TNPSC Group 1 · Indian Polity – Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35)
Fundamental Rights (Art 12-35) – TNPSC Group 1 MCQ Practice Set
Question 1
Which Article of the Indian Constitution is described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Constitution?
Answer: A
Article 32 gives the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called it the ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Constitution because without a remedy, rights are meaningless. Article 226 gives similar power to High Courts but Article 32 itself is a Fundamental Right.
Exam Trick
32 = 3+2 = 5 letters in ‘Heart’ — link ‘Heart and Soul’ directly to Article 32. Ambedkar = A = Article 32.
Question 2
Right to Education (Article 21A) was inserted into the Constitution by which Amendment Act?
Answer: A
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21A making free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children between 6-14 years. This was followed by the Right to Education Act, 2009 for its implementation. The 44th Amendment (1978) restored Art 21 protections post-Emergency.
Exam Trick
86th = 8+6 = 14, the upper age limit of RTE. Remember: 86th Amendment → 6-14 years age group.
Question 3
Under Article 19(1), which of the following freedoms is NOT explicitly guaranteed to citizens of India?
Answer: A
Article 19(1) guarantees 6 freedoms: (a) Speech & Expression, (b) Assembly, (c) Associations/Unions, (d) Movement, (e) Residence/Settlement, (g) Profession. Freedom to strike is NOT explicitly mentioned. Originally 7 freedoms existed; Art 19(1)(f) — Right to Property — was deleted by the 44th Amendment 1978.
Exam Trick
SAMRAP mnemonic: Speech, Assembly, Movement, Residence, Associations, Profession = 6 rights. Strike is NOT in SAMRAP.
Question 4
Which of the following writs is issued by a court to quash the proceedings of a lower court or tribunal acting beyond its jurisdiction?
Answer: A
Certiorari is issued by a superior court to quash the order of a lower court, tribunal, or quasi-judicial body when it acts in excess of jurisdiction or commits an error of law. Mandamus directs performance of a public duty. Quo Warranto questions a person’s right to hold public office. Habeas Corpus secures release of an illegally detained person.
Exam Trick
Certiorari = CANCEL. It cancels/quashes lower court orders. ‘Cert’ sounds like ‘certain error corrected’.
Question 5
Article 15(3) of the Constitution allows the State to make special provisions for which of the following?
Answer: A
Article 15(3) is an exception to the general prohibition of discrimination and specifically empowers the State to make special provisions for women and children. Art 15(4) covers SC/ST and socially/educationally backward classes. Art 15(5) covers OBC/SC/ST for educational institutions. Art 15(6) covers EWS (103rd Amendment, 2019).
Exam Trick
15(3) = W+C: Women and Children. 3 letters each — W(omen) = 5 letters but remember clause 3 = special for WOMEN & CHILDREN only.
