The Preamble Archives

1. The phrase “We, the people of India” in the Preamble of the Constituti

The phrase “We, the people of India” in the Preamble of the Constitution of India signifies

Socialist principles

Democratic principles

Secular principles

Sovereign power of the people

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2021-22

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The correct answer is D) Sovereign power of the people.

The opening phrase “We, the people of India” in the Preamble signifies that the ultimate source of the Constitution’s authority is the people of India. It asserts the popular sovereignty, meaning the power rests with the citizens of India, and the Constitution is adopted and enacted by the people themselves, not by an external power or a monarch.

– The Preamble also declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
– While the phrase “We, the people of India” is foundational to the democratic principles (B), its primary significance is establishing the source of authority and thus the sovereignty of the people.
– Socialist (A) and Secular (C) principles are specific ideals mentioned later in the Preamble, not directly derived from the opening phrase about the source of authority.

2. Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution o

Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India :

1. The word ‘socialist’ used in the Preamble is directly related to the principles contained under Article 39.
2. The word ‘secular’ used in the Preamble is directly related to Article 29.
3. The words ‘unity and integrity of the nation’ used in the Preamble are directly related to Article 51A.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20

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Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.

Statement 1: The word ‘socialist’ in the Preamble aims at securing socio-economic justice. Article 39, a Directive Principle of State Policy, directs the state to ensure that the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment and that there is equitable distribution of material resources, directly reflecting socialist principles.
Statement 3: The words ‘unity and integrity of the nation’ in the Preamble are directly related to Fundamental Duties under Article 51A, particularly 51A(c) (“to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India”) and 51A(e) (“to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood…”).
Statement 2: The word ‘secular’ in the Preamble signifies that India is a secular state. While Article 29 deals with the protection of the interests of minorities (language, script, culture), the principle of secularism is more directly reflected in Articles 25-28, which guarantee the freedom of religion to all persons.

The words ‘socialist’, ‘secular’, and ‘integrity’ were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. Directive Principles (Part IV, Articles 36-51) provide guidelines for the state to establish a just and equitable social order, aligning with socialist ideals. Fundamental Duties (Part IVA, Article 51A) emphasize the responsibilities of citizens towards the nation, including maintaining unity and integrity.

3. The Preamble to the Constitution of India, as adopted on 26th November

The Preamble to the Constitution of India, as adopted on 26th November, 1949, originally described India as a

1. Sovereign republic
2. Democratic republic
3. Socialist republic
4. Secular republic

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

1 and 2 only

2, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2019

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On 26th November, 1949, when the Constitution was adopted, the Preamble described India as a ‘Sovereign Democratic Republic’.

The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added to the Preamble much later by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976.

The date 26th November, 1949 is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas). The Constitution came into full effect on 26th January, 1950.

4. Which one of the following statements with regard to the Preamble to t

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Preamble to the Constitution of India is not correct?

The Preamble is a part of the Constitution.

It states the objective of the Constitution.

The word 'Socialist' was added to the Preamble in 1976.

The word 'Secular' was always a part of the Preamble.

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017

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The correct answer is The word ‘Secular’ was always a part of the Preamble.

This statement is incorrect. The words ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’ were not part of the original Preamble to the Constitution of India adopted on 26th January 1950. These words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.

Statements A, B, and C are correct. The Supreme Court, in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be amended, provided the basic structure is not altered. The Preamble outlines the objectives and ideals of the Constitution, such as Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Sovereignty, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic. The word ‘Socialist’ was indeed added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.

5. What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January,

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

A Democratic Republic

A Sovereign Democratic Republic

A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic

A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

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UPSC IAS – 2021

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Option B is the correct answer. On 26th January, 1950, the Preamble of the Indian Constitution declared India to be a Sovereign Democratic Republic.

The Preamble as originally adopted on 26th November 1949 and enforced on 26th January 1950 read: “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, DO HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”

The terms ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976.

6. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is

The Preamble to the Constitution of India is

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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UPSC IAS – 2020

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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.

7. The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in wh

The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following ?

The Preamble

The Fundamental Rights

The Directive Principles of State Policy

The Fundamental Duties

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UPSC IAS – 2017

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The correct answer is A) The Preamble.

The Preamble to the Constitution of India serves as an introduction, stating the basic objectives, ideals, and philosophy of the Constitution. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and secures for all its citizens Justice, Liberty, Equality, and promotes Fraternity. It essentially encapsulates the fundamental aspirations and values that the framers of the Constitution intended to establish, thereby reflecting their mind and vision for the nation. The Supreme Court has often referred to the Preamble to interpret the provisions of the Constitution and understand the original intent of the constitution makers.

While Fundamental Rights (B) and Directive Principles of State Policy (C) are crucial parts of the Constitution outlining the rights of citizens and guidelines for the state respectively, the Preamble provides the overarching framework and philosophy behind these provisions. Fundamental Duties (D) were added much later by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 and were not part of the original Constitution drafted by the constituent assembly.

8. Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble

Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India ?

Liberty of thought

Economic liberty

Liberty of expression

Liberty of belief

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UPSC IAS – 2017

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Economic liberty is not an objective explicitly embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India.

– The Preamble outlines the objectives of the Indian state. It explicitly mentions:
– JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
– LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
– EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
– FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
– While “Economic justice” is mentioned, “Economic liberty” is not among the forms of liberty listed.

The term ‘Liberty’ in the Preamble refers to the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals and also provides opportunities for the development of individual personalities. It covers thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.

9. Which of the following are true regarding the Preamble of the Constitu

Which of the following are true regarding the Preamble of the Constitution of India ?

1. The Objective Resolution proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru and passed by the Constituent Assembly which ultimately became the Preamble
2. The idea of the Preamble was borrowed from the Constitution of USA
3. The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were adopted by the 42^nd Amendment in 1976
4. The Preamble incorporates the Fundamental Rights of the citizens of India

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

2, 3 and 4

1, 3 and 4

1, 2 and 4

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is A, as statements 1, 2, and 3 are true regarding the Preamble of the Constitution of India.

– Statement 1 is true. The Preamble is based on the Objectives Resolution drafted and moved by Pandit Nehru and adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
– Statement 2 is true. The idea of having a Preamble in the constitution was borrowed from the Constitution of the USA, which was the first country to have a written constitution with a Preamble.
– Statement 3 is true. The words ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’ were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
– Statement 4 is false. The Preamble embodies the aims and objectives of the Constitution. Fundamental Rights are guaranteed under Part III (Articles 12-35) of the Constitution, not incorporated within the text of the Preamble itself.

The Preamble is considered a key to the Constitution and reflects the philosophy and ideals on which the Constitution is based. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic and aims to secure Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all its citizens. The Supreme Court, in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be amended, but its ‘basic structure’ cannot be altered.

10. With regard to the Constitution of India, which one of the following s

With regard to the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements is not correct ?

The words - Socialist and Secular, were not originally part of the Constitution.

The Preamble states the objects of the Constitution of India.

The Preamble is enforceable in a Court of Law.

A Republic refers to the people as the source of all authority under the Constitution.

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UPSC NDA-1 – 2021

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The Preamble to the Constitution of India is not enforceable in a Court of Law. While it is considered an integral part of the Constitution and is used as a key to interpret the intentions of the framers, it does not contain legally binding provisions that can be directly enforced by courts.

The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution, stating its ideals, objectives, and basic structure. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and aims to secure Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens.

The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. The concept of a Republic signifies that the head of state is elected, and political power vests in the people, not a hereditary ruler. The Supreme Court, in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be amended, but its ‘basic structure’ cannot be altered.