The Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ is a crucial topic for UPSC aspirants preparing for the Indian Polity section. This doctrine, established by the Supreme Court of India, limits the Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution, ensuring the preservation of its fundamental framework. Understanding this doctrine is essential for grasping the balance between constitutional amendments and the protection of core constitutional values. This quiz features 10 carefully crafted multiple-choice questions designed to test your knowledge on the Basic Structure Doctrine. Attempt all questions before revealing answers to evaluate your understanding effectively and enhance your preparation for competitive exams like UPSC.
Quick Facts
The Basic Structure Doctrine was propounded in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973.
It restricts Parliament from altering the Constitution’s essential features.
Before this doctrine, Parliament had near-absolute power to amend the Constitution.
Key features include the supremacy of the Constitution, separation of powers, and judicial review.
The doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
The Supreme Court can invalidate constitutional amendments violating the basic structure.
It protects fundamental rights from being abrogated by amendments.
The doctrine has been reaffirmed in multiple landmark judgments after Kesavananda Bharati.
Q1. Which landmark case first established the Basic Structure Doctrine in India?
A) Golaknath vs State of Punjab
B) Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala
C) Minerva Mills vs Union of India
D) I.C. Golaknath vs Union of India
Show Answer
Answer: B) Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala
Explanation: The Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973 is the landmark judgment where the Supreme Court propounded the Basic Structure Doctrine, limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution’s fundamental features.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT considered a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution?
A) Supremacy of the Constitution
B) Parliamentary sovereignty
C) Separation of powers
D) Judicial review
Show Answer
Answer: B) Parliamentary sovereignty
Explanation: Parliamentary sovereignty is not part of the Basic Structure Doctrine. Instead, the doctrine limits Parliament’s power to protect the Constitution’s supremacy, separation of powers, and judicial review.
Q3. Who is considered the ‘Father of the Basic Structure Doctrine’?
A) Justice H.R. Khanna
B) Justice P.N. Bhagwati
C) Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
D) Justice M.H. Beg
Show Answer
Answer: A) Justice H.R. Khanna
Explanation: Justice H.R. Khanna played a pivotal role in advocating the Basic Structure Doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case, earning him the title ‘Father of the Basic Structure Doctrine.’
Q4. Which constitutional amendment was invalidated for violating the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) 42nd Amendment
B) 44th Amendment
C) 52nd Amendment
D) 61st Amendment
Show Answer
Answer: A) 42nd Amendment
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment was partially invalidated by the Supreme Court in the Minerva Mills case for violating the Basic Structure Doctrine by attempting to curtail judicial review and fundamental rights.
Q5. The Basic Structure Doctrine primarily protects which part of the Constitution?
A) Directive Principles of State Policy
B) Fundamental Rights and essential constitutional framework
C) Preamble only
D) Union List of the Seventh Schedule
Show Answer
Answer: B) Fundamental Rights and essential constitutional framework
Explanation: The doctrine protects the Fundamental Rights and the essential features of the Constitution, ensuring that these cannot be abrogated or destroyed by amendments.
Q6. Which article of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution?
A) Article 368
B) Article 356
C) Article 370
D) Article 352
Show Answer
Answer: A) Article 368
Explanation: Article 368 grants Parliament the power to amend the Constitution, but this power is subject to limitations imposed by the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Q7. Which of the following is an example of a feature considered part of the Basic Structure?
A) Federalism
B) Right to Property
C) Reservation policies
D) Directive Principles of State Policy
Show Answer
Answer: A) Federalism
Explanation: Federalism, which denotes the division of powers between the Centre and the States, is considered a part of the Basic Structure and cannot be abrogated by constitutional amendments.
Q8. In which case did the Supreme Court reaffirm the Basic Structure Doctrine after Kesavananda Bharati?
A) Golaknath vs Punjab
B) Minerva Mills vs Union of India
C) S.R. Bommai vs Union of India
D) Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India
Show Answer
Answer: B) Minerva Mills vs Union of India
Explanation: The Minerva Mills case reaffirmed the Basic Structure Doctrine by striking down parts of the 42nd Amendment that violated the Constitution’s basic features.
Q9. Which branch of government enforces the Basic Structure Doctrine by reviewing constitutional amendments?
A) Executive
B) Legislature
C) Judiciary
D) Election Commission
Show Answer
Answer: C) Judiciary
Explanation: The judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, enforces the Basic Structure Doctrine by reviewing and invalidating constitutional amendments that violate the basic features.
Q10. Can the Parliament amend the Preamble of the Constitution according to the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) Yes, without any restrictions
B) No, it is part of the Basic Structure
C) Yes, but only with Presidential approval
D) No, unless approved by a referendum
Show Answer
Answer: B) No, it is part of the Basic Structure
Explanation: The Preamble embodies the Constitution’s basic philosophy and is considered part of the Basic Structure, so Parliament cannot amend it in a way that alters its essential character.
Key Comparison
Concept
Details
Basic Structure Doctrine
Judicial principle limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution’s essential features.
Article 368
Constitutional provision empowering Parliament to amend the Constitution, subject to limitations.
Kesavananda Bharati Case
Landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that established the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Judicial Review
Power of judiciary to invalidate constitutional amendments violating the Basic Structure.
Important Points
The Basic Structure Doctrine ensures the Constitution’s core principles remain inviolable.
Parliament’s amendment power is not absolute and is subject to judicial scrutiny.
The doctrine protects fundamental rights and the separation of powers.
It is an unwritten principle developed through Supreme Court judgments.
The Preamble, federalism, and secularism are key components of the Basic Structure.
Several amendments, including parts of the 42nd, have been struck down under this doctrine.
FAQs
What is the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in Indian Polity?
The Basic Structure Doctrine is significant because it protects the Constitution’s fundamental framework from arbitrary amendments by Parliament. It ensures that essential features like democracy, secularism, and judicial review remain intact, preserving the Constitution’s identity and stability.
Can the Basic Structure Doctrine be overridden by a constitutional amendment?
No, the Basic Structure Doctrine cannot be overridden by any constitutional amendment. The Supreme Court has held that any amendment violating the basic structure is invalid, thus limiting Parliament’s power to alter the Constitution’s core principles.
Which features are commonly considered part of the Basic Structure?
Features such as the supremacy of the Constitution, separation of powers, federalism, secularism, democracy, and judicial review are commonly recognized as part of the Basic Structure. These elements form the foundation of the Indian Constitution’s identity.
In conclusion, the Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ quiz offers a comprehensive overview of this essential constitutional principle, testing your understanding of its origins, features, and judicial interpretations. Mastering these concepts is vital for UPSC aspirants aiming to excel in Indian Polity. Regular practice of such MCQs will strengthen your grasp over the doctrine and its implications, enhancing your ability to tackle related questions in the exam effectively.
