GK Questions

Answer: France

The ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble were inspired by the French Revolution (1789). These principles reflect the influence of French constitutional thought on the Indian Constitution's vision of a just and egalitarian society.

Answer: President of India

Under Article 117, a Money Bill (dealing with taxation, government expenditure, etc.) can be introduced in Lok Sabha only with the prior recommendation of the President. Additionally, Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha), and Rajya Sabha has limited powers over them (can only recommend changes within 14 days).

Answer: Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)

The Basic Structure Doctrine was established in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case (1973). The Supreme Court held that while Parliament has power to amend the Constitution under Article 368, it cannot alter the 'basic structure' or essential features of the Constitution (e.g., supremacy of Constitution, secularism, federalism, judicial review).

Answer: Financial Emergency (Article 360)

Financial Emergency under Article 360 has never been proclaimed in India. National Emergency has been proclaimed three times (1962, 1971, 1975), and President's Rule under Article 356 has been imposed over 120 times in various States. The non-use of Article 360 reflects India's relatively stable financial management.

Answer: Fourth Schedule

The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution specifies the allocation of Rajya Sabha seats to States and Union Territories. It is amended periodically to reflect changes in population and creation of new States. Currently, Rajya Sabha has 245 members (233 elected + 12 nominated).

Answer: Article 44

Article 44, a Directive Principle of State Policy, directs the State to secure for citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India. It aims to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens.

Answer: Right to Constitutional Remedies

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) as the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution because it provides the mechanism for enforcement of all other Fundamental Rights. Without this right, other rights would be meaningless as there would be no remedy for their violation.

Answer: 22

The Eighth Schedule originally had 14 languages. Through various amendments (71st, 92nd, and 96th), four more languages were added: Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (1992); Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (2003); making the total 22 scheduled languages. [[3]][[14]]

Answer: Article 61

Article 61 lays down the procedure for impeachment of the President. Charges can be initiated in either House of Parliament, require a 14-day notice, and must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the total membership of that House. The other House then investigates the charges.

Answer: Union of States

Article 1 of the Constitution states: 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.' The term 'Union of States' was deliberately chosen by the Drafting Committee to indicate that Indian federation is not a result of an agreement among states and that states have no right to secede from the Union.

Answer: Central law always prevails

Under Article 254, if there is a repugnancy between a Central law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject, the Central law prevails. However, if the State law has been reserved for the President's consideration and has received his assent, then the State law prevails in that State (subject to Parliament's power to override later).

Answer: President of India

The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners under Article 324. However, the Election Commission functions independently. The 2023 Supreme Court judgment introduced a collegium system for appointments, but Parliament can legislate otherwise.

Answer: Article 32

Article 32 provides the right to constitutional remedies, allowing citizens to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Dr. Ambedkar called this Article the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution. It empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto, and Certiorari.

Answer: Tenth Schedule

The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985, contains the Anti-Defection Law. It provides for disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on grounds of defection from one political party to another. [[1]][[30]]

Answer: Article 51A

Article 51A, added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, enumerates the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens. Initially, there were 10 duties; the 86th Amendment Act, 2002 added the 11th duty regarding education of children aged 6-14 years. [[2]][[7]]

Answer: Article 368

Article 368 of the Indian Constitution deals with the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and the procedure for amendment. It provides for three types of amendments: by simple majority, by special majority, and by special majority plus ratification by states. [[1]][[30]]

Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and played the pivotal role in framing the Indian Constitution. He is widely regarded as the principal architect of the Constitution. [[8]][[22]]