The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is not just an introduction—it encapsulates the vision, philosophy, and core values on which our Constitution is founded. Keywords like Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic hold immense weight in both the prelims and mains of UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other competitive exams.
Preamble MCQs and Answers with Explanations
1. Which of the following phrases accurately reflects the ultimate source of authority of the Indian Constitution as proclaimed in its Preamble?
a) The Parliament of India
b) The People of India
c) The President of India
d) The Constituent Assembly
Answer: (b) The People of India
Explanation: The Preamble begins with the words “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA…”, clearly indicating that the Constitution derives its authority from the citizens of India.
2. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution declares India to be a:
a) Sovereign, Democratic Republic
b) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
c) Sovereign, Secular, Democratic Republic
d) Sovereign, Socialist, Democratic Republic
Answer: (b) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
Explanation: The Preamble, as amended by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, describes India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
3. Which of the following objectives is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution?
a) Justice
b) Liberty
c) Equality
d) Fraternity
e) Federalism
Answer: (e) Federalism
Explanation: While the Indian Constitution establishes a federal structure, the term ‘federalism’ is not explicitly stated in the Preamble. The Preamble outlines Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity as key objectives.
4. The term ‘Justice’ in the Preamble encompasses which of the following dimensions?
a) Social justice only
b) Economic justice only
c) Political justice only
d) Social, economic, and political justice
Answer: (d) Social, economic, and political justice
Explanation: The Preamble envisions justice in three distinct but interconnected dimensions: social justice (equal treatment irrespective of social standing), economic justice (equitable distribution of wealth and resources), and political justice (equal participation in the political process).
5. The concept of ‘Liberty’ as enshrined in the Preamble includes:
a) Freedom of thought and expression only
b) Freedom of belief, faith, and worship only
c) Freedom to act as one pleases without any restrictions
d) Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship
Answer: (d) Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship
Explanation: The Preamble secures to all citizens liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, recognizing the importance of intellectual and religious freedom.
6. Which of the following aspects of ‘Equality’ is emphasized in the Preamble?
a) Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment only
b) Equality before the law only
c) Equality of status and of opportunity
d) Equality of income and wealth
Answer: (c) Equality of status and of opportunity
Explanation: The Preamble aims to secure to all citizens equality of status (absence of artificial distinctions) and equality of opportunity (providing equal chances for development).
7. The term ‘Fraternity’ in the Preamble primarily aims to promote:
a) Uniformity in laws across the nation
b) A feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood among all citizens
c) Equal representation of all communities in government
d) Economic parity among all sections of society
Answer: (b) A feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood among all citizens
Explanation: Fraternity emphasizes a sense of common brotherhood and sisterhood, aiming to foster unity and integrity of the nation by promoting harmony and transcending divisive factors.
8. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution serves as:
a) A source of legislative power
b) A limitation on executive action
c) An aid to the interpretation of the Constitution
d) A justiciable part of the Constitution
Answer: (c) An aid to the interpretation of the Constitution
Explanation: While not a source of power or a limitation, the Preamble provides valuable insights into the aims, objectives, and underlying philosophy of the Constitution, thus serving as a guide for its interpretation.
9. The phrase ‘Sovereign’ in the Preamble implies that India is:
a) Free from external control and has the power to govern itself internally and externally.
b) A member of the United Nations with full voting rights.
c) A country with a parliamentary form of government.
d) A nation with a written constitution.
Answer: (a) Free from external control and has the power to govern itself internally and externally.
Explanation: Sovereignty signifies the supreme and independent power of the state. India is internally supreme (no authority above it) and externally free from the control of any other state.
10. The term ‘Socialist’ was added to the Preamble with the objective of:
a) Establishing a communist form of government.
b) Nationalizing all private property.
c) Achieving a social and economic order based on equality and justice.
d) Promoting a purely capitalist economy with welfare measures.
Answer: (c) Achieving a social and economic order based on equality and justice.
Explanation: The term ‘socialist’ in the Indian context implies a commitment to a welfare state where the government plays a role in reducing inequalities and ensuring a fair distribution of resources, without necessarily advocating for complete state ownership.
11. The term ‘Secular’ in the Preamble signifies that:
a) India has a state religion.
b) The state treats all religions equally and does not endorse any particular religion.
c) The state prohibits the practice of all religions.
d) The state actively promotes religious harmony by funding religious institutions equally.
Answer: (b) The state treats all religions equally and does not endorse any particular religion.
Explanation: Secularism in India implies that the state is neutral in matters of religion and treats all religions with equal respect, without having an official state religion.
12. The term ‘Democratic’ in the Preamble signifies that the government derives its authority from:
a) A written constitution.
b) The head of the state.
c) The people through elections.
d) The judiciary’s interpretation of laws.
Answer: (c) The people through elections.
Explanation: ‘Democratic’ in the Preamble indicates that the ultimate power rests with the people, who exercise it through their elected representatives in a system of free and fair elections based on universal adult suffrage.
13. The term ‘Republic’ in the Preamble implies that the head of the state is:
a) Elected directly by the citizens.
b) An elected representative for a fixed term.
c) A hereditary monarch.
d) Appointed by the Prime Minister.
Answer: (b) An elected representative for a fixed term.
Explanation: A republic signifies that the head of the state (the President in India) is not a hereditary position but an elected one, though indirectly elected by an electoral college, for a fixed term.
14. Which of the following statements about the Preamble is INCORRECT?
a) It is a part of the Constitution.
b) It can be amended by the Parliament.
c) It is a source of legislative power.
d) It is non-justiciable.
Answer: (c) It is a source of legislative power.
Explanation: The Preamble outlines the objectives and philosophy of the Constitution but does not grant any legislative powers to the government.
15. The Preamble resolves to secure to all its citizens:
a) Only Justice, Liberty, and Equality.
b) Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
c) Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Unity.
d) Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Unity, and Integrity.
Answer: (d) Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Unity, and Integrity.
Explanation: The Preamble explicitly states the resolve to secure to all citizens Justice (social, economic, and political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship), Equality (of status and of opportunity), and to promote among them all Fraternity (assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation).
16. The significance of the Preamble lies in the fact that it reflects:
a) The actual provisions of the Constitution in brief.
b) The ideals and aspirations of the framers of the Constitution.
c) The historical context in which the Constitution was drafted.
d) The amendments made to the Constitution over time.
Answer: (b) The ideals and aspirations of the framers of the Constitution.
Explanation: The Preamble encapsulates the vision, values, and goals that the framers of the Constitution sought to achieve for the people of India.
17. The date mentioned in the Preamble, November 26, 1949, signifies the day when:
a) The Constitution came into force fully.
b) The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution.
c) India became a Republic.
d) The drafting of the Constitution was completed.
Answer: (b) The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution.
Explanation: The Preamble itself states that on the 26th day of November, 1949, the people of India, through the Constituent Assembly, adopted, enacted, and gave to themselves this Constitution.
18. Which of the following concepts is NOT directly implied by the word ‘Republic’ in the Preamble?
a) Absence of hereditary ruler.
b) Head of state is an elected person.
c) Political sovereignty rests with the people.
d) Existence of a written constitution.
Answer: (d) Existence of a written constitution.
Explanation: While most republics have written constitutions, the term ‘republic’ primarily refers to the nature of the head of state (elected, not hereditary) and the ultimate sovereignty residing in the people, not necessarily the existence of a written constitution.
19. The Preamble’s commitment to ‘dignity of the individual’ is closely linked to the fundamental right to:
a) Freedom of speech and expression (Article 19).
b) Equality before the law (Article 14).
c) Protection of life and personal liberty (Article 21).
d) Right against exploitation (Articles 23 and 24).
Answer: (c) Protection of life and personal liberty (Article 21).
Explanation: The right to life and personal liberty, with its expanded interpretations ensuring a life with dignity, is most directly related to the Preamble’s commitment to the dignity of the individual.
20. The concept of ‘unity and integrity of the Nation’ in the Preamble emphasizes:
a) Uniformity in culture and language across the country.
b) Both the territorial integrity of the nation and the psychological and emotional integration of its people.
c) A strong central government with limited state autonomy.
d) The need for a single national political party.
Answer: (b) Both the territorial integrity of the nation and the psychological and emotional integration of its people.
Explanation: ‘Unity’ refers to the physical and territorial oneness of the country, while ‘integrity’ encompasses the psychological and emotional bonding and sense of common identity among its diverse population.
21. In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court initially hold that the Preamble is NOT a part of the Constitution?
a) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
b) Berubari Union case
c) Minerva Mills v. Union of India
d) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
Answer: (b) Berubari Union case (1960)
Explanation: In the Berubari Union case, the Supreme Court opined that the Preamble was not a part of the Constitution and hence not enforceable in a court of law.
22. In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court explicitly state that the Preamble IS a part of the Constitution?
a) Shankari Prasad v. Union of India
b) Sajjan Singh v. State of Rajasthan
c) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
d) A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras
Answer: (c) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Explanation: The Supreme Court, in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case, reversed its earlier stance and held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution and can be amended, subject to the condition that its basic features are not altered.
23. The Preamble’s emphasis on ‘social justice’ aligns most closely with which part of the Constitution?
a) Fundamental Rights
b) Directive Principles of State Policy
c) Fundamental Duties
d) The Union Executive
Answer: (b) Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation: The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) are specifically aimed at promoting social and economic justice and establishing a welfare state, thus directly reflecting the Preamble’s commitment to social justice.
24. The ‘philosophical foundation’ of the Indian Constitution is best reflected in:
a) The Fundamental Rights.
b) The Directive Principles of State Policy.
c) The Preamble.
d) The Seventh Schedule.
Answer: (c) The Preamble.
Explanation: The Preamble embodies the core values, principles, and aspirations upon which the Indian Constitution is built, serving as its philosophical foundation and guiding spirit.
25. Which of the following amendments led to the insertion of the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ in the Preamble?
a) 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
b) 44th Amendment Act, 1978
c) 73rd Amendment Act, 1992
d) 86th Amendment Act, 2002
Answer: (a) 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, often referred to as the ‘Mini-Constitution’, added the words ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’ to the Preamble.
26. The Preamble’s commitment to ‘political justice’ implies:
a) Equal access to courts for all citizens.
b) Equal participation of all citizens in the political process.
c) Uniform civil code for all citizens.
d) Free and fair elections and universal adult suffrage.
Answer: (b) Equal participation of all citizens in the political process.
Explanation: Political justice ensures that all citizens have equal rights to participate in the governance of the country, including the right to vote, contest elections, and hold public office, without discrimination.
27. The Preamble seeks to secure ‘Liberty of thought’ which is most directly related to the fundamental right to:
a) Freedom of assembly (Article 19(1)(b)).
b) Freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)).
c) Freedom to form associations (Article 19(1)(c)).
d) Freedom to reside and settle in any part of India (Article 19(1)(d)).
Answer: (b) Freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)).
Explanation: Liberty of thought is the freedom to hold opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or restraint, which is a crucial aspect of the freedom of speech and expression.
28. The Preamble’s emphasis on ‘equality of opportunity’ is reflected in which of the following fundamental rights?
a) Right to equality before the law (Article 14).
b) Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 15).
c) Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Article 16).
d) Abolition of untouchability (Article 17).
Answer: (c) Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Article 16).
Explanation: Article 16 specifically guarantees equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State.
29. The Preamble’s call for ‘Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual’ is intended to:
a) Promote social hierarchy based on merit.
b) Ensure that the fundamental rights are not absolute.
c) Uphold the inherent worth and respect of every citizen.
d) Establish a uniform code of conduct for all individuals.
Answer: (c) Uphold the inherent worth and respect of every citizen.
Explanation: Fraternity, coupled with the assurance of the dignity of the individual, aims to create a society where every person is treated with respect and their inherent worth is recognized, irrespective of their background.
30. The Preamble’s mention of ‘Unity and Integrity of the Nation’ was further emphasized by which constitutional amendment?
a) First Amendment Act, 1951
b) 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
c) 44th Amendment Act, 1978
d) 86th Amendment Act, 2002
Answer: (b) 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
Explanation: While the concept of unity was always implicit, the word ‘Integrity’ was explicitly added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, reinforcing the nation’s territorial and emotional wholeness.
31. The Preamble derives its significance from being:
a) The operative part of the Constitution.
b) A non-justiciable but guiding spirit of the Constitution.
c) A detailed explanation of the articles within the Constitution.
d) A historical account of the making of the Constitution
Answer: (b) A non-justiciable but guiding spirit of the Constitution.
Explanation: The Preamble is not directly enforceable in a court of law (non-justiciable), but it sets forth the fundamental values and objectives that guide the interpretation and application of the Constitution’s provisions.
32. Which of the following sequences accurately reflects the chronological order in which the ideals of Justice, Liberty, and Equality appear in the Preamble?
a) Liberty, Equality, Justice
b) Equality, Liberty, Justice
c) Justice, Liberty, Equality
d) Liberty, Justice, Equality
Answer: (c) Justice, Liberty, Equality
Explanation: The Preamble lists the objectives in the order: Justice (social, economic, and political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship), and Equality (of status and of opportunity).
33. The Preamble’s aspiration for ‘economic justice’ implies:
a) Equal distribution of wealth among all citizens.
b) Absence of private property.
c) Reduction of inequalities in income and wealth.
d) State ownership of all means of production.
Answer: (c) Reduction of inequalities in income and wealth.
Explanation: Economic justice, as envisioned in the Preamble, aims at minimizing the gap between the rich and the poor and ensuring a fair distribution of economic resources and opportunities.
34. The Preamble’s emphasis on ‘social justice’ seeks to address:
a) Discrimination based on economic status.
b) Inequalities arising from caste, religion, sex, etc.
c) Lack of political representation for marginalized groups.
d) Unequal access to education and healthcare.
Answer: (b) Inequalities arising from caste, religion, sex, etc.
Explanation: Social justice aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequality based on social hierarchies and ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all sections of society.
35. The Preamble’s commitment to ‘political justice’ is best realized through:
a) A strong and independent judiciary.
b) A written and supreme Constitution.
c) The system of universal adult suffrage and free and fair elections.
d) The separation of powers between the three organs of the state.
Answer: (c) The system of universal adult suffrage and free and fair elections.
Explanation: Political justice is primarily achieved by granting all adult citizens the right to vote and participate in the political process through free and fair elections, ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.
36. The Preamble’s concept of ‘Liberty of expression’ is most closely related to the fundamental right to:
a) Freedom of conscience.
b) Freedom to practice any profession.
c) Freedom of speech and expression.
d) Freedom to reside in any part of India.
Answer: (c) Freedom of speech and expression.
Explanation: Liberty of expression, as mentioned in the Preamble, directly corresponds to the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) – the freedom of speech and expression.
37. The Preamble’s ideal of ‘Equality of status’ aims to abolish:
a) Economic disparities.
b) Social hierarchies and artificial distinctions.
c) Differences in educational opportunities.
d) Variations in legal treatment.
Answer: (b) Social hierarchies and artificial distinctions.
Explanation: Equality of status seeks to eliminate social barriers and ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of their social background.
38. The Preamble’s call for ‘Fraternity assuring the unity… of the Nation’ is particularly significant for:
a) Maintaining cultural homogeneity.
b) Promoting regionalism and linguistic identity.
c) Fostering a sense of common identity and national solidarity in a diverse country.
d) Ensuring a uniform administrative structure across all states.
Answer: (c) Fostering a sense of common identity and national solidarity in a diverse country.
Explanation: In a country as diverse as India, fraternity plays a crucial role in promoting a feeling of brotherhood and national unity, transcending differences in religion, language, region, etc.
39. The Preamble’s reference to ‘We, the people of India’ signifies the principle of:
a) Parliamentary sovereignty.
b) Judicial supremacy.
c) Popular sovereignty.
d) Constitutional supremacy.
Answer: (c) Popular sovereignty.
Explanation: The opening words of the Preamble emphasize that the ultimate authority and power to govern the nation reside in the people of India.
40. Which of the following is NOT a key word describing the nature of the Indian state as mentioned in the Preamble?
a) Federal
b) Sovereign
c) Democratic
d) Republic
Answer: (a) Federal
Explanation: The Preamble describes India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. While the Constitution establishes a federal system, the term ‘federal’ is not explicitly used to describe the nature of the state in the Preamble.
41. The Preamble’s objective of securing ‘Liberty of belief, faith, and worship’ is most closely related to the fundamental right to:
a) Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion (Article 25).
b) Cultural and educational rights (Articles 29 and 30).
c) Right against exploitation (Articles 23 and 24).
d) Right to constitutional remedies (Article 32).
Answer: (a) Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion (Article 25).
Explanation: This fundamental right directly addresses the Preamble’s commitment to religious freedom, allowing individuals to freely hold beliefs, have faith, and practice their religion.
42. The Preamble’s aspiration for ‘Equality of opportunity’ is a key aspect of:
a) Social justice.
b) Economic justice.
c) Political justice.
d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above.
Explanation: Equality of opportunity is crucial for achieving social justice (equal access to societal resources), economic justice (equal chances for economic advancement), and political justice (equal opportunities to participate in governance).
43. The Preamble’s emphasis on ‘Fraternity assuring the integrity of the Nation’ gained particular significance in the context of:
a) The linguistic reorganization of states.
b) The challenges to national unity and secessionist movements.
c) The implementation of economic reforms.
d) The expansion of fundamental rights.
Answer: (b) The challenges to national unity and secessionist movements.
Explanation: The inclusion of ‘integrity’ in the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment underscored the importance of national unity and sought to counter threats to the territorial integrity of India.
44. The Preamble serves as a guiding light for the interpretation of the Constitution, particularly in cases where:
a) The language of an article is clear and unambiguous.
b) There is a conflict between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles.
c) The meaning of a constitutional provision is doubtful or ambiguous.
d) The Parliament seeks to amend the Constitution.
Answer: (c) The meaning of a constitutional provision is doubtful or ambiguous.
Explanation: When the text of a constitutional provision is unclear, the Preamble provides context and helps in understanding the underlying intent and objectives of the framers.
45. Which of the following principles enshrined in the Preamble reflects a commitment to both individual liberty and social control?
a) Justice
b) Liberty
c) Equality
d) Fraternity
Answer: (b) Liberty
Explanation: While the Preamble guarantees various liberties, these freedoms are not absolute and are subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of public order, morality, etc., reflecting a balance between individual freedom and societal needs.
46. The Preamble’s use of the phrase ‘to constitute India into a…’ indicates:
a) The historical process of the unification of India.
b) The sovereign power of the people to establish the form of their government.
c) The role of the Constituent Assembly in drafting the Constitution.
d) The ongoing process of nation-building and development.
Answer: (b) The sovereign power of the people to establish the form of their government.
Explanation: This phrase highlights that the people of India, in their sovereign capacity, have established the nature and structure of their polity as outlined in the Preamble.
47. The Preamble’s commitment to ‘assuring the dignity of the individual’ is a prerequisite for:
a) Maintaining a rigid social hierarchy.
b) Promoting social harmony and national unity.
c) Ensuring that fundamental rights are absolute and unrestrict
d) Establishing a uniform code of conduct for all citizens.
Answer: (b) Promoting social harmony and national unity.
Explanation: Recognizing and upholding the dignity of every individual fosters mutual respect and a sense of equality, which are essential for social harmony and national unity.
48. The Preamble’s vision of India as a ‘Democratic Republic’ signifies a system where:
a) The head of state is elected, and political power is ultimately vested in the people.
b) There is a clear separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
c) Fundamental rights are guaranteed and protected by an independent judiciary.
d) The government is accountable to the Parliament, which is elected by the people.
Answer: (a) The head of state is elected, and political power is ultimately vested in the people.
Explanation: ‘Republic’ signifies an elected head of state, and ‘Democratic’ emphasizes that the government derives its authority from the people, making the combination ‘Democratic Republic’ a system where the people hold ultimate power and elect their head of state.
49. The Preamble’s ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity are drawn from:
a) The American Declaration of Independence.
b) The French Revolution.
c) The Russian Revolution.
d) The British Bill of Rights.
Answer: (b) The French Revolution.
Explanation: The ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity are the famous motto of the French Revolution, and they significantly influenced the framers of the Indian Constitution.
50. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution, despite being non-justiciable, is significant because it:
a) Can be directly enforced by the Supreme Court.
b) Outlines the fundamental principles and objectives of the Constitution.
c) Grants specific powers to the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
d) Details the procedures for amending the Constitution.
Answer: (b) Outlines the fundamental principles and objectives of the Constitution.
Explanation: While not legally enforceable, the Preamble is crucial as it embodies the basic philosophy, values, and goals that the Constitution seeks to achieve, serving as a guiding spirit for its interpretation and implementation.
In this post, we present a set of carefully selected Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on the Preamble, each backed by detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances and historical context behind every concept. These questions will assist you in strengthening your foundational knowledge and revising crucial facts efficiently.