Introduction: Political Science is an essential subject that helps students understand the functioning of political systems, governance, and international relations. Class 12 Political Science focuses on the core concepts of political theory, Indian politics, and global politics. This set of 50 multiple-choice questions will guide you through these crucial concepts, testing your knowledge and understanding of the subject.
1. What is the main purpose of the Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution?
- A) To ensure justice
- B) To provide equality
- C) To safeguard individual freedoms
- D) To promote social harmony
Answer: C) To safeguard individual freedoms
The Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution are designed to protect the individual’s freedoms and rights against state interference.
2. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
- A) Indira Gandhi
- B) Sarojini Naidu
- C) Sonia Gandhi
- D) Pratibha Patil
Answer: A) Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi, the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, was the first woman to become the Prime Minister of India.
3. The idea of ‘Democratic Centralism’ is associated with which political party?
- A) Communist Party of China
- B) Indian National Congress
- C) Bharatiya Janata Party
- D) Labour Party
Answer: A) Communist Party of China
‘Democratic Centralism’ refers to the decision-making process in the Communist Party of China, where central leadership holds ultimate authority after democratic discussion.
4. The main objective of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is to:
- A) Prevent military alliances
- B) Establish global economic parity
- C) Promote peace and independence among developing countries
- D) Strengthen the United Nations
Answer: C) Promote peace and independence among developing countries
The Non-Aligned Movement was founded to promote independence, peace, and cooperation among developing nations, avoiding alignment with major powers during the Cold War.
5. The Constitution of India was adopted on which date?
- A) 26th November 1949
- B) 15th August 1947
- C) 26th January 1950
- D) 14th August 1947
Answer: A) 26th November 1949
The Constitution of India was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950.
6. The Indian Parliament consists of how many houses?
- A) One
- B) Two
- C) Three
- D) Four
Answer: B) Two
The Indian Parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
7. The Directive Principles of State Policy in India are:
- A) Justiciable and legally enforceable
- B) Non-justiciable and non-enforceable by the courts
- C) Both justiciable and non-enforceable
- D) Enforceable only in special cases
Answer: B) Non-justiciable and non-enforceable by the courts
The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the government to establish a social and economic order but are not enforceable by law.
8. Who among the following was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution?
- A) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- C) Jawaharlal Nehru
- D) Sardar Patel
Answer: B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution for his role in drafting it.
9. What is the meaning of “secularism” in the context of the Indian Constitution?
- A) State must support a particular religion
- B) State must be neutral in matters of religion
- C) Religious organizations should run the government
- D) State must prohibit all religions
Answer: B) State must be neutral in matters of religion
Secularism in the Indian context means that the state must remain neutral and not favor any particular religion.
10. Which of the following is NOT a function of the judiciary in India?
- A) To interpret laws
- B) To protect the Fundamental Rights
- C) To make laws
- D) To adjudicate disputes
Answer: C) To make laws
The judiciary in India interprets and applies laws but does not have the power to make laws, which is the role of the legislature.
11. Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of India?
- A) The President of India
- B) The Prime Minister
- C) The Parliament
- D) The Chief Justice of India
Answer: A) The President of India
The President of India appoints the judges of the Supreme Court, based on recommendations made by the collegium of judges.
12. What is the minimum age required to become the President of India?
- A) 25 years
- B) 30 years
- C) 35 years
- D) 40 years
Answer: C) 35 years
To become the President of India, a candidate must be at least 35 years old.
13. The “Panchayati Raj” system in India refers to:
- A) A government system for local governance
- B) The legislative assembly of states
- C) The judiciary system
- D) The executive body at the central level
Answer: A) A government system for local governance
Panchayati Raj refers to a decentralized system of governance in rural areas, where local self-government institutions manage affairs.
14. What is the main principle of the “Welfare State”?
- A) Government should control all resources
- B) Government should protect and promote the well-being of citizens
- C) Government should limit social welfare programs
- D) Government should focus on economic growth alone
Answer: B) Government should protect and promote the well-being of citizens
The Welfare State principle emphasizes that the government is responsible for ensuring the economic and social well-being of its citizens.
15. Who among the following is responsible for the financial administration of India?
- A) Prime Minister
- B) Finance Minister
- C) RBI Governor
- D) Planning Commission
Answer: B) Finance Minister
The Finance Minister of India is responsible for overseeing the financial administration and managing the economy.
16. Which of the following is the main feature of the “Federal Structure” of India?
- A) Division of power between central and state governments
- B) Unitary system of governance
- C) Autonomy to the central government
- D) Equal powers for all levels of government
Answer: A) Division of power between central and state governments
India’s federal structure divides powers and responsibilities between the central government and state governments as outlined in the Constitution.
17. Who was the first woman to be elected to the Lok Sabha?
- A) Sarojini Naidu
- B) Indira Gandhi
- C) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
- D) Sucheta Kriplani
Answer: D) Sucheta Kriplani
Sucheta Kriplani was the first woman to be elected to the Lok Sabha in India, becoming a member in 1952.
18. What is the main function of the Election Commission of India?
- A) To frame laws related to elections
- B) To conduct and supervise elections
- C) To appoint candidates for elections
- D) To conduct public opinion surveys
Answer: B) To conduct and supervise elections
The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting and overseeing elections at both state and national levels to ensure free and fair voting processes.
19. Who was the first President of India?
- A) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- B) Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
- C) Jawaharlal Nehru
- D) Dr. Zakir Husain
Answer: A) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India and served two terms from 1950 to 1962.
20. What does the term “secular” imply in the Indian Constitution?
- A) Government supports one religion
- B) Government supports all religions equally
- C) All religions are banned
- D) Only religious parties can participate in elections
Answer: B) Government supports all religions equally
Secularism in the Indian context means that the government does not favor any particular religion and treats all religions equally.
21. The “Right to Education” Act in India ensures free and compulsory education for children up to which age?
- A) 10 years
- B) 12 years
- C) 14 years
- D) 16 years
Answer: C) 14 years
The “Right to Education” Act ensures free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
22. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a “Democratic” government?
- A) Free and fair elections
- B) Rule of law
- C) Concentration of power in one leader
- D) Respect for human rights
Answer: C) Concentration of power in one leader
A democratic government is characterized by decentralization of power, free and fair elections, and respect for human rights, not concentration of power in one leader.
23. The Indian Prime Minister is elected by:
- A) The President of India
- B) The people of India directly
- C) The Members of the Lok Sabha
- D) The Rajya Sabha members
Answer: C) The Members of the Lok Sabha
The Prime Minister of India is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, typically the leader of the majority party.
24. Which of the following is a key principle of “Gandhian Philosophy”?
- A) Militarization of society
- B) Use of violence for conflict resolution
- C) Non-violence (Ahimsa) and Truth (Satya)
- D) Concentration of power in the hands of the state
Answer: C) Non-violence (Ahimsa) and Truth (Satya)
Gandhian Philosophy emphasizes the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya) as core values for social and political transformation.
25. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a:
- A) Republic
- B) Monarchy
- C) Federation
- D) Parliamentary Democracy
Answer: A) Republic
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a Republic, emphasizing the sovereignty of the people and a system where leaders are elected by the people.
26. Which of the following was NOT part of the Constituent Assembly of India?
- A) Jawaharlal Nehru
- B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- C) Sardar Patel
- D) Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Answer: D) Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Mohammad Ali Jinnah was not part of the Indian Constituent Assembly. He was the leader of the All India Muslim League and played a key role in the formation of Pakistan.
27. Which of the following is NOT a feature of “Socialism” as defined in the Indian Constitution?
- A) Public control over the economy
- B) Reduction of inequality
- C) Collective ownership of all means of production
- D) Emphasis on individual profit-making
Answer: D) Emphasis on individual profit-making
Socialism in the Indian context advocates public control over the economy and reduction of inequality, not individual profit-making.
28. What is the term of office of a Member of the Lok Sabha?
- A) 4 years
- B) 5 years
- C) 6 years
- D) 7 years
Answer: B) 5 years
A Member of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) is elected for a term of 5 years unless the house is dissolved earlier.
29. What is the primary function of the “Rajya Sabha” in India?
- A) To make laws related to international relations
- B) To discuss issues of national importance
- C) To approve the Prime Minister
- D) To conduct foreign policy
Answer: B) To discuss issues of national importance
The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) acts as a revising chamber, where issues of national importance are discussed and debated.
30. Which of the following is a feature of “Universal Adult Franchise”?
- A) Voting is limited to specific categories of people
- B) Every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote
- C) Voting is restricted to the upper class
- D) Only educated people are allowed to vote
Answer: B) Every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote
Universal Adult Franchise grants every citizen above the age of 18 the right to vote, regardless of caste, creed, or gender.
31. Who has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha?
- A) President of India
- B) Prime Minister
- C) Chief Justice of India
- D) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Answer: A) President of India
The President of India has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha, typically after consulting the Prime Minister.
32. The “Swaraj” concept was introduced by which leader in India?
- A) Subhas Chandra Bose
- B) Jawaharlal Nehru
- C) Mahatma Gandhi
- D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: C) Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi introduced the concept of “Swaraj” (self-rule) as a key idea during the Indian independence movement.
33. Who is considered the “Father of the Indian Constitution”?
- A) Jawaharlal Nehru
- B) Sardar Patel
- C) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- D) Maulana Azad
Answer: C) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is considered the “Father of the Indian Constitution” for his significant role in drafting the Constitution.
34. What is the maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha?
- A) 500
- B) 545
- C) 600
- D) 550
Answer: B) 545
The maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha is 545, including 530 elected representatives and up to 15 nominated members.
35. What is the primary objective of the “Indian National Congress” (INC) during its formation?
- A) To fight against British rule and gain independence
- B) To promote industrialization
- C) To support monarchy in India
- D) To promote caste-based politics
Answer: A) To fight against British rule and gain independence
The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed to resist British colonial rule and ultimately fight for India’s independence.
36. What does “Federalism” mean in the Indian context?
- A) Concentration of power at the center
- B) A political system that divides power between central and regional governments
- C) A system with a single central government
- D) A unitary system of governance
Answer: B) A political system that divides power between central and regional governments
Federalism in India refers to the distribution of powers between the central government and individual states.
37. What is the “Presidential form of government”?
- A) Where the President is the head of both the state and government
- B) Where the Parliament holds more power than the President
- C) Where the President serves as a ceremonial figurehead
- D) Where the Prime Minister holds the most power
Answer: A) Where the President is the head of both the state and government
In the presidential system, the President serves as both the head of the state and the head of the government, with separate roles from the legislature.
38. What is the significance of the “Cabinet” in India’s political system?
- A) It is the judicial body that interprets laws
- B) It consists of the elected representatives of the people
- C) It is a group of government ministers responsible for policy decisions
- D) It is a non-political body that advises the government
Answer: C) It is a group of government ministers responsible for policy decisions
The Cabinet is a collective decision-making body consisting of senior ministers, responsible for formulating and implementing government policies.
39. Who is the “Guardian of the Constitution” in India?
- A) Prime Minister
- B) President
- C) Supreme Court
- D) Election Commission
Answer: C) Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India is considered the “Guardian of the Constitution” as it interprets and protects the Constitution.
40. What was the primary objective of the “Quit India Movement”?
- A) To demand immediate independence from British rule
- B) To protest against the economic policies of the British
- C) To support British efforts in World War II
- D) To fight for social justice
Answer: A) To demand immediate independence from British rule
The “Quit India Movement,” led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942, was aimed at demanding an immediate end to British colonial rule in India.
41. Who was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
- A) Meira Kumar
- B) Indira Gandhi
- C) Sarojini Naidu
- D) Pratibha Patil
Answer: A) Meira Kumar
Meira Kumar became the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha in 2009, serving until 2014.
42. What is the maximum number of members in the Rajya Sabha?
- A) 250
- B) 250 (Including 12 nominated members)
- C) 300
- D) 200
Answer: B) 250 (Including 12 nominated members)
The Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, can have a maximum of 250 members, including 12 nominated by the President.
43. The Right to Information (RTI) Act was passed in which year?
- A) 2002
- B) 2005
- C) 2000
- D) 2010
Answer: B) 2005
The Right to Information (RTI) Act was passed in 2005 to empower citizens to request information from government bodies and promote transparency.
44. The “Niti Aayog” was formed to replace which of the following?
- A) The Planning Commission
- B) The Finance Ministry
- C) The Election Commission
- D) The Supreme Court
Answer: A) The Planning Commission
The Niti Aayog was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, with a focus on cooperative federalism and sustainable development.
45. Who was the first woman to hold the position of the Governor in India?
- A) Sarojini Naidu
- B) Pratibha Patil
- C) Indira Gandhi
- D) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
Answer: A) Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to hold the position of a governor in India, serving as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh from 1947 to 1949.
These 50 MCQs cover all the essential topics related to Indian Politics, such as the Constitution, governance structures, key political figures, and significant movements. Political Science plays a very important role in understanding how the democratic system works in India, and it is, therefore, essential for students to understand these concepts for their exams and beyond. I hope these questions help you in getting a good grip on the topics and help you succeed in your studies.
Also Read: Class 11 Political Science MCQs all chapters
You may also like to Read: 50 MCQs on the Economy of India for Exams
As a seasoned content writer specialized in the fitness and health niche, Arun Bhagat has always wanted to promote wellness. After gaining proper certification as a gym trainer with in-depth knowledge of virtually all the information related to it, he exercised his flair for writing interesting, informative content to advise readers on their healthier lifestyle. His topics range from workout routines, nutrition, and mental health to strategies on how to be more fit in general. His writing is informative but inspiring for people to achieve their wellness goals as well. Arun is committed to equipping those he reaches with the insights and knowledge gained through fitness.