UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I

Question 38: Polity and Governance

According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?

aFundamental Rights

bFundamental Duties

cDirective Principles of State Policy

dFundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Article 37 says the Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable by any court, but the principles are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws. Fundamental Rights are enforceable limits on the State, and Fundamental Duties (Article 51A, added in 1976) are duties of citizens. The phrase belongs to Article 37.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. Fundamental Rights are enforceable rights, not the 'fundamental in governance' provisions.
(b) Wrong. Fundamental Duties are obligations of citizens and are not described this way.
(c) Correct. Article 37 calls the Directive Principles fundamental in the governance of the country.
(d) Wrong. Neither Fundamental Rights nor Duties are described this way.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.