Q1. Which of the following statements correctly reflects the nature of constitutional amendments under Article 368?
- All constitutional amendments require ratification by half of the state legislatures.
- The President can return a constitutional amendment bill for reconsideration.
- A constitutional amendment bill can only be introduced by the Cabinet.
- A constitutional amendment bill does not require the assent of state legislatures unless it affects federal provisions.
Correct Option: 4. A constitutional amendment bill does not require the assent of state legislatures unless it affects federal provisions.
Explanation: Only amendments affecting the federal structure (like legislative power distribution or election of the President) require ratification by half of the states. All other amendments need only Parliament’s approval via special majority.
Q2. Which of the following provisions is not amendable under any circumstances, even with special majority and state ratification?
- Election of the President
- Distribution of legislative powers
- Representation of states in Parliament
- Basic structure of the Constitution
Correct Option: 4. Basic structure of the Constitution
Explanation: As per the Kesavananda Bharati judgment (1973), Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution. This doctrine restricts Parliament’s constituent power under Article 368.
Q3. In which case did the Supreme Court uphold the validity of the 24th Constitutional Amendment, giving Parliament the power to amend any part of the Constitution?
- Golaknath v. State of Punjab
- Minerva Mills v. Union of India
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
- S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
Correct Option: 3. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Explanation: In Kesavananda Bharati (1973), the Court upheld the 24th Amendment, affirming Parliament’s power to amend any part of the Constitution but subject to the basic structure doctrine.
Q4. Which of the following cannot be amended by a simple majority of Parliament?
- Quorum in Parliament
- Official language
- Salaries of MPs
- Fundamental Rights
Correct Option: 4. Fundamental Rights
Explanation: Fundamental Rights are part of the core constitutional values and can only be amended through a special majority under Article 368. Others (A–C) are amendable by simple majority, as they fall outside Article 368.
Q5. The expression “special majority” under Article 368 refers to:
- Majority of the total strength of both Houses taken together
- Majority of each House separately with three-fourths of members present and voting
- Majority of the total membership of each House and two-thirds of the members present and voting
- Majority of the members present and voting only
Correct Option: 3. Majority of the total membership of each House and two-thirds of the members present and voting
Explanation: This dual condition makes it a special majority: (1) Absolute majority of total membership, and (2) Two-thirds majority of members present and voting.