UPSC Prelims 2017 GS Paper I · Q48 of 100 Polity & Governance easy

The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following ?

  1. (a) The Preamble ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) The Fundamental Rights
  3. (c) The Directive Principles of State Policy
  4. (d) The Fundamental Duties

Why the answer is (a)

• The Preamble states the source of the Constitution's authority ('We, the People'), the nature of the State and its objectives — justice, liberty, equality, fraternity — and so is described as the 'key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution' (Supreme Court in Berubari, 1960; Kesavananda, 1973) — option (a).

• Fundamental Rights (b), DPSPs (c) and Fundamental Duties (d) are specific provisions that implement those ideals rather than the summary of the framers' intent.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) The Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Rights implement, rather than summarise, the framers' vision.
(c) The Directive Principles of State Policy
DPSPs are one set of goals, not the overall mind of the makers.
(d) The Fundamental Duties
Fundamental Duties were added in 1976, not by the original makers.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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