Indian Polity · MCQs

Fundamental Duties MCQs

57questions in the set

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From the 57 in PrepShark’s Fundamental Duties set (Indian Polity). Pick an answer, then open the explanation.

Question 01
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The State may impose compulsory service for public purposes without violating the prohibition of forced labour in Article 23. Statement-II: Article 51A(d) requires citizens to render national service when called upon to do so. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
1. Option A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. Option B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. Option C: Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Option D: Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer and explanation
Answer: B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
**Statement-I is correct.** **Article 23(2)** permits **compulsory service for public purposes**, provided there is no discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste or class. **Statement-II is correct.** That is the text of clause **(d)**. Article 23(2) has existed **since 1950**, long before Article 51A; the State’s power rests on **Article 23(2)**, not on the duty. So Statement-II **does not explain** Statement-I.
Question 02
Some students of a school stand respectfully whenever the National Anthem is sung but do not sing it, because their faith forbids it. The school expels them. Applying Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986), the expulsion is:
1. Option A: valid, because Article 51A(a) obliges every citizen to sing the National Anthem
2. Option B: valid, because the Fundamental Duties override the freedom of religion
3. Option C: invalid, because standing respectfully shows proper respect and no law compels a person to sing the anthem
4. Option D: valid, because the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 makes non-singing an offence
Answer and explanation
Answer: C. invalid, because standing respectfully shows proper respect and no law compels a person to sing the anthem
**Why C is correct.** In **Bijoe Emmanuel (1986)** the Court held that standing respectfully is **respect**, that **no legal provision obliges anyone to sing**, and that the expulsion violated **Articles 19(1)(a) and 25**. **Why A is incorrect.** Clause **(a)** requires **respect** for the anthem, not **singing** it. **Why B is incorrect.** Duties do **not override** Part III. **Why D is incorrect.** Silent, respectful standing is **not an insult** under that Act.
Question 03
Critics argue that the placement of the Fundamental Duties in the Constitution has reduced their value and significance. The argument is that they:
1. Option A: were placed inside Part III, mixing duties with justiciable rights
2. Option B: were placed in the Preamble, which is not enforceable
3. Option C: were placed in a Schedule rather than in the body of the Constitution
4. Option D: were added as an appendage to Part IV instead of being placed after Part III, on a par with the Fundamental Rights
Answer and explanation
Answer: D. were added as an appendage to Part IV instead of being placed after Part III, on a par with the Fundamental Rights
**Why D is correct.** Critics say duties belong **next to rights**; attaching them to **Part IV** associates them with **non-justiciable** directives. **Why A is incorrect.** This is the **opposite** of where they are. **Why B is incorrect.** The Preamble contains **no list of duties**. **Why C is incorrect.** They are in **Article 51A**, in the **body** of the Constitution.
Question 04
Consider the following regarding the recommendations of the Justice J.S. Verma Committee: 1. Holders of public office should be accountable for their decisions and as open as possible about them. 2. Awareness of the Fundamental Duties should be built through education. 3. Article 51A should be deleted because the duties had proved unworkable. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Option A: 1 only
2. Option B: 1 and 2 only
3. Option C: 1 and 3 only
4. Option D: 1, 2 and 3
Answer and explanation
Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
**Statement 1 is correct.** The Committee stressed **integrity, accountability and openness** in public office. **Statement 2 is correct.** It emphasised **schools, colleges and teacher education** as the main route. **Statement 3 is incorrect.** The Committee sought to **operationalise** the duties, not to delete them.
Question 05
A Bill proposes to add a new Fundamental Duty to Article 51A. To become law it would require:
1. Option A: a special majority and ratification by the legislatures of at least half the States
2. Option B: approval of the people at a national referendum
3. Option C: only a simple majority, as for ordinary legislation
4. Option D: a special majority in each House of Parliament under Article 368(2), without ratification by the State Legislatures
Answer and explanation
Answer: D. a special majority in each House of Parliament under Article 368(2), without ratification by the State Legislatures
**Why D is correct.** Part IVA is **not** among the provisions listed in the **proviso to Article 368(2)**, so a **special majority** in each House is enough; **no State ratification** is needed. **Why A is incorrect.** Ratification is needed only for **federal provisions** in the proviso to Article 368(2); duties of citizens are not among them. **Why B is incorrect.** The Constitution makes **no provision for a referendum** on amendments. **Why C is incorrect.** Part IVA is not one of the provisions the Constitution allows to be changed by **ordinary law**; amending Article 51A is a **constitutional amendment**.

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