Directive Principles of Policy (Indian Polity)

Total Questions: 22

1. The Directive Principles of State Policy has been adopted from which Constitution? [S.S.C. Online C.G.L. (T-I) 8.09.2016 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (c) Irish Constitution
Solution:The Directive Principles of Policy of the Indian Constitution have been borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland (Irish).

Sources of Indian Constitution:

  1. Import of Government of India Act, 1935: The constitution have included a large number of the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1935 into the Constitution of India. It include federal Scheme, Office of governor, Judiciary, Public Service Commissions, Emergency provisions etc.
  2. Borrowed from Britain: Britain ruled for India over 200 years. Thus major part of polity is shaped according to Britain’s polity. E.g. Parliamentary government, Rule of Law, Legislative procedure, Single citizenship, Cabinet system are from Britain unwritten constitution.
  3. Ireland:  Directive Principles of State Policy, Nomination of members to Rajya Sabha and Method of election of president.
  4. Unites States of America: United States of America is democracy like India. India borrowed many parts like Impeachment of the president, Functions of president and vice-president, Removal of Supreme Court and High court judges, Fundamental Right, Judicial review, Independence of judiciary and Preamble of the constitution form USA which has helped India to thrive as largest democracy in the world.
  5. Canada: From Canada we inspired and modelled our polity as a union. Borrowed provisions from Canada are Federation with a strong Centre, Vesting of residuary powers in the Centre , Appointment of state governors by the Centre and Advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
  6. Australia: From Australia Concurrent List, Freedom of trade, Commerce and inter-course and Joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament were borrowed.
  7. Soviet Constitution (USSR, now Russia): Indian constitution borrowed Fundamental duties and ideal of justice (social, economic and political) in the Preamble From USSR.
  8. French Constitution – Republic and the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble.
  9. Many other ideas were borrowed from Japan, France and South Africa. Thereby Indian constitution borrowed significant portion from all over the world but it was not a copy-paste, rather was a conscious adoption of strong provisions across the world for Indian society.

2. Inspired by the constitution of which of the following nation, India has added the feature of 'Directive Principles' to its constitution? [S.S.C. Online Constable GD 1.03.2019 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (b) Ireland
Solution:The Directive Principles of Policy of the Indian Constitution have been borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland (Irish).

Sources of Indian Constitution:

  1. Import of Government of India Act, 1935: The constitution have included a large number of the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1935 into the Constitution of India. It include federal Scheme, Office of governor, Judiciary, Public Service Commissions, Emergency provisions etc.
  2. Borrowed from Britain: Britain ruled for India over 200 years. Thus major part of polity is shaped according to Britain’s polity. E.g. Parliamentary government, Rule of Law, Legislative procedure, Single citizenship, Cabinet system are from Britain unwritten constitution.
  3. Ireland:  Directive Principles of State Policy, Nomination of members to Rajya Sabha and Method of election of president.
  4. Unites States of America: United States of America is democracy like India. India borrowed many parts like Impeachment of the president, Functions of president and vice-president, Removal of Supreme Court and High court judges, Fundamental Right, Judicial review, Independence of judiciary and Preamble of the constitution form USA which has helped India to thrive as largest democracy in the world.
  5. Canada: From Canada we inspired and modelled our polity as a union. Borrowed provisions from Canada are Federation with a strong Centre, Vesting of residuary powers in the Centre , Appointment of state governors by the Centre and Advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
  6. Australia: From Australia Concurrent List, Freedom of trade, Commerce and inter-course and Joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament were borrowed.
  7. Soviet Constitution (USSR, now Russia): Indian constitution borrowed Fundamental duties and ideal of justice (social, economic and political) in the Preamble From USSR.
  8. French Constitution – Republic and the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble.
  9. Many other ideas were borrowed from Japan, France and South Africa. Thereby Indian constitution borrowed significant portion from all over the world but it was not a copy-paste, rather was a conscious adoption of strong provisions across the world for Indian society.

3. What is the main objective of the inclusion of Directive Principles in the Constitution of India? [S.S.C. Online Stenographer 14.09.2017 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (a) To establish socioeconomic democracy
Solution:The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) of Indian Constitution are guidelines and principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution that are aimed at directing the State in its governance and policy-making to ensure the welfare of the people and the establishment of a just society. DPSPs are considered fundamental to the governance of India and are integral to the constitutional framework of the country.
  1. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are enshrined in Articles 36 to 51 in Part IV of the Constitution.
  2.  Dr B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel Features’ of the Indian Constitution.
  3.  Granville Austin has described the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights as the ‘Conscience of the Constitution’.

4. Which of the following can be amended by a special majority? [S.S.C. Online C.P.O.S.I. (T-I) 7.07.2017 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (a) Directive Principles of State Policy
Solution:Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Part-IV of the constitution and can only be amended by a simple majority. DPSP is borrowed from Ireland. DPSPs are used as a yardstick to measure the performance of govt. Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are not enforceable in court.

1. Dr B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel Features’ of the Indian Constitution.
2. Granville Austin has described the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights as the ‘Conscience of the Constitution’.

5. Ideas of welfare state are contained in- [S.S.C. Online C.G.L. (T-I) 10.09.2016 (Shift-III)]

Correct Answer: (b) Directive Principles of State Policy
Solution:Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Part-IV of the constitution and can only be amended by a simple majority. DPSP is borrowed from Ireland. DPSPs are used as a yardstick to measure the performance of govt. Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are not enforceable in court.

1.  Dr B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel Features’ of the Indian Constitution.
2. Granville Austin has described the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights as the ‘Conscience of the Constitution’.

Article NumberWhat it says
Article 36Defines "State" the same as in Article 12 unless context defines otherwise.
Article 37Application of the Principles contained in this part.
Article 38Authorizes the state to secure a social order for the promotion of people's welfare.
Article 39Certain principles of policies to be followed by the state.
Article 39AEqual justice and free legal aid.
Article 40Organization of village panchayats.
Article 41Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in certain cases.
Article 42Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity leaves.
Article 43Living wage etc. for workers.
Article 43-AParticipation of workers in management of industries.
Article 43-BPromotion of cooperative societies.
Article 44Uniform civil code for the citizens.
Article 45Provision for early childhood care and education to children below age six.
Article 46Promotion of education and economic interests of SC, ST, and weaker sections.
Article 47Duty of the state to raise nutrition levels, standard of living, and public health.
Article 48Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Article 48-AProtection/improvement of environment and safeguarding forests/wildlife.
Article 49Protection of monuments, places, and objects of national importance.
Article 50Separation of judiciary from the executive.
Article 51Promotion of international peace and security.

6. Directive principles of state policy are enumerated in which part of Indian Constitution? [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 3.10.2017 (Shift-I) S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 5.10.2017 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (d) Part IV
Solution:Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Part-IV of the constitution and can only be amended by a simple majority. DPSP is borrowed from Ireland. DPSPs are used as a yardstick to measure the performance of govt. Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are not enforceable in court.

1.  Dr B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel Features’ of the Indian Constitution.
2. Granville Austin has described the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights as the ‘Conscience of the Constitution’.

Article NumberWhat it says
Article 36Defines "State" the same as in Article 12 unless context defines otherwise.
Article 37Application of the Principles contained in this part.
Article 38Authorizes the state to secure a social order for the promotion of people's welfare.
Article 39Certain principles of policies to be followed by the state.
Article 39AEqual justice and free legal aid.
Article 40Organization of village panchayats.
Article 41Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in certain cases.
Article 42Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity leaves.
Article 43Living wage etc. for workers.
Article 43-AParticipation of workers in management of industries.
Article 43-BPromotion of cooperative societies.
Article 44Uniform civil code for the citizens.
Article 45Provision for early childhood care and education to children below age six.
Article 46Promotion of education and economic interests of SC, ST, and weaker sections.
Article 47Duty of the state to raise nutrition levels, standard of living, and public health.
Article 48Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Article 48-AProtection/improvement of environment and safeguarding forests/wildlife.
Article 49Protection of monuments, places, and objects of national importance.
Article 50Separation of judiciary from the executive.
Article 51Promotion of international peace and security.

7. Article 36 to Article 51 of Indian Constitutional mainly deals with Directive Principles of State Policy, given in__________ of Indian Constitution. [S.S.C. Online CHSL (T-I) 22.03.2018 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (c) Part IV
Solution:Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Part-IV of the constitution and can only be amended by a simple majority. DPSP is borrowed from Ireland. DPSPs are used as a yardstick to measure the performance of govt. Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are not enforceable in court.

1.  Dr B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel Features’ of the Indian Constitution.
2. Granville Austin has described the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights as the ‘Conscience of the Constitution’.

Article NumberWhat it says
Article 36Defines "State" the same as in Article 12 unless context defines otherwise.
Article 37Application of the Principles contained in this part.
Article 38Authorizes the state to secure a social order for the promotion of people's welfare.
Article 39Certain principles of policies to be followed by the state.
Article 39AEqual justice and free legal aid.
Article 40Organization of village panchayats.
Article 41Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in certain cases.
Article 42Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity leaves.
Article 43Living wage etc. for workers.
Article 43-AParticipation of workers in management of industries.
Article 43-BPromotion of cooperative societies.
Article 44Uniform civil code for the citizens.
Article 45Provision for early childhood care and education to children below age six.
Article 46Promotion of education and economic interests of SC, ST, and weaker sections.
Article 47Duty of the state to raise nutrition levels, standard of living, and public health.
Article 48Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Article 48-AProtection/improvement of environment and safeguarding forests/wildlife.
Article 49Protection of monuments, places, and objects of national importance.
Article 50Separation of judiciary from the executive.
Article 51Promotion of international peace and security.

8. In which part of the Indian Constitution are the Directive Principles of State Policy described? [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 30.10.2017 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (d) Part IV
Solution:Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Part-IV of the constitution and can only be amended by a simple majority. DPSP is borrowed from Ireland. DPSPs are used as a yardstick to measure the performance of govt. Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are not enforceable in court.

1.  Dr B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel Features’ of the Indian Constitution.
2. Granville Austin has described the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights as the ‘Conscience of the Constitution’.

Article NumberWhat it says
Article 36Defines "State" the same as in Article 12 unless context defines otherwise.
Article 37Application of the Principles contained in this part.
Article 38Authorizes the state to secure a social order for the promotion of people's welfare.
Article 39Certain principles of policies to be followed by the state.
Article 39AEqual justice and free legal aid.
Article 40Organization of village panchayats.
Article 41Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in certain cases.
Article 42Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity leaves.
Article 43Living wage etc. for workers.
Article 43-AParticipation of workers in management of industries.
Article 43-BPromotion of cooperative societies.
Article 44Uniform civil code for the citizens.
Article 45Provision for early childhood care and education to children below age six.
Article 46Promotion of education and economic interests of SC, ST, and weaker sections.
Article 47Duty of the state to raise nutrition levels, standard of living, and public health.
Article 48Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Article 48-AProtection/improvement of environment and safeguarding forests/wildlife.
Article 49Protection of monuments, places, and objects of national importance.
Article 50Separation of judiciary from the executive.
Article 51Promotion of international peace and security.

9. In which of the following Articles, is it mentioned that Directive Principles are NOT justiciable? [S.S.C. Online CPO SI (T-I) 10.11.2022 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (a) Article 37
Solution:Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Part-IV of the constitution and can only be amended by a simple majority. DPSP is borrowed from Ireland. DPSPs are used as a yardstick to measure the performance of govt. Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are not enforceable in court.

1.  Dr B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel Features’ of the Indian Constitution.
2. Granville Austin has described the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights as the ‘Conscience of the Constitution’.

Article NumberWhat it says
Article 36Defines "State" the same as in Article 12 unless context defines otherwise.
Article 37Application of the Principles contained in this part.
Article 38Authorizes the state to secure a social order for the promotion of people's welfare.
Article 39Certain principles of policies to be followed by the state.
Article 39AEqual justice and free legal aid.
Article 40Organization of village panchayats.
Article 41Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in certain cases.
Article 42Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity leaves.
Article 43Living wage etc. for workers.
Article 43-AParticipation of workers in management of industries.
Article 43-BPromotion of cooperative societies.
Article 44Uniform civil code for the citizens.
Article 45Provision for early childhood care and education to children below age six.
Article 46Promotion of education and economic interests of SC, ST, and weaker sections.
Article 47Duty of the state to raise nutrition levels, standard of living, and public health.
Article 48Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Article 48-AProtection/improvement of environment and safeguarding forests/wildlife.
Article 49Protection of monuments, places, and objects of national importance.
Article 50Separation of judiciary from the executive.
Article 51Promotion of international peace and security.

10. Article 44 of the Indian Constitution "Uniform Civil Code for the citizens" deals with_________. [S.S.C. Online CHSL (T-I) 18.01.2017 (Shift-III)]

Correct Answer: (a) the Directive Principles of State Policy
Solution:Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy, states that the state "shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India". 

    • Article 44 is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which are guidelines for the government, not legally enforceable like Fundamental Rights.