UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies

Question 35: Polity and Governance

The “Instrument of Instructions” contained in the Government of India Act 1935 have been incorporated in the Constitution of India in the year 1950 as

aFundamental Rights

bDirective Principles of State Policy

cExtent of executive power of State

dConduct of business of the Government of India

AnswerThe answer is (b).

The Instrument of Instructions in the Government of India Act, 1935 were directions to the Governor-General and the Governors on how to exercise their powers, such as looking to the welfare of the people. The framers of the Constitution carried this idea into the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are non-justiciable guidelines to the state. Remember: Instrument of Instructions = Directive Principles of State Policy.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Fundamental Rights came from sources such as the Bill of Rights, not the Instruments of Instructions.
(b) Right: the Instrument of Instructions became the Directive Principles.
(c) Extent of executive power of the State is a different part of the Constitution.
(d) Conduct of business of the Government of India is a separate chapter, not the source.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.