UPSC Prelims – Polity (Objective / MCQs)

UPSC Prelims – Polity (Objective / MCQs)

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1. Recommended Book

Book	Purpose / Details
Laxmikanth – Indian Polity	Most comprehensive book for UPSC Polity. Covers Constitution, governance, fundamental rights, directive principles, Union & State structure, Parliament, Judiciary, Local Government, and Amendments. Ideal for both Prelims and Mains.

Why Laxmikanth?

·         Structured content for easy understanding

·         Covers all frequently asked UPSC questions

·         Includes tables, flowcharts, and concise explanations

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2. Strategy to Cover Polity for Prelims

Step 1: Foundation – NCERTs (Class 6–12)

·         Read Indian Constitution-related NCERTs

·         Covers Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Governance basics

Step 2: Laxmikanth (Indian Polity)

Focus on the following high-yield topics for Prelims:

Topic	Key Points
Constitutional Framework	Preamble, features, types of constitutions, amendments
Fundamental Rights & Duties	Articles 12–35, Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
Directive Principles of State Policy	Categories: social, economic, political; important case laws
Union & State Government	President, Vice President, PM, Council of Ministers, Governor, CM
Parliament & State Legislature	Composition, powers, procedures, money bills, joint sittings
Judiciary	Supreme Court, High Courts, subordinate courts, judicial review
Local Government	Panchayati Raj, Municipalities, 73rd & 74th amendments
Union Territories & Special Areas	Article 239, Scheduled Areas, Tribal Areas
Election & Representation	Election Commission, voting system, anti-defection law
Emergency Provisions	National, State, Financial, President’s rule

Tips: Pay attention to articles, important amendments, case laws, and constitutional provisions, as UPSC often asks fact-based MCQs.

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Step 3: Revision

·         Make short notes or flashcards of important Articles, amendments, and bodies

·         Revise monthly to retain factual knowledge

·         Solve previous year MCQs for practice

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3. Sample Questions – Polity (Prelims MCQs)

1.      Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Duties?
a) Article 21
b) Article 32
c) Article 51A
d) Article 370
Answer: c) Article 51A

2.      The President of India is elected by:
a) Members of Lok Sabha only
b) Members of Parliament only
c) Members of both Parliament and State Legislatures
d) People directly
Answer: c) Members of both Parliament and State Legislatures

3.      Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Right?
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Property
c) Right to Freedom of Speech
d) Right against Exploitation
Answer: b) Right to Property (Removed from Fundamental Rights by 44th Amendment)

4.      Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Chief Justice of India
Answer: b) President

5.      The 73rd Constitutional Amendment deals with:
a) Panchayati Raj
b) Municipalities
c) Fundamental Duties
d) National Commission for SC/ST
Answer: a) Panchayati Raj

6.      Which of the following are Directive Principles of State Policy?

1.      Equal pay for equal work for men and women

2.      Right to Education

3.      Promotion of international peace

4.      Freedom of religion
a) 1, 2, 3
b) 1, 2, 4
c) 2, 3, 4
d) All of the above
Answer: a) 1, 2, 3

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4. Preparation Tips – Polity for Prelims

1.      Read NCERTs first → Build foundational knowledge

2.      Laxmikanth → Complete reference for Prelims and Mains

3.      Make short notes → Articles, amendments, important institutions

4.      Revise regularly → Monthly revision of facts

5.      Practice MCQs → Previous year UPSC, mock tests

6.      Focus on current amendments and judgments → UPSC asks recent developments

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Summary:

·         Book: Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (main), NCERTs (foundation)

·         Topics: Constitution, Rights, Directive Principles, Union & State, Judiciary, Local Government, Elections

·         Strategy: Read, note-making, revise, practice MCQs

·         Goal: Accuracy + speed in Prelims MCQs