PART A – SHORT ANSWERS (2 Marks Each)

1. Which article allows courts to enforce fundamental rights?

Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court, and Article 226 empowers the High Courts to enforce
Fundamental Rights.

2. What are the main features of the Indian Constitution?

Lengthiest constitution, federal system with unitary bias, parliamentary system, fundamental rights and
duties, directive principles, and independent judiciary.

3. What are the different types of Fundamental Rights?

1. Right to Equality 2. Right to Freedom 3. Right against Exploitation 4. Right to Freedom of Religion 5.
Cultural and Educational Rights 6. Right to Constitutional Remedies

4. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.

5. What are the main keywords in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

6. What are Directive Principles of State Policy?

These are guidelines in Part IV of the Constitution for the State to establish a just society; they are not
enforceable but fundamental in governance.

PART B – LONG ESSAY ANSWERS (10 Marks Each)

7. What are Fundamental Rights? Why are they important?

Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution, from Articles 12 to 35. These rights
are basic human freedoms that every Indian citizen is entitled to enjoy for the proper and harmonious
development of personality. They are justiciable, meaning individuals can approach the judiciary for their
enforcement.

Importance of Fundamental Rights: - They protect the liberties and freedoms of the citizens against the
encroachment of the state. - They ensure the development of individual personality and dignity. - They form
the foundation of democratic governance. - They act as limitations on the power of the legislature and
executive. - They help in the establishment of rule of law in India.

Types of Fundamental Rights: 1. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Guarantees equality before the law,
prohibits discrimination on various grounds, and abolishes untouchability and titles. 2. Right to Freedom
(Articles 19-22): Includes freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession,
as well as protection in respect of conviction for offences and protection of life and personal liberty. 3. Right
against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits human trafficking, forced labor, and employment of
children below the age of 14 in hazardous industries. 4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28):

1
Ensures freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion. 5. Cultural and
Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protects the rights of minorities to conserve their culture, language,
and script and establish and administer educational institutions. 6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
(Article 32): Empowers citizens to move the Supreme Court or High Courts to enforce their Fundamental
Rights through writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.

8. Describe the Directive Principles. List the different types mentioned in the
Constitution.

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are incorporated in Part IV of the Constitution (Articles 36 to
51). These principles are inspired by the Irish Constitution and aim to establish social and economic
democracy through a welfare state.

Characteristics of DPSPs: - They are non-justiciable, meaning they are not enforceable by any court. - They
provide a direction to the legislature and the executive. - They are considered fundamental in the
governance of the country.

Classification of Directive Principles: 1. Socialistic Principles: - Equal distribution of wealth and

resources. - Right to work, education, and public assistance in case of unemployment, old age, or sickness
(Article 41). - Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief (Article 42). - Living wage
and decent standard of life for workers (Article 43).

1. Gandhian Principles:
2. Organization of village panchayats (Article 40).
3. Promotion of cottage industries in rural areas (Article 43).
4. Promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections (Article 46).

5. Prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs (Article 47).

6. Liberal-Intellectual Principles:

7. Uniform civil code for all citizens (Article 44).

8. Separation of judiciary from the executive (Article 50).
9. Promotion of international peace and security (Article 51).

The DPSPs complement the Fundamental Rights and act as guiding principles for the formulation of laws
and policies by the government.

9. Which article gives the right to practice and spread religion?

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution grants all persons the freedom of conscience and the right to freely
profess, practice, and propagate religion. This right is subject to public order, morality, and health, and
other provisions of Part III of the Constitution.

2
Key Features of Article 25: - Freedom of conscience. - Right to profess any religion. - Right to practice
religious rituals and customs. - Right to propagate religious beliefs among others.

This article, along with Articles 26-28, forms the core of the Right to Freedom of Religion and embodies
India's commitment to secularism. However, the right is not absolute and can be regulated by the state in
the interest of public order and social welfare.

10. Outline the Duties and Powers of the Council of Ministers

Under Article 74 of the Constitution, there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as its head
to aid and advise the President. The Council of Ministers is the real executive authority in the Indian
parliamentary system.

Composition: - Prime Minister - Cabinet Ministers - Ministers of State - Deputy Ministers

Powers and Functions: 1. Executive Functions: - Formulates and implements government policies. - Takes
decisions on internal and external affairs. - Supervises administration through various ministries.

1. Legislative Functions:
2. Introduces important bills in Parliament.
3. Advises the President on summoning and dissolving the Lok Sabha.

4. Responsible for the implementation of laws.

5. Financial Functions:

6. Prepares the annual budget.

7. Presents financial bills in the Parliament.

8. Advisory Functions:

9. Advises the President in the exercise of his/her functions.

10. Collective Responsibility:

11. The entire Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If a no-confidence motion is passed,
the entire Council has to resign.

11. Explain the Powers and Functions of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the apex judicial authority of India, established under Article 124 of the Constitution.
It is the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of Fundamental Rights.

3
Composition: - Chief Justice of India - Maximum of 33 other Judges

Jurisdiction and Powers: 1. Original Jurisdiction (Article 131): - Disputes between the Union and one or
more States. - Disputes between two or more States.

1. Appellate Jurisdiction (Articles 132 to 134):

2. Hears appeals in constitutional, civil, and criminal matters from High Courts.

3. Writ Jurisdiction (Article 32):

4. Can issue writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto for the
enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

5. Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143):

6. President can refer matters of public importance for the opinion of the Supreme Court.

7. Judicial Review:

8. Has the power to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.

9. Court of Record:

10. Its decisions and judgments are recorded and used as precedents.

12. Who Appoints the Prime Minister as per Article 75?

Article 75(1) of the Indian Constitution states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the
President. In practice, the President invites the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha to
form the government.

Key Points: - Prime Minister must enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha. - He is the head of the Council of
Ministers. - He acts as a link between the President and the Cabinet. - He coordinates the functioning of
various ministries.

The Prime Minister plays a pivotal role in the administration and policy-making of the country.

13. What are the Main Features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was enacted in 1992 and came into force on April 24, 1993. It gave
constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions and added Part IX (Articles 243 to 243-O) and the 11th
Schedule to the Constitution.

4
Salient Features: 1. Three-tier Structure: Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the
intermediate level, and Zilla Parishad at the district level. 2. Regular Elections: Mandatory elections every
five years. 3. Reservation: One-third of the seats are reserved for women; reservation for SCs/STs as per
population. 4. State Election Commission: Responsible for conducting elections to the Panchayats. 5. State
Finance Commission: Recommends financial allocation to Panchayats. 6. 11th Schedule: Lists 29 subjects
to be devolved to Panchayats.

The amendment was a major step toward decentralized governance and rural empowerment.

14. Discuss the Powers and Functions of a Mayor in Municipalities

A Mayor is the elected head of a Municipal Corporation, which is the urban local government for large cities
in India. The Mayor is either directly elected or elected by the municipal council members.

Powers and Functions: 1. Presiding Officer: Chairs meetings of the Municipal Corporation. 2.
Representative Role: Acts as the ceremonial head and represents the city in official functions. 3. Policy
Leadership: Plays a role in policy-making and implementation through municipal committees. 4.
Coordination: Works in coordination with the Municipal Commissioner and other departments. 5. Public
Grievances: Addresses public grievances and civic issues.

Though largely ceremonial in some states, the Mayor's role is crucial in urban governance, especially in
maintaining civic services and public infrastructure.

15. What does the CEO do in a Zilla Panchayat?

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Zilla Panchayat is an officer appointed by the state government,
usually from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Roles and Responsibilities: 1. Administrative Head: Responsible for the implementation of the decisions
made by the Zilla Parishad. 2. Supervision: Oversees the functioning of various departments like health,
education, and rural development at the district level. 3. Coordination: Coordinates between the block and
village level panchayats. 4. Financial Management: Manages and monitors funds allocated for
developmental schemes. 5. Implementation: Ensures effective execution of government schemes like
MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission, etc.

The CEO acts as the bridge between the elected representatives and the government machinery.

16. Which Article Created the Election Commission of India?

Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of the Election Commission of India
(ECI).

5
Functions of the ECI: - Conduct elections to Parliament and State Legislatures. - Conduct elections to the
offices of President and Vice-President. - Prepare electoral rolls and allot symbols. - Supervise and control
the election process.

Composition: - Chief Election Commissioner - Such number of other Election Commissioners as the
President may fix.

17. Describe the Role of the State Election Commission in Conducting Elections

The State Election Commission (SEC) is constituted under Article 243K of the Constitution. It is
responsible for conducting elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies within the state.

Functions: 1. Election Management: Conducts elections to Panchayats and Municipalities. 2. Electoral

Rolls: Prepares, revises, and updates electoral rolls. 3. Code of Conduct: Enforces model code of conduct
during elections. 4. Supervision: Monitors election process and resolves disputes. 5. Declaration of
Results: Declares election results and handles complaints.

The SEC ensures free, fair, and impartial local body elections, thereby strengthening grassroots democracy.

18. How was the National Commission for Backward Classes (BCs) Set Up, and What
Does It Do?

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was initially constituted under the National
Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. It was granted constitutional status by the 102nd
Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018, through the insertion of Article 338B.

Structure: - Chairperson - Vice-Chairperson - Three other Members

Functions: 1. Advisory Role: Advises the central government on the inclusion and exclusion of
communities in the OBC list. 2. Monitoring: Monitors the implementation of safeguards provided to OBCs.
3. Grievance Redressal: Inquires into specific complaints related to deprivation of rights and safeguards. 4.
Research: Conducts studies and surveys for welfare of socially and educationally backward classes.

The NCBC plays a vital role in ensuring equity and social justice by addressing the needs of backward
communities across India.