Explore the foundation of India’s federal structure with our comprehensive guide to Union & its Territory (Article 1-4)! Our curated collection of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with detailed answers and explanations will walk you through the key aspects of India’s territorial composition, parliamentary powers, and constitutional provisions. From understanding the concept of ‘Union of States’ to analyzing the implications of Article 1-4, our MCQs will test your knowledge and provide clarity on this crucial topic. Perfect for UPSC CSE Prelims aspirants, our questions and answers will help you master the Union & its Territory and ace the exam.
MCQs and Answers on Union & its Territory (Article 1–4)
Article 1 of the Indian Constitution describes India as a:
(a) Federation of States
(b) Confederation of States
(c) Union of States
(d) A quasi-federal state
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 1(1) clearly states, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” This emphasizes the indestructible nature of the Indian Union.
Which of the following statements best explains why the term ‘Union of States’ was preferred over ‘Federation of States’?
(a) The states have the right to secede from the Union.
(b) The states are formed through an agreement among themselves.
(c) To emphasize the indestructible nature of the Indian Union.
(d) To give more autonomy to the states.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized that the term ‘Union’ was used to indicate that the Indian Union is indestructible and that states do not have the right to secede.
According to Article 1, the territory of India comprises:
- Territories of the States
- Union Territories specified in the First Schedule
- Such other territories as may be acquired by the Government of India
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 1(3) explicitly states that the territory of India shall consist of all three categories.
Which article of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to admit new states into the Union?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 2 deals with the admission or establishment of new states. It grants this power exclusively to the Parliament.
Which of the following is/are true regarding Article 3 of the Indian Constitution?
- It deals with the formation of new states.
- It empowers Parliament to alter the boundaries of existing states.
- It requires the consent of the concerned state legislature.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states and alter the boundaries of existing states. While the views of the state legislature are considered, their consent is not mandatory.
Under Article 3, which of the following changes can Parliament make to a state?
- Increase its area
- Diminish its area
- Alter its name
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 3 explicitly allows Parliament to increase or diminish the area of any state, alter its boundaries, or change its name.
Which article of the Indian Constitution declares that laws made under Articles 2 and 3 are not to be considered amendments of the Constitution under Article 368?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 4 states that laws made under Articles 2 and 3 for the admission or establishment of new states or alteration of boundaries, etc., are not deemed to be amendments to the Constitution under Article 368.
The formation of new states and alteration of existing states’ boundaries under Article 3 can be initiated only on the recommendation of:
(a) The State Legislature
(b) The President
(c) The Prime Minister
(d) The Chief Justice of India
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A bill for the formation of new states or alteration of existing states can be introduced in Parliament only on the prior recommendation of the President.
While considering a bill for the alteration of the name of a state, whose views are sought by the President?
(a) Only the State Legislature
(b) Only the Parliament
(c) Both the State Legislature and the Parliament
(d) The Governor of the state
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The President refers the bill to the State Legislature concerned for expressing its views.
What type of majority is required in Parliament to pass a law under Article 3 for altering the boundaries of a state?
(a) A special majority
(b) A simple majority
(c) A two-thirds majority
(d) A majority of total membership and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Such laws can be passed by a simple majority. They are not considered constitutional amendments.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the creation of new states?
(a) Parliament can create a new state by separating territory from any state.
(b) Parliament can create a new state by uniting two or more states.
(c) Parliament can create a new state by uniting any territory to a part of any state.
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 3 allows Parliament to create a new state by all the methods mentioned.
The power of Parliament to admit new states under Article 2 extends to:
(a) Only admitting fully formed states.
(b) Only establishing new states.
(c) Both admitting and establishing new states.
(d) Altering the boundaries of existing states.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 2 gives Parliament the power to admit new states that already exist and to establish entirely new states.
Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with the Union and its territory?
(a) Part I
(b) Part II
(c) Part III
(d) Part IV
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Part I of the Indian Constitution, comprising Articles 1 to 4, deals with the Union and its territory.
The First Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with:
(a) Fundamental Rights
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) The states and Union Territories
(d) The election of the President
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The First Schedule lists the names of the states and their territorial jurisdictions, and the names of the Union Territories and their extent.
In the context of the reorganization of states, which of the following factors has NOT been explicitly mentioned in the Constitution?
(a) Linguistic factors
(b) Economic factors
(c) Administrative factors
(d) Geographical factors
Answer: (a)
Explanation: While the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, considered linguistic factors, the Constitution itself does not explicitly mention them as a basis for reorganization. However, Articles 2 and 3 provide the mechanism for reorganization.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the status of Union Territories?
(a) They are fully autonomous states.
(b) They are administered by a Governor appointed by the President.
(c) They are under the direct control of the Central Government.
(d) They have their own independent judiciary.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Union Territories are administered by the Central Government through a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator.
Which article gives the Parliament the power to increase the area of any state?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3(a) empowers the Parliament to increase the area of any state.
Which article gives the Parliament the power to diminish the area of any state?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3(b) empowers the Parliament to diminish the area of any state.
Which article gives the Parliament the power to alter the boundaries of any state?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3(c) empowers the Parliament to alter the boundaries of any state.
Which article gives the Parliament the power to alter the name of any state?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3(d) empowers the Parliament to alter the name of any state.
The creation of a new state by separation of territory from any state can be done by:
(a) A Presidential order
(b) An ordinance promulgated by the Governor
(c) An Act of Parliament
(d) A Supreme Court ruling
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3 explicitly states that Parliament can, by law, form a new state by separation of territory from any state.
For the purpose of altering the name of a state, the Bill is referred by the President to the state legislature for:
(a) Consent
(b) Consultation
(c) Seeking views
(d) Approval
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Bill is referred to the state legislature to obtain its views. The views are not binding on the Parliament.
Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Parliament is bound by the views of the state legislature regarding the alteration of the name of the state.
(b) Parliament is not bound by the views of the state legislature regarding the alteration of the name of the state.
(c) The President’s prior recommendation is not required for a Bill altering the name of a state.
(d) A Constitutional amendment is required for altering the name of a state.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Parliament is not bound by the views of the state legislature. The President’s prior recommendation is required, and it can be done by a simple majority, not a Constitutional amendment.
Which of the following is NOT a condition for the introduction of a Bill in the Parliament for the formation of a new state or alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states?
(a) Recommendation of the President
(b) Prior consultation with the Supreme Court
(c) Reference to the state legislature concerned
(d) The bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The conditions are the President’s recommendation, reference to the state legislature, and the bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament. There is no requirement for consultation with the Supreme Court.
The power of Parliament to form new states under Article 3 includes the power to:
(a) Unite two or more states or parts of states.
(b) Unite any territory to a part of any state.
(c) Separate territory from any state.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 3 explicitly grants Parliament the authority to form new states through all the methods mentioned.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the alteration of Union Territories?
(a) Parliament has no power to alter the boundaries of Union Territories.
(b) Parliament can alter the boundaries of Union Territories with the consent of the respective legislative assemblies.
(c) Parliament can alter the boundaries of Union Territories by a simple majority.
(d) A Constitutional amendment is required to alter the boundaries of Union Territories.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Parliament can alter the boundaries of Union Territories by a simple majority. The consent of the legislative assemblies of Union Territories is not required.
The power to create new states in India rests with the:
(a) President
(b) Parliament
(c) State Legislatures
(d) Supreme Court
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The power to create new states rests solely with the Parliament, as per Article 3.
Which of the following is NOT a part of the territory of India as defined in Article 1?
(a) The territories of the States
(b) The Union Territories
(c) Territories acquired by India
(d) Foreign territories leased to India
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 1 defines the territory of India as comprising the territories of the States, the Union Territories, and territories that may be acquired by the Government of India. Leased territories are not explicitly included.
The formation of Andhra Pradesh as a separate state was based on:
(a) Religious grounds
(b) Linguistic grounds
(c) Administrative grounds
(d) Geographical grounds
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh was the first state to be formed on linguistic grounds in 1953, following the demands of the Telugu-speaking population.
Which of the following committees/commissions was the first to be appointed to study the reorganization of states after independence?
(a) Dhar Commission
(b) States Reorganisation Commission
(c) JVP Committee
(d) Simon Commission
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Dhar Commission was appointed in 1948 to examine the feasibility of reorganizing states on a linguistic basis.
The JVP Committee, which examined the reorganization of states, comprised which of the following members?
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Vallabhbhai Patel
- Pattabhi Sitaramayya
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The JVP Committee consisted of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya.
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, was primarily based on:
(a) Religious lines
(b) Linguistic lines
(c) Administrative convenience
(d) Economic viability
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, reorganized the states primarily on linguistic lines to create a more cohesive administrative structure.
How many states and Union Territories were formed after the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956?
(a) 14 states and 6 Union Territories
(b) 16 states and 8 Union Territories
(c) 15 states and 7 Union Territories
(d) 13 states and 5 Union Territories
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, resulted in the formation of 14 states and 6 Union Territories.
Which of the following is NOT a Union Territory?
(a) Delhi
(b) Puducherry
(c) Goa
(d) Chandigarh
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Goa was initially a Union Territory but later became a state. Delhi, Puducherry, and Chandigarh are Union Territories.
Which Union Territory has its own legislative assembly?
- Delhi
- Puducherry
- Chandigarh
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Delhi and Puducherry are Union Territories that have their own legislative assemblies.
The administration of Union Territories is carried out by:
(a) The Governor
(b) The Chief Minister
(c) The President through an administrator
(d) The elected members of the territory
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Union Territories are administered by the President through an administrator or a Lieutenant Governor.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding a Union Territory with a legislative assembly?
(a) It has full statehood.
(b) Its legislative assembly has the same powers as a state legislative assembly.
(c) It has limited legislative powers.
(d) Its legislative assembly is directly controlled by the Supreme Court.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A Union Territory with a legislative assembly has limited legislative powers. The Parliament retains overriding authority.
The power of the Parliament to alter the boundaries of states under Article 3 is subject to:
(a) The consent of the affected state legislatures.
(b) The approval of the Supreme Court.
(c) The discretion of the President.
(d) The provisions of Article 368.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The alteration of boundaries under Article 3 is not considered an amendment under Article 368, meaning it can be done by a simple majority, but it still has to be done following the procedure established in the Constitution.
Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) A state can secede from the Indian Union.
(b) A Union Territory can be granted full statehood by an Act of Parliament.
(c) The Parliament can abolish a Union Territory.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A state cannot secede from the Indian Union. Parliament can abolish a Union Territory or grant it full statehood.
The concept of India being an “indestructible union of destructible states” is derived from:
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 1, by describing India as a “Union of States,” implies that while states can be created, altered, or abolished, the Union remains indestructible.
Which of the following is NOT a method by which a new state can be formed, as per Article 3?
(a) By separation of territory from any state
(b) By uniting two or more states or parts of states
(c) By a Presidential decree
(d) By uniting any territory to a part of any state
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A Presidential decree is not a method for forming a new state. Article 3 clearly states that Parliament can do so by law.
The alteration of the area of a state under Article 3 requires:
(a) A Constitutional amendment.
(b) A special majority in Parliament.
(c) A simple majority in Parliament.
(d) The consent of the state legislature.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Altering the area of a state under Article 3 requires only a simple majority in Parliament.
Which of the following is true regarding the views of the state legislature in the process of altering state boundaries?
(a) Parliament is bound by the views of the state legislature.
(b) Parliament is not bound by the views of the state legislature.
(c) The President must obtain the consent of the state legislature.
(d) The Supreme Court must approve the alteration.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Parliament is not bound by the views of the state legislature, though their views must be sought.
The power to admit new states under Article 2 of the Constitution is exercised by the:
(a) President
(b) Supreme Court
(c) Parliament
(d) Central Government
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 2 explicitly vests this power in the Parliament.
Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Union?
(a) States have the right to secede.
(b) The Union is indestructible.
(c) Division of powers between the Union and the states.
(d) States have their own governments.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Indian Union is characterized by its indestructible nature, and states do not have the right to secede.
The primary purpose of Article 1 of the Indian Constitution is to:
(a) Define the fundamental rights of citizens.
(b) Establish the Directive Principles of State Policy.
(c) Describe the name and territory of the Union.
(d) Provide for the amendment procedure.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 1 defines India as a Union of States and specifies its territory.
Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) All Union Territories have their own legislative assemblies.
(b) Union Territories are administered by the Governor.
(c) Union Territories are under the direct control of the President.
(d) Union Territories have the same status as states.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Union Territories are administered by the President through an administrator or Lieutenant Governor, and thus are under the direct control of the President.
The power to alter the name of a state is vested in the:
(a) President
(b) Parliament
(c) State Legislature
(d) Supreme Court
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The power to alter the name of a state is vested in the Parliament, as per Article 3.
Which of the following is a correct statement regarding Article 4?
(a) It amends Article 368.
(b) It declares that laws under Articles 2 and 3 are not amendments under Article 368.
(c) It deals with the admission of new states.
(d) It specifies the procedure for altering the Fundamental Rights.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 4 clarifies that laws made under Articles 2 and 3 are not considered amendments to the Constitution under Article 368.
The reorganization of states in India after independence was primarily done to achieve:
(a) Political integration
(b) Administrative efficiency
(c) Linguistic homogeneity
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The reorganization aimed to achieve political integration, administrative efficiency, and linguistic homogeneity.
Consider the following statements:
- Article 1 defines India as a ‘Federation of States’.
- Article 2 deals with the establishment of new states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 1 defines India as a ‘Union of States’, and Article 2 deals with the admission or establishment of new states.
Which of the following articles empowers the Parliament to form a new state by separation of territory from any state?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3 empowers the Parliament to form a new state by separation of territory from any state.
The President’s recommendation is required for introducing a bill in Parliament for:
(a) Alteration of the name of a state.
(b) Alteration of the boundaries of a state.
(c) Formation of a new state.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The President’s recommendation is mandatory for introducing a bill related to all the changes mentioned in Article 3.
Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) The states have the power to alter their own boundaries.
(b) The Parliament can alter the boundaries of any state by a special majority.
(c) The Parliament can alter the boundaries of any state by a simple majority.
(d) The Supreme Court has the power to alter the boundaries of states.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Parliament can alter the boundaries of any state by a simple majority, as these laws are not considered constitutional amendments.
Under which article of the Constitution can Parliament create a new Union Territory?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) None of the above
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The power to create a new Union Territory is derived from the Parliament’s power under Article 3 to alter state boundaries, but the creation of a UT is not explicitly mentioned in any single article.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the First Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
(a) It deals with the Fundamental Rights.
(b) It deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy.
(c) It lists the states and Union Territories of India.
(d) It deals with the distribution of powers between the Union and the states.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The First Schedule lists the states and Union Territories of India, along with their territories.
The term ‘Union of States’ in Article 1 implies:
(a) States have the right to secede from the Union.
(b) The Union is indestructible.
(c) States have entered into a contract to form the Union.
(d) States have complete autonomy.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The term emphasizes the permanent and indestructible nature of the Indian Union.
Which of the following is NOT a part of the territory of India?
(a) States
(b) Union Territories
(c) Territories acquired by India
(d) Autonomous regions within states
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Autonomous regions within states are part of the state’s territory, not a separate category under Article 1.
The formation of new states and alteration of existing states is done by Parliament through:
(a) A Constitutional amendment
(b) An ordinary legislative process
(c) A Presidential order
(d) A Supreme Court ruling
Answer: (b)
Explanation: This is done through an ordinary legislative process, not requiring a Constitutional amendment.
Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) The consent of the state legislature is mandatory for altering the name of the state.
(b) The views of the state legislature are sought but are not binding on the Parliament.
(c) The President has the sole authority to alter the name of a state.
(d) The Supreme Court’s approval is required for altering the name of a state.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The views of the state legislature are considered, but Parliament is not bound by them.
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution deals with:
(a) Admission of new states into the Union
(b) Formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states
(c) Citizenship
(d) Fundamental Rights
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 3 specifically deals with the formation of new states and alterations to existing ones.
Which of the following is NOT a condition for the introduction of a Bill under Article 3?
(a) Prior recommendation of the President
(b) Seeking the views of the affected state legislature
(c) Approval by a majority of the states
(d) The Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Approval by a majority of the states is not required.
The term ‘territory of India’ in Article 1 includes:
(a) Only the territories of the states
(b) Only the Union Territories
(c) Territories of the states, Union Territories, and any other territories acquired by the Government of India
(d) Only the territories specified in the First Schedule
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 1(3) clearly defines the territory of India to include all three categories.
Which article of the Constitution states that laws made under Articles 2 and 3 are not to be considered as amendments of the Constitution under Article 368?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 4 contains this provision.
The power to admit new states into the Union under Article 2 is vested in the:
(a) President
(b) Parliament
(c) Supreme Court
(d) Executive
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 2 grants this power to the Parliament.
Which of the following is NOT a type of territory included in the ‘territory of India’ as per Article 1?
(a) States
(b) Union Territories
(c) Acquired territories
(d) Trust territories
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Trust territories are not included in the definition of the territory of India.
The alteration of the boundaries of a state can be initiated in Parliament by:
(a) A resolution passed by the state legislature
(b) A bill introduced with the prior recommendation of the President
(c) A petition filed in the Supreme Court
(d) An executive order issued by the Central Government
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A bill can be introduced only with the prior recommendation of the President.
Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Parliament is bound to accept the views of the state legislature regarding the alteration of its boundaries.
(b) Parliament is not bound to accept the views of the state legislature regarding the alteration of its boundaries.
(c) The President has the power to veto any such alteration.
(d) A referendum in the affected state is required for such alterations.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Parliament is not bound by the views of the state legislature.
The formation of a new state by uniting two or more states or parts of states is done under the authority of:
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3 provides the authority for such actions.
Which of the following is NOT a permissible action by Parliament under Article 3?
(a) Increase the area of any state
(b) Diminish the area of any state
(c) Alter the name of any state
(d) Cede territory of a state to a foreign country
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Ceding territory to a foreign country may involve a constitutional amendment, and is not directly covered by Article 3.
The concept of ‘Union of States’ in Article 1 signifies:
(a) An agreement between the states
(b) The right of states to secede
(c) The indestructible nature of the Indian Union
(d) The autonomy of states
Answer: (c)
Explanation: It emphasizes the permanent nature of the Indian Union.
Which article deals with the admission or establishment of new states?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 2 deals with admitting or establishing new states.
Under Article 3, which of the following changes can be made to a state?
1. Increase its area
2. Diminish its area
3. Alter its name
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 3 allows all these changes.
Which article declares that laws under Articles 2 and 3 are not amendments under Article 368?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 4 clarifies this.
The formation of new states and alteration of existing states requires the recommendation of:
(a) The Chief Justice of India
(b) The Prime Minister
(c) The President
(d) The Parliament
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The President’s recommendation is necessary.
A bill for altering the name of a state is referred to the state legislature for their:
(a) Consent
(b) Approval
(c) Views
(d) Ratification
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Their views are sought, but are not binding.
To alter the boundaries of a state, Parliament needs a:
(a) Special majority
(b) Simple majority
(c) Two-thirds majority
(d) Absolute majority
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A simple majority is sufficient.
Which of the following is NOT a way a new state can be formed?
(a) Separation of territory
(b) Uniting two or more states
(c) Uniting territory to a state part
(d) Presidential order
Answer: (d)
Explanation: A Presidential order is not sufficient; an Act of Parliament is required.
Parliament’s power to admit new states extends to:
(a) Only admitting existing states
(b) Only establishing new states
(c) Both admitting and establishing
(d) Altering state boundaries
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 2 allows both.
Part I of the Constitution deals with:
(a) Fundamental Rights
(b) Union and its territory
(c) Citizenship
(d) Directive Principles
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Articles 1-4 in Part I cover this.
The First Schedule lists:
(a) Fundamental Duties
(b) States and Union Territories
(c) Directive Principles
(d) Schedules Tribes
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The First Schedule contains the names of the States and Union Territories.
Which factor is NOT explicitly in the Constitution for state reorganization?
(a) Linguistic
(b) Economic
(c) Administrative
(d) Geographical
Answer: (a)
Explanation: While the States Reorganisation Act considered it, the Constitution does not explicitly mention linguistic factors.
Union Territories are administered by:
(a) Governors
(b) Chief Ministers
(c) President through administrators
(d) State governments
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The President administers them through appointed officials.
Which article empowers Parliament to increase a state’s area?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3(a) allows this.
Which article empowers Parliament to diminish a state’s area?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3(b) allows this.
Which article empowers Parliament to alter a state’s boundaries?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3(c) allows this.
Which article empowers Parliament to alter a state’s name?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 3(d) allows this.
Creating a new state by separating territory is done by:
(a) Presidential order
(b) Governor’s ordinance
(c) Act of Parliament
(d) Supreme Court ruling
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Parliament does this through legislation.
For altering a state’s name, the Bill is referred to the state legislature for:
(a) Consent
(b) Consultation
(c) Seeking views
(d) Approval
Answer: (c)
Explanation: To obtain their views.
Which statement is correct?
(a) Parliament is bound by state legislature views on name changes.
(b) Parliament is not bound by state legislature views on name changes.
(c) President’s recommendation isn’t needed for name change bills.
(d) Constitutional amendment is needed for name changes.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Parliament is not bound by the state’s views.
Which is NOT a condition for introducing a state alteration bill?
(a) President’s recommendation
(b) Prior Supreme Court consultation
(c) Referring to concerned state legislature
(d) Bill can be in either House
Answer: (b)
Explanation: No Supreme Court consultation is needed.
Parliament’s power to form new states includes:
(a) Uniting two or more states
(b) Uniting territory to a state part
(c) Separating territory from a state
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 3 allows all these methods.
Altering Union Territories’ boundaries requires a:
(a) Special majority
(b) Simple majority
(c) Two-thirds majority
(d) Constitutional amendment
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A simple majority in Parliament is sufficient.
The power to create new states lies with the:
(a) President
(b) Parliament
(c) State Legislatures
(d) Supreme Court
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Parliament has this power.
Which is NOT part of India’s territory under Article 1?
(a) States
(b) Union Territories
(c) Acquired territories
(d) Leased foreign territories
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Leased territories are not explicitly included.
Andhra Pradesh’s formation was based on:
(a) Religion
(b) Language
(c) Administration
(d) Geography
Answer: (b)
Explanation: It was the first linguistic state.
The first commission for state reorganization post-independence was:
(a) Dhar Commission
(b) States Reorganisation Commission
(c) JVP Committee
(d) Simon Commission
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Dhar Commission was the first.
The JVP Committee included:
1. Jawaharlal Nehru
2. Vallabhbhai Patel
3. Pattabhi Sitaramayya
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: All three were members.
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 was primarily based on:
(a) Religious lines
(b) Linguistic lines
(c) Administrative convenience
(d) Economic viability
Answer: (b)
Explanation: It was mainly based on language.
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 created:
(a) 14 states and 6 Union Territories
(b) 16 states and 8 Union Territories
(c) 15 states and 7 Union Territories
(d) 13 states and 5 Union Territories
Answer: (a)
Explanation: This was the outcome of the Act.