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Basic Structure

5 UPSC Prelims MCQs tagged "Basic Structure". Free practice with answer keys, explanations, and timed mock tests on Anantam IAS.

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  1. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Basic Structure’ doctrine of the Indian Constitution and…

    Consider the following statements regarding the 'Basic Structure' doctrine of the Indian Constitution and judicial pronouncements:

    1. AOnly 1 and 2
    2. BOnly 1, 2 and 4
    3. COnly 3 and 4
    4. DOnly 1 and 4
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct: the doctrine emerged in Kesavananda Bharati (1973), Parliament can amend any part under Article 368 short of the basic structure, and Minerva Mills held that the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles is part of that structure. Statement 3 is wrong because judicial review is itself recognised as part of the basic structure.

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    Indian Polity UPSC GPSC-2026 Medium

  2. The Basic Structure doctrine propounded by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case…

    The Basic Structure doctrine propounded by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case is related to which of the following?

    1. AOnly 1 and 2
    2. BOnly 2 and 3
    3. COnly 1 and 4
    4. DOnly 1, 2 and 4
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The Kesavananda Bharati (1973) verdict held that Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution but cannot alter its Basic Structure, directly addressing Parliament's amending power (statement 2) and the supremacy of the Constitution (statement 3). It wasn't about executive encroachment on the judiciary or legislative control of the executive, so 1 and 4 don't apply.

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    Indian Polity UPSC GPSC-2026 Medium

  3. Which of the following have been recognised as part of the Basic Structure of…

    Which of the following have been recognised as part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution?

    1. AOnly 1, 2 and 3
    2. BOnly 1 and 4
    3. C1, 2, 3 and 4
    4. DOnly 2 and 4
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A

    The Supreme Court has held judicial review, federalism and the rule of law to be part of the Basic Structure. Supremacy of Parliament is not, since the Constitution, not Parliament, is supreme in India, and parliamentary sovereignty in the British sense doesn't apply here. So only 1, 2 and 3 qualify.

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    Indian Polity UPSC GPSC-2026 Medium

  4. Consider the following Assertion and Reason:

    Consider the following Assertion and Reason:

    1. ABoth Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
    2. BBoth Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
    3. CAssertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect.
    4. DAssertion (A) is incorrect, but Reason (R) is correct.
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Defective question. The Assertion is false: after Kesavananda Bharati (1973), a constitutional amendment can be struck down only if it damages the Basic Structure — not merely because it affects a Fundamental Right. The Reason is also wrong as worded — Fundamental Rights are not 'superior to all other constitutional provisions'; Parliament can amend them under Article 368, subject only to the Basic Structure limit. With both the Assertion and the Reason false and no 'both false' option available, the item is defective; (D) is the least-wrong choice because it at least marks the Assertion as incorrect.

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    Indian Polity UPSC GPSC-2026 Hard

  5. The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India for…

    The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties

    1. Awith the consent of all the States
    2. Bwith the consent of the majority of States
    3. Cwith the consent of the States concerned
    4. Dwithout the consent of any State
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    The Indian Parliament has the authority to enact laws applicable throughout the country (or any specific region) to fulfil its obligations under international treaties. This power is enshrined in Article 253 of the Indian Constitution.

    Unlike some situations where the Parliament might require state consent for legislative actions, Article 253 grants the authority to enact these laws without needing approval from individual states.

    Also, the Constitution empowers Parliament to make laws on any matter in the state list under five extraordinary circumstances - Rajya Sabha passes the resolution(Article 249) - During a National Emergency (Article 250, read with Article 352) - States make a request(Article 252) - To implement international agreements(Article 253) - During the President's rule (Article 356).

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    Indian Polity UPSC 2013 Easy