The Basic Structure Doctrine is a fundamental principle in Indian constitutional law that ensures the core framework of the Constitution remains inviolable. This doctrine prevents Parliament from altering or destroying the essential features that define the Constitution’s identity. Understanding the Basic Structure Doctrine is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it forms a significant part of Indian Polity. This UPSC Polity Quiz – Basic Structure Doctrine (Part 7) comprises carefully curated Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ questions designed to test your knowledge and enhance your understanding. Attempt all questions before revealing answers to assess your grasp of this vital constitutional concept and improve your preparation for competitive exams.
Quick Facts
The Basic Structure Doctrine was propounded by the Supreme Court of India in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973.
It limits the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution under Article 368.
The doctrine ensures the preservation of fundamental features like secularism, democracy, and judicial review.
It is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but evolved through judicial interpretation.
The doctrine protects the supremacy of the Constitution over parliamentary laws.
The Supreme Court can strike down constitutional amendments violating the basic structure.
Some essential features include the rule of law, separation of powers, and federalism.
The doctrine acts as a safeguard against arbitrary or authoritarian changes to the Constitution.
Q1. Which landmark case first introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine in Indian constitutional law?
A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
C) Minerva Mills v. Union of India
D) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
Show Answer
Answer: B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine was propounded by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973, marking a pivotal moment in Indian constitutional jurisprudence by limiting Parliament’s amending powers.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT considered a part of the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution?
A) Secularism
B) Fundamental Rights
C) Parliamentary Sovereignty
D) Judicial Review
Show Answer
Answer: C) Parliamentary Sovereignty
Explanation: Parliamentary sovereignty is not part of the Basic Structure as Indian Constitution limits Parliament’s powers, unlike the British system. The Basic Structure includes secularism, fundamental rights, and judicial review as essential elements.
Q3. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution does Parliament have the power to amend the Constitution?
A) Article 356
B) Article 368
C) Article 370
D) Article 352
Show Answer
Answer: B) Article 368
Explanation: Article 368 empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution. However, this power is not absolute and is restricted by the Basic Structure Doctrine to preserve the Constitution’s essential features.
Q4. Which feature is considered a part of the Basic Structure as per the Supreme Court’s rulings?
A) Freedom of Trade and Commerce
B) Right to Property
C) Federalism
D) Directive Principles of State Policy
Show Answer
Answer: C) Federalism
Explanation: Federalism, or the division of power between the Centre and States, is a vital part of the Basic Structure. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld federalism as a core constitutional feature.
Q5. The Basic Structure Doctrine restricts which of the following?
A) Judicial Review of laws
B) Parliament from amending the Constitution in any manner
C) Parliament from amending essential features of the Constitution
D) Executive from enforcing laws
Show Answer
Answer: C) Parliament from amending essential features of the Constitution
Explanation: The doctrine restricts Parliament from changing or destroying the Constitution’s essential features, thereby maintaining the Constitution’s identity and integrity.
Q6. Which case further reinforced the Basic Structure Doctrine by invalidating amendments that violated it?
A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
B) Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India
C) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
D) Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain
Show Answer
Answer: B) Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India
Explanation: The Minerva Mills case reaffirmed the Basic Structure Doctrine by striking down constitutional amendments that threatened the Constitution’s core features, emphasizing the doctrine’s continuing relevance.
Q7. Which of the following is a fundamental feature protected under the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) Parliamentary Privileges
B) Rule of Law
C) Directive Principles of State Policy
D) Emergency Provisions
Show Answer
Answer: B) Rule of Law
Explanation: The Rule of Law ensures that all actions of the government are based on law and not arbitrary decisions. It is a core element of the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Q8. Can the Parliament amend the Fundamental Rights under the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) Yes, without any restrictions
B) No, Fundamental Rights are completely unamendable
C) Yes, but not in a way that destroys the Basic Structure
D) Only the President can amend Fundamental Rights
Show Answer
Answer: C) Yes, but not in a way that destroys the Basic Structure
Explanation: Parliament can amend Fundamental Rights but cannot alter them in a manner that violates or destroys the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
Q9. Which feature of the Constitution ensures that no amendment can alter the Constitution’s federal character?
A) Doctrine of Eclipse
B) Basic Structure Doctrine
C) Doctrine of Severability
D) Doctrine of Pith and Substance
Show Answer
Answer: B) Basic Structure Doctrine
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine protects the federal character of the Constitution by restricting amendments that would alter the distribution of powers between the Centre and States.
Q10. Which of the following is true about the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) It is explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
B) It was introduced by the Parliament in 1973.
C) It is a judicially created principle to protect the Constitution’s core.
D) It allows unlimited amendment powers to the Parliament.
Show Answer
Answer: C) It is a judicially created principle to protect the Constitution’s core.
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine is not found in the Constitution’s text but was developed by the judiciary to prevent Parliament from making amendments that undermine the Constitution’s essential framework.
Key Comparison
Concept
Details
Basic Structure Doctrine
A judicial principle limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution’s essential features.
Article 368
Constitutional provision granting Parliament the power to amend the Constitution subject to limitations.
Kesavananda Bharati Case
Landmark Supreme Court case that established the Basic Structure Doctrine in 1973.
Essential Features
Includes democracy, secularism, federalism, judicial review, and the rule of law among others.
Important Points
The Basic Structure Doctrine preserves the Constitution’s identity and core principles.
It ensures that Parliament cannot alter fundamental features even through constitutional amendments.
The doctrine was first articulated in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973.
Judicial review plays a key role in enforcing the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Federalism and secularism are vital components of the basic structure.
The doctrine protects democracy by restricting arbitrary constitutional changes.
FAQs
What is the Basic Structure Doctrine in Indian Polity?
The Basic Structure Doctrine is a judicial principle that restricts Parliament from amending the essential features of the Indian Constitution. It ensures that the Constitution’s core values like democracy, secularism, and federalism remain intact despite amendments.
Which case is considered the foundation of the Basic Structure Doctrine?
The Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case (1973) is the foundational case where the Supreme Court propounded the Basic Structure Doctrine, limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution.
Can Parliament amend any part of the Constitution under Article 368?
Parliament can amend the Constitution under Article 368, but the Basic Structure Doctrine restricts amendments that damage or destroy the Constitution’s essential features, ensuring constitutional integrity.
In conclusion, the Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ quiz has covered the fundamental aspects of this pivotal constitutional principle. Understanding the doctrine’s origin, key cases, and protected features is essential for UPSC aspirants focusing on Indian Polity. Practicing these questions helps reinforce the concept’s significance and prepares candidates for related exam topics. Continue practicing more Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ and other polity questions to build a strong foundation for your UPSC preparation.
