Constitution of India

Type: Objective (MCQ)

Maximum Marks: 25

Name of the Student: _____________________________________

Roll No.: ______________________

1. Who is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution?

A. Jawaharlal Nehru

B. B. R. Ambedkar

C. Mahatma Gandhi

D. Rajendra Prasad

2. When did the Constitution of India come into effect?

A. 15th August 1947

B. 26th January 1950

C. 26th November 1949

D. 2nd October 1950

3. Who was the elected President of the Constituent Assembly?

A. B. R. Ambedkar

B. C. Rajagopalachari

C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

D. Sardar Patel

4. How long did the Constituent Assembly take to draft the Constitution?
A. 1 year

B. 2 years

C. 2 years 11 months 18 days

D. 3 years

5. From which country did India borrow the concept of a written Constitution?

A. USA

B. UK

C. Ireland

D. Canada

6. Which of the following is not a word in the Preamble?

A. Socialist

B. Secular

C. Federal

D. Republic

7. What does the term 'Socialist' mean?

A. Capitalist economy

B. Equal distribution of wealth and resources

C. Only rich have power

D. Government owns all businesses

8. The Indian Constitution is the:

A. Smallest Constitution in the world

B. Longest written Constitution in the world

C. Oldest Constitution in the world

D. Unwritten Constitution

9. What does Article 14 guarantee?

A. Right to Freedom

B. Equality before Law

C. Right to Education

D. Right to Vote

10. Which Article guarantees the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression?

A. Article 15

B. Article 16

C. Article 19(1)(a)

D. Article 21

11. The Right to Life and Personal Liberty is under:

A. Article 19

B. Article 20

C. Article 21

D. Article 25

12. What is the supreme law of India?

A. Parliament

B. President

C. Constitution
D. Supreme Court

13. India is called a 'Republic' because:

A. It has no Prime Minister

B. It has no religion

C. The President is elected

D. It has a King

14. Who is the head of the Indian state?

A. Prime Minister

B. President

C. Governor

D. Chief Justice

15. Who protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens?

A. Police

B. Parliament

C. Courts

D. Election Commission

16. What is the main objective of the Constitution?

A. Give power to the King

B. Guide religious matters

C. Guide governance of the country

D. Promote business
17. Which organ of the government makes laws?

A. Judiciary

B. Executive

C. Legislature

D. President

18. Who is the head of the judiciary in India?

A. President

B. Prime Minister

C. Chief Justice of India

D. Law Minister

19. The Constitution begins with the words:

A. Government

B. People

C. We, the People of India

D. India is a Republic

20. The Right to vote is given to:

A. All adults above 21

B. Only literate people

C. Citizens above 18 years

D. Only tax payers

21. Who was the first Vice President of India?

A. B. R. Ambedkar

B. S. Radhakrishnan

C. Zakir Hussain

D. Rajendra Prasad

22. What does 'Democratic' mean in the Preamble?

A. Rule by king

B. Rule by army

C. Rule by the people

D. Rule by President

23. Who is the custodian of the Constitution of India?

A. President

B. Supreme Court

C. Parliament

D. Prime Minister

24. What is the minimum age to become the President of India?

A. 25

B. 30

C. 35

D. 40

25. India has a ______ form of government.

A. Presidential

B. Monarchical
C. Parliamentary

D. Military

26. When was the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly held?

a) 26 January 1950

b) 9 December 1946

c) 15 August 1947

d) 26 November 1949

27. Who was the temporary chairman of the Constituent Assembly?

a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

c) Sachchidananda Sinha

d) Jawaharlal Nehru

28. How many total members were initially in the Constituent Assembly?

a) 299

b) 245

c) 389

d) 552

29. From which Act was the Constituent Assembly formed?

a) Indian Independence Act, 1947

b) Government of India Act, 1935

c) Cabinet Mission Plan

d) Nehru Report, 1928

30. How many committees were there in total?

a) 8
b) 13

c) 22

d) 5

31. Which of the following best describes the nature of the Indian Constitution?

A. Unitary Constitution with federal features

B. Federal Constitution with unitary bias

C. Rigid Constitution

D. Presidential Constitution

32. The Indian Constitution is called a “living document” because:

A. It is handwritten on handmade paper

B. It was signed by 284 members

C. It can be amended to respond to changing needs

D. It is protected by the President of India

33. Which of the following are considered salient features of the Indian Constitution?

Single Citizenship

Integrated Judiciary

Dual Constitution

Fundamental Rights

Choose the correct option:

A. 1, 2, and 4 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2, 3, and 4 only

D. All of the above

34. Which part of the Indian Constitution reflects the goal of establishing a welfare state?

A. Fundamental Duties

B. Fundamental Rights

C. Directive Principles of State Policy

D. Preamble

35. How many articles were there in the original Constitution?

a) 395

b) 448

c) 370

d) 356

36. How was voting done in the Assembly for adoption of the Constitution?

a) Secret Ballot

b) Show of Hands

c) Voice Vote

d) Electronic Voting

37. How many languages was the Constitution originally signed in?

a) One

b) Two

c) Three

d) Four

38. How many parts were there in the original Constitution?

a) 20

b) 22
c) 25

d) 30

39. Who was the last Governor-General of India?

a) Lord Mountbatten

b) Rajagopalachari

c) Warren Hastings

d) Lord Irwin

40. Who was known as the “Architect of the Indian Constitution”?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru

b) Rajendra Prasad

c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

d) Sardar Patel

41. What was the medium in which the Constitution was originally drafted?

a) Hindi

b) English

c) Urdu

d) Sanskrit

42. The Indian Constitution is said to be quasi-federal because:

A. States have more powers than the Centre

B. The Constitution uses the term ‘quasi-federal’

C. It combines federal structure with a strong Centre

D. The President can dissolve State Assemblies without advice

43. How many schedules were there in the original Constitution?

a) 10

b) 8
c) 12

d) 11

44. Which important resolution guided the principles of the Constitution?

a) Cabinet Mission Plan

b) Objectives Resolution

c) Mountbatten Plan

d) Lahore Resolution

45. Which part of the Constitution contains Fundamental Rights?

a) Part III

b) Part II

c) Part IV

d) Part V

46. Which country’s Constitution influenced our Fundamental Rights?

a) UK

b) USA

c) USSR

d) Canada

47. Which leader was known as the 'Iron Man of India'?

a) Nehru

b) Dr. Ambedkar

c) Rajendra Prasad

d) Sardar Patel

48. Who presided over the last session of the Constituent Assembly?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru

b) Rajendra Prasad
c) Dr. Ambedkar

d) B.N. Rau

49. What was the primary role of the Committee on Fundamental Rights?
a) Fix taxes
b) Define citizen duties
c) Frame fundamental rights
d) Elect the President

50. When was the last meeting of the Constituent Assembly held?

a) 26 January 1950

b) 15 August 1947

c) 24 January 1950

d) 26 November 1949

The basic structure of the Constitution is not a vague concept and the apprehensions
expressed on behalf of the respondents that neither the citizen nor the Parliament would
be able to understand it are unfounded. If the historical background, the Preamble, the
entire scheme of the Constitution, the relevant provisions thereof including Article 368
are kept in mind there can be no difficulty in discerning that the following can be
regarded as the basic elements of the Constitutional structure. (These cannot be
catalogued but can only be illustrated). 1. The supremacy of the Constitution. 2.
Republican and Democratic form of Government and sovereignty of the country. 3.
Secular and federal character of the Constitution. 4. Demarcation of power between the
legislature, the executive and the judiciary. 5. The dignity of the individual (secured by
the various freedoms and basic rights in Part III and the mandate to build a welfare State
contained in Part IV. 6. The unity and the integrity of the nation.

(This Excerpt is from the well-known case which propounded The Basic Structure
Doctrine)

51. According to the excerpt, the concern that the basic structure of the Constitution is
vague is:
A. Fully justified due to lack of definition
B. A valid constitutional concern
C. Unfounded and without basis
D. Supported by the judiciary

52. The principle of separation of powers in the Constitution involves the demarcation of
functions between:
A. Union and State Governments
B. Political parties and pressure groups
C. Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary
D. Parliament and the President

53. The excerpt is from which landmark Supreme Court case?

A. Golaknath v. State of Punjab
B. Minerva Mills v. Union of India
C. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
D. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain

54. What was the key ratio of the Kesavananda Bharati judgment?
A. The President has unlimited power under Article 356
B. Fundamental Rights cannot be enforced against private parties
C. Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is limited by the Basic Structure
Doctrine
D. Directive Principles prevail over Fundamental Rights

55. According to the excerpt, which of the following is not listed as an illustrative part of
the basic structure?
A. Supremacy of the Constitution
B. Sovereignty of the country
C. Fundamental Duties
D. Unity and Integrity of the Nation

The Basic Structure Doctrine emerged as a bulwark—a shield against an autocrat’s

whim, safeguarding Indian democracy. Delivered by a 13-judge bench in April 1973, the
Kesavananda Bharati ruling asserted that Parliament cannot undermine core
constitutional values like judicial review, rule of law, free and fair elections, independent
judiciary, federalism, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Drawing inspiration from the
misuse of constitutional amendments during Weimar Germany, it embedded “implied
limitations” into Indian jurisprudence. Without this doctrine, a mere legislative majority
could reconfigure India’s democratic identity—a scenario the framers' envisioned
Doctrine prohibits. It thus secures constitutional continuity, preventing democratic
erosion under transient majorities.

56. How many judges were on the bench that delivered the Kesavananda Bharati
judgment in April 1973?
A. 9
B. 11
C. 13
D. 15

57. Which historical constitutional failure influenced the embedding of “implied

limitations” into Indian constitutional jurisprudence, as mentioned in the paragraph?
A. The American Civil War
B. The French Revolution
C. The Russian Revolution
D. The Weimar Germany experience

58. What core constitutional values were declared inviolable by the Supreme Court in
Kesavananda Bharati?
A. National security and defense policies
B. Separation of religion from state
C. Judicial review, rule of law, free and fair elections, independent judiciary, federalism,
liberty, equality, and fraternity
D. Presidential powers, emergency provisions, and citizenship

59. What was the main purpose of the Basic Structure Doctrine according to the
paragraph?
A. To increase the power of the executive
B. To allow Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution
C. To protect the Constitution from being altered by a transient legislative majority
D. To introduce direct democracy in India
60. Who was the Chief Justice of India when the Kesavananda Bharati judgment was
delivered?
A. Justice M. Hidayatullah
B. Justice A.N. Ray
C. Justice Y.V. Chandrachud
D. Justice S.M. Sikri

Drafted initially in November 1949, the Preamble was inspired by Nehru’s Objective
Resolution of January 1947. At its adoption, India was declared a “Sovereign Democratic
Republic.” The tumultuous period of the Emergency saw the addition of the words
“Socialist” and “Secular” via the 42nd Amendment in 1976 Critics, including Dr. Balram
Singh and others, challenged this change, arguing that these qualifiers were not part of
the original Preamble and could constrain future governance. In 2024, the Supreme Court
dismissed such petitions, stating that both terms have acquired clear, widely accepted
meanings: socialism as equitable wealth distribution and secularism as equal state
treatment of all religions. The Court reaffirmed that Parliament held legitimate authority
under Article 368 to amend the Preamble, solidifying its dynamic role in constitutional
interpretation.

61. Which amendment introduced the words “Socialist” and “Secular” into the Preamble
of the Indian Constitution?
A. 44th Amendment
B. 42nd Amendment
C. 40th Amendment
D. 52nd Amendment

62. During which historical period was the 42nd Amendment passed, bringing changes to
the Preamble?
A. Indo-China War
B. Green Revolution
C. Emergency (1975–77)
D. Post-Liberalization Era

63. Who among the following publicly challenged the inclusion of “Socialist” and
“Secular” in the Preamble?
A. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
B. Justice J.S. Verma
C. Dr. Balram Singh
D. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

64. What constitutional article gives Parliament the power to amend the Constitution,
including the Preamble?
A. Article 356
B. Article 370
C. Article 368
D. Article 35A

65. When was the Preamble of India originally drafted?

A. January 1950
B. January 1947
C. November 1949
D. August 1947

The Constituent Assembly Debates (CAD) of India provide deep insight into the minds
of the framers of the Constitution and the values they sought to enshrine in the
constitutional framework. Convened on 9th December 1946, the Assembly was
composed of members representing diverse ideological, religious, and regional
backgrounds. The drafting process was carried out amidst intense historical pressures—
Partition, communal violence, and the need for nation-building. Yet, the debates
remained largely civil and reflective.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, chairing the Drafting Committee, emphasized that the Constitution
must ensure “constitutional morality,” a phrase implying a commitment not merely to
legal norms but to the spirit of the Constitution. The debates reveal a deliberate balancing
act—between individual rights and state interests, between unitary tendencies and federal
features, and between democratic ideals and the challenges of governance in a plural
society.

The CAD also showcase a sophisticated understanding of comparative constitutionalism.

Borrowing elements from the American, British, Irish, and Canadian constitutions, the
framers tailored provisions to suit India’s unique socio-political context. The Objective
Resolution introduced by Nehru formed the moral and ideological foundation, later
echoed in the Preamble. Significantly, the debates underscore that while the Constitution
provides a legal framework, its real success depends on the commitment of future
generations to uphold its core values.

Today, courts often turn to the CAD to interpret ambiguous provisions or to understand
the framers’ intent behind a constitutional article. The Basic Structure Doctrine, for
instance, is deeply rooted in the vision articulated during these debates, highlighting the
enduring constitutional relevance of the Assembly’s discussions.

66. Which leader played a significant role in integrating princely states?

a) Rajendra Prasad

b) Nehru

c) Sardar Patel

d) Ambedkar

67. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru

b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

d) Vallabhbhai Patel

68. What was the role of the Drafting Committee?

a) Draft laws for Parliament

b) Suggest economic policies

c) Prepare the draft of the Constitution

d) Conduct elections

69. How many members signed the final Constitution?

a) 284

b) 389
c) 245

d) 302

70. Who was the first person to sign the Constitution of India?

a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

b) Rajendra Prasad

c) Jawaharlal Nehru

d) Vallabhbhai Patel

The Preamble to the Constitution of India acts as the identity card of the Constitution,
summarizing its objectives and core values. It begins with the words “We, the people of
India…”, reflecting the source of sovereign authority in the people themselves. The
Preamble declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, and
outlines the key ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

Though not legally enforceable, the Preamble has been recognized by the Supreme Court
as part of the Constitution’s basic structure. In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
(1973), the Court observed that the Preamble encapsulates the philosophy of the
Constitution. Later, in LIC v. Consumer Education and Research Centre (1995), the
Court held that the Preamble is a guiding star in constitutional interpretation. Even
though the terms “Socialist” and “Secular” were added by the 42nd Amendment, the
Court has ruled that these values were already implicit in the Constitution.

71. What is the legal status of the Preamble as per the Supreme Court?

A. It is just a symbolic statement and not part of the Constitution

B. It is part of the Constitution and part of its basic structure

C. It is an enforceable source of rights

D. It can be amended by simple majority

72. Which Amendment added the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble?

A. 44th Amendment

B. 42nd Amendment
C. 52nd Amendment

D. 24th Amendment

73. In which case did the Supreme Court describe the Preamble as a guiding star in
constitutional interpretation?

A. Golaknath v. State of Punjab

B. Minerva Mills v. Union of India

C. LIC v. Consumer Education and Research Centre

D. Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain

74. What does the term “Sovereign” in the Preamble signify?

A. The President is the head of the government

B. India is subject to foreign powers

C. India is free to determine its own internal and external policies

D. The Constitution cannot be amended

75. What is meant by the phrase “We, the people of India…” in the Preamble?

A. Parliament is the highest authority

B. Constitution is imposed by the British

C. The people are the source of constitutional authority

D. Only citizens are entitled to Fundamental Rights

The Basic Structure Doctrine was laid down in the landmark case of Kesavananda
Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), where the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament’s power
to amend the Constitution under Article 368 is not unlimited. The Court held that while
the Constitution is flexible, its fundamental principles cannot be destroyed or abrogated
even by constitutional amendment.
The ruling identified several features as part of the basic structure—supremacy of the
Constitution, rule of law, separation of powers, secularism, federalism, and judicial
review, among others. This doctrine has been reaffirmed in multiple decisions including
Minerva Mills (1980) and I.R. Coelho (2007). It acts as a safeguard against
authoritarianism and ensures that the Constitution remains a living document.
Importantly, the doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, but has been
developed through judicial interpretation.

76. What does the Basic Structure Doctrine primarily aim to protect?

A. The supremacy of Parliament

B. The power of the Executive

C. The core values and identity of the Constitution

D. The independence of the Election Commission

77. Which case first laid down the Basic Structure Doctrine?

A. Golaknath v. State of Punjab

B. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

C. Minerva Mills v. Union of India

D. Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain

78. Which of the following is not explicitly listed as part of the Basic Structure in the
passage?

A. Judicial Review

B. Rule of Law

C. Economic Planning

D. Secularism

79. Under which Article does Parliament derive the power to amend the Constitution?

A. Article 13
B. Article 32

C. Article 368

D. Article 356

80. How was the Basic Structure Doctrine developed?

A. Through an Act of Parliament

B. By the Constituent Assembly

C. By a constitutional amendment

D. Through judicial interpretation

Answer Key

Q.No Answer Q.No Answer Q. No Answer Q. No Answer

1 B 21 B 41 B 61 B
2 B 22 C 42 C 62 C
3 C 23 B 43 A 63 C
4 C 24 C 44 B 64 C
5 A 25 C 45 A 65 C
6 C 26 B 46 B 66 C
7 B 27 C 47 D 67 C
8 B 28 C 48 B 68 C
9 B 29 C 49 C 69 A
10 C 30 C 50 C 70 B
11 C 31 B 51 C 71 B
12 C 32 C 52 C 72 B
13 C 33 A 53 C 73 C
14 B 34 C 54 C 74 C
15 C 35 A 55 C 75 C
16 C 36 C 56 C 76 C
17 C 37 B 57 D 77 B
18 C 38 B 58 C 78 C
19 C 39 B 59 C 79 C
20 C 40 C 60 D 80 D