As an AI, I do not have access to the specific question papers and their answers for SKBU's

Political Science Minor for the second semester. University exam questions are proprietary and
change each year.
However, based on the high probability that the topic for the second semester Political Science
Minor at SKBU is "Constitution of India", I can provide you with a comprehensive set of likely
questions covering the key areas of this topic, along with concise answers.
This will help you prepare thoroughly for your exam.
SKBU 2nd Semester Political Science Minor: Constitution of India
Likely Questions and Answers
I. Very Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 Marks Each)
1.​ Q: What is a Constitution?
○​ A: A Constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents
according to which a state or other organization is governed. It defines the
framework of the government and the rights and duties of citizens.
2.​ Q: When was the Indian Constitution adopted and when did it come into force?
○​ A: Adopted on November 26, 1949. Came into force on January 26, 1950.
3.​ Q: Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
○​ A: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
4.​ Q: What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
○​ A: The Preamble is an introductory statement of the Constitution that sets out the
guiding principles and philosophy of the document. It declares India to be a
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
5.​ Q: Mention any two features of the Indian Constitution.
○​ A: Written and Lengthiest Constitution, blend of rigidity and flexibility, Federal
System with Unitary bias, Parliamentary Form of Government, etc. (Any two)
6.​ Q: What are Fundamental Rights?
○​ A: Fundamental Rights are basic human rights enshrined in Part III of the Indian
Constitution, guaranteed to all citizens, enforceable by courts.
7.​ Q: Name any two Fundamental Rights.
○​ A: Right to Equality (Articles 14-18), Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22), Right
against Exploitation (Articles 23-24), etc. (Any two)
8.​ Q: What are Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
○​ A: DPSPs are guidelines or principles enshrined in Part IV of the Indian
Constitution, directing the state to achieve certain social and economic objectives
for the welfare of the people. They are non-justiciable.
9.​ Q: What is a "Welfare State" as envisaged by the DPSP?
○​ A: A welfare state aims to create social and economic conditions that allow all
citizens to have a minimum standard of living and security, through state
intervention in areas like education, healthcare, and employment.
10.​Q: What is Universal Adult Franchise?
○​ A: It is the right to vote granted to all adult citizens without discrimination on the
basis of caste, creed, religion, gender, wealth, etc. In India, the voting age is 18
years.
11.​Q: Define Parliamentary form of Government.
○​ A: A system of government where the executive (government) is accountable to the
legislature (parliament). The Head of Government (Prime Minister) is distinct from
the Head of State (President).
12.​Q: What is the significance of "Judicial Review"?
 ○​ A: It is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative
enactments and executive orders of both the Central and State governments.
13.​Q: What is a 'secular state'?
○​ A: A secular state does not uphold any religion as the state religion and treats all
religions equally, ensuring freedom of religion for all its citizens.
14.​Q: What is the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
○​ A: The power of the Supreme Court to hear certain types of cases for the first time,
not on appeal. Primarily involves disputes between the Union and States, or
between two or more States.
15.​Q: What is a writ? Name any two.
○​ A: A writ is a formal written order issued by a court of law. Examples: Habeas
Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto. (Any two)
II. Short Answer Type Questions (5-8 Marks Each)
1.​ Q: Discuss the salient features of the Indian Constitution.
○​ A: Discuss features like: Written & Lengthiest, Parliamentary form, Federal system
with Unitary bias, Blend of rigidity & flexibility, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs,
Fundamental Duties, Independent Judiciary, Single Citizenship, Universal Adult
Franchise, Emergency Provisions, Three-tier government.
2.​ Q: Explain the significance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.
○​ A: Discuss the Preamble as the soul/identity card of the Constitution. Explain the
key terms: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty,
Equality, Fraternity. Highlight its role in interpreting the Constitution.
3.​ Q: What are Fundamental Rights? Briefly explain any three Fundamental Rights.
○​ A: Define Fundamental Rights. Explain any three in detail: e.g., Right to Equality
(equality before law, equal protection of laws, abolition of untouchability, titles),
Right to Freedom (six freedoms under Art 19, protection in respect of conviction, life
and personal liberty), Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art 32 and writs).
4.​ Q: Distinguish between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State
Policy.
○​ A: Create a table or point-wise comparison based on: Justiciability (FRs
enforceable, DPSPs non-enforceable), Nature (FRs negative/restrictive, DPSPs
positive/instructive), Aim (FRs political democracy, DPSPs socio-economic
democracy), Relationship (FRs superior, but harmonious construction aimed).
5.​ Q: Discuss the concept of Judicial Review in the Indian context.
○​ A: Define Judicial Review. Explain its origin and evolution in India. Discuss its
importance in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and protecting
Fundamental Rights. Mention landmark cases (e.g., Kesavananda Bharati case).
6.​ Q: Explain the role and functions of the President of India.
○​ A: Discuss the President as the Head of State. Explain their executive, legislative,
financial, judicial, diplomatic, military, and emergency powers. Emphasize their
largely ceremonial role in a parliamentary system, acting on the aid and advice of
the Council of Ministers.
7.​ Q: Describe the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India.
○​ A: Discuss the PM as the Head of Government. Explain their role in forming the
Council of Ministers, presiding over cabinet meetings, allocating portfolios, guiding
foreign policy, being the chief spokesperson, and their leadership role in Parliament.
8.​ Q: What is the composition and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India?
○​ A: Discuss the composition (Chief Justice + other judges). Explain its various
 jurisdictions: Original, Appellate (Civil, Criminal, Special Leave Petition), Advisory,
Revisory, and Court of Record.
9.​ Q: How is the Indian federal system described as "federal in form but unitary in
spirit" or having a "unitary bias"?
○​ A: Discuss features of federalism present (division of powers, written constitution,
independent judiciary). Then, explain the unitary features that give it a unitary bias:
strong centre, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, emergency provisions,
appointment of governors, all-India services, etc.
10.​Q: Briefly explain the procedure for amending the Indian Constitution.
○​ A: Discuss Article 368. Explain the three types of amendments: (a) Simple majority
(not strictly Art 368), (b) Special majority (2/3rd majority of members present and
voting + majority of total strength), (c) Special majority + ratification by half of state
legislatures. Mention the "Basic Structure Doctrine."
III. Long Answer Type Questions (10-15 Marks Each)
1.​ Q: Critically analyze the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Are there any reasonable restrictions on them?
○​ A: Provide a detailed explanation of all categories of Fundamental Rights (Right to
Equality, Freedom, Against Exploitation, Religion, Cultural & Educational,
Constitutional Remedies). For each, discuss the key articles. Crucially, discuss the
concept of "reasonable restrictions" and provide examples for each right where
such restrictions apply (e.g., public order, morality, security of state). Conclude with
their importance and challenges.
2.​ Q: Discuss the nature of the Indian federal system. Is India a truly federal state?
Give reasons for your answer.
○​ A: Start by defining federalism and its key characteristics. Then, identify and
explain the federal features of the Indian Constitution (e.g., division of powers,
written constitution, independent judiciary, supremacy of constitution,
bicameralism). Subsequently, elaborately discuss the unitary or non-federal
features (e.g., strong centre, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, appointment of
governors, emergency provisions, all-India services, residual powers with centre).
Conclude by arguing whether India is a quasi-federal, unitary with federal features,
or federal with a unitary bias, providing a reasoned argument.
3.​ Q: "The Directive Principles of State Policy are fundamental in the governance of
the country, though not enforceable by any court." Discuss the significance and
implementation of DPSPs in India.
○​ A: Introduce DPSPs and their non-justiciable nature. Explain their significance as
guiding principles for governance, aiming for a welfare state, promoting social and
economic democracy. Categorize and explain major DPSPs (Socialistic, Gandhian,
Liberal-Intellectual Principles) with examples. Discuss how they have been
implemented through legislation and policies (e.g., land reforms, nationalization of
banks, MGNREGA, free primary education, environmental protection acts). Also,
discuss the occasional conflicts between FRs and DPSPs and the judicial approach
(e.g., harmonious construction, basic structure).
4.​ Q: Examine the composition, powers, and functions of the Indian Parliament. How
does it ensure the accountability of the Executive?
○​ A: Describe the composition of Parliament (Lok Sabha - directly elected, and Rajya
Sabha - indirectly elected, their strength, tenure). Explain the legislative (making
laws), financial (budget, money bills), executive (control over executive), constituent
 (amendment), and electoral powers. Focus heavily on how Parliament ensures
executive accountability: Questions Hour, Zero Hour, Adjournment Motion, Censure
Motion, No-Confidence Motion, debates, discussions, parliamentary committees.
5.​ Q: Discuss the concept of the "Basic Structure Doctrine" of the Indian Constitution.
What is its significance?
○​ A: Explain the origin of the doctrine, starting from early cases (Shankari Prasad,
Golaknath) leading up to the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
Elaborate on what the doctrine means – that Parliament has the power to amend
the Constitution, but not its 'basic structure' or 'essential features'. Discuss the
elements identified as part of the basic structure by the judiciary (e.g., supremacy of
the Constitution, rule of law, sovereignty, democratic & republican form, secularism,
federal character, independence of judiciary, judicial review, parliamentary system,
fundamental rights, welfare state). Conclude with its significance in preserving the
fundamental values and identity of the Constitution and preventing legislative
excesses.
Important Tips for Preparation:
●​ Understand Concepts: Don't just memorize. Understand the 'why' behind constitutional
provisions.
●​ Key Articles: Know the important articles related to Fundamental Rights, DPSPs,
President, PM, Supreme Court, etc.
●​ Landmark Cases: Be aware of significant Supreme Court judgments (e.g., Kesavananda
Bharati, Maneka Gandhi, Minerva Mills) as they clarify constitutional interpretations.
●​ Structure Your Answers: For longer questions, use introductions, main body paragraphs
(with clear points), and conclusions.
●​ Practice Writing: Write answers to past papers or the questions provided above to
manage time effectively during the exam.
●​ Refer to your Syllabus: Always cross-check with the exact syllabus provided by SKBU
for any specific topics or exclusions.
Good luck with your studies!