Basic Quiz – 22 October 2026 | Polity

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. Article 52 provides for the office of the President of India. Under Article 53, the executive power of the Union is vested in the President and is exercised in accordance with the Constitution.
• Statement 2: Incorrect. The President is indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States, including Delhi and Puducherry.
• Statement 3: Correct. Article 58 prescribes the qualifications for election as President, including Indian citizenship, a minimum age of 35 years and eligibility for election to the Lok Sabha.
• Statement 4: Correct. Under Article 74, the President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. The President may require reconsideration of advice once but must act according to the advice tendered after reconsideration.

Remember for Prelims:

• Article 52: Office of the President.
• Article 53: Executive power of the Union.
• Article 54: Election of the President.
• Article 58: Qualifications for election.
• Article 61: Impeachment of the President.
• Article 72: Pardoning powers.
• Article 74: Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President.
• Term of Office: Five years, with eligibility for re-election.

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. Article 79 provides that Parliament consists of the President and two Houses, namely the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
• Statement 2: Correct. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved. Approximately one-third of its members retire every two years.
• Statement 3: Incorrect. Under Article 109, a Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha may recommend amendments but must return the Bill within 14 days.
• Statement 4: Correct. Under Article 83, the normal term of the Lok Sabha is five years from the date appointed for its first meeting, unless dissolved earlier. Its term may be extended during a National Emergency subject to constitutional conditions.

Remember for Prelims:

• Article 79: Constitution of Parliament.
• Article 80: Composition of Rajya Sabha.
• Article 81: Composition of Lok Sabha.
• Article 83: Duration of Houses of Parliament.
• Article 108: Joint sitting of Parliament.
• Article 109: Special procedure for Money Bills.
• Article 110: Definition of Money Bill.
• Rajya Sabha: Permanent House.
• Lok Sabha: Normally has a five-year term.
• Money Bill: Requires the Speaker’s certification.

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Part IV of the Constitution, covering Articles 36 to 51. They provide guidelines for the State in formulating laws and public policies.
• Statement 2: Incorrect. Article 37 explicitly states that Directive Principles are not enforceable by any court. However, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
• Statement 3: Correct. Article 44 directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout the territory of India.
• Statement 4: Correct. Directive Principles seek to establish a welfare state by promoting social and economic justice, reducing inequalities and improving living conditions. They complement Fundamental Rights.

Remember for Prelims:

• Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy.
• Articles 36 to 51: Constitutional provisions relating to DPSPs.
• Article 37: DPSPs are non-justiciable but fundamental in governance.
• Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid.
• Article 40: Organisation of village panchayats.
• Article 44: Uniform Civil Code.
• Article 45: Early childhood care and education for children below six years.
• Article 48A: Protection and improvement of the environment.
• Article 50: Separation of judiciary from executive.
• Source of DPSPs: Irish Constitution.

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. The Preamble describes India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. These terms reflect the fundamental political and constitutional character of the Indian State.
• Statement 2: Correct. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, added the words Socialist, Secular and Integrity to the Preamble.
• Statement 3: Correct. The Preamble sets out the objectives of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. However, it is not independently enforceable in a court of law.
• Statement 4: Correct. In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court held that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended, provided the amendment does not violate the Basic Structure Doctrine.

Remember for Prelims:

• Adoption of Constitution: 26 November 1949.
• Commencement of Constitution: 26 January 1950.
• Source of Preamble: Objectives Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946.
• 42nd Amendment (1976): Added Socialist, Secular and Integrity.
• Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Recognised the Preamble as part of the Constitution.
• Basic Structure Doctrine: Parliament cannot destroy the basic structure of the Constitution through constitutional amendments.