The Basic Structure Doctrine is a fundamental principle in Indian constitutional law that limits the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution. This doctrine ensures that certain essential features of the Constitution remain inviolable, safeguarding democracy, federalism, and the rule of law. Understanding the Basic Structure Doctrine is crucial for aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam, especially in the Indian Polity section. This UPSC Polity Quiz – Basic Structure Doctrine (Part 10) contains 10 carefully crafted multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to test your knowledge and comprehension of this important topic. Attempt all questions before revealing answers to get the most out of this practice session and enhance your preparation for the UPSC examination.
Quick Facts
The Basic Structure Doctrine was propounded by the Supreme Court of India in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973.
It restricts Parliament from amending the Constitution in a way that alters its fundamental framework.
Key features include supremacy of the Constitution, secularism, separation of powers, and judicial review.
The doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but has evolved through judicial interpretation.
It protects fundamental rights and the democratic character of the Indian polity.
The Supreme Court can strike down constitutional amendments violating the basic structure.
The doctrine balances parliamentary sovereignty and constitutional supremacy.
It has been reaffirmed in several landmark judgments after Kesavananda Bharati.
Q1. Which landmark case first introduced 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) Indira Nehru Gandhi vs Raj Narain
Show Answer
Answer: B) Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine was first propounded by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973. This landmark ruling established that Parliament could not amend the Constitution in a way that destroys its fundamental framework.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT considered a part of the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution?
A) Parliamentary sovereignty
B) Secularism
C) Judicial review
D) Federalism
Show Answer
Answer: A) Parliamentary sovereignty
Explanation: Parliamentary sovereignty is not part of the Basic Structure; rather, the doctrine limits Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. The Basic Structure protects features like secularism, judicial review, and federalism as essential components.
Q3. Which Article of the Indian Constitution grants Parliament 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, the Basic Structure Doctrine restricts Parliament from using this power to alter the Constitution’s fundamental features.
Q4. The Basic Structure Doctrine was reaffirmed in which important case that struck down parts of the 42nd Amendment?
A) Golaknath vs Punjab
B) Minerva Mills vs Union of India
C) Kesavananda Bharati vs Kerala
D) S.R. Bommai vs Union of India
Show Answer
Answer: B) Minerva Mills vs Union of India
Explanation: In Minerva Mills (1980), the Supreme Court reaffirmed the Basic Structure Doctrine by striking down parts of the 42nd Amendment that sought to curtail judicial review and parliamentary limitations.
Q5. Which of the following is considered a part of the Basic Structure related to governance?
A) Single-party dominance
B) Separation of powers
C) Parliamentary supremacy
D) Absolute executive authority
Show Answer
Answer: B) Separation of powers
Explanation: Separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary is a fundamental aspect of the Basic Structure. It ensures a system of checks and balances essential for democracy.
Q6. Can the Supreme Court declare a constitutional amendment invalid if it violates the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) Yes, the Supreme Court can strike it down.
B) No, Parliament’s amendments are final.
C) Only if the President approves.
D) Only if the Prime Minister requests.
Show Answer
Answer: A) Yes, the Supreme Court can strike it down.
Explanation: The Supreme Court has the power to review constitutional amendments and invalidate those that violate the Basic Structure Doctrine, thus upholding the Constitution’s core values.
Q7. Which feature of the Constitution ensures equality before law and is protected under the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) Fundamental Rights
B) Directive Principles of State Policy
C) Preamble
D) Emergency Provisions
Show Answer
Answer: A) Fundamental Rights
Explanation: Fundamental Rights, including equality before law, form a vital part of the Basic Structure. They protect citizens’ freedoms and ensure justice and fairness in governance.
Q8. Which of the following is an example of a constitutional amendment struck down due to violation of the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) 44th Amendment
B) 42nd Amendment
C) 61st Amendment
D) 73rd Amendment
Show Answer
Answer: B) 42nd Amendment
Explanation: Portions of the 42nd Amendment, especially those curtailing judicial review and parliamentary limitations, were struck down by the Supreme Court in the Minerva Mills case for violating the Basic Structure.
Q9. The Basic Structure Doctrine primarily aims to protect which of the following?
A) Parliamentary supremacy
B) The Constitution’s fundamental framework
C) Executive powers
D) Political parties’ interests
Show Answer
Answer: B) The Constitution’s fundamental framework
Explanation: The doctrine ensures that the essential features of the Constitution’s framework remain intact, preventing arbitrary or destructive amendments by Parliament.
Q10. Which of the following is NOT a tool used by the judiciary to uphold the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) Judicial review
B) Writ jurisdiction
C) Executive orders
D) Constitutional interpretation
Show Answer
Answer: C) Executive orders
Explanation: Executive orders are issued by the executive branch and are not tools of the judiciary. The judiciary uses judicial review, writ jurisdiction, and constitutional interpretation to protect the Basic Structure.
Key Comparison
Concept
Details
Basic Structure Doctrine
A judicial principle that restricts Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution’s core features.
Article 368
Empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution subject to the Basic Structure limitations.
Kesavananda Bharati Case
Landmark case that established the Basic Structure Doctrine in 1973.
Judicial Review
The judiciary’s power to invalidate amendments violating the Basic Structure.
Important Points
The Basic Structure Doctrine protects the Constitution’s essential framework from arbitrary amendments.
It was first introduced in the Kesavananda Bharati case and later reinforced in Minerva Mills.
Parliament’s power to amend is not absolute and is subject to constitutional limitations.
Features like secularism, federalism, and judicial review are integral to the Basic Structure.
The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution by upholding this doctrine.
This doctrine balances democratic governance with constitutional supremacy.
FAQs
What is the Basic Structure Doctrine in Indian Polity?
The Basic Structure Doctrine is a judicial principle that prevents Parliament from amending the Constitution in a way that damages its fundamental features. It ensures the Constitution’s core values like democracy, secularism, and judicial review remain intact despite amendments.
Which case first established the Basic Structure Doctrine?
The doctrine was first established in the Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala case in 1973. The Supreme Court ruled that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure.
Can Parliament amend any part of the Constitution under Article 368?
Although Article 368 allows Parliament to amend the Constitution, the Basic Structure Doctrine restricts amendments that affect the Constitution’s fundamental framework. Thus, Parliament’s power is not unlimited.
The Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ quiz presented here offers a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal constitutional principle. By testing your knowledge through these carefully designed questions, you can better grasp the doctrine’s significance in protecting India’s constitutional framework. Regular practice of such MCQs will not only strengthen your conceptual clarity but also enhance your readiness for the UPSC exam’s Indian Polity section. Keep revisiting and practicing more questions on the Basic Structure Doctrine to ensure a strong foundation in this critical area.
