50 Multiple-Choice Questions on Indian
Polity (With Answers and Explanations)
Indian Polity is one of the most important subjects for
competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, State PCS, and banking exams. This article
includes 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with detailed answers and
explanations to strengthen your preparation.
Indian Constitution and Fundamental Concepts
1. The Constitution of India was adopted on:
A) 15th August 1947
B) 26th January 1950
C) 26th November 1949
D) 30th January 1950
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitution was adopted on 26th November
1949 but came into effect on 26th January 1950, marking Purna Swaraj Day.
2. The Indian Parliament consists of:
A) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the President
C) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the Prime Minister
D) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the Vice President
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Parliament comprises the Lok Sabha,
Rajya Sabha, and the President under Article 79.
3. The idea of the Concurrent List is borrowed from:
A) USA
B) UK
C) Australia
D) Canada
Answer: C
Explanation: The concept of the Concurrent List, where both
the Centre and States can legislate, is inspired by the Australian
Constitution.
---
Key Amendments and Features
4. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The President
C) The Lok Sabha
D) The Chief Justice of India
Answer: B
Explanation: The President appoints the Chief Election
Commissioner under Article 324.
5. The Directive Principles of State Policy are aimed at:
A) Establishing socialism in India
B) Providing justice and welfare for citizens
C) Strengthening the judiciary
D) Protecting fundamental rights
Answer: B
Explanation: The Directive Principles create social and
economic conditions for citizens to lead a dignified life.
---
Governance and Administration
6. The term of office of the President of India is:
A) 4 years
B) 5 years
C) 6 years
D) 7 years
Answer: B
Explanation: As per Article 56, the President serves a term
of five years.
7. The Right to Property is now:
A) A Fundamental Right
B) A Directive Principle
C) A Legal Right
D) Not a right at all
Answer: C
Explanation: The 44th Amendment Act, 1978, made the Right to
Property a Legal Right under Article 300A.
---
8. Who presides over a joint sitting of the Parliament?
A) The Vice President
B) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
C) The Prime Minister
D) The President
Answer: B
Explanation: As per Article 108, the Speaker of the Lok
Sabha presides over joint sittings.
---
9. The concept of single citizenship in India is borrowed
from:
A) USA
B) UK
C) Canada
D) Australia
Answer: B
Explanation: The concept of single citizenship is inspired
by the British system.
---
10. The Anti-Defection Law is contained in which Schedule?
A) Seventh Schedule
B) Eighth Schedule
C) Ninth Schedule
D) Tenth Schedule
Answer: D
Explanation: The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Amendment
Act, 1985, contains provisions for the Anti-Defection Law.
---
Judiciary and Rights
11. The Fundamental Duties were added by:
A) 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
B) 44th Amendment Act, 1978
C) 46th Amendment Act, 1982
D) 52nd Amendment Act, 1985
Answer: A
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, introduced
Fundamental Duties under Article 51A.
12. The Panchayati Raj system was given constitutional
status by:
A) 42nd Amendment Act
B) 44th Amendment Act
C) 73rd Amendment Act
D) 86th Amendment Act
Answer: C
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, provided
constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system under Part IX.
13. The Right to Freedom of Religion is guaranteed under
which articles?
A) Articles 19–22
B) Articles 25–28
C) Articles 29–30
D) Articles 14–18
Answer: B
Explanation: Articles 25–28 guarantee the Right to Freedom
of Religion in India.
---
Miscellaneous Topics
14. The first state in India to be formed on linguistic
basis was:
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka
D) Kerala
Answer: A
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh was formed on linguistic lines
in 1953 following Potti Sriramulu's agitation.
15. How many types of emergencies are mentioned in the
Constitution of India?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitution provides for three types of
emergencies:
1. National Emergency (Article 352)
2. President's Rule (Article 356)
3. Financial Emergency (Article 360).
---
16. The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution deals with:
A) Emergency provisions
B) Protection of laws from judicial review
C) Languages of India
D) Fundamental Duties
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ninth Schedule, added by the First
Amendment Act, 1951, protects laws from judicial review.
---
17. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was
established in:
A) 1991
B) 1992
C) 1993
D) 1995
Answer: C
Explanation: The NHRC was established in 1993 under the
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
18. The Election Commission of India is a:
A) Constitutional body
B) Statutory body
C) Executive body
D) Non-statutory body
Answer: A
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is a
Constitutional body established under Article 324.
---
19. How many Schedules does the Constitution of India
currently have?
A) 10
B) 11
C) 12
D) 13
Answer: C
Explanation: The Indian Constitution has 12 Schedules after
the addition of the 11th Schedule (Panchayati Raj) and 12th Schedule (Urban
Local Bodies) by the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
---
20. Fundamental Rights can be suspended during:
A) National Emergency
B) State Emergency
C) Financial Emergency
D) None of the above
Answer: A
Explanation: During a National Emergency under Article 352,
the enforcement of Fundamental Rights under Articles 19–22 may be suspended.
---
21. The minimum age to qualify for election as a Member of
Parliament in the Lok Sabha is:
A) 21 years
B) 25 years
C) 30 years
D) 35 years
Answer: B
Explanation: As per Article 84, a person must be at least 25
years old to contest for the Lok Sabha.
---
22. Which Constitutional Amendment is known as the
"Mini Constitution"?
A) 42nd Amendment
B) 44th Amendment
C) 52nd Amendment
D) 73rd Amendment
Answer: A
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, is called the
Mini Constitution because it introduced significant changes to the Preamble,
Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles.
---
23. The concept of Judicial Review in India is based on:
A) American Constitution
B) British Constitution
C) Australian Constitution
D) Canadian Constitution
Answer: A
Explanation: The concept of Judicial Review is derived from
the American Constitution.
---
24. Who is the guardian of the Indian Constitution?
A) The President
B) The Parliament
C) The Supreme Court
D) The Prime Minister
Answer: C
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India is considered the
guardian and interpreter of the Constitution.
---
25. Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with
citizenship?
A) Part I
B) Part II
C) Part III
D) Part IV
Answer: B
Explanation: Part II (Articles 5–11) of the Indian
Constitution deals with citizenship.
---
26. Who administers the oath of office to the President of
India?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The Chief Justice of India
C) The Vice President
D) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Answer: B
Explanation: The Chief Justice of India administers the oath
of office to the President under Article 60.
---
27. The Planning Commission was replaced by:
A) Finance Commission
B) GST Council
C) NITI Aayog
D) Economic Council
Answer: C
Explanation: The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI
Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) in 2015.
---
28. What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
A) 238
B) 245
C) 250
D) 275
Answer: C
Explanation: The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250
members, out of which 238 are elected, and 12 are nominated by the President.
---
29. The Preamble declares India to be a:
A) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
B) Federal, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
C) Sovereign, Democratic, Federal Republic
D) None of the above
Answer: A
Explanation: The Preamble declares India to be a Sovereign,
Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic as amended by the 42nd Amendment Act,
1976.
---
30. Who has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The President
C) The Chief Justice
D) The Speaker
Answer: B
Explanation: The President dissolves the Lok Sabha on the
advice of the Prime Minister.
---
31. Which Article is known as the "Heart and Soul"
of the Constitution?
A) Article 19
B) Article 21
C) Article 32
D) Article 14
Answer: C
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called Article 32 (Right to
Constitutional Remedies) the "Heart and Soul" of the Constitution.
---
32. The Inter-State Council was established under which
Article?
A) Article 263
B) Article 280
C) Article 368
D) Article 370
Answer: A
Explanation: The Inter-State Council was established under
Article 263 to resolve disputes between states.
---
33. Which Schedule of the Constitution lists the official
languages of India?
A) 7th Schedule
B) 8th Schedule
C) 9th Schedule
D) 10th Schedule
Answer: B
Explanation: The 8th Schedule lists the 22 official
languages recognized by the Constitution.
---
34. The concept of "Equal Pay for Equal Work" is
part of:
A) Fundamental Rights
B) Directive Principles
C) Fundamental Duties
D) Preamble
Answer: B
Explanation: The principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work is
included under the Directive Principles in Article 39(d).
---
35. The Vice President of India is elected by:
A) Lok Sabha members only
B) Rajya Sabha members only
C) Both Houses of Parliament
D) State Legislatures
Answer: C
Explanation: The Vice President is elected by an electoral
college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament.
36. The Directive Principles
of State Policy are:
A) Justiciable
B) Non-justiciable
C) Enforceable by courts
D) None of the above
Answer: B
Explanation: The Directive
Principles of State Policy (Part IV) are non-justiciable, meaning they are not
enforceable by courts. However, they guide the state in policy-making.
---
37. The right to vote in
India is a:
A) Fundamental Right
B) Constitutional Right
C) Legal Right
D) Directive Principle
Answer: C
Explanation: The right to
vote is a legal right provided under the Representation of the People Act,
1951.
---
38. The idea of a
"Welfare State" is enshrined in:
A) Preamble
B) Fundamental Rights
C) Directive Principles
D) Fundamental Duties
Answer: C
Explanation: The concept of a
Welfare State is embedded in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part
IV).
---
39. The President can
proclaim a Financial Emergency under:
A) Article 352
B) Article 356
C) Article 360
D) Article 370
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 360
empowers the President to declare a Financial Emergency if the financial
stability of India is threatened.
---
40. The Union Budget is
presented under which Article?
A) Article 110
B) Article 112
C) Article 114
D) Article 116
Answer: B
Explanation: The Union Budget
is presented under Article 112 of the Constitution.
---
41. Which Constitutional
Amendment added Fundamental Duties to the Constitution?
A) 40th Amendment
B) 42nd Amendment
C) 44th Amendment
D) 52nd Amendment
Answer: B
Explanation: The 42nd
Amendment Act, 1976, added Fundamental Duties to the Constitution (Article
51A).
---
42. The Indian Parliament
consists of:
A) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha,
and the President
C) Lok Sabha and the
President
D) Rajya Sabha and the
President
Answer: B
Explanation: The Parliament
of India comprises the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the President (Article 79).
---
43. The 73rd Amendment Act is
related to:
A) Urban Local Bodies
B) Panchayati Raj
C) Fundamental Rights
D) Judicial Reforms
Answer: B
Explanation: The 73rd
Amendment Act, 1992, provided a constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj
system in India.
---
44. What is the tenure of a
High Court judge?
A) 60 years
B) 62 years
C) 65 years
D) 70 years
Answer: B
Explanation: The retirement
age for a High Court judge is 62 years as per the Constitution.
---
45. The concept of
"Single Citizenship" in India is borrowed from:
A) USA
B) UK
C) Canada
D) Australia
Answer: B
Explanation: India adopted
the concept of Single Citizenship from the British Constitution.
---
46. The maximum permissible
time gap between two sessions of Parliament is:
A) 3 months
B) 4 months
C) 6 months
D) 9 months
Answer: C
Explanation: As per Article
85, the maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament cannot exceed six
months.
---
47. The Fundamental Right to
Education (RTE) is provided under which Article?
A) Article 19
B) Article 21
C) Article 21A
D) Article 24
Answer: C
Explanation: The 86th
Amendment Act, 2002, inserted Article 21A, making education a Fundamental Right
for children aged 6–14 years.
---
48. Money Bills can be
introduced only in the:
A) Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha
C) Either House
D) None of the above
Answer: B
Explanation: As per Article
110, a Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
---
49. Who appoints the Chief
Justice of India?
A) The President
B) The Prime Minister
C) The Law Minister
D) The Governor
Answer: A
Explanation: The Chief
Justice of India is appointed by the President under Article 124(2).
---
50. The term of the Vice
President is:
A) 4 years
B) 5 years
C) 6 years
D) 7 years
Answer: B
Explanation: The term of the
Vice President is 5 years, as stated in Article 67.
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A) 3 months
B) 4 months
C) 6 months
D) 9 months
Answer: C
Explanation: As per Article
85, the maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament cannot exceed six
months.
---
47. The Fundamental Right to
Education (RTE) is provided under which Article?
A) Article 19
B) Article 21
C) Article 21A
D) Article 24
Answer: C
Explanation: The 86th
Amendment Act, 2002, inserted Article 21A, making education a Fundamental Right
for children aged 6–14 years.
---
48. Money Bills can be
introduced only in the:
A) Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha
C) Either House
D) None of the above
Answer: B
Explanation: As per Article
110, a Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
---
49. Who appoints the Chief
Justice of India?
A) The President
B) The Prime Minister
C) The Law Minister
D) The Governor
Answer: A
Explanation: The Chief
Justice of India is appointed by the President under Article 124(2).
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50. The term of the Vice
President is:
A) 4 years
B) 5 years
C) 6 years
D) 7 years
Answer: B
Explanation: The term of the
Vice President is 5 years, as stated in Article 67.