Q1. The word ‘secular’ denotes
(a) Keeping away from all religions
(b) Freedom of religion and worship to all citizens
(c) Belief in God
(d) Practising different religions
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (b) Freedom of religion and worship to all citizens
Explanation: In the Indian context, secularism means the state does not favor any religion and guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. It promotes equal respect and protection for all faiths under the Constitution.
Q2. The word “secular” denotes
(a) Keeping away from all religions
(b) Belief in one God
(c) Freedom of religion and worship to all citizens
(d) Practising different religions
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (c) Freedom of religion and worship to all citizens
Explanation: In the Indian context, secularism means the state does not favor any religion, and guarantees freedom of faith and worship to all citizens.
Q3. What does secularism mean ?
(a) State patronising all religions
(b) State having its own religion
(c) State having no official religion and citizens are free to follow any religion or faith
(d) State having one official religion and showing respect to all other religions
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (c) State having no official religion and citizens are free to follow any religion or faith
Explanation: In the Indian context, secularism means the state does not endorse any religion and ensures freedom of faith for all citizens. It promotes religious neutrality and equal treatment of all religions under the law.
Q4. In a civilised urban society, what makes people live together?
(a) Patriotism
(b) Religion
(c) Culture
(d) Law
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) Law
Explanation: In a civilised urban society, it is the rule of law that ensures order, rights, and responsibilities among citizens. While culture and religion influence social behavior, it is law that provides the binding framework for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution.
Q5. It is often said that the key to the minds of the makers of our Constitution lies in
(a) Preamble
(b) Fundamental Rights
(c) Fundamental Duties
(d) Directive Principles of State Policy
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (a) Preamble
Explanation: The Preamble reflects the core philosophy and intentions of the Constitution’s framers, outlining values like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It serves as a guiding light for interpreting constitutional provisions and understanding the spirit of the document.
Q6. Which one of the following is part of Preamble of the Constitution of India ?
(a) We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic …. do hereby Adopt, Enact and Give to ourselves this Constitution
(b) We, the members of the Parliament, do hereby Adopt, Enact and Give to ourselves this Constitution
(c) We, the people of Constituent Assembly, do hereby Adopt, Enact and Give to ourselves this Constitution
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (a) We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic …. do hereby Adopt, Enact and Give to ourselves this Constitution
Explanation: The Preamble to the Indian Constitution begins with the words “We, the people of India…”, emphasizing the sovereign will of the citizens. It outlines the core values and guiding principles of the Constitution, including sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, and republicanism. The phrase in option (a) is the authentic opening statement of the Preamble, reflecting the collective resolve of the Indian people.