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 Power to identify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs), including Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Key Points

• The 105th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2021, restored the power of States and Union Territories to identify and notify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs), including Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• This amendment reversed the effect of the Supreme Court judgment in the Maratha Reservation Case (2021), which held that states no longer had the power to identify SEBCs after the 102nd Constitutional Amendment.
• The amendment introduced changes to Article 342A, explicitly empowering states to maintain their own SEBC lists for reservation and welfare purposes.
• The 105th Amendment Act also clarified that the President's role in notifying SEBCs relates only to the Union List, while states retain autonomy over their respective SEBC lists.
• This amendment was crucial in ensuring that states could continue implementing state-specific reservation policies for SEBCs and OBCs.

Additional Information

• 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act (2018):
  • It gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
  • It introduced Article 338B (NCBC) and Article 342A (SEBC notification by the President).
  • It empowered the President to notify SEBCs for the Union List, with Parliament's role in regulating inclusion or exclusion.
• Maratha Reservation Case (2021):
  • The Supreme Court ruled that states lost the power to identify SEBCs after the 102nd Amendment.
  • This judgment led to the need for the 105th Amendment to restore states' powers.
• Article 342A (Post-105th Amendment):
  • It distinguishes between the Union List and State List of SEBCs.
  • States can now notify their SEBC lists independently of the Union List.
• Significance of SEBC Identification:
  • It ensures targeted reservation and welfare schemes for marginalized communities.
  • Provides states the flexibility to address local socio-economic realities.
• Reservation in India:
  • Reservation is provided to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to ensure social justice.
  • The identification of SEBCs is critical for implementing reservation policies under Article 15(4) and Article 16(4) of the Indian Constitution.

The correct answer is State Election Commission.

Key Points

• The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, mandated the establishment of the State Election Commission in every state to conduct elections to municipalities and panchayati raj institutions.
• The State Election Commission is empowered to supervise, direct, and control the entire process of municipal and local body elections.
• The amendment added Part IX-A to the Constitution, specifically dealing with municipalities and urban local governance.
• Article 243K of the Constitution provides for the State Election Commission and specifies its role in conducting free and fair elections at the local level.
• The State Election Commission operates independently of the Election Commission of India, focusing solely on elections for local governance bodies.

Additional Information

• 74th Constitutional Amendment Act:
  • Enacted in 1992, it aimed to strengthen urban local governance in India.
  • Introduced three types of municipalities: Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, and Municipal Corporation.
  • It granted municipalities constitutional status, ensuring their establishment and functioning as units of self-governance.
• State Election Commission:
  • Established under Article 243K of the Constitution.
  • The commission is headed by a State Election Commissioner, appointed by the Governor of the state.
  • Its independence is ensured by the constitutional protection of its tenure.
• Municipal Governance:
  • Municipalities manage urban areas and provide essential services like sanitation, water supply, and infrastructure development.
  • Elected representatives, including mayors and councilors, oversee the administration of these local bodies.
• Article 243K:
  • Explicitly provides for the establishment of a State Election Commission for conducting local body elections.
  • Empowers the commission to control and supervise municipal elections.

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