The Constitution of India – MCQs with Answers and Explanations

CBSE Class 7 Social Science - Chapter 9: 30 MCQs

Class: 7

Subject: Social Science

Chapter: 9

The Constitution of India — 30 MCQs with Answers & Explanations

NCERT-aligned multiple choice questions focused on the Constitution: its meaning, drafting, Preamble, key features, rights and borrowed ideas. Use the "Show Answer & Explanation" button to reveal detailed concept-clearing explanations.

CBSE Board Examination — Study Order

Read the question carefully
Eliminate incorrect options using NCERT concepts
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Content Bank — Topics covered

Meaning & purpose of a Constitution
Drafting of India’s Constitution and key contributors
The Preamble and its ideals
Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Duties
Federalism, separation of powers, judiciary
Constitutional amendments, emergencies and borrowed ideas

MCQs (1–30)

1. What is a constitution?

A. A list of laws passed every year
B. The basic set of rules that defines how a country is governed
C. A collection of customs only
D. A document only rulers must follow

Answer: B. The basic set of rules that defines how a country is governed.

Explanation: A constitution lays down institutions, powers, rights and procedures — it is the country's rulebook, not just customs or temporary laws.

2. When did the Constitution of India come into effect?

A. 15 August 1947
B. 26 January 1950
C. 26 November 1950
D. 1 January 1950

Answer: B. 26 January 1950.

Explanation: The Constitution was adopted earlier but came into force on Republic Day, 26 January 1950, when India became a republic.

3. Who chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?

A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Sardar Patel
C. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
D. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Answer: C. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Explanation: Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee and played a central role in preparing the Constitution's text and structure.

4. Which phrase begins the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

A. "We, the people of India"
B. "By the grace of God"
C. "In the name of the King"
D. "The government of India"

Answer: A. "We, the people of India".

Explanation: This phrase shows that the Constitution derives authority from the people, establishing popular sovereignty.

5. Which of the following is NOT one of the ideals in the Preamble?

A. Justice
B. Liberty
C. Inequality
D. Fraternity

Answer: C. Inequality.

Explanation: The Preamble promotes Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity; inequality is contrary to these constitutional ideals.

6. What are Directive Principles of State Policy?

A. Justiciable rights enforceable in court
B. Guidelines for the government to promote social welfare
C. Religious laws
D. Electoral rules only

Answer: B. Guidelines for the government to promote social welfare.

Explanation: Directive Principles are non-justiciable aims that guide state policy for social and economic welfare (inspired by Ireland).

7. Which system did India adopt for its executive-legislature relationship?

A. Presidential system
B. Parliamentary system
C. Monarchical system
D. Theocratic system

Answer: B. Parliamentary system.

Explanation: India follows the parliamentary system (borrowed from the UK) where the Council of Ministers is responsible to the legislature.

8. Fundamental Rights are:

A. Optional suggestions for the government
B. Rights enforceable in courts
C. Only for government officials
D. Not mentioned in the Constitution

Answer: B. Rights enforceable in courts.

Explanation: Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties and can be enforced through the judiciary if violated.

9. Judicial review refers to the power of courts to:

A. Make laws
B. Review and invalidate unconstitutional laws
C. Run government departments
D. Conduct elections

Answer: B. Review and invalidate unconstitutional laws.

Explanation: Judicial review allows courts to check legislative and executive actions against the Constitution to protect rights and basic structure.

10. Which country influenced India’s Directive Principles?

A. United Kingdom
B. United States
C. Ireland
D. France

Answer: C. Ireland.

Explanation: The Directive Principles were inspired by the Irish Constitution and adapted to India’s social aims.

11. Which organ of the government implements laws?

A. Legislature
B. Judiciary
C. Executive
D. Election Commission

Answer: C. Executive.

Explanation: The executive administers and implements the laws passed by the legislature; the judiciary interprets them.

12. Which feature describes India’s Constitution best?

A. Unwritten and short
B. Written and detailed
C. Only customary rules
D. Temporary ordinance book

Answer: B. Written and detailed.

Explanation: India has one of the lengthiest written constitutions covering many aspects of governance and rights.

13. Which of these is a basic aim of the Constitution?

A. Protect only rulers
B. Promote justice, liberty and equality
C. Remove all laws
D. Encourage discrimination

Answer: B. Promote justice, liberty and equality.

Explanation: The Preamble outlines these core aims which guide the Constitution’s objectives and policies.

14. What does federalism mean?

A. Centralised single-level government
B. Division of powers between central and state governments
C. Rule by a king
D. Direct rule by citizens daily

Answer: B. Division of powers between central and state governments.

Explanation: Federalism allows both levels to function with defined subjects and responsibilities (Union, State, Concurrent lists).

15. Which is an example of a Fundamental Right?

A. Right to hold public office
B. Right to freedom of speech
C. Right to rule by decree
D. Right to ignore laws

Answer: B. Right to freedom of speech.

Explanation: Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right ensuring citizens can express opinions within legal limits.

16. What is 'basic structure' doctrine?

A. A requirement to build houses
B. Idea that certain core features of the Constitution cannot be altered by amendment
C. A rule for local roads
D. A tax policy

Answer: B. Idea that certain core features of the Constitution cannot be altered by amendment.

Explanation: The basic structure doctrine preserves democracy, rule of law and other core principles even against constitutional amendments.

17. Who can propose a constitutional amendment in India?

A. Any citizen by petition
B. The Parliament through a bill
C. A state without central approval
D. The President alone

Answer: B. The Parliament through a bill.

Explanation: Amendments are proposed and passed by Parliament with specified majorities; some may require state ratification.

18. Which body interprets the Constitution?

A. Parliament
B. Executive
C. Judiciary (courts)
D. Election Commission

Answer: C. Judiciary (courts).

Explanation: Courts interpret constitutional provisions and can strike down laws inconsistent with the Constitution through judicial review.

19. Which feature ensures laws apply equally to all?

A. Rule of law
B. Royal decree
C. Secret orders
D. Favoritism

Answer: A. Rule of law.

Explanation: Rule of law means everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law and legal processes protect fairness.

20. What is the main purpose of Fundamental Duties?

A. To give extra powers to rulers
B. To remind citizens of their responsibilities
C. To replace rights
D. To avoid elections

Answer: B. To remind citizens of their responsibilities.

Explanation: Fundamental Duties (added by the 42nd Amendment) encourage citizens to uphold constitutional values and civic sense.

21. Which of these is a borrowed feature in the Indian Constitution?

A. Presidential system from USA
B. Parliamentary system from the UK
C. Monarchy from France
D. Direct rule from Australia

Answer: B. Parliamentary system from the UK.

Explanation: India adopted the parliamentary form of government where the executive is responsible to the legislature, modeled after the UK.

22. What does 'secular' mean in the Constitution?

A. State favouring one religion
B. State treats all religions equally
C. Only religious leaders can rule
D. Religion governs law

Answer: B. State treats all religions equally.

Explanation: Secularism ensures freedom of religion and that the state does not adopt or favour any religion.

23. Which of the following is protected by the Constitution against state action?

A. Fundamental Rights
B. Private contracts only
C. Royal privileges
D. None of the above

Answer: A. Fundamental Rights.

Explanation: Fundamental Rights are enforceable against the state to prevent arbitrary actions and protect citizens' freedoms.

24. Which of these is NOT true about Directive Principles?

A. They are non-justiciable
B. They guide government policy
C. They are enforceable in courts
D. They aim for social welfare

Answer: C. They are enforceable in courts.

Explanation: Directive Principles are not enforceable by courts but direct the state to design policies aimed at welfare and justice.

25. The power to amend the Constitution lies with:

A. Supreme Court only
B. Parliament through a special procedure
C. State governments alone
D. President alone

Answer: B. Parliament through a special procedure.

Explanation: Amendments are made by Parliament with specified majorities; some require ratification by states for federal balance.

26. Which of these ensures minority protections in India?

A. Special provisions and Fundamental Rights
B. No protections at all
C. Only majority rules
D. Exclusive state control

Answer: A. Special provisions and Fundamental Rights.

Explanation: The Constitution includes safeguards like cultural and educational rights and equality provisions to protect minorities.

27. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a tool to:

A. Allow only officials to file cases
B. Permit citizens to approach courts for public causes
C. Replace legislation
D. Avoid judicial process

Answer: B. Permit citizens to approach courts for public causes.

Explanation: PIL allows courts to address issues affecting a group of people or the public where rights are being violated, enhancing access to justice.

28. Which of the following is a safeguard against arbitrary power?

A. Independent judiciary
B. Unlimited executive power
C. Secret laws
D. No elections

Answer: A. Independent judiciary.

Explanation: An independent judiciary interprets laws impartially and checks other branches, preventing arbitrary actions and protecting rights.

29. A republic means:

A. Head of state is hereditary
B. Head of state is elected or chosen as per constitution
C. Rule by a monarch
D. No constitution

Answer: B. Head of state is elected or chosen as per constitution.

Explanation: In a republic, the head of state is not hereditary; in India, the President is the elected head as per constitutional procedures.

30. Why did India borrow ideas from other countries when framing its Constitution?

A. To copy without thinking
B. To adopt tested practices and adapt them to Indian needs
C. Because India had no original thinkers
D. To avoid creating a constitution

Answer: B. To adopt tested practices and adapt them to Indian needs.

Explanation: Framers studied other constitutions to use successful features (parliamentary system, rights, principles) and modified them to fit India’s diversity and priorities.

These 30 MCQs and explanations follow NCERT Chapter 9 themes and are suitable for CBSE Class 7 practice and assessment.

The Constitution of India – MCQs with Answers and Explanations

The Constitution of India — 30 MCQs with Answers & Explanations

MCQs (1–30)

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