Prepare for UPSC, SSC, and RRB exams with 20 unique MCQs on Important Constitutional Amendments of Indian Polity. Includes both general and advanced questions with answers and explanations for effective exam preparation.
Q1. The 24th Constitutional Amendment Act (1971) gave Parliament power to:
a) Amend Fundamental Rights
b) Amend only DPSPs
c) Amend only Preamble
d) Amend only Union List
Answer: a) Amend Fundamental Rights
Explanation: The 24th Amendment Act, 1971 clarified that Parliament has the power to amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights. It directly countered the Supreme Court’s ruling in Golaknath Case (1967).
Q2. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976) is often called:
a) Mini Constitution
b) Magna Carta of Education
c) Silent Features Act
d) Fundamental Rights Act
Answer: a) Mini Constitution
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment (1976) is called the Mini Constitution because it made sweeping changes, including inserting the words “Socialist, Secular, Integrity” in the Preamble, strengthening DPSPs, and curbing judicial review.
Q3. Which Amendment introduced anti-defection provisions in India?
a) 42nd
b) 44th
c) 52nd
d) 61st
Answer: c) 52nd
Explanation: The 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 inserted the Tenth Schedule to curb defection by legislators. It disqualifies members on grounds of party-hopping, strengthening political stability and party discipline.
Q4. The 44th Constitutional Amendment (1978) reversed which key provisions of the 42nd Amendment?
a) Power of Parliament
b) Power of Judiciary
c) Power of Fundamental Rights
d) Power of Executive
Answer: c) Power of Fundamental Rights
Explanation: The 44th Amendment restored Fundamental Rights curtailed by the 42nd Amendment. It provided greater protection to rights such as freedom of the press and safeguarded individuals from misuse of Emergency powers.
Q5. The 86th Amendment Act (2002) made which right a Fundamental Right?
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Education
c) Right to Health
d) Right to Environment
Answer: b) Right to Education
Explanation: The 86th Amendment (2002) inserted Article 21A, making the Right to Education for children aged 6–14 years a Fundamental Right. It also modified Article 45 and added a duty in Article 51A.
Q6. Which Amendment reduced the voting age from 21 years to 18 years?
a) 42nd
b) 44th
c) 61st
d) 73rd
Answer: c) 61st
Explanation: The 61st Amendment Act (1988) reduced the minimum voting age for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies from 21 to 18 years. It empowered youth participation in Indian democracy.
Q7. Which Amendment Act gave Constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions?
a) 61st
b) 72nd
c) 73rd
d) 74th
Answer: c) 73rd
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment Act (1992) added Part IX to the Constitution, providing a framework for Panchayati Raj institutions. It aimed at strengthening grassroots democracy in rural areas.
Q8. Which Amendment provided Constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies?
a) 71st
b) 72nd
c) 73rd
d) 74th
Answer: d) 74th
Explanation: The 74th Amendment Act (1992) added Part IX-A, giving recognition to Municipalities. It laid the foundation for urban self-governance, empowering cities and towns in local administration.
Q9. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act (2011) dealt with:
a) Cooperative Societies
b) Education Reforms
c) Electoral Reforms
d) Women Reservation
Answer: a) Cooperative Societies
Explanation: The 97th Amendment Act gave constitutional recognition to cooperative societies, inserting Article 43B and Part IX-B. It emphasized democratic functioning and accountability of cooperatives.
Q10. Which Amendment is associated with the GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
a) 100th
b) 101st
c) 102nd
d) 103rd
Answer: b) 101st
Explanation: The 101st Amendment Act (2016) introduced GST by subsuming indirect taxes. It created a GST Council for joint decision-making between Centre and States, marking a major step in fiscal federalism.
Q11. The First Amendment Act (1951) curtailed which right?
a) Right to Life
b) Right to Equality
c) Right to Freedom of Speech
d) Right to Religion
Answer: c) Right to Freedom of Speech
Explanation: The First Amendment Act imposed restrictions on freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). It safeguarded public order, security, and friendly relations with foreign states.
Q12. Which Amendment abolished the Privy Purses of former rulers?
a) 24th
b) 26th
c) 36th
d) 42nd
Answer: b) 26th
Explanation: The 26th Amendment Act (1971) abolished Privy Purses and recognition of princely rulers. It ensured equality and ended privileges inherited from colonial agreements.
Q13. Which Amendment included Sikkim as the 22nd State of India?
a) 35th
b) 36th
c) 37th
d) 38th
Answer: b) 36th
Explanation: The 36th Amendment Act (1975) made Sikkim a full-fledged state of India. This reflected India’s federal flexibility and integration policy.
Q14. The 52nd Amendment added which Schedule to the Constitution?
a) Ninth
b) Tenth
c) Eleventh
d) Twelfth
Answer: b) Tenth
Explanation: The 52nd Amendment (1985) added the Tenth Schedule, dealing with anti-defection law. It prevents elected representatives from changing parties unethically, strengthening party systems.
Q15. Which Amendment inserted the Fundamental Duties?
a) 40th
b) 42nd
c) 44th
d) 46th
Answer: b) 42nd
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) inserted Part IV-A (Article 51A), listing ten Fundamental Duties of citizens. These duties emphasize patriotism, harmony, and protection of culture and environment.
Q16. The 93rd Amendment Act (2005) provided reservation in:
a) Public employment
b) Private employment
c) Educational institutions
d) Political representation
Answer: c) Educational institutions
Explanation: The 93rd Amendment Act (2005) enabled the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes in private educational institutions (except minority-run).
Q17. Which Amendment created the National Commission for Backward Classes as a Constitutional body?
a) 100th
b) 101st
c) 102nd
d) 103rd
Answer: c) 102nd
Explanation: The 102nd Amendment Act (2018) gave constitutional status to the NCBC, empowering it to hear grievances of backward classes. It also added Articles 338B and 342A.
Q18. Which Amendment introduced 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)?
a) 100th
b) 101st
c) 102nd
d) 103rd
Answer: d) 103rd
Explanation: The 103rd Amendment Act (2019) provided 10% reservation in education and public employment for EWS among General category, without affecting existing reservations.
Q19. The Constitution (104th Amendment) Act, 2020 abolished which provision?
a) Anglo-Indian representation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
b) Women’s reservation in Panchayats
c) Reservation in promotions
d) Reservation for SCs in higher judiciary
Answer: a) Anglo-Indian representation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
Explanation: The 104th Amendment (2020) abolished the provision of Anglo-Indian nominated seats but extended reservation for SCs and STs in legislatures for 10 more years.
Q20. The Ninth Schedule was added by which Amendment?
a) First
b) Second
c) Third
d) Fourth
Answer: a) First
Explanation: The First Amendment Act (1951) added the Ninth Schedule to protect land reform laws from judicial review. It highlighted the tension between socio-economic reforms and Fundamental Rights.