Q.1 What is the primary purpose of a constitution?
To provide guidelines for economic growth
To establish the framework of government and fundamental rights
To regulate trade between nations
To create political parties
Explanation - A constitution sets out the structure of government, defines powers, and guarantees fundamental rights to citizens.
Correct answer is: To establish the framework of government and fundamental rights
Q.2 Which of the following is a feature of a written constitution?
It is unwritten and flexible
It is codified in a single document
It is only a set of traditions
It cannot be amended
Explanation - A written constitution is codified and systematically organized in one formal document, unlike an unwritten constitution.
Correct answer is: It is codified in a single document
Q.3 Which principle ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful?
Rule of law
Separation of powers
Sovereignty
Fundamental rights
Explanation - Separation of powers divides governmental functions among different branches to prevent concentration of power.
Correct answer is: Separation of powers
Q.4 What does judicial review allow the judiciary to do?
Pass laws for the government
Review the constitutionality of laws and executive actions
Execute laws passed by legislature
Amend the constitution
Explanation - Judicial review empowers courts to examine the legality of legislative or executive acts against the constitution.
Correct answer is: Review the constitutionality of laws and executive actions
Q.5 Which term refers to the supreme law of a country?
Statutory law
Customary law
Constitution
Administrative law
Explanation - The constitution is the highest law of the land and all other laws must conform to it.
Correct answer is: Constitution
Q.6 Which of the following is an example of a fundamental right?
Right to vote
Right to property
Freedom of speech
Right to taxation
Explanation - Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that protects citizens’ ability to express opinions without government interference.
Correct answer is: Freedom of speech
Q.7 What does the term 'federalism' describe?
A centralized government system
Division of powers between central and regional governments
Rule by a single authority
Government controlled by the judiciary
Explanation - Federalism divides authority between national and sub-national governments, allowing shared governance.
Correct answer is: Division of powers between central and regional governments
Q.8 Which body is usually responsible for amending the constitution?
Executive branch
Legislature
Judiciary
Election commission
Explanation - The legislature typically has the authority to propose and pass constitutional amendments following prescribed procedures.
Correct answer is: Legislature
Q.9 What is the doctrine of 'basic structure' in constitutional law?
Amendments can never be made to the constitution
Certain fundamental features of the constitution cannot be altered by amendments
Judges must follow parliamentary decisions
Laws can override fundamental rights
Explanation - The basic structure doctrine protects essential features of the constitution, such as democracy and rule of law, from being amended away.
Correct answer is: Certain fundamental features of the constitution cannot be altered by amendments
Q.10 Which of the following best defines 'constitutional supremacy'?
The constitution is superior to all other laws
Parliamentary laws are supreme
Executive orders have supreme power
Local laws override national laws
Explanation - Constitutional supremacy means that the constitution is the highest legal authority and all laws and actions must comply with it.
Correct answer is: The constitution is superior to all other laws
Q.11 Which of the following is NOT a feature of a constitution?
Fundamental rights
Separation of powers
Administrative orders
Directive principles of state policy
Explanation - Administrative orders are rules issued by government authorities, not a fundamental feature of a constitution.
Correct answer is: Administrative orders
Q.12 Which principle ensures government accountability and legality of actions?
Separation of powers
Rule of law
Fundamental rights
Directive principles
Explanation - The rule of law requires that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law and legal procedures.
Correct answer is: Rule of law
Q.13 Which body is considered the 'guardian of the Constitution' in most countries?
Parliament
Supreme Court
Prime Minister
Election Commission
Explanation - The Supreme Court or equivalent judiciary protects the constitution by interpreting and enforcing it through judicial review.
Correct answer is: Supreme Court
Q.14 Which of the following rights cannot be suspended even during an emergency?
Right to property
Freedom of speech
Right to life and personal liberty
Right to education
Explanation - Certain fundamental rights, such as the right to life, are inalienable and cannot be suspended, even in emergencies.
Correct answer is: Right to life and personal liberty
Q.15 Which term refers to the written set of rules governing a state?
Statute
Constitution
Bylaw
Charter
Explanation - The constitution is the formal written set of rules defining government structure, powers, and citizen rights.
Correct answer is: Constitution
Q.16 What is the main function of Directive Principles of State Policy?
Granting individual rights
Guiding government in making laws for social welfare
Overriding fundamental rights
Regulating elections
Explanation - Directive Principles are guidelines for the government to create laws promoting social justice and welfare.
Correct answer is: Guiding government in making laws for social welfare
Q.17 Which of the following best describes 'unwritten constitution'?
A single codified document
A constitution based on statutes, customs, and judicial decisions
A constitution that cannot be amended
A constitution that is secret
Explanation - An unwritten constitution is derived from laws, traditions, and judicial precedents, rather than a single codified document.
Correct answer is: A constitution based on statutes, customs, and judicial decisions
Q.18 Which constitutional principle allows courts to strike down laws violating the constitution?
Separation of powers
Judicial review
Federalism
Sovereignty
Explanation - Judicial review gives courts the authority to invalidate laws or actions that contravene the constitution.
Correct answer is: Judicial review
Q.19 Which of the following is a limitation of constitutional amendments?
They can change the basic structure of the constitution
They must follow prescribed procedures
They can be done by executive orders alone
They cannot be proposed by the legislature
Explanation - Constitutional amendments must follow detailed procedures to ensure proper checks and balances.
Correct answer is: They must follow prescribed procedures
Q.20 What does the term 'sovereignty' in a constitution imply?
Supreme authority of the state within its territory
Obedience to foreign governments
Power of the judiciary only
Authority of local governments over the national government
Explanation - Sovereignty means the state has ultimate authority and independence to govern itself without external interference.
Correct answer is: Supreme authority of the state within its territory
Q.21 Which is a key difference between a parliamentary and presidential system?
In parliamentary system, executive is separate from legislature
In presidential system, executive is part of legislature
In parliamentary system, executive is drawn from the legislature
Only presidential systems have constitutions
Explanation - In a parliamentary system, the executive is selected from the legislative branch, unlike a presidential system where the executive is independent.
Correct answer is: In parliamentary system, executive is drawn from the legislature
Q.22 Which is NOT a fundamental duty of citizens under most constitutions?
Abide by the constitution
Respect national symbols
Vote in every election compulsorily
Promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood
Explanation - Voting is usually a right, not a mandatory duty, though citizens are encouraged to participate.
Correct answer is: Vote in every election compulsorily
Q.23 Which concept prevents arbitrary use of power by the government?
Fundamental rights
Directive principles
Rule of law
Federalism
Explanation - Rule of law ensures that the government acts according to established legal principles and is accountable to law.
Correct answer is: Rule of law
Q.24 Which of the following is considered the 'heart of the constitution' in many countries?
Fundamental rights
Directive principles
Amendment procedures
Judicial review
Explanation - Fundamental rights are often called the heart of the constitution as they protect citizens’ freedoms and dignity.
Correct answer is: Fundamental rights