The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), found in Part IV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 36 to 51), reflect the vision of the framers for establishing a just and equitable society. Though non-justiciable, these principles guide the State in policymaking and hold significant constitutional value. For exams like UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, CDS, NDA, and others, DPSPs are a frequently tested and concept-rich area within Polity.
In this post, we bring you a thoughtfully compiled set of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on DPSPs, complete with accurate answers and concise explanations. These questions are tailored to help you understand the classifications (Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal-Intellectual), historical context, and the importance of various Articles under DPSPs.
DPSP MCQs and Answers
1. Which of the following statements accurately describes the nature of the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Indian Constitution?
(a) They are fundamental rights enforceable by the courts.
(b) They are non-justiciable guidelines for the state in governing the country.
(c) They are justiciable principles that can override fundamental rights in certain circumstances.
(d) They are merely symbolic provisions with no practical significance.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Directive Principles of State Policy, as outlined in Part IV of the Constitution, are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be directly enforced by the courts. However, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.
2. Consider the following Directive Principles:
- To secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.
- To provide free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of fourteen years.
- To organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.
Which of the above principles reflects a socialist ideology?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Organizing village panchayats (Principle 3) aligns with the Gandhian socialist ideology, emphasizing decentralized governance and self-sufficiency at the village level. While Principle 2 has a socialistic leaning towards equality in education, and Principle 1 aims for social unity, Principle 3 most directly embodies the socialist vision of empowering local communities.
3. Which of the following constitutional amendments introduced a new Directive Principle related to the environment?
(a) 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
(b) 44th Amendment Act, 1978
(c) 86th Amendment Act, 2002
(d) 97th Amendment Act, 2011
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added Article 48A to the Directive Principles, which states that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
4. The concept of ‘equal pay for equal work for both men and women’ is enshrined in which article of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Article 14 (Fundamental Right)
(b) Article 15 (Fundamental Right)
(c) Article 39(d) (Directive Principle)
(d) Article 32 (Fundamental Right)
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 39(d) of the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the State to secure that there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women. While Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, Article 39(d) specifically addresses economic equality in the context of employment.
5. Which of the following Directive Principles was inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002?
(a) To promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections.
(b) To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
(c) To secure that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity.
(d) To provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, inserted Article 45, which now mandates the State to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years. This amendment also shifted the provision for free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 years to Article 21A under Fundamental Rights.
6. Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles:
- In case of a conflict, Fundamental Rights generally prevail over Directive Principles.
- The Supreme Court has, in some cases, interpreted Fundamental Rights in the light of Directive Principles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Generally, Fundamental Rights, being justiciable, hold a higher position than the non-justiciable Directive Principles. However, the Supreme Court has adopted the doctrine of harmonious construction, interpreting Fundamental Rights in a way that also gives effect to the Directive Principles, thus acknowledging their importance in shaping social and economic policy.
7. Which of the following Directive Principles reflects a Gandhian philosophy?
(a) To secure the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want.
(b) To organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines.
(c) To promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.
(d) To secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments or other organizations engaged in any industry.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Promoting cottage industries in rural areas aligns with Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on rural self-sufficiency and the development of village economies.
8. The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life. This provision is enshrined in which article of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Article 38
(b) Article 39
(c) Article 40
(d) Article 41
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 38 of the Indian Constitution states that the State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life.
9. Which of the following Directive Principles is related to the separation of the judiciary from the executive?
(a) Article 44
(b) Article 48
(c) Article 50
(d) Article 51
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 50 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. This principle aims to ensure the independence of the judiciary.
10. Consider the following statements:
- Directive Principles aim at establishing a ‘welfare state’.
- Fundamental Rights aim at establishing a ‘political democracy’.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Directive Principles are indeed intended to guide the State towards creating a ‘welfare state’ by focusing on social and economic well-being. Fundamental Rights, on the other hand, primarily focus on ensuring individual liberties and establishing a ‘political democracy’.
11. Which part of the Indian Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy?
(a) Part II
(b) Part III
(c) Part IV
(d) Part IVA
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Directive Principles of State Policy are enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, spanning from Article 36 to Article 51.
12. The concept of Directive Principles of State Policy is borrowed from the Constitution of which country?
(a) United States of America
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Ireland
(d) Canada
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The idea of Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution is inspired by the Irish Constitution.
13. Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as one of the aims of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
(a) Social justice
(b) Economic justice
(c) Political justice
(d) Legal justice
Answer: (d)
Explanation: While the Directive Principles aim to secure social, economic, and political justice (as mentioned in Article 38), ‘legal justice’ as a distinct category is not explicitly stated as a primary aim in the same way. However, many DPSPs contribute to ensuring a fair legal system.
14. The implementation of the Directive Principles depends primarily on:
(a) The fundamental rights of the citizens.
(b) The availability of financial resources with the government.
(c) The judicial pronouncements of the Supreme Court.
(d) The political will of the ruling government.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Since the Directive Principles are non-justiciable, their implementation largely depends on the political will and commitment of the government in power, as well as the availability of resources.
15. Which of the following articles of the Constitution deals with the organization of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines?
(a) Article 43
(b) Article 45
(c) Article 48
(d) Article 49
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 48 of the Constitution directs the State to endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.
16. Consider the following Directive Principles:
- Promotion of international peace and security.
- Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
- Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance.
Which of the above principles can be classified as liberal-intellectual principles?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Promotion of international peace and security (Article 51) and protection of monuments of national importance (Article 49) fall under the category of liberal-intellectual principles, reflecting a broader vision of national and international well-being. Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief (Article 42) are more aligned with socialist principles.
17. The Supreme Court has held that while Directive Principles are non-justiciable, they are nonetheless fundamental in the governance of the country. This observation was made in which landmark case?
(a) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
(b) Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India
(c) Champakam Dorairajan v. State of Madras
(d) Golak Nath v. State of Punjab
Answer: (c)
Explanation: In the Champakam Dorairajan case (1951), the Supreme Court initially held that in case of conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, the former would prevail. However, it also acknowledged the fundamental nature of DPSPs in the governance of the country. Over time, the Court has adopted a more harmonious approach.
18. Which of the following Directive Principles aims to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries?
(a) Article 42
(b) Article 43A
(c) Article 46
(d) Article 47
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 43A, inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, directs the State to take steps, by suitable legislation or in any other way, to secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments or other organizations engaged in any industry.
19. The Directive Principle related to the protection and improvement of the environment was added on the recommendation of which committee?
(a) Swaran Singh Committee
(b) Sarkaria Commission
(c) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
(d) Ashok Mehta Committee
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Directive Principle concerning the environment (Article 48A) was one of the provisions added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
20. Consider the following pairs:
- Article 40: Organization of Village Panchayats – Gandhian Principle
- Article 44: Uniform Civil Code – Liberal-Intellectual Principle
- Article 43: Living Wage for Workers – Socialist Principle
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: All the pairs are correctly matched based on the broad classification of Directive Principles:
Article 40, advocating for village panchayats, reflects Gandhian ideals of decentralized governance.
Article 44, aiming for a Uniform Civil Code, is considered a liberal-intellectual principle promoting national unity and equality.
Article 43, seeking a living wage for workers, aligns with socialist principles focusing on economic justice and the welfare of laborers.
21. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy?
(a) They are positive obligations imposed on the State.
(b) They are enforceable by the courts.
(c) They aim to promote social and economic democracy.
(d) They serve as guidelines for the legislature and the executive.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Directive Principles are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be directly enforced by the courts. The other statements accurately describe their nature and purpose.
22. The directive to promote international peace and security is enshrined in which article of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Article 49
(b) Article 50
(c) Article 51
(d) Article 52
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 51 of the Indian Constitution lays down the Directive Principle for the State to endeavor to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honorable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.
23. Which of the following Directive Principles has a direct connection to the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions in India?
(a) Article 39
(b) Article 40
(c) Article 41
(d) Article 42
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 40 of the Constitution specifically directs the State to take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government. This principle laid the foundation for the Panchayati Raj system in India.
24. Consider the following Directive Principles:
- To minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities.
- To secure the right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases.
- To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
Which of the above principles were inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, inserted Article 39(f) (now implied in the broader scope of Article 39), which aims to minimize inequalities, and Article 48A, which deals with the protection and improvement of the environment. Article 41 (right to work, education, etc.) was part of the original Constitution.
25. The directive to secure just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief is mentioned in which article?
(a) Article 39
(b) Article 41
(c) Article 42
(d) Article 43
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 42 of the Constitution directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.
26. Which of the following best describes the significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
(a) They are justiciable and provide a legal framework for governance.
(b) They serve as moral precepts for the State and guide policy-making.
(c) They have been consistently upheld by the judiciary over Fundamental Rights.
(d) They are primarily aimed at ensuring individual liberties.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Directive Principles are non-justiciable but act as moral and political guidelines for the State in formulating laws and policies to achieve social and economic justice.
27. Consider the following statements regarding the enforcement of Directive Principles:
- Citizens can directly approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Directive Principles.
- The State is constitutionally bound to implement all the Directive Principles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Neither statement is correct. Directive Principles are non-justiciable, so citizens cannot directly approach the courts for their enforcement. While the State should endeavor to implement them, it is not constitutionally bound to implement all of them immediately due to resource constraints and policy priorities.
28. Which of the following Directive Principles is aimed at promoting the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections?
(a) Article 38
(b) Article 39A
(c) Article 46
(d) Article 47
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 46 of the Constitution directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
29. The directive to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife is related to which broad category of Directive Principles?
(a) Socialist
(b) Gandhian
(c) Liberal-Intellectual
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c)
Explanation: While environmental protection can have socialistic undertones, the specific inclusion of environmental concerns in the Directive Principles is often categorized under the broader umbrella of liberal-intellectual principles, reflecting a modern understanding of state responsibility towards the well-being of its citizens and the planet.
30. Which of the following articles deals with the State’s duty to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health?
(a) Article 45
(b) Article 46
(c) Article 47
(d) Article 48
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 47 of the Constitution states that the State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, shall endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.
31. Consider the following statements:
- Directive Principles can be amended by the Parliament.
- Amendments to the Directive Principles require a special majority as prescribed for amending the Constitution.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Both statements are correct. Like other parts of the Constitution, the Directive Principles can be amended by the Parliament. Such amendments, according to Article 368, require a special majority (a majority of the total membership of each House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting).
32. Which of the following Directive Principles has been directly linked by the Supreme Court to the Fundamental Right to life and personal liberty (Article 21)?
(a) Article 39A (Equal justice and free legal aid)
(b) Article 41 (Right to work, to education and to public assistance)
(c) Article 43 (Living wage, etc., for workers)
(d) Article 47 (Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health)
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Supreme Court has interpreted the right to life under Article 21 to include the right to a healthy environment and adequate means of livelihood, drawing inspiration from Article 47, which emphasizes the State’s duty to improve public health and raise the standard of living.
33. The directive to secure equal justice and free legal aid to economically weaker sections is enshrined in which article?
(a) Article 38
(b) Article 39
(c) Article 39A
(d) Article 40
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 39A, inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, directs the State to secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice, on a basis of equal opportunity, and shall, in particular, provide free legal aid, by suitable legislation or schemes or in any other way, to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities.
34. Which of the following Directive Principles reflects a concern for historical and cultural heritage?
(a) Article 46
(b) Article 47
(c) Article 48
(d) Article 49
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 49 of the Constitution states that it shall be the obligation of the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest, declared by or under law made by Parliament to be of national importance, from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be.
35. Consider the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. Which of the following statements is most accurate?
(a) Directive Principles are superior to Fundamental Rights.
(b) Fundamental Rights are superior to Directive Principles in all circumstances.
(c) They should be interpreted harmoniously, with neither being absolutely superior.
(d) Directive Principles are only relevant when there is ambiguity in Fundamental Rights.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Supreme Court has evolved the doctrine of harmonious construction, emphasizing that Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles should be interpreted in a way that gives effect to both as much as possible, without one entirely overriding the other.
36. Which of the following Directive Principles was NOT part of the original Constitution but was added later?
(a) To organize village panchayats.
(b) To secure equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
(c) To provide free and compulsory education for children up to the age of fourteen years (as originally stated).
(d) To secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The directive to secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings was added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, through Article 43A. The other principles were part of the original Constitution.
37. The classification of Directive Principles into socialist, Gandhian, and liberal-intellectual categories is:
(a) Explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
(b) Based on the recommendations of a specific constitutional committee.
(c) A scholarly interpretation for better understanding.
(d) Legally binding on the judiciary.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constitution does not explicitly classify the Directive Principles. This categorization into socialist, Gandhian, and liberal-intellectual principles is a scholarly interpretation used to understand the underlying ideologies and objectives of these directives.
38. Which of the following articles of the Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth?
(a) Article 14 (Fundamental Right)
(b) Article 15 (Fundamental Right)
(c) Article 38 (Directive Principle)
(d) Article 39 (Directive Principle)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 15, a Fundamental Right, explicitly prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. While Directive Principles aim for social justice, this specific provision is a fundamental right.
39. Consider the following Directive Principles:
- To promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.
- To secure that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good. Â
- To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
Which of these principles primarily reflects a socialist leaning?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The principle in point 2, concerning the equitable distribution of material resources for the common good, is a core tenet of socialist ideology. Point 1 is more Gandhian, and point 3 is liberal-intellectual.
40. The concept of a ‘Uniform Civil Code’ as envisioned in Article 44 aims to promote:
(a) Religious freedom
(b) Cultural diversity
(c) National integration and gender equality
(d) Regional autonomy
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A Uniform Civil Code aims to establish a common set of laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. This is intended to promote national integration by removing disparate laws based on religion and to advance gender equality by eliminating discriminatory practices often found in religious personal laws.
41. Which of the following statements accurately describes the legal status of Directive Principles in India?
(a) They are legally enforceable by the Supreme Court.
(b) They are non-justiciable but fundamental in the governance of the country.
(c) They have the same legal standing as Fundamental Rights.
(d) They are merely guidelines with no constitutional significance.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 37 explicitly states that the Directive Principles are not enforceable by any court, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.
42. Which of the following Directive Principles has seen significant legal action and judicial interpretation regarding its implementation?
(a) Organization of village panchayats (Article 40)
(b) Uniform Civil Code (Article 44)
(c) Protection and improvement of environment (Article 48A)
(d) Separation of judiciary from executive (Article 50)
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 48A, concerning the protection and improvement of the environment, has been the subject of numerous public interest litigations (PILs) and significant judicial interpretations, leading to the development of environmental jurisprudence in India.
43. Consider the following pairs:
- Article 41: Right to work – Socialist Principle
- Article 48: Organization of agriculture – Liberal-Intellectual Principle
- Article 50: Separation of judiciary from executive – Liberal-Intellectual Principle
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 41, dealing with the right to work, education, and public assistance, is generally classified as a socialist principle.
Article 48, concerning the organization of agriculture and animal husbandry, has elements of both liberal and socialist thought but is often seen as aiming for modernization and scientific development.
Article 50, advocating for the separation of the judiciary from the executive, is a key liberal-intellectual principle aimed at ensuring the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
44. Which of the following reflects the influence of the Directive Principles on Fundamental Rights?
(a) Directive Principles can override Fundamental Rights in case of conflict.
(b) The Supreme Court has used Directive Principles to interpret the scope and meaning of Fundamental Rights.
(c) Amendments to Fundamental Rights require the implementation of Directive Principles.
(d) Fundamental Rights can be suspended to implement Directive Principles.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: While Fundamental Rights generally hold a higher position, the Supreme Court has often adopted the doctrine of harmonious construction, interpreting Fundamental Rights in a manner that furthers the objectives laid down in the Directive Principles.
45. The directive to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years was added by which constitutional amendment?
(a) 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
(b) 44th Amendment Act, 1978
(c) 86th Amendment Act, 2002
(d) 97th Amendment Act, 2011
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, inserted the current Article 45, which mandates the State to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
46. Which of the following is a Gandhian Directive Principle?
(a) To secure the right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases.
(b) To promote the establishment of a cooperative society.
(c) To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
(d) To secure equal justice and free legal aid.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: While not explicitly listed in the traditional Gandhian category, the promotion of cooperative societies, particularly in the context of rural development and self-governance, aligns with Gandhian principles of community empowerment and economic self-reliance. The 97th Amendment Act, 2011, added Article 43B specifically dealing with the promotion of cooperative societies.
47. Consider the following statements regarding the significance of Directive Principles:
- They provide a roadmap for the State to achieve socio-economic goals.
- They act as a check on the arbitrary exercise of state power.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Both statements are correct. Directive Principles serve as guidelines for the State to formulate policies that promote social and economic well-being. While non-justiciable, they also influence legislative and executive actions, potentially acting as a moral and political check against arbitrary decisions.
48. Which of the following Directive Principles is most closely related to the concept of sustainable development?
(a) Article 43 (Living wage, etc., for workers)
(b) Article 46 (Promotion of educational and economic interests of weaker sections)
(c) Article 48A (Protection and improvement of environment)
(d) Article 51 (Promotion of international peace and security)
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 48A, which mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife, is directly aligned with the principles of sustainable development, emphasizing the need to balance economic progress with environmental conservation for present and future generations.
49. The directive to secure a living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life, and full enjoyment of leisure and social and cultural opportunities for all workers is enshrined in which article?
(a) Article 42
(b) Article 43
(c) Article 43A
(d) Article 47
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 43 of the Constitution directs the State to endeavor to secure, by suitable legislation or economic organisation or in any other way, to all workers, agricultural, industrial or otherwise, work, a living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure and social and cultural opportunities and, in particular, the State shall endeavor to promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.
50. Which of the following best summarizes the fundamental difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?
(a) Fundamental Rights are for citizens, while Directive Principles are for the State.
(b) Fundamental Rights are justiciable, while Directive Principles are non-justiciable.
(c) Fundamental Rights promote social and economic democracy, while Directive Principles promote political democracy.
(d) Fundamental Rights are borrowed from the US Constitution, while Directive Principles are from the Irish Constitution.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The most fundamental difference lies in their enforceability. Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning individuals can approach the courts for their violation. Directive Principles, on the other hand, are non-justiciable and depend on the State’s willingness and resources for their implementation. While the other options contain elements of truth, the justiciability aspect is the core distinction.
Understanding the Directive Principles is key to mastering the philosophy of Indian governance and how it complements Fundamental Rights. We hope this MCQ set has helped you build a strong foundation and identify important constitutional provisions and their implications.
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