These essential MCQ questions are selected from the most important topics in UPSC Civil Services Prelims Indian Polity 2026. Sections include the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Parliament, President and Vice President, Judiciary, Federalism, Local Government and Constitutional Amendments as per the UPSC syllabus. For truely unlimited daily MCQ practice, visit Vooo AI Education.
🏛️ UPSC Indian Polity
1The Indian Constitution came into force on:
Answer: C — 26 January 1950
The Indian Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 — celebrated as Republic Day. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 (celebrated as Constitution Day/Samvidhan Diwas since 2015). The Constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President on 26 January 1950.
The Indian Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 — celebrated as Republic Day. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 (celebrated as Constitution Day/Samvidhan Diwas since 2015). The Constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President on 26 January 1950.
2The concept of "Judicial Review" in India means:
Answer: B — Courts can review and strike down unconstitutional laws
Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to examine the constitutional validity of legislative enactments and executive orders. If found unconstitutional, they can be declared void. It is implied in Articles 13, 32 and 226. India's judicial review is more limited than the USA's but broader than the UK's.
Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to examine the constitutional validity of legislative enactments and executive orders. If found unconstitutional, they can be declared void. It is implied in Articles 13, 32 and 226. India's judicial review is more limited than the USA's but broader than the UK's.
3The President of India is elected by:
Answer: C — Elected members of Parliament and State Legislatures
The President of India is elected by an Electoral College consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of all states and Union Territories with legislatures. Nominated members do not vote. The election uses proportional representation by single transferable vote.
The President of India is elected by an Electoral College consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of all states and Union Territories with legislatures. Nominated members do not vote. The election uses proportional representation by single transferable vote.
4Which schedule of the Constitution deals with the anti-defection law?
Answer: C — Tenth Schedule
The Tenth Schedule (added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment, 1985) contains provisions related to disqualification on grounds of defection. It disqualifies a member who voluntarily gives up party membership or votes against party direction. The Speaker/Chairman of the respective House decides on disqualification. The Kihoto Hollohan case (1992) upheld its validity.
The Tenth Schedule (added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment, 1985) contains provisions related to disqualification on grounds of defection. It disqualifies a member who voluntarily gives up party membership or votes against party direction. The Speaker/Chairman of the respective House decides on disqualification. The Kihoto Hollohan case (1992) upheld its validity.
5The term of the Rajya Sabha member is:
Answer: C — 6 years
Rajya Sabha members are elected for a term of 6 years. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body — it is never dissolved. One-third of its members retire every two years. The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members (238 elected + 12 nominated by the President for their expertise in art, science, literature and social service).
Rajya Sabha members are elected for a term of 6 years. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body — it is never dissolved. One-third of its members retire every two years. The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members (238 elected + 12 nominated by the President for their expertise in art, science, literature and social service).
6Which Article provides for the appointment of the Prime Minister?
Answer: C — Article 75
Article 75 states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President, and other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President appoints as PM the leader who commands a majority in the Lok Sabha. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)).
Article 75 states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President, and other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President appoints as PM the leader who commands a majority in the Lok Sabha. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)).
7The concept of "Basic Structure" of the Constitution was propounded in:
Answer: B — Kesavananda Bharati case
The Basic Structure Doctrine was established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) by a 13-judge bench (7:6 majority). It held that Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution under Article 368. The basic structure includes: supremacy of Constitution, republican-democratic form, separation of powers, judicial review and fundamental rights.
The Basic Structure Doctrine was established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) by a 13-judge bench (7:6 majority). It held that Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution under Article 368. The basic structure includes: supremacy of Constitution, republican-democratic form, separation of powers, judicial review and fundamental rights.
8A Money Bill can be introduced only in:
Answer: B — Lok Sabha
A Money Bill (Article 110) can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha. After passage by Lok Sabha, it is sent to Rajya Sabha which has 14 days to pass or recommend amendments — Lok Sabha may accept or reject recommendations. The President cannot return a Money Bill. The Speaker certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill.
A Money Bill (Article 110) can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha. After passage by Lok Sabha, it is sent to Rajya Sabha which has 14 days to pass or recommend amendments — Lok Sabha may accept or reject recommendations. The President cannot return a Money Bill. The Speaker certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill.
9The concept of "Federalism" in India is derived from which country's constitution?
Answer: C — Canada
India's federal structure with a strong centre is modelled largely on the Canadian Constitution. From Canada, India borrowed: federation with a strong centre, residuary powers with the Centre, appointment of Governors by Centre, advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court. India is called a "Quasi-Federal" state — federal in structure but unitary in spirit.
India's federal structure with a strong centre is modelled largely on the Canadian Constitution. From Canada, India borrowed: federation with a strong centre, residuary powers with the Centre, appointment of Governors by Centre, advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court. India is called a "Quasi-Federal" state — federal in structure but unitary in spirit.
10How many Fundamental Rights are currently guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?
Answer: B — 6
The Indian Constitution originally guaranteed 7 Fundamental Rights. The Right to Property (Article 31) was removed from Fundamental Rights by the 44th Amendment (1978) and made a legal right under Article 300A. Currently 6 Fundamental Rights remain: Right to Equality (14-18), Right to Freedom (19-22), Right against Exploitation (23-24), Right to Freedom of Religion (25-28), Cultural and Educational Rights (29-30) and Right to Constitutional Remedies (32).
The Indian Constitution originally guaranteed 7 Fundamental Rights. The Right to Property (Article 31) was removed from Fundamental Rights by the 44th Amendment (1978) and made a legal right under Article 300A. Currently 6 Fundamental Rights remain: Right to Equality (14-18), Right to Freedom (19-22), Right against Exploitation (23-24), Right to Freedom of Religion (25-28), Cultural and Educational Rights (29-30) and Right to Constitutional Remedies (32).
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