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11. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is

The Preamble to the Constitution of India is

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a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect

not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either

a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part

a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts

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The Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution. However, the Preamble itself is not a source of power to the legislature or a prohibition upon the powers of the legislature. It has no legal effect independently of the other parts of the Constitution. It is used as a key to open the minds of the makers of the Constitution and is used to interpret the provisions of the Constitution where the language is ambiguous. Option D correctly captures this status: it is a part of the Constitution but does not have independent legal effect as a source of enforceable rights or limitations on power.

– The Preamble is considered a part of the Constitution.
– It is not directly enforceable in courts.
– It serves as an aid in interpreting the Constitution.

Prior to the Kesavananda Bharati case, in the Berubari Union case (1960), the Supreme Court had held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution. This view was overturned in Kesavananda Bharati case. While it is part of the Constitution, it cannot be used as a source of substantive power or limitation. Its primary value is in understanding the intent and philosophy behind the Constitution.

12. In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteris

In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?

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An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy

An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism

An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth

An agency for the implementation of public policy

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The correct answer is D) An agency for the implementation of public policy.

Bureaucracy in any modern democratic state, including India, primarily serves as the administrative machinery responsible for putting government policies and laws into effect. It translates the decisions made by the political executive and legislature into action.
While a competent bureaucracy can contribute to political stability and economic growth (Option C), these are outcomes of effective implementation, not the defining characteristic of the agency itself. Options A and B describe potential impacts or roles in specific contexts, but the fundamental, universal characteristic of bureaucracy is its function as the executive arm responsible for policy implementation.

Bureaucracy is structured hierarchically, operates based on rules and procedures, and is typically staffed by trained professionals. Its efficiency is crucial for governance, but it also faces challenges like red tape, corruption, and resistance to change.

13. One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is

One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is

the final goal of a stateless society

class struggle

abolition of private property

economic determinism

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The correct answer is A) the final goal of a stateless society.

Despite vast differences in their philosophies, methods, and immediate goals, both Gandhism and Marxism share the ultimate ideal of a stateless society, albeit conceived differently.
Gandhi envisioned ‘Ram Rajya’ or enlightened anarchism, a society where individuals are self-controlled and moral, rendering the state apparatus unnecessary. Marx envisioned communism, a stage reached after socialism, where class distinctions disappear, and the state, seen as an instrument of class oppression, withers away.

Options B and C are points of fundamental difference: Marxism is centered on class struggle and the abolition of private property, while Gandhism advocates for class harmony (trusteeship) and does not seek outright abolition of private property but its use for common good. Option D, economic determinism (the idea that economic relations determine all social phenomena), is a core tenet of Marxism but not of Gandhism, which gives primacy to moral and spiritual factors alongside economic ones.

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14. Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defi

Consider the following statements:

1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.
2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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The correct answer is B) 2 only.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Constitution of India does not explicitly define its ‘basic structure’. The concept of ‘basic structure’ was propounded by the Supreme Court in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) to limit the Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. The Court has, over various judgments, identified certain elements (like federalism, secularism, democracy, judicial review, etc.) as part of the basic structure, but the definition is judicial, not constitutional text.
Statement 2 is correct: The Constitution of India explicitly provides for judicial review. Articles like 13, 32, and 226 empower the higher courts (Supreme Court and High Courts) to review laws and executive actions to ensure they are in conformity with the Constitution, especially the Fundamental Rights. This power is a crucial safeguard for citizens’ liberties and helps preserve the principles upon which the Constitution is based.

Judicial review is considered a fundamental feature of the Indian Constitution. It allows the judiciary to strike down laws or actions that are ultra vires the Constitution. The basic structure doctrine itself is an example of judicial review being used to preserve the fundamental framework of the Constitution.

15. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare

Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State?

Directive Principles of State Policy

Fundamental Rights

Preamble

Seventh Schedule

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The correct answer is A) Directive Principles of State Policy.

The ideal of a Welfare State is enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India. These principles are not enforceable by courts but guide the state in making laws and policies.
Articles like 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, etc., lay down various objectives for the state to pursue to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order based on justice (social, economic, and political), ensuring adequate means of livelihood, fair distribution of wealth, right to work, education, public assistance, just and humane conditions of work, living wage, promotion of educational and economic interests of weaker sections, etc. These principles collectively aim at establishing a welfare state.

While the Preamble speaks of ‘Justice – social, economic and political’ and ‘Equality of status and of opportunity’, setting the broad goals, the DPSP provide concrete guidelines and objectives for the state to move towards realizing these goals and establishing a welfare state. Fundamental Rights primarily focus on negative obligations of the state (restrictions on the state), protecting individual liberties. The Seventh Schedule deals with the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and States.

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16. A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which

A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which

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all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government

the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it

the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them

the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term

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The correct answer is B) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it.

A Parliamentary System of Government is characterized by a close relationship between the executive (Government) and the legislature (Parliament). The executive is formed from within the legislature and remains accountable to it.
Option B correctly describes the core principle of responsible government in a parliamentary system: the Council of Ministers (Government) is collectively responsible to the Lower House of Parliament (e.g., Lok Sabha in India). If the Government loses the confidence of the majority in Parliament, it can be removed through a vote of no-confidence.

Option A is incorrect because a government in a parliamentary system might be a coalition or a single-party majority; it doesn’t necessarily include *all* political parties. Option C describes aspects more typical of a presidential system, where the executive is directly elected by the people. Option D is incorrect because the Government *can* be removed by Parliament before the completion of its term.

17. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscr

Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription ?
“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”

Ashoka

Samudragupta

Harshavardhana

Krishnadeva Raya

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The correct answer is A) Ashoka.

The inscription quoted is characteristic of the edicts of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE). Ashoka, after his conversion to Buddhism, promoted the principle of Dhamma, which included tolerance and respect for all religious sects (Samavaya).
The quote explicitly warns against sectarianism – praising one’s own sect excessively and blaming others – stating that such behavior actually harms one’s own sect. This message promoting inter-religious harmony and restraint is a recurring theme in Ashoka’s edicts, particularly Major Rock Edict XII.

Samudragupta (Gupta dynasty) was known for his military conquests and religious tolerance, but this specific ethical instruction about inter-sectarian behaviour is uniquely characteristic of Ashoka’s Dhamma policy expressed through his inscriptions. Harshavardhana (Pushyabhuti dynasty) also patronized multiple religions, and Krishnadeva Raya (Vijayanagara Empire) was known for tolerance, but the phraseology strongly points to Ashoka.

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18. With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dro

With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote

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measurement of land

coins of different monetary value

classification of urban land

religious rituals

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The correct answer is A) measurement of land.

The terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” are technical terms found in ancient Indian inscriptions and texts, particularly those related to land grants and administration.
These terms represent units of land measurement, often defined by the amount of seed required to sow a particular area of land. A “kulyavapa” was a smaller unit than a “dronavapa”. These measurements were crucial for revenue assessment and land administration in different historical periods and regions of India.

Other ancient units of land measurement varied across regions and time periods, but units based on seed measure like kulyavapa, dronavapa, and also nivartana (based on area) were common. These terms provide valuable insight into the agricultural and administrative practices of ancient and early medieval India.

19. The Vittal-Vidhwansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchab

The Vittal-Vidhwansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by

Gopal Baba Walangkar

Jyotiba Phule

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

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The correct answer is A) Gopal Baba Walangkar.

Gopal Baba Walangkar (1840-1900), also known as Gopal Krishna, was a pioneering figure in the Dalit movement in Maharashtra. He is considered the first journalist from the untouchable community.
“Vittal-Vidhwansak” (meaning “Destroyer of Pollution”) was the first monthly journal specifically aimed at raising awareness and addressing the issues faced by the untouchable community. It was published by Gopal Baba Walangkar starting around 1888.

Jyotiba Phule was a prominent social reformer who worked for the upliftment of backward classes and women, influencing Walangkar, but “Vittal-Vidhwansak” was published by Walangkar. Gandhi and Ambedkar were later figures in the broader struggle against untouchability, with Ambedkar becoming the foremost leader of the Dalit movement in the 20th century.

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20. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following? 1. Invitation

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?

1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference
2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement
3. Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses
4. Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

1, 2 and 4 only

3 only

2, 3 and 4 only

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The correct answer is B) 1, 2 and 4 only.

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed by Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, on March 5, 1931. It marked the end of the Civil Disobedience Movement and paved the way for Congress participation in the Second Round Table Conference.
Statement 1 is correct: A key term of the pact was the British government’s agreement to invite the Indian National Congress to participate in the upcoming Second Round Table Conference.
Statement 2 is correct: The government agreed to withdraw all ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement that were not essential for normal administration.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Gandhiji’s demand for a public inquiry into police excesses during the movement was explicitly refused by Lord Irwin and was not included in the pact.
Statement 4 is correct: The government agreed to release all political prisoners not convicted for violence. Prisoners charged with violence or inciting violence were not to be released under the pact.

Other terms of the pact included the return of confiscated property not yet sold to third parties, permitting coastal villages to make salt for consumption (not for sale), and allowing peaceful picketing of liquor, opium, and foreign cloth shops. However, the demand for Bhagat Singh and his comrades’ release was not met, which led to criticism of the pact.

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