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Generate QuizPolity – True/False – GK Questions
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The Council of Ministers consists of three categories: Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Constitution recognizes only two categories under Article 75: Cabinet Ministers and other Ministers (Ministers of State). 'Deputy Ministers' were abolished in 1952. Ministers of State may have independent charge or assist Cabinet Ministers. Only Cabinet Ministers attend Cabinet meetings, ensuring focused decision-making.
The President of India has no discretionary powers and must always act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
- True
- False
Answer: False
While Article 74(1) mandates President to act on Cabinet advice, Supreme Court in Shamsher Singh (1974) and subsequent cases recognized limited situational discretion: (a) appointing PM in hung parliament, (b) dismissing ministry losing majority, (c) dissolving Lok Sabha if no alternative government possible. These are 'constitutional necessities', not personal whims.
Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President, which in effect means during the pleasure of the Prime Minister.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 75(2): Ministers hold office during pleasure of President. Since President acts on PM's advice (Article 74), this effectively means PM can dismiss any minister anytime. This ensures PM's authority over Council and enables reshuffles without constitutional amendment.
The President must appoint the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha as Prime Minister.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 75(1): President appoints PM, but Constitution doesn't mandate appointing majority leader. Convention dictates this, but in hung parliaments, President exercises discretion to appoint someone who can command majority support. This discretionary power was notably used in 1979, 1996, 1998, and 2014.
The President's pardoning power under Article 72 extends to cases of punishment by court-martial.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 72 grants President power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions, or suspend/remute sentences in three cases: (a) court-martial punishments, (b) offences against Union law, (c) death sentences. This is an executive check on judicial power, exercised on Cabinet advice.
The President can return a Money Bill for reconsideration by Parliament.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 111: President can return ordinary bills for reconsideration, but Money Bills (Article 110) cannot be returned. President must either give assent or withhold assent to Money Bills. This ensures financial legislation proceeds without executive delay, respecting Lok Sabha's financial supremacy.
A person must be at least 35 years old to be eligible for election as President of India.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 58 specifies qualifications for President: (a) citizen of India, (b) completed 35 years of age, (c) qualified for election as Lok Sabha member, (d) not holding any office of profit. These ensure maturity and constitutional eligibility for the highest executive office.
The provisions for Panchayats and Municipalities were added to Directive Principles by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 40 (organisation of village panchayats) existed in original DPSP. The 73rd (1992) and 74th (1992) Amendments added Parts IX and IXA to the Constitution, giving constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities with justiciable provisions, not merely Directive Principles. So, they are enforceable now.
Article 41 directs the State to secure the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 41 is a socialist principle directing the State to secure, within economic capacity, the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement. While not justiciable, it has inspired MGNREGA, pension schemes, and disability welfare programs.
In case of conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, Fundamental Rights always prevail as per the original Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Originally, in State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951), SC held FRs prevail over DPSP. However, the 25th Amendment (1971) inserted Article 31C giving precedence to DPSP under Articles 39(b) & (c) over Articles 14, 19 & 31. The 42nd Amendment expanded this, but Minerva Mills (1980) struck down the expansion, restoring balance. So, it's not absolute.
Article 43B, added by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, directs the State to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, and professional management of co-operative societies.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 43B was inserted by the 97th Amendment (2011) to strengthen the co-operative movement. However, the Supreme Court in 2021 struck down parts of this amendment relating to State co-operative societies, upholding it only for Union Territories and multi-State co-operative societies.
Article 49 of the Constitution directs the State to protect every monument or place of national importance from spoliation, disfigurement, or destruction.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 49 is a cultural-educational principle directing the State to protect monuments, places, and objects of artistic or historic interest declared of national importance by Parliament. This is implemented through the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
The provision for free legal aid to ensure justice is not denied due to economic disabilities is a Directive Principle under Article 39A.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 39A was added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) to provide free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities. This led to the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, establishing Lok Adalats and NALSA.
Article 39 of the Constitution directs the State to secure equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 39(d) is a socialist principle directing the State to secure 'equal pay for equal work for both men and women'. This has been reinforced by judicial decisions (Randhir Singh case, 1982) and statutory provisions like the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
Directive Principles of State Policy are enforceable by courts like Fundamental Rights.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 37 explicitly states that DPSP are not enforceable by any court. However, they are 'fundamental in the governance of the country' and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws. Courts can use them for interpreting statutes and constitutional provisions.
During a National Emergency under Article 352, the enforcement of all Fundamental Rights can be suspended by Presidential order.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 359 allows suspension of enforcement of Fundamental Rights (except Articles 20 & 21) during National Emergency via Presidential order. The 44th Amendment (1978) made Articles 20 (protection in conviction) and 21 (life & personal liberty) non-suspendable even during Emergency. So, not 'all' rights can be suspended.
Article 30 gives minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice, and the State cannot discriminate against them in granting aid.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 30(1) grants religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. Article 30(2) prohibits the State from discriminating against such institutions in granting aid. However, these institutions must maintain educational standards and can be regulated for academic excellence (T.M.A. Pai Foundation case, 2002).
Article 27 prohibits the State from compelling any person to pay taxes for promotion of any particular religion.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 27 states: 'No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes, the proceeds of which are specifically appropriated in payment of expenses for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination.' However, fees for religious services or voluntary contributions are not prohibited.
Article 24 prohibits employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory or mine.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 24 prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines, or any other hazardous employment. The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended 2016) strengthens this provision. It is an absolute prohibition with no exceptions for hazardous work.
The Right to Free and Compulsory Education for children aged 6-14 years is a Fundamental Right under Article 21A.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 21A was inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, making education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6-14 years. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 operationalizes this right. It is enforceable against the State.