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Questions and Answers
What type of majority is required in Parliament for amending certain provisions of the Indian Constitution?
What type of majority is required in Parliament for amending certain provisions of the Indian Constitution?
Which of the following powers does the President of India NOT possess?
Which of the following powers does the President of India NOT possess?
Under what article is the amendment process of the Indian Constitution laid down?
Under what article is the amendment process of the Indian Constitution laid down?
Which of the following statements about the Constitution of India is true?
Which of the following statements about the Constitution of India is true?
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Which is NOT a characteristic feature of the Indian Constitution?
Which is NOT a characteristic feature of the Indian Constitution?
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What distinguishes the Indian Constitution as one of the longest in the world?
What distinguishes the Indian Constitution as one of the longest in the world?
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Which system does the Indian Constitution primarily establish?
Which system does the Indian Constitution primarily establish?
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How many parts are included in the Indian Constitution?
How many parts are included in the Indian Constitution?
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What aspect of the Indian Constitution allows for its evolution over time?
What aspect of the Indian Constitution allows for its evolution over time?
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Which lists in the Seventh Schedule outlines the division of legislative powers?
Which lists in the Seventh Schedule outlines the division of legislative powers?
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What is a key feature of the Indian Constitution regarding fundamental rights?
What is a key feature of the Indian Constitution regarding fundamental rights?
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What was the primary body responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution?
What was the primary body responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution?
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On which date was the Indian Constitution adopted?
On which date was the Indian Constitution adopted?
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What is the primary role of the Supreme Court in India?
What is the primary role of the Supreme Court in India?
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Which articles in the Indian Constitution guarantee the Right to Equality?
Which articles in the Indian Constitution guarantee the Right to Equality?
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The Fundamental Rights in India are primarily intended to protect citizens from what?
The Fundamental Rights in India are primarily intended to protect citizens from what?
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Which Fundamental Right allows individuals to seek enforcement of their rights in the Supreme Court?
Which Fundamental Right allows individuals to seek enforcement of their rights in the Supreme Court?
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What is a distinguishing feature of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
What is a distinguishing feature of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the Fundamental Duties listed in the Indian Constitution?
Which of the following is NOT one of the Fundamental Duties listed in the Indian Constitution?
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What is the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?
What is the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?
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Which of the following rights is subject to reasonable restrictions?
Which of the following rights is subject to reasonable restrictions?
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Who has the authority to interpret and enforce the Fundamental Rights in India?
Who has the authority to interpret and enforce the Fundamental Rights in India?
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What is the purpose of the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution?
What is the purpose of the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution?
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What prevails in case of a conflict between laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures?
What prevails in case of a conflict between laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures?
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Who holds the ceremonial head of state position in India?
Who holds the ceremonial head of state position in India?
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Which house of the Indian Parliament is directly elected by the people?
Which house of the Indian Parliament is directly elected by the people?
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What action can the Central Government take if a state government is unable to function according to the Constitution?
What action can the Central Government take if a state government is unable to function according to the Constitution?
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What is the role of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in India's parliamentary system?
What is the role of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in India's parliamentary system?
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Which principle allows Indian courts to strike down unconstitutional laws?
Which principle allows Indian courts to strike down unconstitutional laws?
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How are members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
How are members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
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What is required for the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to stay in power?
What is required for the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to stay in power?
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What is a key characteristic of India's judiciary?
What is a key characteristic of India's judiciary?
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What action can be taken against a government if it loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha?
What action can be taken against a government if it loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha?
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What is the main purpose of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in India?
What is the main purpose of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in India?
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How does India's citizenship system differ from some federal countries like the U.S.?
How does India's citizenship system differ from some federal countries like the U.S.?
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What does it mean for India to be a secular state?
What does it mean for India to be a secular state?
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In what way is the Indian Constitution considered flexible?
In what way is the Indian Constitution considered flexible?
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What does sovereignty refer to in the context of the Indian Constitution?
What does sovereignty refer to in the context of the Indian Constitution?
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Why is India classified as a republic?
Why is India classified as a republic?
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What does universal adult franchise guarantee in India?
What does universal adult franchise guarantee in India?
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Which Articles of the Indian Constitution guarantee freedom of religion?
Which Articles of the Indian Constitution guarantee freedom of religion?
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What role does the Indian government play in regulating religious practices?
What role does the Indian government play in regulating religious practices?
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Which principle is reflected in the concept of single citizenship in India?
Which principle is reflected in the concept of single citizenship in India?
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Study Notes
Unique Features of the Indian Constitution
- The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution globally.
- It outlines government structure, function, and citizen rights.
- Drafted between 1946 and 1949, it was adopted on January 26, 1950.
- It incorporates diverse influences from British, American, Canadian, and Irish constitutional systems.
- Reflects the unique characteristics of India's society, politics, and governance needs.
Key Features of the Indian Constitution
- Written Constitution: A detailed and comprehensive document defining governance, rights, and organizational structures; encompassing relationships between central and state governments.
- Longest Constitution: Over 448 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules; amended more than 100 times since its adoption.
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Federal System with Unitary Bias: A federal system with division of powers between Union and state governments. However, the central government has greater powers during national crises.
- Powers are divided through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule).
- The Union Government has specific powers in times of emergency.
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Parliamentary System of Government: Modeled on the British system, with a dual executive (President and Council of Ministers).
- Voters directly elect members of the Lok Sabha.
- Members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies.
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Independent Judiciary: Judiciary is independent from the executive and legislature.
- Courts can strike down laws or executive actions that violate the Constitution (judicial review).
- Supreme Court is the apex court, responsible for upholding the Constitution.
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Fundamental Rights and Duties: Guarantees basic human rights to all citizens.
- Enforceable in courts.
- Covers rights like equality, freedom, and protection from exploitation.
- Includes Cultural and Educational Rights, Right to Freedom of Religion, and Constitutional Remedies for fundamental rights enforcement.
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Guidelines for government policies towards social and economic welfare; non-justiciable.
- Single Citizenship: All citizens have only one citizenship, regardless of their state of residence.
- Secular State: The government does not favor any religion and ensures freedom of religion to all citizens.
- Flexible Constitution: Can be amended to address changing needs and situations.
- Sovereign State: Has the absolute authority to govern within its territory without external interference.
- Republic: The head of state (President) is elected.
- Universal Adult Franchise: Citizens 18 years or older have the right to vote in elections.
- Amendment Procedure: Constitution amendment procedures involve multiple stages, including simple and special majorities in Parliament and possible ratification by states.
- Role of President: The President is head of state and holds executive powers such as issuing ordinances, summoning Parliament, and appointing ministers and judges.
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Description
Explore the distinct characteristics of the Indian Constitution, the longest written constitution in the world. This quiz covers its structure, influential sources, and key features like the federal system with unitary bias. Test your knowledge about this essential document that shapes India's governance and citizen rights.