The Basic Structure Doctrine is a pivotal concept in Indian constitutional law, shaping the way the Constitution can be amended. Understanding this doctrine is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially those focusing on Indian Polity. This quiz post, featuring carefully crafted Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ questions, aims to test and enhance your knowledge on this fundamental topic. The doctrine ensures that certain core features of the Constitution remain inviolable, safeguarding the democratic fabric of the nation. Attempt all questions before revealing answers to assess your understanding effectively. This practice will help you grasp the nuances of constitutional amendments, judicial review, and the balance of power within the Indian polity.
Quick Facts
The Basic Structure Doctrine was propounded by the Supreme Court of India in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973.
It restricts Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution if such amendments alter its “basic structure.”
Basic features include democracy, secularism, separation of powers, and judicial review.
The doctrine acts as a safeguard against arbitrary constitutional amendments.
It was developed to maintain the supremacy of the Constitution over parliamentary legislation.
The doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but evolved through judicial interpretation.
It balances the need for constitutional flexibility with preserving core principles.
The Supreme Court has reiterated and expanded the doctrine in various subsequent judgments.
Q1. Which case is credited with establishing 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) Shankari Prasad v. Union of India
Show Answer
Answer: B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine was established by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973. The court ruled that Parliament cannot alter the basic structure of the Constitution through amendments, thus protecting the core principles of the Constitution.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT considered a part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution?
A) Sovereignty of India
B) Parliamentary sovereignty
C) Secularism
D) Judicial review
Show Answer
Answer: B) Parliamentary sovereignty
Explanation: Parliamentary sovereignty is not part of the basic structure because the Indian Parliament’s power is limited by the Constitution. The doctrine restricts Parliament from amending essential features like secularism and judicial review, safeguarding the Constitution’s supremacy.
Q3. The Basic Structure Doctrine limits the power of which constitutional body?
A) The President of India
B) The Parliament of India
C) The Supreme Court of India
D) The Election Commission of India
Show Answer
Answer: B) The Parliament of India
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine restricts the Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution in a way that destroys or damages its essential features. This ensures that Parliament cannot alter the Constitution’s fundamental framework arbitrarily.
Q4. 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. However, this power is subject to the Basic Structure Doctrine, which means Parliament cannot alter the Constitution’s fundamental framework.
Q5. Which of the following is considered a basic feature of the Constitution under the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) Right to Property
B) Federalism
C) Directive Principles of State Policy
D) Uniform Civil Code
Show Answer
Answer: B) Federalism
Explanation: Federalism is a core feature of the Indian Constitution’s basic structure. It ensures the division of power between the Centre and States, which cannot be destroyed or altered by constitutional amendments.
Q6. The Supreme Court reaffirmed the Basic Structure Doctrine in which landmark case after Kesavananda Bharati?
A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
B) Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India
C) I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu
D) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
Show Answer
Answer: B) Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India
Explanation: In Minerva Mills (1980), the Supreme Court reaffirmed the Basic Structure Doctrine and struck down parts of the 42nd Amendment that violated the Constitution’s basic structure, reinforcing judicial review as a basic feature.
Q7. Which feature of the Constitution is protected under the Basic Structure Doctrine to ensure citizens’ fundamental rights?
A) Rule of Law
B) Parliamentary Supremacy
C) Directive Principles of State Policy
D) Presidential Powers
Show Answer
Answer: A) Rule of Law
Explanation: The Rule of Law is a fundamental feature of the Constitution protected by the Basic Structure Doctrine. It ensures that all laws and actions are subject to legal principles, safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights.
Q8. The Basic Structure Doctrine was a response to which parliamentary amendment that sought to curtail judicial review?
A) 24th Amendment
B) 42nd Amendment
C) 44th Amendment
D) 39th Amendment
Show Answer
Answer: B) 42nd Amendment
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment attempted to limit judicial review and expand Parliament’s power. The Supreme Court, through the Basic Structure Doctrine, invalidated parts of this amendment that violated the Constitution’s essential features.
Q9. Which of the following is a consequence of the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution without restrictions.
B) The judiciary has no role in reviewing constitutional amendments.
C) Certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be amended by Parliament.
D) The President can veto constitutional amendments.
Show Answer
Answer: C) Certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be amended by Parliament.
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine ensures that Parliament cannot amend or destroy the Constitution’s fundamental features. This protects the Constitution’s identity and prevents arbitrary changes.
Q10. Who was the Chief Justice of India when the Basic Structure Doctrine was propounded?
A) Justice P.N. Bhagwati
B) Justice M.H. Beg
C) Justice S.M. Sikri
D) Justice Y.V. Chandrachud
Show Answer
Answer: C) Justice S.M. Sikri
Explanation: Justice S.M. Sikri was the Chief Justice of India during the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973, where the Basic Structure Doctrine was first established by the Supreme Court.
Key Comparison
Concept
Details
Basic Structure Doctrine
Judicial principle that certain features of the Constitution cannot be amended by Parliament.
Kesavananda Bharati Case
Landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that established the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Article 368
Constitutional provision empowering Parliament to amend the Constitution, subject to restrictions.
Judicial Review
Power of the judiciary to invalidate constitutional amendments violating the basic structure.
Important Points
The Basic Structure Doctrine protects the Constitution’s core principles from being altered.
It emerged from judicial interpretation, not explicit constitutional text.
Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is limited by this doctrine.
Key features include democracy, federalism, secularism, and judicial review.
The doctrine maintains the balance between constitutional flexibility and rigidity.
It reinforces the supremacy of the Constitution over parliamentary legislation.
FAQs
What is the Basic Structure Doctrine in Indian Polity?
The Basic Structure Doctrine is a judicial principle that certain fundamental features of the Indian Constitution cannot be amended or destroyed by Parliament. It ensures that the Constitution’s core identity remains intact despite amendments, protecting democracy and rule of law.
Which case established the Basic Structure Doctrine?
The Basic Structure Doctrine was established in the Kesavananda Bharati v. 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?
While Article 368 empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution, the Basic Structure Doctrine restricts it from changing essential features. Parliament cannot amend parts that would damage the Constitution’s fundamental framework.
What are some examples of basic features protected by the doctrine?
Basic features include the supremacy of the Constitution, democracy, secularism, federalism, separation of powers, and judicial review. These features form the Constitution’s core and cannot be abrogated by amendments.
How does the Basic Structure Doctrine impact constitutional amendments?
The doctrine limits Parliament’s amending power by allowing judicial review of constitutional amendments. If an amendment violates the basic structure, the Supreme Court can declare it invalid.
Is the Basic Structure Doctrine explicitly mentioned in the Constitution?
No, the doctrine is not explicitly stated in the Constitution. It was developed through judicial interpretation, primarily by the Supreme Court, to protect the Constitution’s essential features.
Conclusion
The Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ quiz provided above highlights the fundamental aspects of this crucial constitutional principle. Understanding the doctrine is essential for UPSC aspirants as it governs the limits of constitutional amendments and preserves India’s democratic framework. Regular practice of such MCQs helps reinforce key concepts like judicial review, federalism, and the supremacy of the Constitution. To excel in Indian Polity, it is important to engage with more practice questions on the Basic Structure Doctrine and related topics, ensuring a strong grasp of the Constitution’s core principles and their legal interpretations.
