Indian Polity & Constitution MCQs

Notes:
Article 19 is the most important and key article which embodies the “basic freedoms”. Article 19(1) provides that all citizens shall have the right- (originally 7, now 6)

• To freedom of speech and expression;
• To assemble peaceably and without arms;
• To form associations or unions;
• To move freely throughout the territory of India;
• To reside and settle in any part of the territory of India;

To practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business

Notes:
While British system is based on doctrine of the sovereignty of Parliament, Indian Parliament is not supreme and enjoys limited and restricted powers due to a written Constitution, federal system, judicial review and fundamental rights. However, the phrase “We The People of India” in the preamble signifies that the ultimate sovereignty resides with the people in India.

Notes:
The term and idea of the Preamble was borrowed from Constitution of United States of America. American Constitution was the first to begin with a Preamble. However, the language of the Preamble is borrowed from Constitution of Australia. At the same time, the ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity come from French Constitution.

Notes:
The Town Planning Committees are constituted as per 74^th amendment to the Constitution of Indian. Its composition, functions and other matters are governed by the act only.

Notes:
English was the only language used for official purpose in the British India. In the independent India, it was declared in Article 343 (1) that Hindi will be the official Union language. It was also mentioned that over a period of fifteen years since the commencement of the Indian Constitution, Hindi will replace English as the official language. However, the Parliament can decide whether to use English as an official language or not.
The non-Hindi speaking communities across the country protested on the aspect of the change in official language from English to Hindi. This protest resulted in the enactment of the Official Language Act, 1963. According to the act, Hindi in Devanagari script has been declared the official language of the Union. However, English may also be used for official purposes even after 1965. English has been given the status of the ‘subsidiary official language’ of India. It was decided that either Hindi or English can be used for procedures of Parliament.

Notes:
Part V of the Constitution lists out the qualification, election and impeachment of the President of India. Article 52 states that there shall be a President of India.

Notes:
The maximum strength of Lok Sabha is 552 members of which 530 are elected from states, 20 are elected from Union Territories and 2 were nominated by President from Anglo-Indian community before coming into effect of The Constitution (One Hundred and Fourth Amendment) Act, 2019. The provision of special representation of the Anglo-Indian community in the House of the People by nomination has not been extended further, so for 17th Lok Sabha, it is 552, however, may be 550 during 18th Lok Sabha.

Notes:
The first official language commission was appointed in 1955 with B.G. Kher as chairman and it submitted its report in 1956 which was presented to parliament in 1957 and examined by a joint parliamentary committee.

Notes:
The first no-confidence motion was moved in Lok Sabha by Acharya Kripalani in August 1963, immediately after the disastrous India–China War.

Notes:
Supreme Court has special advisory jurisdiction in matters which may specifically be referred to it by the President of India under Article 143 of the Constitution. The President may seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on any question of law or fact of public importance on which he thinks it expedient to obtain such an opinion.