Preamble MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Preamble - Download Free PDF

The Correct answer is Option 1. 

Key Points

• Expression of Philosophy: The Preamble succinctly encapsulates the vision and values of the Constitution’s framers—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Source of Authority: It declares that all power and authority in the Constitution derive from “we, the people of India,” reflecting the makers’ commitment to popular sovereignty.
• Guiding Light: Although non-justiciable, the Preamble serves as the key to interpreting the entire Constitution, showing the framers’ aspirations and objectives.
• Fundamental Rights: While these rights give legal effect to individual freedoms, they implement the ideals first stated in the Preamble.
• Directive Principles: These principles translate the Preamble’s social welfare and economic justice goals into actionable state policies, but the core philosophy remains in the Preamble.
• Fundamental Duties: Introduced later by the 42nd Amendment (1976), they reflect post-making considerations and thus are not original framers’ expressions. Hence Correct answer is Option 1. 

The correct answer is Berubari Union, In re.

Key Points

• The case Berubari Union, In re (1960), was referred to the Supreme Court of India for an advisory opinion under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution.
• The Supreme Court held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution in this case.
• The judgment clarified that the Preamble serves as a key to interpret the Constitution but does not have any legal enforceability.
• However, this view was later modified in the Keshavananda Bharati case (1973), where the court stated that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.
• The Berubari case primarily dealt with the transfer of the Berubari Union to Pakistan as per the Nehru-Noon Agreement of 1958.

Additional Information

• Preamble of the Indian Constitution
  • The Preamble is an introductory statement that outlines the guiding principles, philosophy, and objectives of the Constitution.
  • It declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, and republic nation.
  • It enshrines ideals such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  • Though not enforceable in a court of law, it serves as a guiding light for constitutional interpretation.
• Article 143
  • Article 143 of the Indian Constitution allows the President to seek the advisory opinion of the Supreme Court on any question of law or fact of public importance.
  • Such advisory opinions are not binding on the President or the government.
• Keshavananda Bharati Case (1973)
  • In this landmark case, the Supreme Court overruled the Berubari judgment and held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution.
  • The case established the "basic structure doctrine," which ensures that the fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be amended.
• Nehru-Noon Agreement (1958)
  • This agreement was signed between Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani Prime Minister Feroze Khan Noon.
  • It aimed to resolve territorial disputes, including the transfer of the Berubari Union to Pakistan.
  • The Berubari case arose from the implementation of this agreement.

The correct answer is The Preamble.

Key Points

• The Preamble to the Indian Constitution declares India to be a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic."
• It begins with the words "We, the people of India," emphasizing that the authority of the Constitution is derived from the citizens of India.
• The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution, reflecting its ideals and goals.
• It was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950, along with the rest of the Constitution.

Additional Information

• Article 1: Article 1 of the Indian Constitution states that "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." It defines the name and territorial extent of India but does not address the source of authority behind the Constitution.
• The word Sovereign: The term "Sovereign" in the Preamble signifies that India is free to govern itself without any external interference. However, it does not specifically indicate the people of India as the source of authority.
• Part III: Part III of the Constitution is known as the "Fundamental Rights" section. It guarantees certain basic rights to the citizens of India but does not directly state that the people are the source of authority for the Constitution.

The correct answer is Adult Franchise.

Key Points

• The Preamble to the Indian Constitution does not explicitly mention Adult Franchise as one of its components.
• The key elements of the Preamble include Justice (social, economic, and political), Equality (of status and opportunity), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship), and Fraternity (assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation).
• Adult franchise, which ensures voting rights to all citizens above the age of 18 irrespective of caste, religion, or gender, is provided under Article 326 of the Constitution and is a fundamental principle of the democratic process in India.
• The Preamble serves as the guiding philosophy of the Constitution but does not include operational details like adult franchise.
• Adult franchise forms part of the broader democratic framework enshrined in the Constitution but is not explicitly mentioned in the Preamble.

Additional Information

• Preamble of the Indian Constitution:
  • The Preamble reflects the essence and philosophy of the Indian Constitution.
  • It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
  • The objectives stated in the Preamble include Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
  • The Preamble is considered a part of the Constitution as per the landmark Supreme Court judgment in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
• Adult Franchise:
  • Adult franchise in India is guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution.
  • It provides voting rights to all citizens aged 18 and above, without discrimination.
  • It is a fundamental aspect of India's democratic system, ensuring universal suffrage.
  • Adult franchise was introduced by the Constitution to eliminate barriers of caste, religion, gender, or wealth in electoral participation.
• Justice, Equality, Liberty, and Fraternity:
  • Justice: Refers to social, economic, and political justice ensuring fair treatment for all.
  • Equality: Ensures equality of status and opportunity for all citizens.
  • Liberty: Protects freedoms of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
  • Fraternity: Promotes national unity and integrity while ensuring individual dignity.
• Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973):
  • This landmark case upheld the Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution.
  • It established the doctrine of the "basic structure" of the Constitution.
  • As per the judgment, the Preamble's principles cannot be amended or altered in a way that damages the Constitution's fundamental framework.

The correct answer is Equality.

Key Points

• The term Equality in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution refers to the absence of special privileges for any section of the society.
• It ensures that every individual is treated equally before the law.
• This principle is a cornerstone of democratic societies where equal opportunity is provided to all citizens.
• Equality also aims at eliminating discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, religion, gender or economic status.
• Articles 14 to 18 of the Indian Constitution deal with the Right to Equality.

 Additional Information

• Fraternity
  • Fraternity refers to a sense of brotherhood and solidarity among the citizens of a nation.
  • It aims to promote harmony and unity among the diverse sections of society.
  • The concept of fraternity ensures the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.
• Liberty
  • Liberty in the Preamble signifies freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
  • It is essential for the development of individual personality and the progress of society.
  • This concept is enshrined in the Fundamental Rights under Articles 19 to 22 of the Indian Constitution.
• Sovereignty
  • Sovereignty means that India is a self-governing and independent nation.
  • It implies that the country has the supreme authority to make its own laws and policies without any external interference.
  • Sovereignty is a key feature that defines the status of a nation in the international arena.

The correct answer is Communist.

Key Points

Text of the Preamble as per the Constitution of India:

"We, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a [SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC, REPUBLIC] and 
(a) To secure all its citizens: 

• JUSTICE, Social, Economic, and Political; 
• LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship; 
• EQUALITY of status and opportunity; 

(b) And to promote among them all; 

• FRATERNITY assures the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;  

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION".

The correct answer is Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

Key Points

• The Preamble is the introductory statement of a document that shows its philosophy and objectives.
• The Preamble to the Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.
• It came to effect on 26 January 1950.
• The preamble presents the principles of the Constitution and indicates the sources of authority.
• The correct sequence of words in the preamble is:
  • Justice
  • Liberty
  • Equality
  • Fraternity

• Justice: It is necessary to maintain order in society that is promised through various provisions of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy provided by the Constitution of India.
• Equality: The term ‘Equality’ means no section of society has any special privileges and all the people have given equal opportunities for everything without any discriminations. Everyone is equal before the law.
• Liberty: The term ‘Liberty’ means freedom for the people to choose their way of life, have political views and behavior in society. Liberty does not mean freedom to do anything, a person can do anything but in the limit set by the law.
• Fraternity: The term ‘Fraternity’ means a feeling of brotherhood and an emotional attachment with the country and all the people. Fraternity helps to promote dignity and unity in the nation.

 Thus, we can say that the correct sequence of words mentioned in the Preamble is: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

The correct answer is USA.

Key Points

• The Preamble to the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Preamble of the Constitution of the USA.
• The Preamble is a part of the Indian constitution which, gives us fundamental values and highlights of the Constitution.
  • Keywords in the Preamble​Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
• The ideals behind the Preamble were laid down by Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objectives Resolution, adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.

Additional Information

• The other features borrowed from the constitution of the USA are: 
  • ​Impeachment of the President,
  • Functions of President and Vice-President,
  • Removal of Supreme Court and High court judges,
  • Fundamental Rights,
  • Judicial review
  • Independence of the judiciary.

The correct answer is Federalism.

Key Points

• Federalism is not a part of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Hence option 4 is incorrect.
• A preamble is basically an introductory statement in a document explaining the philosophy and objectives of the document.
• The ideals of the Preamble were laid down in Objectives Resolution by Jawaharlal Nehru.
• The Preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
• The word 'socialist' was added in the Preamble by 42nd Amendment, 1976.
• The word 'secular' was added in the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976.

Additional Information

Preamble

• "WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its 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; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION."

The correct answer is It is not enforceable.

Key Points

• The Preamble of our constitution is part of the Constitution but is not enforceable by courts.
• This means that courts cannot pass orders against the government of India to implement the ideas in the Preamble.
• The courts can take support to the Preamble in order to explain and clarify other provisions of the constitution.

Important Points

• The Preamble is an opening statement, stating the aims and objectives of the constitution.
• Accordingly, the preamble to the Indian constitution spells out the basic philosophy contained in the body of the Indian Constitution.
• The Preamble, in brief, explains the purposes of the Constitution in two ways: one, about the structure of the governance, and the other, about the ideals to be achieved in independent India.
• It is because of this, the Preamble is considered to be the key to the Constitution.

The correct answer is Federal.Key Points

• Socialist: The term means the achievement of socialist ends through democratic means. It holds faith in a mixed economy where both private and public sectors co-exist side by side.
  • It was added in the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment, 1976.
• Secular: The term means that all the religions in India get equal respect, protection and support from the state.
  • It was incorporated in the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976.
• Republic: The term indicates that the head of the state is elected by the people. In India, the President of India is the elected head of the state.
  • Hence Federal is not in the Preamble.

Important Points

• Sovereign: The term means that India has its own independent authority and it is not a dominion of any other external power. In the country, the legislature has the power to make laws that are subject to certain limitations.
• Democratic: The term implies that the Constitution of India has an established form of Constitution that gets its authority from the will of the people expressed in an election.

Additional Information 

The correct answer is Socialist.
Key Points

• The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is based on the ‘Objectives Resolution’, drafted and moved by Pandit Nehru, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
• It has been amended by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976).
• This amendment added three new words– Socialist, Secular and Integrity.

Important PointsSocialist

• The Indian form of socialism holds faith in a ‘mixed economy’ where both public and private sectors co-exist side by side.
• Democratic socialism aims to end poverty, ignorance, disease and inequality of opportunity.

Justice

• The term ‘justice’ in the Preamble embraces three distinct forms
  • social, economic, and political
•  The Justice is secured through various provisions of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.

Equality

• The term ‘equality’ means the absence of special privileges to any section of the society, and the provision of adequate opportunities for all individuals without any discrimination.

Liberty

• The term ‘liberty’ means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals, and at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities.

The Correct Answer is the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Key Points

• Preamble:
  • The preamble is the soul of the constitution as it is the part of the constitution.
  • Preamble acts as an interpreter of the constitution.
  • Whenever a question of doubt arises in the interpretation of the constitution then the matter is decided in the light of the preamble.
• Fundamental Rights:
  • Articles 12-35 of Part - III of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights.
  • Fundamental rights are enforceable in the court of law.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
  • Articles 36-51 of Part-IV of the Indian Constitution deals with Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
  • They are borrowed from the constitution of Ireland. 
  • DPSPs are non-justiciable in nature.
  • They act as directives to the government to create any law.
  • They act as the ‘instrument of instructions’.
• Fundamental Duties:
  • The fundamental duties were incorporated in Part IV-A of our constitution through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
  • At present, there are eleven fundamental duties under article 51 A of the constitution.
  • The idea of Fundamental Duties has been borrowed from the erstwhile USSR.
  • Originally the duties were ten in number, later on through 86th Amendment Act, 2002, the eleventh Fundamental duty was added.
  • Swaran Singh Committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution.
  • Fundamental duties are non-enforceable in nature.

The correct answer is Jawaharlal Nehru.

Key Points

• On 13th December 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the historic 'Objectives Resolution' in the Assembly.
  • It laid down the fundamentals and philosophy of the constitutional structure.
  • This Resolution was unanimously adopted by the Assembly on 22nd January 1947.
  • It influenced the eventual shaping of the constitution through all its subsequent stages.
  • Its modified version forms the Preamble of the present Constitution.

Additional Information

• Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was independent India's first Minister of Law and Justice.
  • He was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer, who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination toward the untouchables.
  • He was considered the chief architect of the Constitution of India. He was given Bharat Ratna in 1990.
  • He was born on 14th April 1891 in Mhow, Indore.
  • He was the first Indian to pursue a doctorate in economics abroad.
  • He passed away on 6th December 1956.

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the longest-serving President of India (1950 to 1962).
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India on 24th January 1950
  • He was one of the prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement and played a prominent role as the President of the Indian National Congress. 
  • He served as the president of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the first constitution of the Republic of India, which lasted from 1948 to 1950.
  • He also became the first Minister of Food and Agriculture in 1946 in the Interim National Government.
  • Satyagraha In Champaran, Atmakatha, Bapu Ke Kadmon Mein, Since Independence, Sahitya Shiksha evam Sanskriti, and Bharatiya Shiksha are some of the notable works of Dr. Rajendra Prasad. 
• JB Kripalani
  • His original name was Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani but was popularly known as Acharya Kripalani.
  • He participated in movements like Non-Cooperation Movement, Quit India Movement & Salt Satyagraha.
  • He was the president of the Indian National Congress when India gained independence in 1947.

The correct answer is fraternity.

Key Points

• FRATERNITY, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation:   
  • Fraternity is at the heart of school, society, and nation.
  • Social solidarity is a vital part of a society that has a place for the aspirations of all members of society.
  • Understanding the importance of fraternity or solidarity and the knowledge that we all belong to a large community, a nation, and the globe is also to discover our innate humanity.
  • It is only when we recognize our interdependence then we are empowered to help build a peaceful nation and a world.
  • The citizens need to internalize the principles of equality, justice, and liberty to promote fraternity among all, regardless of religious beliefs, and regional and local diversity.
• JUSTICE, social, economic and political:
  • Justice ensures that the freedom of one does not become tyranny for another.
  • Justice to be truly meaningful needs sharing of power, compassion towards the underprivileged, and empathy towards the disadvantaged.
  • An education on rights and duties becomes important to ensure a fight for justice.
• LIBERTY of thoughts, expression, belief, faith, and worship:
  • Liberty of thought and action is a fundamental value embedded in our Constitution.
  • It is the basis for creativity and exploration of new ideas and experiments that can advance social progress.
  • Respecting the rights of others to liberty of thought and action is the hallmark of a civilized society.
  • Ensuring that this liberty of thought and action is not used to belittle or diminish the beliefs and status of others is what constitutes a decent society.
  • Democracy creates an opportunity to pursue one’s chosen ends and respect others’ rights to do so.
  • In a diverse country like India, exercising freedom with responsibility is a must for ensuring peace in the nation.
• EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all:
  • Equality is another value enshrined in the Constitution.
  • Freedom and justice remain mere words if equality is not ensured. It implies freedom from exploitation and ensuring opportunities for an individual’s development, irrespective of background, gender, cultural or socio-economic identity, and status.