Important Amendments MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Important Amendments - Download Free PDF

The Correct answer is Option 1.

Important Points 

• The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act 2003, states that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. Hence option 1 is Correct.

Key Points 

• A member of either house of Parliament belonging to any political party who is disqualified on the ground of defection shall also be disqualified to be appointed as a minister. 
• The total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers in a state shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly of that state. 
  • But, the number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in a state shall not be less than 12.
• The total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers in a State shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the assembly but the minimum strength in case of small states (Mizoram - 40, Goa-40, Sikkim-40) is 12 due to lower strength of the legislative assembly of that states.
• This amendment also states that a person who is disqualified under anti-defection law (10th Schedule) shall not be appointed as a minister.

The correct answer is 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956.

Key Points

• The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 was enacted to reorganize states and territories in India based on linguistic and administrative convenience.
• It facilitated the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more states, enabling efficient governance and administrative convenience.
• The Act also included a provision for establishing a common High Court for two or more states, ensuring judicial efficiency and resource optimization.
• This amendment introduced the concept of Union Territories, creating a separate administrative structure for areas that were not part of any state.
• It abolished the classification of states into Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D, unifying them into a single category of 'States' and 'Union Territories'.

Additional Information

• Union Territories: These are regions in India governed directly by the Central Government. Examples include Delhi, Chandigarh, and Lakshadweep.
• Part A, B, C, D States: Prior to the 7th Amendment, Indian states were categorized as:
  • Part A: Former British provinces governed by elected legislatures.
  • Part B: Princely states governed by a Rajpramukh appointed by the President.
  • Part C: Chief Commissioner’s provinces and some princely states governed by centrally appointed Chief Commissioners.
  • Part D: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, governed by the Central Government.
• Reorganization of States: The States Reorganization Commission recommended restructuring Indian states based on linguistic and cultural factors, which culminated in this amendment.
• Common High Courts: The provision for shared High Courts promotes judicial efficiency and reduces administrative costs for smaller states.
• Governors for Multiple States: Allowing one Governor to serve multiple states ensures streamlined governance and reduces redundancy in administrative positions.

The Correct answer is Option 1.

Important Points 

• The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act 2003, states that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. Hence option 1 is Correct.

Key Points 

• A member of either house of Parliament belonging to any political party who is disqualified on the ground of defection shall also be disqualified to be appointed as a minister. 
• The total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers in a state shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly of that state. 
  • But, the number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in a state shall not be less than 12.
• The total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers in a State shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the assembly but the minimum strength in case of small states (Mizoram - 40, Goa-40, Sikkim-40) is 12 due to lower strength of the legislative assembly of that states.
• This amendment also states that a person who is disqualified under anti-defection law (10th Schedule) shall not be appointed as a minister.

The correct answer is Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali.

Key Points

• The 71st Amendment Act of 1992 added three languages—Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali—to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• The Eighth Schedule initially included 14 languages, but subsequent amendments increased the number to the current total of 22.
• These three languages were added to recognize and promote linguistic diversity and cultural heritage in India.
• The amendment reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding minority languages and ensuring their representation in governance and education.
• With the inclusion of these languages, the Eighth Schedule serves as a framework for developing official language policies at both the state and national levels.

Additional Information

• Eighth Schedule of the Constitution:
  • The Eighth Schedule lists the languages recognized by the Constitution of India for official purposes.
  • It originally included 14 languages, but subsequent amendments have expanded the list to 22 languages.
  • Languages included in the Eighth Schedule are eligible for development under the aegis of the government.
• 71st Amendment Act, 1992:
  • It was enacted by the Parliament of India to amend the Constitution.
  • The primary purpose was to include Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali in the Eighth Schedule.
  • This amendment underscores the importance of linguistic diversity in India's multicultural society.
• Significance of Scheduled Languages:
  • Scheduled languages receive recognition and support for their preservation and development.
  • They play a vital role in governance, education, and cultural identity.
  • Languages in the Eighth Schedule can be used for official communication at the state and central levels.
• Linguistic Amendments in India:
  • India has witnessed multiple constitutional amendments to recognize and support regional languages.
  • For example, Sindhi was added by the 21st Amendment Act in 1967, and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added by the 92nd Amendment Act in 2003.
  • These amendments reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of India's linguistic landscape.

The correct answer is 48th Amendment Act.

Key Points

• The 48th Amendment Act of 1984 did not amend any provisions related to the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
• This amendment was enacted to extend the President's Rule in the state of Punjab beyond the one-year limit prescribed under Article 356(5) of the Indian Constitution.
• It dealt specifically with the political situation in Punjab and had no relevance to the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• In contrast, amendments like the 42nd Amendment Act and 86th Amendment Act directly addressed and modified provisions of the DPSP.
• The 42nd Amendment Act, for instance, added new principles, while the 86th Amendment Act integrated the right to education for children under Article 21A, influencing related DPSPs.

Additional Information

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
  • Enshrined in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Indian Constitution, DPSPs aim to establish a welfare state by guiding the government in policy-making.
  • They are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced in a court of law, but they are fundamental in governance.
  • Examples include provisions for social welfare, equitable distribution of resources, and environmental conservation.
• 42nd Amendment Act (1976):
  • Known as the "Mini-Constitution," it made significant changes to the DPSP.
  • Added Articles 39A (Equal justice and free legal aid), 43A (Workers' participation in management), and 48A (Protection of the environment).
  • Shifted the focus towards socialism and environmental sustainability.
• 86th Amendment Act (2002):
  • Introduced Article 21A, making the right to education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.
  • Modified Article 45 under DPSP to focus on early childhood care for children below six years.
• 97th Amendment Act (2011):
  • Added a new DPSP under Article 43B, emphasizing the promotion of cooperative societies.
  • Aimed to strengthen cooperative movements in India by ensuring their democratic functioning.

The correct answer is the 86^th amendment.

Key Points

• The 86^th amendment to the Constitution of India in 2002, provided the Right to Education as a Fundamental Right in Part-III of the Constitution.
• The amendment inserted Article 21A which made the Right to Education a fundamental right for children between 6-14 years.
• The 86^th amendment provided for follow-up legislation for Right to Education Bill 2008 and finally Right to Education Act, 2009.

The correct answer is 101.

Key Points

• GST stands for Goods and Services Tax
  • GST was passed as the 101^st amendment act. It came into force on 1^st July 2017.
  • GST is a comprehensive indirect tax on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services throughout India.
  • It will replace existing multiple taxes levied by the central and state governments.
  • The concept of GST was first introduced in Parliament by P. Chidambaram in 2005.
  • France is the first country to introduce GST.
  • The different tax slabs under the GST are  0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.
  • One nation, one tax, one market is the motto of the GST.
  • Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador to promote goods and services tax.

Additional Information

• The 100^th amendment act of the Indian constitution deals with the provisions regarding land boundary agreements between India and Bangladesh.
• The 102^nd amendment act of the Indian constitution gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes.
• The 103^rd amendment act of the Indian constitution deals with the 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs).

The correct answer is 92^nd Constitution Amendment Act of 2003.

Key Points

• Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali were added by the 92^nd Amendment Act of 2003.
• The Sindhi language was added in the 8^th schedule by the 21^st Amendment Act of 1967.
• Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali were added by the 71^st Amendment Act of 1992.
• Part XVII of the Indian constitution deals with the official languages in articles 343 to 351.

Additional Information

• 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act came in 1992 and it gave constitutional status to the three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• 101^st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 applied GST throughout the country form 1 July 2017.
• 103^rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 gave 10% reservation to Economically weaker section.

The correct answer is the 42^nd Amendment.

Key Points:

• The 42^nd constitutional amendment act of 1976 provided for the setting up of Administrative Tribunals in India.
  • The original constitution did not contain any provisions with respect to tribunals.
  • The 42^nd constitutional amendment added a new part XIV-A and article 323 A to the Indian constitution.
  • Article 323 A empowers the parliament to provide for the establishment of administrative tribunals.
  • Administrative Tribunals adjudicate the disputes and complaints relating to the recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to the public service and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union and the States.
  • The chairman of the central administrative tribunal shall be a sitting or retired judge of a high court.
  • The chairman, vice-chairman, and the members of the central administrative tribunals are appointed by the President.
  • Justice L Narasimha Reddy is the current chairman of the central administrative tribunal.
• The 24^th constitutional amendment of the Indian constitution made it compulsory for the president to give his assent to a constitutional amendment bill.
• The 44^th constitutional amendment of the Indian constitution deleted the right to property from the list of fundamental rights.
• The 59^th constitutional amendment of the Indian constitution empowered the central government to impose an emergency in Punjab when deemed necessary.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Part IX-A

• 74th Constitutional Amendment Act gave Constitutional recognition to municipalities by adding Part IX-A.
• The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act came into effect on June 1, 1993.
• It is linked to Urban Local Bodies (also known as Nagarpalikas).
• It had been enacted to grant constitutional recognition to the Urban Local Bodies as the third tier of the Government in urban areas.
• As of 2023, there have been 105 amendments of the Constitution of India since it was first enacted in 1950.
• Latest amendments:
  • 101^st - Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (2016)
  • 102^nd - Constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes (2018)
  • 103^rd - A maximum of 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) (2019)
  • 104^th - To extend the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and states assemblies (2020)
  • 105 th -  restored the power of state governments to prepare lists of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs).

The correct answer is the 42nd Amendment Act.

Key Points

• Fundamental Duties​
  • Article 51A of the Indian constitution deals with the fundamental duties.
  • The Fundamental Duties of the Indian citizens were incorporated in the constitution in the year 1976.
  • It was added upon the directions of the Swaran Singh Committee that was constituted by the government previously that year.
  • Fundamental Duties act as a warning against anti-national and anti-social activities such as burning the national flag and destroying public property.
  • The 11th fundamental duty was added in 2002 by the 86th  amendment act.

Additional Information

• 51st Amendment Act, 1984 
  • It was enacted to provide for reservation of seats in the house of the people for scheduled tribes in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • And also for reservation of seats for scheduled tribes in the legislative assemblies of Nagaland and Meghalaya by suitably amending articles 330 and 332.
• 23rd Amendment Act, 1969
  • It is proposed, as desired by the Government of Nagaland, not to make any reservation for the Scheduled Tribes in Nagaland either in the House of the People or in the State Legislative Assembly.
  • Articles 330 and 332 of the Constitution are being amended for this purpose.
• 1st Amendment Act, 1951
  • The 1st  Amendment to the constitution of India was made in 1951.
  • The 1st  Amendment added the 9th schedule to the Indian constitution.
  • It restricted the freedom of speech and expression.
  • It inserted articles 31A and 31B into the Indian constitution.

The correct answer is Article 297.

• The 40th Amendment Act of 1976 was applied to Article 297 of the constitution of India.

Key Points

• According to the  40th Amendment Act of 1976:
  • For Article 297 of the Constitution, the following article shall be substituted, namely:-
    • Article 297(3).
    • Article297(2)
    • Article 297(1)
  • ​These articles empowered the Parliament to specify ​from time to time,
  • the limits of the territorial waters, the continental shelf, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the maritime zones of India.
• 40th Amendment 1976, also included 64 more Central and state laws.
• Mostly relating to land reforms in the 9th Schedule.

Additional Information

•  Article 248
  • It deals with the residuary powers of legislation.
  • It states that parliament has exclusive power to make any law with respect to any matter not enumerated in the Concurrent List or State List.
• Article 245​
  • ​Article 245 of the Indian constitution talks about the extent of laws made by Parliament and by the Legislatures of States.
  • It gives Parliament the power to make laws and also gives the legislative body the power to repeal them.
• Article 226
  • ​Article 226 of the Constitution empowers the Hon'ble High Courts to exercise power through the issuance of writs:
    • Habeas Corpus
    • Mandamus
    • Quo Warranto
    • Prohibition and certiorari or any appropriate writ.

The correct answer is 1951.

Key Points

• The First Amendment to the constitution of India was made in 1951.
• The first Amendment added the ninth schedule to the Indian constitution.
• It restricted the freedom of speech and expression.
• It was introduced to remove certain practical difficulties created by the court's decision in several cases such as Kameshwar Singh Case, Romesh Thapar Case, etc.
• The First Amendment protects us against government limits on our freedom of expression, but it doesn’t prevent a private employer from setting its own rules.
• It prevents the government from requiring you to say something you don't want to or keeping you from hearing or reading the words of others.
• It inserted articles 31A and 31B into the Indian constitution.

The correct answer is 1951.

• The first amendment to the Constitution of India was made in 1951. 
  • The Constitution (First Amendment) Bill sought to make several consequential changes from exempting land reforms from scrutiny to providing protections for backward classes in the Constitution.
  • Insert provisions fully securing the constitutional validity of zamindari abolition laws in general and certain specified State Acts in particular
  • The First Amendment Act amended articles 15, 19, 85, 87, 174, 176, 341, 342, 372, and 376.
  • Added Ninth Schedule to protect the land reforms and other laws included in it from judicial review. After Article 31, Articles 31A and 31B were inserted.

The correct answer is 42^d Amendment.

Key Points

• Constitution (42nd) Amendment Act, 1976 was the lengthiest amendment that brought the most widespread changes to the Constitution in its history.
• It is also called the Mini-Constitution and Constitution of Indira Gandhi.
• The 42nd Amendment is regarded as the most controversial constitutional amendment in history.
• It attempted to reduce the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to pronounce the constitutional validity of laws.
• It laid down the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens to the nation.

Key Points

• Constitution adopted on - 26 Nov 1949.
• Preamble passed on - 22 Jan1947.
• National flag adopted on - 22 July 1947.
• Constitution came into force - 26 Jan 1950.
• National Song adopted on - 24 Jan 1950