Constitution & Political System (Part-II)

Total Questions: 56

51. In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of Fundamental Rights? [2023-1]

Correct Answer: (a) 1st Amendment
Solution:The first Amendment of 1951 inserted the ninth schedule to protect laws from judicial review. It also allowed government more powers against freedom of speech, right to property, power to nationalize an industry etc. So, answer could be (a).
However, some experts opine that 42nd amendment also give powers to Parliament to impose more restrictions on fundamental rights. But when comparing both 1st and 42nd amendments, 1st amendment seems more appropriate.

The UPSC has dropped this question in their official answer key

52. Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day: [2023-1]

Statement-I: The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II: On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent

Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Correct Answer: (c) Statement-1 is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Solution:The correct answer is (c). Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
Statement-I is correct. The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens from 2015 onwards. This day is also known as Samvidhan Divas.
Statement-II is incorrect. The drafting committee was set up on 29 August 1947.

53. With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: [2024-1]

While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration

1. He/She shall not preside,

2. He/She shall not have the right to speak.

3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) I only
Solution:
  • Statement 1 is correct: Person cannot be a judge in his own case.
  • Statement 2 wrong: It goes against the principle of natural justice. Person has the right to defend/speak.
  • Statement 3 wrong: he can vote in first instance. Hence, Option (a) is correct.

54. With reference to Union Budget, consider the following statements: [2024-1]

1. The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament.

2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:Statement 1 is wrong: President not PM. as per Article 112.

Statement 2 is correct: Article 113(3): No demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the President.

Hence, Option (b) is the correct answer.

55. Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over? [2024-1]

Correct Answer: (d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
Solution:Dr Sachchidananda Sinha was the first president of the Constituent Assembly. On December 11, 1946, Rajendra Prasad was elected as permanent chairman. Hence, Option (d) is the correct answer.

56. As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of: [2024-1]

1. Addition

2. Variation

3. Repeal

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:As per Article 368 (1) under Part 20 of the Indian Constitution - "Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article." Hence, Option (d) is the correct answer.