Q1. Which of the following can be amended by a simple majority of Parliament (outside Article 368)?
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Rights
- Creation of new states
- Representation of states in Parliament
Correct Option: 3. Creation of new states
Explanation: Matters like creation or renaming of states, changes in boundaries, etc., are dealt with under simple majority provisions outside Article 368.
Q2. Once both Houses of Parliament pass a constitutional amendment bill, what must the President do?
- Call for a referendum
- Return it for reconsideration
- Withhold assent
- Give assent; it is mandatory
Correct Option: 4. Give assent; it is mandatory
Explanation: Under Article 368, the President is bound to give assent to the constitutional amendment bill and cannot return or withhold it. Once assented, it becomes law.
Q3. Which of the following is a criticism of the Indian amendment procedure?
- There is no time limit for state ratification
- Joint sitting is allowed in case of disagreement
- It is too rigid and rarely used
- States can block any constitutional amendment
Correct Option: 1. There is no time limit for state ratification
Explanation: One key criticism is that the Constitution does not prescribe a time frame within which states must ratify or reject an amendment. This can delay the process or create uncertainty.
Q4. Which of the following provisions can be amended only with the consent of states in addition to Parliament’s approval?
- The Preamble
- Official language
- Election of the President
- Schedule 5
Correct Option: 3. Election of the President
Explanation: Changes to the election process of the President affect the federal structure and thus require ratification by at least half of the states, in addition to a special majority in Parliament.
Q5. Who said, “There is no permanence in a Constitution”?
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- K.C. Wheare
- Granville Austin
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Correct Option: 4. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Pandit Nehru emphasized the need for flexibility in a Constitution to allow for growth and change, stating in the Constituent Assembly that “there is no permanence in a Constitution.”