SSC JE Polity Questions with Detailed Solutions

Correct Answer: (C) Article 51A

Explanation:

• Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens are listed under Article 51A of the Constitution.
• These duties include obligations such as:
• Respecting the Constitution, national flag, and national anthem
• Protecting public property
• Promoting harmony and renouncing violence
• Safeguarding the environment
• Cherishing India’s rich heritage
• Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, inspired by the Constitution of the USSR.

Information Booster:

• Number of Fundamental Duties: Originally 10, increased to 11 by the 86th Amendment in 2002.
• Nature: These are non-justiciable, meaning they are not enforceable by law, but they guide citizens’ behavior and moral responsibility.
• Significance: Encourages responsible citizenship and complements Fundamental Rights.

Other Options:

• A (Article 11A) – Not related to Fundamental Duties; deals with interpretation of laws related to citizenship.
• B (Article 36A) – Not related; Articles 36–51 deal with Directive Principles of State Policy.
• D (Article 72A) – Not a valid article; Article 72 deals with the President’s power of pardon.

Correct Answer: (B) Article 112

Explanation:

• Article 112 of the Indian Constitution mandates that the President of India shall cause to be laid before both Houses of Parliament the Annual Financial Statement, commonly known as the Union Budget.
• The statement includes estimated receipts and expenditures of the Government of India for the upcoming financial year.
• This ensures financial accountability and allows Parliamentary scrutiny of government spending and revenue collection.

Information Booster:

• Union Budget: Presented annually, usually on 1st February (for the next financial year starting 1st April).
• Components:
• Revenue Budget: Includes receipts and expenditure for government operations.
• Capital Budget: Covers loans, investments, and long-term financial obligations.
• Significance: Article 112 ensures transparency in public finance and legislative control over taxation and spending.

Other Options:

• A (Article 212) – Deals with restrictions on courts regarding discussions in Parliament.
• C (Article 312) – Related to the creation of All-India Services by Parliament.
• D (Article 412) – Does not exist; the Constitution has no Article 412.

Correct Answer: (D) Supreme Court

Explanation:

• The Supreme Court of India is the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution.
• It has the authority of judicial review, which allows it to interpret the Constitution and determine the validity of laws or executive actions.
• Its decisions ensure that all laws and policies comply with constitutional provisions and protect fundamental rights.

Information Booster:

• Article 141: The law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts in India.
• Judicial Review: Empowers the Supreme Court to strike down unconstitutional laws made by Parliament or state legislatures.
• Other options:
• President: Cannot interpret the Constitution; role is mainly ceremonial.
• Speaker: Presides over the Lok Sabha, cannot interpret constitutional law.
• District Courts: Handle local disputes; cannot interpret the Constitution in the final sense.

So, the Supreme Court is the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution.

The correct answer is (B) second. 

Explanation:

• The Fundamental Duties of citizens are listed under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.
• These were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
• The duty “to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom” is the second fundamental duty in this list.
• It reminds citizens of their responsibility to honor and preserve the sacrifices and principles that guided India’s independence movement.

List of Fundamental Duties (brief order):

1. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon.
   … (and so on, up to 11 duties after the 86th Amendment, 2002).

Information Booster:

• Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable (not enforceable by law), but they act as a moral compass for citizens.
• They are inspired by the Constitution of the USSR.
• The 86th Amendment, 2002 added the 11th duty: “to provide opportunities for education to children between 6 and 14 years.”

Additional Knowledge on Options:
(A) First – Abiding by the Constitution and respecting the National Flag/Anthem.
(B) Second – Correct; cherishing and following the noble ideals of freedom struggle.
(C) Third – Protecting the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
(D) Fourth – Defending the country and rendering national service when called.

The correct answer is (a) Unity and integrity of the nation

as the Preamble to the Indian Constitution specifically mentions that the promotion of fraternity among citizens assures the unity and integrity of the nation.

Explanation:

• The Preamble declares that one of the core objectives of the Constitution is to promote fraternity, which means a feeling of brotherhood among all citizens of India.
• This sense of fraternity is essential to preserve the unity and integrity of a diverse country like India.
• By fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect, fraternity helps in national integration and minimizes divisions based on religion, language, caste, or region.

Information Booster:

• The exact words in the Preamble are:
  “to promote among them all fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.”
• Fraternity complements the other ideals of the Preamble—Justice, Liberty, and Equality—by ensuring a sense of solidarity and national cohesion.
• The idea was inspired by the French Revolution, where liberty, equality, and fraternity formed the foundational ideals.

The correct answer is (c) Parliamentary form of government

as in this system, the executive enjoys the power to dissolve the legislature, especially the lower house, under certain constitutional provisions.

Explanation:

• In a parliamentary system, the executive is a part of the legislature and derives its authority from it.
• The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers can advise the President (India) or Monarch (UK) to dissolve the lower house.
• Dissolution usually happens when:
• The ruling party loses majority support.
• The government seeks a fresh public mandate.
• There's a political deadlock or instability.
• This process ensures that the government remains accountable to the legislature and ultimately to the people.

Information Booster:

• This feature is a hallmark of flexibility in parliamentary democracies.
• Allows for mid-term elections to resolve political crises.
• Seen in countries like:
• India – Lok Sabha can be dissolved on PM's advice to the President.
• United Kingdom – House of Commons can be dissolved on PM's advice to the Monarch.
• Canada – Similar provisions under the Governor-General's role.

Additional Information:

• Option A (Incorrect): Presidential form (e.g., USA) has separation of powers; the President cannot dissolve Congress.
• Option B (Incorrect): Totalitarian regimes suppress democratic institutions, including legislatures.
• Option D (Incorrect): Oligarchy refers to rule by a few elites, not based on democratic legislative systems.

The correct answer is (A) अवसर (Opportunity).

Explanation:

• Preamble of the Indian Constitution begins with the phrase:
  "WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA".
• The purpose is to constitute India into a:
• Sovereign (Independent and self-governing)
• Socialist (Social and economic justice)
• Secular (No state religion, equal treatment for all religions)
• Democratic Republic (People's government, with elected representatives)

Information Booster:

• The goal is to secure to all citizens:
• JUSTICE:
• Social
• Economic
• Political
• LIBERTY of:
• Thought
• Expression
• Belief
• Faith
• Worship
• EQUALITY of:
• Status
• Opportunity
• FRATERNITY assuring:
• The dignity of the individual
• Unity and integrity of the nation
• This resolution was adopted in the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.
• It was a solemn resolution to Adopt, Enact, and Give the Constitution to the people of India.

The correct answer is (c) 50%

as on 20 July 2023, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha reconstituted the panel of Vice-Chairpersons to include 50% women members.

Explanation:

• The panel consists of 8 Vice-Chairpersons, out of which 4 were women, marking the first time that such gender parity was achieved in this parliamentary body.
• This move was aimed at promoting inclusivity and equal representation of women in leadership roles within the Rajya Sabha.

Information Booster:

• The four women nominated were:
• P.T. Usha
• S. Phangnon Konyak
• Fauzia Khan
• Sulata Deo
• S. Phangnon Konyak made history as the first woman from Nagaland to be nominated to this panel.
• This initiative highlighted the increasing recognition of women’s participation in Indian politics at the highest levels.

The correct answer is (b) Attorney General of India

as per Article 76 of the Indian Constitution, the Attorney General of India is appointed by the President of India.

Explanation:

• Article 76 of the Constitution of India states that the Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India and represents the government in legal matters.
• The Attorney General is appointed by the President and holds office during the pleasure of the President.
• The Attorney General is expected to provide legal advice to the Union Government and represent it in the Supreme Court and High Courts when needed.

Information Booster:

• The Attorney General is not a member of the Cabinet but is considered a part of the government's legal team.
• The office of the Attorney General has been in existence since 1950 and is one of the most crucial legal positions in India.

• Article 76: This article defines the office and appointment of the Attorney General of India, stating that the Attorney General is appointed by the President and serves as the chief legal advisor to the Government of India.
• Article 88: It mentions the Attorney General's right of audience in all courts of India and his right to take part in the proceedings of Parliament.
• Article 77(1): This article defines the role of the Attorney General in the transaction of business of the Government of India.
• Article 165: In this article, it is mentioned that the Attorney General for the State represents the state government in legal matters, similar to the role of the Attorney General of India, although appointed by the Governor of the state.

Additional Information:

• Option A (Incorrect): The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President of India, but under Article 324, not Article 76.
• Option C (Incorrect): The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is appointed by the President under Article 148, not Article 76.
• Option D (Incorrect): The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President under Article 124, not Article 76.

Correct Answer: (C) Legal underpinnings for achieving universal elementary education

Explanation:

• The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 was enacted to provide free and compulsory education to all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years in India.
• The act makes education a fundamental right under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.
• Its primary objective is to ensure universal access to elementary education and reduce dropout rates in schools.

Information Booster:

• Key Provisions of the RTE Act, 2009:
• Every child has the right to free education in a neighborhood school.
• Schools must maintain minimum infrastructure, teacher-student ratio, and qualified teachers.
• No child can be denied admission or held back in class due to inability to pay fees.
• Reservation of 25% seats for children from disadvantaged sections in private schools.
• Significance:
• Strengthens India’s commitment to universal elementary education.
• Promotes equity and inclusion in education.
• Provides legal framework to hold schools accountable for providing quality education.

So, the RTE Act lays down the legal basis for achieving universal elementary education.

Correct Answer: (C) Articles 36-51

Explanation:

• The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are laid down in Articles 36 to 51 of the Indian Constitution.
• These Articles provide guidelines to the government to establish a just society and ensure social, economic, and political welfare.
• Although not justiciable in courts, they are fundamental in governance and guide the state in policy-making and legislation.

Information Booster:

• Categories of DPSP:
1. Economic and social welfare principles: Promote equitable distribution of resources.
2. Gandhian principles: Promote cottage industries, prohibition of intoxicants.
3. Justice and democracy principles: Ensure uniform civil code, protection of workers, and education for all.
• Article Examples:

• Article 39: Directs the State to ensure equal pay for equal work and proper livelihood.
• Article 41: Provides right to work, education, and public assistance.
• Article 48: Directs State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern lines.

So, Articles 36-51 of the Indian Constitution relate to the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Correct Answer: (C) 1976

Explanation:

• The Swaran Singh Committee was set up by the Indira Gandhi government in 1976.
• Its main purpose was to review and strengthen India’s foreign policy, defense, and strategic planning, particularly in the context of post-1971 developments.
• Chaired by Swaran Singh, a senior politician and former Union Minister, the committee provided recommendations for modernizing the Ministry of External Affairs and enhancing India’s diplomatic and strategic capabilities.

Information Booster:

• Objectives of the Committee:
• Review India’s foreign policy and defense strategy.
• Suggest improvements in diplomatic services and coordination between ministries.
• Strengthen India’s strategic planning in the regional and global context.
• Significance:
• Helped India adapt its foreign policy and defense planning after the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Influenced India’s diplomatic and strategic decision-making during the Emergency period (1975–77).

So, the Swaran Singh Committee was established in 1976.

Correct Answer is (A) Indian Parliamentary system

Explanation:

• The Indian Parliamentary system is based on the Westminster model of government, which was adopted from the United Kingdom.
• This system is characterized by a bicameral legislature, a dual executive (the President and the Prime Minister), and the accountability of the executive to the legislature.
• The Prime Minister is the head of government, while the President is the ceremonial head of state.
• The Westminster model emphasizes majority rule, where the executive comes from the legislature and remains accountable to it.

Information Booster:

• Indian Parliament: The Indian Parliament consists of:
• Lok Sabha (House of the People)
• Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
  The Lok Sabha represents the people directly, and the Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories.
• Collective Responsibility: Under the parliamentary system, the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no-confidence, the government must resign.
• Separation of Powers: While the Indian system is inspired by the Westminster model, India follows a separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
• The President's Role: The President of India, while being the ceremonial head of state, plays a significant role in certain situations such as:
• Forming governments
• Addressing parliamentary deadlocks

Correct Answer: (D) 8

Explanation:

• The Swaran Singh Committee recommended 8 Fundamental Duties to be included in the Constitution of India.
• The Fundamental Duties were incorporated to ensure citizens not only have rights but also responsibilities.
• The Indian Constitution includes a single Article, Article 51A, in Part IV-A, which deals with Fundamental Duties. These duties were added through the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976.

Information Booster:

• The fundamental duties serve as a reminder to citizens that while enjoying their rights, they have also to be quite conscious of duties they owe to their country, their society and to their fellow-citizens.
• However, like the Directive Principles, the duties are also non-justiciable in nature.
• The idea of Fundamental Duties is inspired from the Constitution of Russia.
• These were incorporated in Part IV-A of the Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 on the recommendations of Swaran Singh Committee.
• Originally 10 in number, one more duty was added through the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002. All the eleven duties are listed in Article 51-A of the Constitution (the sole Article in Part-IV-A).

The correct answer is (D) Right to Property.

Explanation:

• Article 300A was added to the Indian Constitution through the 44th Amendment Act of 1978. It deals with the Right to Property, which was previously a fundamental right under Article 31.
• After the 44th Amendment, the Right to Property was removed from the list of fundamental rights and made a constitutional right under Article 300A, which states: "No person shall be deprived of his property except by authority of law."

Information Booster:

• The Right to Property was originally Article 31 under Part III of the Constitution, but with the 44th Amendment in 1978, it was moved from a fundamental right to a constitutional right under Article 300A.
• This change was made to limit the excessive power of the state in acquiring property and to provide certain protective legal provisions while ensuring that property rights are not absolute.

Why other options are incorrect:

• (A) Cultural and Educational Rights: These are dealt with under Articles 29 and 30, and there has been no change to these rights in the form of Article 300A.
• (B) Right to Freedom of Religion: This is covered under Article 25 to 28 and remains a fundamental right.
• (C) Right against Exploitation: Covered under Articles 23 and 24, this too remains a fundamental right and is not impacted by Article 300A.