The Indian Constitution – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
Class 8
Social Science
Chapter 1: The Indian Constitution — 30 MCQs with Explanations
CBSE Board Examinations (Systematic Order)
- Chapter: The Indian Constitution (Social & Political Life — Chapter 1)
- Question types: MCQs, case-based, short & long answer
- Focus: Preamble, Features, Fundamental Rights & Duties, DPSP
- Prep tip: Attempt MCQs under timed conditions and read explanations to clear concepts
Content Bank — Topics Covered
Basics of Constitution; Preamble values; Constitutional features; Federalism; Parliamentary system; Fundamental Rights; Fundamental Duties; Directive Principles; Judiciary & remedies; Democracy in practice.
Topic: Basics & The Preamble
1. Which of the following best describes the Constitution of India?
Answer: B
Explanation: The Constitution of India is a written and comprehensive document that lays down the basic structure, powers of institutions, and citizens' rights — not oral or temporary rules.
2. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be —
Answer: B
The Preamble explicitly uses the words "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic" reflecting the Republic's foundational values and goals.
3. Which value from the Preamble emphasises equal treatment and no discrimination?
Answer: C
Equality in the Preamble and in Part III (Fundamental Rights) guarantees equal treatment by law and protects against discrimination.
4. The phrase 'socialist' in the Preamble primarily refers to —
Answer: B
Socialist in the Preamble means the state works towards reducing inequality and promoting social welfare while balancing individual rights and economic activity.
5. Which of the following words in the Preamble signifies unity among citizens?
Answer: B
Fraternity promotes a sense of brotherhood and national unity among citizens, which helps maintain solidarity and harmony.
Topic: Features of the Constitution
6. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: C
The Indian Constitution provides for democratic governance; absolute monarchy is contrary to its democratic and republican character.
7. The Constitution of India can be amended by —
Answer: B
The Constitution specifies detailed procedures (Article 368) for amendments; they must follow constitutional processes, sometimes requiring special majorities and state ratification.
8. Which principle ensures that no one is above the law?
Answer: A
Rule of law means laws apply equally and rulers are subject to law, preventing arbitrary governance.
9. The Indian Constitution provides for which type of government?
Answer: B
India follows a parliamentary system where the executive is responsible to the legislature and draws its support from the majority in Parliament.
10. Judicial review refers to the power of courts to —
Answer: C
Judicial review allows courts to assess whether laws or actions conform to the Constitution and to invalidate those that do not.
Topic: Fundamental Rights
11. Which article in the Constitution is known as the 'heart of the Constitution' as it provides remedies to enforce Fundamental Rights?
Answer: C
Article 32 allows citizens to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights and is called the "heart of the Constitution" by Dr. Ambedkar.
12. Which Fundamental Right prohibits untouchability?
Answer: A
The Right to Equality (Articles 14–18) includes abolition of untouchability and prohibits discrimination on grounds like caste.
13. Which right includes freedom of speech and expression?
Answer: B
Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22) covers freedom of speech and expression, assembly, movement, and association.
14. Which of the following is an example of the Right against Exploitation?
Answer: B
Right against Exploitation includes prohibition of forced labour and child labour, protecting vulnerable groups from abuse.
15. Cultural and Educational Rights protect —
Answer: A
Articles 29–30 safeguard minority communities' rights to conserve language and culture and to set up and run educational institutions.
Topic: Fundamental Duties & Directive Principles
16. Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by which amendment?
Answer: A
Fundamental Duties were incorporated into the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 to remind citizens of their responsibilities.
17. Directive Principles of State Policy are —
Answer: B
DPSP are guidelines in Part IV of the Constitution to direct the state to implement social and economic policies; they are not justiciable.
18. Which of the following is a Directive Principle?
Answer: A
Provision of free legal aid is an example of DPSP aimed at ensuring access to justice for all, particularly the poor.
19. Fundamental Duties are —
Answer: B
Fundamental Duties are moral obligations aimed at promoting civic sense and responsibility; they are not enforceable in the same way as Fundamental Rights.
20. Which of the following duties asks citizens to protect the environment?
Answer: B
One Fundamental Duty encourages citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, promoting sustainable living.
Topic: Democracy, Judiciary & Remedies
21. Which institution conducts free and fair elections in India?
Answer: B
The Election Commission is an independent constitutional body responsible for administering elections, ensuring fairness and compliance with laws.
22. A writ issued to produce a detained person before court is called —
Answer: B
Habeas Corpus compels the authority to produce the detained person before the court and justify the detention, protecting personal liberty.
23. Which of the following is NOT a writ issued by higher courts?
Answer: C
Privy Purse is unrelated to writs; it was a historical allowance paid to former rulers. Writs include Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.
24. Judicial review helps in —
Answer: B
Judicial review allows courts to ensure that laws and actions conform to the Constitution and strike down those that do not, maintaining constitutional supremacy.
Topic: Rights, Restrictions & Practical Concepts
25. Freedom of speech can be restricted on grounds of —
Answer: A
Restrictions on speech must have legal basis and be reasonable, commonly justified by public order, security, defamation, or morality concerns.
26. Which right allows citizens to move freely within India?
Answer: B
Right to Freedom includes freedom of movement and residence within the territory of India (subject to reasonable restrictions).
27. Which is the main difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?
Answer: A
Fundamental Rights are justiciable and enforceable by courts; DPSP are guidelines for state policy and are not enforceable in courts.
28. Which of the following best represents the spirit of 'fraternity'?
Answer: B
Fraternity implies mutual respect and unity, preserving dignity and national integration among citizens.
29. The power to make laws on subjects like police and public order is primarily with —
Answer: B
Police and public order are state subjects under the Constitution; states have primary responsibility for law and order.
30. If a law made by the state government contradicts a valid central law on a concurrent subject, the law that prevails is —
Answer: B
On concurrent subjects, if central and state laws conflict, the central law overrides to maintain national uniformity, unless the state law has presidential assent under certain conditions.
Note: These 30 MCQs and explanations follow the NCERT Class 8 syllabus. Use them for practice, timed quizzes, and concept revision.