Q1. Which of the following amendments was struck down by the Supreme Court for violating the basic structure doctrine?
- 24th Amendment
- 42nd Amendment
- 44th Amendment
- 52nd Amendment
Correct Option: 2. 42nd Amendment.
Explanation: Part of the 42nd Amendment (1976) attempted to curtail judicial review and elevate Directive Principles over Fundamental Rights, which was struck down in the Minerva Mills case (1980) as violating the basic structure.
Q2. Which one of the following can be considered a basic feature under the ‘basic structure doctrine’?
- Preamble
- Quorum in Parliament
- Language of the Supreme Court proceedings
- Number of seats in the Rajya Sabha
Correct Option: 1. Preamble
Explanation: Though not enforceable, the Preamble reflects the foundational values—like democracy, secularism, and liberty—which are considered part of the basic structure and cannot be amended to alter their essence.
Q3. Which of the following correctly lists provisions that require state ratification after passing through Parliament by special majority?
- Preamble, Directive Principles, Fundamental Rights
- Election of President, SC/HC jurisdiction, Seventh Schedule Lists
- Union Territories, Official Language, Salaries
- Citizenship, Election Commission, Emergency Provisions
Correct Option: 2. Election of President, SC/HC jurisdiction, Seventh Schedule Lists
Explanation: These are federal provisions. Amendments to them require both a special majority in Parliament and ratification by half of the states under Article 368(2).
Q4. What happens if less than half of the state legislatures ratify a constitutional amendment that affects the federal structure?
- The amendment still becomes law
- It goes to the President for assent
- It is returned to Parliament for reconsideration
- It fails and cannot proceed further
Correct Option: 4. It fails and cannot proceed further
Explanation: For federal amendments under Article 368(2), ratification by at least half of the state legislatures is a mandatory condition. Without it, the bill fails and cannot become law.
Q5. Which of the following best describes the position of the Indian Constitution in terms of rigidity and flexibility?
- Entirely rigid
- Entirely flexible
- Completely dependent on judicial discretion
- A unique blend of rigidity and flexibility
Correct Option: 4. A unique blend of rigidity and flexibility
Explanation: The Indian Constitution provides multiple procedures for amendment—some provisions are amendable by simple majority, others by special majority, and some require both special majority and state ratification. This makes it neither too rigid nor too flexible.