MPPSC Mains PYQs

The 10th Amendment Act, 1961, of the Indian Constitution added the State of Goa, Daman, and Diu to the Indian Union. This amendment reorganized the territorial boundaries, recognizing these regions as Union Territories. It aimed to integrate the territories, which were previously Portuguese colonies, into India following their liberation in 1961. The amendment also established provisions for governance and administration in these newly incorporated areas. By formalizing their status, the 10th Amendment played a crucial role in India’s efforts to unify its diverse territories and promote national integration, ensuring that the rights and representation of the residents were addressed.

In the Bommai case (1994), Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah of the Supreme Court described the Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution. The case revolved around the constitutional validity of the dismissal of state governments and the imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356. Justice Venkatachaliah emphasized that the Preamble reflects the fundamental values and guiding principles of the Constitution, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He argued that the Preamble serves as a foundational framework for interpreting the Constitution, ensuring that all actions taken under it align with these core values. This recognition further solidified the importance of the Preamble in constitutional law.

The distribution of legislative power between the Union and the States in India is primarily outlined in Articles 245 to 255 of the Indian Constitution. Article 245 empowers Parliament to make laws for the whole or any part of India, while State Legislatures can make laws for their respective states. Article 246 specifies the subjects on which both the Union and State legislatures can legislate through three lists in the Seventh Schedule: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. Article 254 addresses conflicts between Union and State laws, establishing the supremacy of Union laws in case of discrepancies.

The statement “Political parties are the pillars of modern politics” is attributed to political scientist R. J. M. (R. A.) Dahl. Dahl emphasized the crucial role that political parties play in the functioning of democratic systems. He argued that parties facilitate the organization of political competition, enable voter mobilization, and provide a framework for political representation. Through their structures and functions, parties help translate public interests into policy decisions, making them essential for the stability and effectiveness of modern governance. Dahl’s insights underline the significance of political parties in shaping democratic practices and enhancing citizen participation in the political process.

The authority to decide the procedure for the impeachment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) lies with the Parliament of India. The process is outlined in Article 324 of the Constitution, which provides that the CEC can be removed from office in a manner and on grounds prescribed for the removal of a Supreme Court judge under Article 124. This involves a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. The procedure includes a motion for impeachment being introduced, followed by a detailed investigation into the charges against the CEC, ensuring a fair and just process before removal can occur.