Q51. The very first Fundamental Duty, Article 51A(a), requires citizens of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the:
DPSP and Fundamental Duties: RAS Prelims MCQs
99 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties cover the nature of the Directives, individual Articles, the amendments that added to them and the duties in Part IVA. Questions ask for the Article number, the subject and the amendment, and the explanations show how Directives differ from Fundamental Rights.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 51–60 of 99 questions
Q52. Consider the following features of Fundamental Duties in the Constitution of India:
I. They are applicable only to citizens of India and not to aliens.
II. They are non-justiciable in nature.
III. Parliament is free to enforce them by suitable legislation.
IV. They are explicitly enforceable through writ petitions in the Supreme Court.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They are applicable only to citizens of India and not to aliens.
II. They are non-justiciable in nature.
III. Parliament is free to enforce them by suitable legislation.
IV. They are explicitly enforceable through writ petitions in the Supreme Court.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Fundamental duties are unique because they apply only to citizens, not to foreigners. Like the Directive Principles, they are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be directly enforced by courts. However, Parliament has the authority to enact laws to enforce these duties if it deems necessary. Unlike fundamental rights, there is no direct constitutional provision for enforcing these duties through writ petitions.
Q53. Which Fundamental Duty specifically mandates citizens "to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India"?
Explanation
Clause (c) of Article fifty-one-A mandates that it is the duty of every citizen to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. This is considered one of the most important duties, as it concerns the very existence and stability of the nation. It requires citizens to act in a manner that preserves the country’s territorial and political wholeness.
Q54. The duty to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcends religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities. This clause also contains a specific directive to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of:
Explanation
Article fifty-one-A (e) directs citizens to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all people, regardless of their religious or regional differences. Importantly, this clause also explicitly requires citizens to renounce practices that are derogatory to the dignity of women. This duty highlights the importance of social equality and the respectful treatment of women in a civilized democratic society.
Q55. Read the following lists and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Clause of Article 51A | Fundamental Duty |
|---|---|
| A. Clause (b) | i. Defend the country and render national service |
| B. Clause (d) | ii. Value and preserve the rich heritage of the composite culture |
| C. Clause (f) | iii. Cherish and follow noble ideals of the national struggle |
| D. Clause (g) | iv. Protect and improve the natural environment |
Explanation
Clause (b) involves cherishing ideals of the national struggle, while clause (d) refers to defending the country. Clause (f) emphasizes preserving the rich heritage of composite culture, and clause (g) focuses on protecting the natural environment. Each clause addresses a different facet of a citizen’s responsibility toward the nation, ranging from historical appreciation to environmental stewardship and national defense and service.
Q56. The Fundamental Duty to "value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture" is primarily aimed at:
Explanation
The duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture is intended to protect the diverse cultural fabric of India. It encourages citizens to appreciate the multi-religious and multi-ethnic nature of Indian society. By doing so, it aims to foster a sense of national unity and pride in the country’s long-standing traditions and its complex historical and social legacy.
Q57. Under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India, citizens have a duty to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have:
Explanation
Article fifty-one-A (g) details the duty of citizens toward the natural world. It specifies that people should protect and improve forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Crucially, it also mandates that citizens should have compassion for all living creatures. This duty reflects an ecological consciousness and an ethical commitment to the well-being of the environment and the animals that inhabit it.
Q58. Consider the following duties:
I. To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
II. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
III. To vote in public elections.
IV. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
V. To pay taxes regularly.
Which combination identifies the constitutionally prescribed Fundamental Duties under Article 51A?
I. To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
II. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
III. To vote in public elections.
IV. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
V. To pay taxes regularly.
Which combination identifies the constitutionally prescribed Fundamental Duties under Article 51A?
Explanation
The Constitution lists several duties, including developing a scientific temper, safeguarding public property, and striving for excellence. However, other civic activities like voting in elections or paying taxes are not currently included in the list of fundamental duties under Article fifty-one-A. Although these were discussed by the Swaran Singh Committee, they were not incorporated into the final text of the amendment.
Q59. The duty to "develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform" reflects a philosophical commitment to:
Explanation
The duty to develop a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform is aimed at creating a modern and rational society. It encourages citizens to base their beliefs on evidence and reason rather than on superstition or dogma. This philosophical commitment is essential for social progress, intellectual growth, and the continuous improvement of the nation’s cultural landscape.
Q60. Which clause of Article 51A of the Constitution of India directs citizens to safeguard public property and to abjure violence?
Explanation
Article fifty-one-A (i) explicitly requires every citizen to safeguard public property and to abjure violence. This duty is particularly relevant in maintaining social order and protecting national assets during times of protest or unrest. It reminds citizens that while they have the right to dissent, they also have a responsibility to avoid destructive behavior and protect the nation’s shared resources.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (c) National Anthem |
| 52 | (d) I, II and III |
| 53 | (c) Article 51A(c) |
| 54 | (b) Women |
| 55 | (d) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 56 | (a) Preserving pluralistic cultural traditions and historical legacy |
| 57 | (c) Compassion for living creatures |
| 58 | (a) I, II, and IV only |
| 59 | (d) Encouraging rational thinking and shedding dogma |
| 60 | (b) Article 51A(i) |
Key facts from DPSP and Fundamental Duties
- The Directive Principles are non-justiciable but fundamental in the governance of the country; they are in Part IV, and Fundamental Duties are in Part IVA.
- The Constitution does not classify the Directives, though they are grouped as socialist, Gandhian and liberal-intellectual.
- Article 38 asks the State to secure a social order based on social, economic and political justice.
- Article 39 deals with the equitable distribution of resources, and Article 39A, added by the 42nd Amendment, provides for equal justice and free legal aid.
- Article 41 covers the right to work, education and public assistance in unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement.
- Article 42 provides for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on DPSP and Fundamental Duties?
This page has 99 practice MCQs on DPSP and Fundamental Duties (Indian Polity and Governance). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Are the Directive Principles enforceable in court?
No. They are non-justiciable, which means a court cannot enforce them, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country. The State is expected to apply them in making laws and policies.
Which Amendment added Article 39A?
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. Article 39A directs the State to promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid so that opportunities for justice are not denied by economic or other disabilities.
In which Parts are the DPSP and the Fundamental Duties?
The Directive Principles are in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) and the Fundamental Duties in Part IVA (Article 51A). The duties were added by the 42nd Amendment on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee.