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Question No. 20Interactive Test Mode
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Q20. Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defines its basic structure in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘Judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

  1. The Constitution of India defines its basic structure in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.
  2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘Judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

Ready to check the official UPSC Answer Key?

Click any option above to test yourself under exam conditions, or reveal the explanation directly.

Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2020 • Polity

Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified
  • Statement 1 is incorrect: The phrase 'basic structure' is nowhere mentioned or defined in the Constitution of India. It was judicially propounded by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
  • Statement 2 is correct: While the exact phrase 'judicial review' is not explicitly used as a defined term, the Constitution provides for judicial review under Articles 13, 32, 136, 226, etc., empowering the judiciary to invalidate unconstitutional legislation to protect citizens' liberties and constitutional supremacy.
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

The Constitution rarely defines doctrinal phrases like 'Basic Structure'. The claim that the Constitution 'defines' basic structure is factually incorrect, allowing immediate elimination of statements claiming S1 is true.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020 (Q20)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicPolity → Constitution & Amendments
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — 2 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2020 Q20

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper I Question 20 (Polity)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2020 Polity (Constitution & Amendments) question is Option (B): "2 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2020 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Polity" and micro-topic "Constitution & Amendments". You can explore all repeated questions from Constitution & Amendments in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Constitution & Amendments UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

The Constitution rarely defines doctrinal phrases like 'Basic Structure'. The claim that the Constitution 'defines' basic structure is factually incorrect, allowing immediate elimination of statements claiming S1 is true.

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