The Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ is an essential topic for UPSC aspirants preparing for Indian Polity. This doctrine forms the cornerstone of constitutional law in India, ensuring that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered by Parliament. Understanding this doctrine is crucial for grasping the limits of constitutional amendments and the protection of democratic principles. This quiz comprises 10 carefully crafted questions that test your knowledge of the Basic Structure Doctrine, its origin, implications, and landmark judgments. Attempt all questions before revealing answers to evaluate your preparation effectively. Practicing these MCQs will help you build a strong foundation and improve your chances of success in 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 limits Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution under Article 368.
Key features considered part of the basic structure include the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, and separation of powers.
The doctrine protects fundamental rights and democratic governance from arbitrary changes.
It acts as a judicial check on constitutional amendments.
The doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but was developed through judicial interpretation.
Several subsequent cases have expanded and clarified the components of the basic structure.
The doctrine ensures the Constitution’s identity remains intact despite amendments.
Q1. Which landmark case first established 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) Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain
Show Answer
Answer: B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Explanation: The Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) is the landmark judgment where the Supreme Court propounded the Basic Structure Doctrine, holding that Parliament cannot alter the basic structure of the Constitution even by constitutional amendments.
Q2. 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 by following the prescribed procedure. However, the Basic Structure Doctrine restricts Parliament from altering the Constitution’s essential features.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT considered a part of the basic structure of the Constitution?
A) Sovereignty of India
B) Fundamental Rights
C) Power of Judicial Review
D) Directive Principles of State Policy
Show Answer
Answer: D) Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation: While Directive Principles are important, they are not considered part of the basic structure. The doctrine mainly protects features like sovereignty, fundamental rights, and judicial review.
Q4. Which case reaffirmed and expanded the Basic Structure Doctrine by emphasizing the limitation on Parliament’s power to amend fundamental rights?
A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
B) Minerva Mills v. Union of India
C) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
D) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
Show Answer
Answer: B) Minerva Mills v. Union of India
Explanation: The Minerva Mills case (1980) reaffirmed the Basic Structure Doctrine and held that the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution is limited, especially concerning fundamental rights and the balance between parts of the Constitution.
Q5. What is the primary purpose of the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) To allow unlimited amendments to the Constitution
B) To protect the essential features of the Constitution from being altered
C) To give the executive unlimited power
D) To abolish the judiciary’s power of review
Show Answer
Answer: B) To protect the essential features of the Constitution from being altered
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine ensures that fundamental features of the Constitution remain inviolable, preventing Parliament from making amendments that destroy the Constitution’s core identity.
Q6. Which of the following is considered a part of the basic structure according to the Supreme Court?
A) Parliamentary sovereignty
B) Federalism
C) Unlimited amendment power of Parliament
D) Absolute executive power
Show Answer
Answer: B) Federalism
Explanation: Federalism, the division of powers between the Centre and States, is a key feature of the Constitution’s basic structure that cannot be destroyed or altered by constitutional amendments.
Q7. Which constitutional amendment was struck down by the Supreme Court for violating the Basic Structure Doctrine in the Minerva Mills case?
A) 42nd Amendment
B) 44th Amendment
C) 52nd Amendment
D) 61st Amendment
Show Answer
Answer: A) 42nd Amendment
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment, known as the “Mini Constitution,” was partially struck down by the Supreme Court in Minerva Mills for violating the Basic Structure Doctrine by attempting to limit judicial review and amend fundamental rights.
Q8. Who is credited with coining the term “Basic Structure Doctrine”?
A) Justice H.R. Khanna
B) Justice P.N. Bhagwati
C) Justice J.S. Verma
D) Justice M.H. Beg
Show Answer
Answer: D) Justice M.H. Beg
Explanation: Justice M.H. Beg was the first to use the term “Basic Structure Doctrine” in his dissenting opinion in the Kesavananda Bharati case, referring to the fundamental features of the Constitution.
Q9. Which feature of the Constitution ensures that the judiciary can strike down unconstitutional amendments violating the basic structure?
A) Parliamentary supremacy
B) Judicial review
C) Fundamental duties
D) Directive Principles
Show Answer
Answer: B) Judicial review
Explanation: Judicial review empowers the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws and amendments, and strike down those that violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
Q10. Which of the following is TRUE about the Basic Structure Doctrine?
A) It is explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
B) It was developed through judicial interpretation.
C) It allows Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution without restriction.
D) It was rejected by the Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati case.
Show Answer
Answer: B) It was developed through judicial interpretation.
Explanation: The Basic Structure Doctrine is not explicitly stated in the Constitution but was developed by the Supreme Court through judicial interpretation to safeguard constitutional integrity.
Key Comparison
Concept
Details
Origin
Established in Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) by the Supreme Court
Purpose
Protect essential features of the Constitution from being amended or destroyed
Parliament’s Power
Has power to amend but cannot alter the basic structure
Judicial Review
Empowers courts to invalidate unconstitutional amendments
Key Features Protected
Fundamental rights, federalism, separation of powers, rule of law
Explicit Mention
Not explicitly mentioned; developed through judicial interpretation
Important Points
The Basic Structure Doctrine limits Parliament’s power under Article 368.
It safeguards democracy, secularism, and fundamental rights.
Judicial review is a crucial mechanism to enforce the doctrine.
Doctrine was first propounded in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
Amendments violating the basic structure can be struck down by the Supreme Court.
The doctrine is dynamic; courts have expanded its scope over time.
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 altered or destroyed by parliamentary amendments. It ensures the Constitution’s core values remain intact, preserving democracy and rule of law.
Which case is considered the foundation of the Basic Structure Doctrine?
The Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973 is considered the foundation of the Basic Structure Doctrine. The Supreme Court ruled that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure or essential features.
Can Parliament amend the Constitution without any restrictions?
No, Parliament cannot amend the Constitution without restrictions. The Basic Structure Doctrine restricts Parliament from making amendments that destroy or alter the essential features of the Constitution, maintaining constitutional supremacy.
What are some features considered part of the basic structure?
Key features include the supremacy of the Constitution, separation of powers, federalism, secularism, rule of law, judicial review, and protection of fundamental rights. These features cannot be abrogated by constitutional amendments.
How does judicial review relate to the Basic Structure Doctrine?
Judicial review allows courts to examine and invalidate constitutional amendments that violate the basic structure. It acts as a safeguard ensuring that Parliament’s amendment powers are exercised within constitutional limits.
Is the Basic Structure Doctrine explicitly mentioned in the Constitution?
No, the Basic Structure Doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. It was developed through judicial interpretation by the Supreme Court to protect the Constitution’s fundamental framework.
Has the scope of the Basic Structure Doctrine changed over time?
Yes, the scope has evolved through various Supreme Court judgments. The courts have expanded the list of features considered part of the basic structure to adapt to changing constitutional needs.
What happens if a constitutional amendment violates the basic structure?
If a constitutional amendment violates the basic structure, the Supreme Court can declare it invalid and strike it down, ensuring the Constitution’s core principles remain protected from arbitrary changes.
The Basic Structure Doctrine MCQ quiz above provides a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal constitutional concept. Mastery of these questions will strengthen your grasp of Indian Polity and prepare you well for UPSC exams. Regular practice of such MCQs will enhance your confidence and accuracy in answering polity questions, helping you excel in your UPSC preparation journey.
