Q.1 Which of the following is the primary purpose of a constitution?
To regulate economic policies
To define the structure and powers of government
To dictate social behavior
To organize elections only
Explanation - A constitution serves as the fundamental law that establishes the organization of the government, its powers, and the rights of citizens.
Correct answer is: To define the structure and powers of government
Q.2 What does the term 'constitutionalism' primarily signify?
The belief in unlimited government power
The principle that government should operate within a set of established laws
A type of political party
A method of passing laws quickly
Explanation - Constitutionalism emphasizes that the authority of the government is derived from and limited by a constitution.
Correct answer is: The principle that government should operate within a set of established laws
Q.3 Which feature distinguishes a written constitution from an unwritten one?
Written constitutions are always flexible
Unwritten constitutions are codified
Written constitutions are formally documented
Unwritten constitutions are illegal
Explanation - A written constitution is codified in a single document, whereas an unwritten constitution is based on customs, conventions, and legal precedents.
Correct answer is: Written constitutions are formally documented
Q.4 Which of the following countries has an unwritten constitution?
United States
India
United Kingdom
France
Explanation - The UK does not have a single written constitutional document; its constitution is derived from statutes, judicial decisions, and conventions.
Correct answer is: United Kingdom
Q.5 What is a 'rigid constitution'?
One that cannot be amended easily
One that is rarely enforced
One that is flexible to all laws
One without judicial review
Explanation - A rigid constitution requires special procedures for amendments, making it more difficult to change than ordinary laws.
Correct answer is: One that cannot be amended easily
Q.6 Which of the following is a characteristic of a flexible constitution?
It requires a special majority to amend
It can be amended by a simple legislative process
It cannot be amended at all
It is never codified
Explanation - Flexible constitutions can be modified easily through ordinary legislative procedures without special requirements.
Correct answer is: It can be amended by a simple legislative process
Q.7 The Preamble of a constitution primarily provides:
A detailed list of laws
The aims and objectives of the constitution
A list of government offices
Election procedures only
Explanation - The Preamble outlines the guiding principles and purpose of the constitution.
Correct answer is: The aims and objectives of the constitution
Q.8 Which of these is an essential element of constitutional government?
Rule of law
Economic planning
Religious authority
Military dominance
Explanation - Constitutional government is characterized by the rule of law, ensuring that everyone, including the government, is bound by law.
Correct answer is: Rule of law
Q.9 Judicial review is a process by which:
The legislature reviews the judiciary
The judiciary can review the constitutionality of laws
Citizens review laws
The executive reviews the legislature
Explanation - Judicial review allows courts to determine whether laws or government actions are consistent with the constitution.
Correct answer is: The judiciary can review the constitutionality of laws
Q.10 In federal constitutions, power is:
Concentrated at the national level only
Divided between national and regional governments
Exclusively local
Dependent on the judiciary
Explanation - Federalism involves sharing power between central and regional governments to maintain balance and prevent concentration of authority.
Correct answer is: Divided between national and regional governments
Q.11 A 'unitary constitution' means:
Power is concentrated in a central government
Power is divided between regions
States have independent constitutions
Judiciary controls the government
Explanation - Unitary systems centralize authority in one national government, unlike federal systems.
Correct answer is: Power is concentrated in a central government
Q.12 Which is an example of a country with a federal constitution?
United Kingdom
United States
France
New Zealand
Explanation - The U.S. constitution divides powers between the federal government and individual states, a key feature of federalism.
Correct answer is: United States
Q.13 Which part of a constitution usually guarantees fundamental rights?
Preamble
Directive Principles
Fundamental Rights section
Judicial review section
Explanation - Constitutions often have a dedicated section listing fundamental rights to protect citizens against state abuse.
Correct answer is: Fundamental Rights section
Q.14 Separation of powers in a constitution is intended to:
Make laws faster
Prevent concentration of power
Increase executive control
Eliminate the judiciary
Explanation - Separation of powers divides government responsibilities among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to avoid abuse of power.
Correct answer is: Prevent concentration of power
Q.15 A 'bicameral legislature' is:
One with a single house
One with two houses
Run by judiciary
A form of monarchy
Explanation - Bicameral legislatures have two chambers, often to represent different interests like population and states equally.
Correct answer is: One with two houses
Q.16 Which of the following defines 'rule of law'?
Government can act arbitrarily
Everyone is subject to the law, including rulers
Laws are optional
Laws apply only to citizens
Explanation - Rule of law ensures that no individual or government entity is above the law.
Correct answer is: Everyone is subject to the law, including rulers
Q.17 A constitution that can be amended by the ordinary legislative process is called:
Rigid
Flexible
Federal
Unitary
Explanation - Flexible constitutions can be altered easily by regular legislative means without special procedures.
Correct answer is: Flexible
Q.18 Which of the following best illustrates the principle of constitutional supremacy?
Judges can make laws
Constitutional provisions override ordinary laws
Government can bypass the constitution
Citizens can ignore laws at will
Explanation - Constitutional supremacy means the constitution is the highest law, and all other laws must conform to it.
Correct answer is: Constitutional provisions override ordinary laws
Q.19 Directive Principles in a constitution aim to:
Guide the government in policy-making
List punishments for crimes
Define election procedures
Determine judicial appointments
Explanation - Directive Principles provide guidance for governments to create social and economic policies in line with constitutional goals.
Correct answer is: Guide the government in policy-making
Q.20 Which is a feature of a federal constitution?
Single level of government
Division of powers between levels of government
Centralized judicial control
No regional representation
Explanation - Federal constitutions divide powers between central and regional authorities to balance governance.
Correct answer is: Division of powers between levels of government
Q.21 Which body usually has the power to amend a constitution in a federal system?
Supreme Court only
Central legislature only
Constitutional amendment procedure involving multiple bodies
President alone
Explanation - Amendments in federal systems often require approval from both central and regional authorities to ensure balance.
Correct answer is: Constitutional amendment procedure involving multiple bodies
Q.22 Which of the following best describes a 'codified constitution'?
Written in multiple documents
Contained in a single legal document
Unwritten but followed by conventions
Flexible and informal rules
Explanation - A codified constitution is formally written and codified in a single comprehensive document.
Correct answer is: Contained in a single legal document
Q.23 Which of the following is an example of a rigid constitution?
United States
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Israel
Explanation - The U.S. Constitution is difficult to amend, requiring special procedures, making it a classic example of a rigid constitution.
Correct answer is: United States
Q.24 Which of the following is NOT typically a function of a constitution?
Establishing government structure
Granting fundamental rights
Regulating moral behavior of citizens
Specifying amendment procedures
Explanation - While constitutions provide legal frameworks and rights, they do not directly dictate citizens' personal moral behavior.
Correct answer is: Regulating moral behavior of citizens