five-year tenure; regular elections; and reservation provisions. Women's reservation was set at 33% (not 50%). The amendment makes these provisions constitutionally binding on all states.

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A. Reservation of 50% seats for women in all panchayat bodies across India

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C. Direct election of all panchayat members with 5-year tenure

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D. Mandatory implementation of proportional representation system

Question 7

Which amendment to the Indian Constitution expanded the scope of Fundamental Rights by adding new rights and made significant changes to the amendment procedure?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. 42nd Amendment (1976) — # Solution: The 42nd Amendment and Constitutional Changes The 42nd Amendment, passed during the Emergency period, fundamentally restructured the Indian Constitution by expanding certain rights while simultaneously restricting others and making the amendment procedure more rigid. **Step 1: Understanding the 42nd Amendment (1976)** Passed during Indira Gandhi's Emergency (1975-1977), this amendment made sweeping changes to the Constitution's structure. It is often called the "Mini-Constitution" because it altered the basic framework of Indian democracy more extensively than any other amendment. **Step 2: Key Changes to Fundamental Rights and Amendment Procedure** The 42nd Amendment added new Directive Principles of State Policy (environmental protection, public property protection), restricted some Fundamental Rights, and crucially made amendments to Part III (Fundamental Rights), Part IV (Directive Principles), and the amendment procedure itself much more difficult by requiring a supermajority rather than simple parliamentary majority. This e

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A. 1st Amendment (1951)

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C. 44th Amendment (1978)

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D. 52nd Amendment (1985)

Question 8

The Supreme Court of India can exercise original jurisdiction in which of the following cases?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. Both A and C — Article 131 grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in disputes between Union and states or between states. Article 32 provides original jurisdiction for enforcing constitutional rights. Article 138 extends original jurisdiction to matters of public importance involving interpretation of the Constitution. The Supreme Court's original jurisdiction is limited and mainly covers federal disputes and constitutional matters, not general civil/criminal cases.

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A. Cases between the Union and states, and between two or more states

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B. All civil and criminal cases involving citizens

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C. Cases involving interpretation of the Constitution and federal disputes

UPSC IAS / IPS - MCQ Practice Questions