An amendment bill to the Constitution of India requires to be ratified

An amendment bill to the Constitution of India requires to be ratified by legislatures of not less than one half of the states if it seeks to make any change in :

  • 1. Article 54 of the Constitution.
  • 2. any of the Lists in the Seventh Schedule.
  • 3. the representation of states in the Parliament.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
Article 368 of the Constitution of India provides for the amendment procedure. Certain amendments, particularly those affecting the federal structure, require ratification by the legislatures of not less than one-half of the states, in addition to being passed by a special majority in both Houses of Parliament. The matters requiring state ratification are listed in the proviso to Article 368(2). These include:
1. The election of the President (Articles 54, 55).
2. The extent of the executive power of the Union and States.
3. The Supreme Court and the High Courts.
4. Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States.
5. Any of the Lists in the Seventh Schedule.
6. The representation of States in Parliament.
7. The power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and the procedure therefor (Article 368 itself).

Statement 1 (Article 54 – Election of the President) is covered under point 1.
Statement 2 (any of the Lists in the Seventh Schedule) is covered under point 5.
Statement 3 (the representation of states in the Parliament) is covered under point 6.

All three statements mention matters that require ratification by not less than one-half of the state legislatures.

– Amendments to the Constitution are broadly categorized into simple majority, special majority, and special majority plus state ratification.
– State ratification is required for amendments affecting the federal features of the Constitution.
The requirement of state ratification ensures that amendments impacting the federal scheme have the consent of a significant number of states, upholding the federal spirit of the Constitution.