Q1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the procedure of amendment?
- Article 352
- Article 368
- Article 370
- Article 356
Correct Option: 2. Article 368
Explanation: Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution provides the detailed procedure for amending the Constitution. It outlines both the power and the process by which Parliament can amend provisions.
Q2. What type of majority is required to pass a constitutional amendment under Article 368 (for most provisions)?
- Simple majority
- Absolute majority
- Special majority
- Unanimous majority
Correct Option: 3. Special majority
Explanation: A special majority under Article 368 means a majority of the total membership of the House and two-thirds of the members present and voting. This is stricter than the simple majority used for ordinary laws.
Q3. Which body can initiate a constitutional amendment in India?
- Supreme Court
- State Legislative Assemblies
- President
- Either House of Parliament
Correct Option: 4. Either House of Parliament
Explanation: A constitutional amendment can only be introduced in either House of Parliament—Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha—and not in State Legislatures. It can be introduced by any member, not just the government.
Q4. Which case established the doctrine of ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution?
- Minerva Mills v. Union of India
- Golaknath v. State of Punjab
- A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Correct Option: 4. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Explanation: In 1973, the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case ruled that Parliament cannot alter the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution even through a constitutional amendment.
Q5. Which of the following amendments requires ratification by at least half of the states?
- Abolition of legislative councils
- Fundamental Rights
- Distribution of legislative powers between Centre and States
- Salaries of Members of Parliament
Correct Option: 3. Distribution of legislative powers between Centre and States
Explanation: Amendments related to federal provisions—such as distribution of powers, Supreme Court jurisdiction, or Article 368—must be ratified by at least half of the state legislatures after being passed by Parliament.