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Indian Polity UPSC Prelims PYQs – Basics of Polity & Constitution

UPSC Prelims PYQs - Indian Polity

CHAPTER-1: BASICS OF POLITY AND CONSTITUTION

Chapter-wise UPSC Prelims PYQs on Indian Polity covering the basics of the Constitution, constitutional government, federalism, democracy, liberty, equality, parliamentary system, and welfare state. These questions are highly useful for UPSC CSE, CAPF-AC, CDS, State PCS and other competitive examinations.

Prepared by Study Indepth | UPSC • CAPF-AC • CDS Preparation

1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the Chief purpose of the 'Constitution' of a country? UPSC 2023
(a) It determines the objective for the making of necessary laws.
(b) It enables the creation of political offices and a government.
(c) It defines and limits the powers of government.
(d) It secures social justice, social equality and social security.
2. Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day: UPSC 2023

Statement-I: The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II: On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
3. Constitutional government means UPSC 2021
(a) a representative government of a nation with a federal structure
(b) a government whose Head enjoys nominal powers
(c) a government whose Head enjoys real powers
(d) a government limited by the terms of the Constitution
4. Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character? UPSC 2021
(a) The independence of the judiciary is safeguarded
(b) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units
(c) The Union cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties
(d) The Fundamental rights are enforceable by Courts of Law
5. Which one of the following best defines the term "State"? UPSC 2021
(a) A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government.
(b) A politically organized people of a definite territory and possessing an authority to govern them, maintain law and order, protect their natural rights and safeguard their means of sustenance.
(c) A number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government.
(d) A society permanently living in a definite with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary.
6. Which of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy? UPSC 2021
(a) A committed judiciary
(b) Centralization of powers
(c) Elected government
(d) Separation of powers
7. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements: UPSC 2021

1. N. Gopalaswamy Iyenger Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it.

2. In 1970, the Department of personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister's charge.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
8. A constitutional government by definition is a UPSC 2020
(a) government by legislature
(b) popular government
(c) multi-party government
(d) limited Government
9. Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? UPSC 2020

1. Preamble

2. Directive Principles of State Policy

3. Fundamental Duties

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
10. A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which UPSC 2020
(a) all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government
(b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it
(c) the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them
(d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term
11. There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the: UPSC 2015
(a) Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people
(b) Parliament can amend the constitution
(c) Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved
(d) Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha
12. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of a Welfare State? UPSC 2020
(a) Directive Principles of State Policy
(b) Fundamental Rights
(c) Preamble
(d) Seventh Schedule
13. In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy? UPSC 2020
(a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy
(b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism
(c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth
(d) An agency for the implementation of public policy
14. In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty? UPSC 2019
(a) Protection against the tyranny of political rulers
(b) Absence of restraint
(c) Opportunity to do whatever one likes
(d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully
15. Which one of the following reflects the nicest, appropriate relationship between law and liberty? UPSC 2019
(a) if there are more laws, there is less liberty.
(b) If there are no laws, there is no liberty.
(c) If there is liberty, laws have to be made by the people.
(d) If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger.
16. One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of: UPSC 2017
(a) Privileges
(b) Restraints
(c) Competition
(d) Ideology
17. The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that UPSC 2017
(a) the executive and legislature work independently.
(b) it provides continuity of policy and is more efficient.
(c) the executive remains responsible to the legislature.
(d) the head of the government cannot be changed without election.
18. Which one of the following statements is correct? UPSC 2017
(a) Rights are claims of the State against the citizens.
(b) Rights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State.
(c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State.
(d) Rights are privileges of a few citizens against the many.
19. Democracy's superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity UPSC 2017
(a) the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
(b) the methods for strengthening executive leadership.
(c) a superior individual with dynamism and vision.
(d) a band of dedicated party workers.
20. Consider the following statements: A Constitutional Government is one which UPSC 2014

1. Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority

2. Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

🎯 Thank You for Participating!

We hope this quiz helped you revise important polity topics for UPSC and other competitive exams. Keep practicing and stay consistent!

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