GK Question

polity medium mcq

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 is often called the 'Mini-Constitution' because it:

  1. Added the most number of new Articles
  2. Made comprehensive changes to Preamble, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles, and judicial powers
  3. Replaced the entire Constitution
  4. Was passed during National Emergency without debate

Answer: Made comprehensive changes to Preamble, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles, and judicial powers

42nd Amendment (1976): Added 'Socialist', 'Secular', 'Integrity' to Preamble; inserted Fundamental Duties (Part IVA); expanded DPSP; curtailed judicial review; gave Parliament unlimited amending power (later struck down in Minerva Mills). Enacted during 1975-77 Emergency; many provisions diluted by 43rd/44th Amendments post-Emergency.

Topic Constitutional Amendments - 42nd Amendment
Exam Relevance Major amendment overview question frequently asked in UPSC and SSC exams
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