The Preamble (Indian Polity and Governance)

Total Questions: 47

31. Which one of the following liberty is not embodied in the Preamble of the Constitution of India? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008, U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2017]

Correct Answer: (d) Economic Liberty
Solution:The preamble of the Constitution of India embodies the LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship but does not include economic liberty.

The Preamble's declaration of India as a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic" encapsulates the fundamental principles that shape the nature and functioning of the Indian state.

Sovereignty: The term "Sovereign" signifies the independent and supreme authority of the Indian state. Internally, it means that the Indian government has the ultimate decision-making power within its territorial boundaries. Externally, it implies that India is not subject to control or interference by any external power.

Socialism: The addition of "Socialist" through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 reflects India's commitment to achieving social and economic equality. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and providing basic amenities to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. It is reflected in the DPSPs of the Constitution.

Secularism: The declaration of India as a "Secular" state in the Preamble emphasises that the state does not have an official religion. It ensures that all religions are treated with equal respect. Citizens have the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion without discrimination.

Democracy: The characterisation of India as a "Democratic" republic underscores the principle of government by the people, for the people, and of the people. Regular, free and fair elections allow citizens to actively participate in the political process. Every citizen has an equal right to vote and choose their representatives.

Republic: The term "Republic" signifies that the head of the state (the President) is an elected official, not a hereditary monarch. This form of government ensures that the power and authority of the state are derived from the people's mandate.

32. Which among the following is not mentioned in the Preamble to the Constitution of India? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013]

Correct Answer: (d) Religious Justice
Solution:The Preamble of the Constitution of India mentioned JUSTICE (social, economic and political), whereas the word Religious Justice is not present in the Preamble.

The Preamble's declaration of India as a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic" encapsulates the fundamental principles that shape the nature and functioning of the Indian state.

Sovereignty: The term "Sovereign" signifies the independent and supreme authority of the Indian state. Internally, it means that the Indian government has the ultimate decision-making power within its territorial boundaries. Externally, it implies that India is not subject to control or interference by any external power.

Socialism: The addition of "Socialist" through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 reflects India's commitment to achieving social and economic equality. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and providing basic amenities to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. It is reflected in the DPSPs of the Constitution.

Secularism: The declaration of India as a "Secular" state in the Preamble emphasises that the state does not have an official religion. It ensures that all religions are treated with equal respect. Citizens have the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion without discrimination.

Democracy: The characterisation of India as a "Democratic" republic underscores the principle of government by the people, for the people, and of the people. Regular, free and fair elections allow citizens to actively participate in the political process. Every citizen has an equal right to vote and choose their representatives.

Republic: The term "Republic" signifies that the head of the state (the President) is an elected official, not a hereditary monarch. This form of government ensures that the power and authority of the state are derived from the people's mandate.

33. Which of the following is true in relation to the Preamble of Constitution of India? [M.P.C.C.S. (Pre) 2005]

Correct Answer: (a) The words "Socialist' and 'Secular' were not the part of the Preamble on the enforcement of Constitution in 1950
Solution:The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular were not part of the Preamble of the Constitution at the time of its commencement in 1950. These words were inserted in the preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. Thus only option (a) is correct.

Significance of the Preamble The Preamble to the Indian Constitution holds immense significance as it serves as the moral and philosophical foundation of the document. It outlines the guiding principles and aspirations that shape the Indian state and society.

Guiding principles: The Preamble serves as the moral compass of the Indian Constitution. It provides the guiding principles that help interpret the provisions of the Constitution. For instance, the principle of 'Secularism' in the Preamble guides the interpretation of laws related to religious practices, ensuring that the state maintains neutrality in matters of religion.

Unity in Diversity: The Preamble emphasises the principle of 'Fraternity', promoting unity among India's diverse cultural, linguistic, religious, and social groups. For example, the term 'Fraternity' in the Preamble underscores the need for harmony among various linguistic groups in states like Kerala, Punjab, and Assam, each with its unique language and culture.

Constitutional identity: The Preamble defines the essential identity of the Indian Constitution. It sets the tone for the entire legal framework and the subsequent articles and provisions in the Constitution. For instance, the term 'Sovereign' in the Preamble signifies that India is free from external control, which is reflected in India's foreign policy decisions.

International influence: The Preamble reflects the influence of international ideals and principles. Words like 'Justice', 'Liberty', and 'Equality' highlight India's commitment to global values of human rights, social justice, and equality. For example, the term 'Equality' aligns with Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone is equal before the law.

Reflection of Historical Struggles: The Preamble pays homage to the sacrifices and struggles of the Indian people in their fight for independence and justice.

It encapsulates the spirit of the freedom movement and the principles for which the freedom fighters fought. For instance, the term 'Justice' in the Preamble reflects the long-standing struggle against colonial rule and the aspiration for a just and equitable society.

34. Which part of the Indian Constitution has been described as the 'Soul' of the Constitution? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015, U.P. U.D.A/LD.A. (Pre) 2006, U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2008, U.P. P.S.C. (GIC) 2008, Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012, U.P. P.S.C. (Mains) 2013]

Correct Answer: (c) The Preamble
Solution:The Preamble of the Constitution is called the 'Soul of the Constitution. K.M. Munshi, a member of the drafting committee, defined the Preamble as the "Horoscope of our sovereign democratic Republic."

Subhash Kashyap has mentioned that "If Constitution is the body then Preamble is the Soul, If the Preamble is a foundation then Constitution is a structure or building standing on it.

Note: It is notable that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has recognized "The Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32) as the heart and soul of the Constitution, so if the question is asked with respect to Dr. Ambedkar then in such case, option (d) will be the correct answer.

35. Who among the following called the Preamble of Indian Constitution "the horoscope of our sovereign, democratic republic"? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (d) K.M. Munshi
Solution:The Preamble of the Constitution is called the 'Soul of the Constitution. K.M. Munshi, a member of the drafting committee, defined the Preamble as the "Horoscope of our sovereign democratic Republic."

Subhash Kashyap has mentioned that "If Constitution is the body then Preamble is the Soul, If the Preamble is a foundation then Constitution is a structure or building standing on it.

Note: It is notable that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has recognized "The Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32) as the heart and soul of the Constitution, so if the question is asked with respect to Dr. Ambedkar then in such case, option (d) will be the correct answer.

36. Who has termed Constitution a sacred document? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]

Correct Answer: (a) B. R. Ambedkar
Solution:Bhimrao Ambedkar in 1947, became the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly of India. Ambedkar was a staunch Constitutionalist. He believed that a government must be Constitutional and that the Constitution must be treated as a basic and sacred document.

37. In which case did the Supreme Court first declare that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution? [U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]

Correct Answer: (a) Berubari
Solution:In the Berubari case (1960), the Supreme Court of India de cleared that the Preamble is not an integral part of the Indian Constitution.

38. In which of the following cases Supreme Court held. that 'The Preamble forms part of the Constitution? [U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012 ]

Correct Answer: (c) Bommai Vs. Union of India
Solution:In the case of S.R. Bommai Vs. Union of India, 1994, the Supreme Court held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution. In the case of Keshvanand Bharti Vs the State of Kerala (1973), a bench of 13 Judges of the Supreme Court outlined the Basic Structure doctrine of the Constitution.

39. In which of the following cases the Supreme Court regarded Preamble as a part of the basic structure of India Constitution? [U.P.P.S.C. (R..) 2014]

Correct Answer: (d) Keshwanand Bharti Case
Solution:The Preamble was regarded as a part of the basic structure of the Indian constitution by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case.

40. The ideals and objectives outlined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution have been further elaborated in- [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002, U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]

Correct Answer: (c) The Chapter on Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Rights, and Fundamental Duties
Solution:The main objective of the Constitution is to secure justice- social, economic and political, liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, equality of status and opportunity, to all its citizens.

The advancement of the people should not be a barrier to the advancement of the nation, so the promotion of fraternity is also aimed in the Constitution. The ideals and objectives outlined by the Preamble are included in the chapters related to Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties.