73rd Constitutional Amendment Practice Questions
40 free 73rd Constitutional Amendment practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which new Part was added to the Constitution of India by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?
- A Part IX
- B Part IX-A
- C Part X
- D Part XI
Correct answer: Part IX
The 73rd Amendment Act added Part IX to the Constitution, titled 'The Panchayats'. This part contains provisions from Articles 243 to 243-O.
The 73rd Amendment Act gave practical shape to which Article of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
- A Article 38
- B Article 40
- C Article 44
- D Article 45
Correct answer: Article 40
Article 40 directs the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with necessary powers. The 73rd Amendment translated this directive into a constitutional mandate.
How many functional items are listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, introduced by the 73rd Amendment?
- A 18
- B 22
- C 29
- D 32
Correct answer: 29
The Eleventh Schedule contains 29 functional items that fall within the purview of Panchayats. These items include agriculture, land improvement, minor irrigation, and social forestry.
According to the 73rd Amendment, what is the minimum population limit below which a state is not required to constitute panchayats at the intermediate level?
- A 10 Lakh
- B 15 Lakh
- C 20 Lakh
- D 25 Lakh
Correct answer: 20 Lakh
Article 243-B states that panchayats at the intermediate level may not be constituted in a state having a population not exceeding 20 lakh. This allows smaller states to have a two-tier system.
Who is responsible for the audit of accounts of Panchayats under the 73rd Amendment Act?
- A The Comptroller and Auditor General of India
- B The State Election Commission
- C Provisions made by the State Legislature
- D The Finance Commission of India
Correct answer: Provisions made by the State Legislature
Article 243-J empowers the State Legislature to make provisions with respect to the maintenance of accounts by the Panchayats and the auditing of such accounts. It is not directly mandated to the CAG by the Constitution.
Which Article of the Constitution provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in every Panchayat?
- A Article 243-A
- B Article 243-C
- C Article 243-D
- D Article 243-K
Correct answer: Article 243-D
Article 243-D provides for the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to their population. It also mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of seats be reserved for women.
What is the fixed term of office for every Panchayat under the 73rd Amendment?
- A 3 years
- B 4 years
- C 5 years
- D 6 years
Correct answer: 5 years
Every Panchayat shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting. Elections to constitute a new Panchayat must be completed before the expiry of this five-year duration.
The 73rd Amendment Act prohibits the interference by courts in which of the following matters?
- A Financial audits of Panchayats
- B Electoral matters including delimitation of constituencies
- C Disqualification of members
- D Selection of the Panchayat Secretary
Correct answer: Electoral matters including delimitation of constituencies
Article 243-O bars the courts from interfering in electoral matters of Panchayats. This includes the validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of seats.
Which body is constituted under Article 243-I to review the financial position of the Panchayats?
- A District Planning Committee
- B State Finance Commission
- C National Finance Commission
- D State Planning Board
Correct answer: State Finance Commission
The Governor of a state is required to constitute a State Finance Commission every five years. This commission recommends the principles for distribution of taxes between the state and the panchayats.
A person is disqualified from being a member of a Panchayat if they are less than which age?
- A 18 years
- B 21 years
- C 25 years
- D 30 years
Correct answer: 21 years
Under Article 243-F, the minimum age to be qualified as a member of a Panchayat is 21 years. This is lower than the 25-year requirement for the State Legislative Assembly.
Which of the following is a 'Voluntary Provision' under the 73rd Amendment Act?
- A Organization of Gram Sabha
- B Establishing a three-tier system
- C Granting voting rights to MPs and MLAs in Panchayats
- D Reservation of one-third seats for women
Correct answer: Granting voting rights to MPs and MLAs in Panchayats
Providing representation or voting rights to members of Parliament and State Legislature in Panchayats is a voluntary provision. State legislatures have the discretion to decide whether to include them.
Who appoints the State Election Commissioner for conducting Panchayat elections?
- A The President of India
- B The Chief Justice of the High Court
- C The Governor of the State
- D The Chief Minister
Correct answer: The Governor of the State
Article 243-K states that the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor. Their conditions of service and tenure of office are also determined by the Governor.
The 73rd Amendment Act does NOT apply to which of the following states as per the original provision?
- A Rajasthan
- B Nagaland
- C Madhya Pradesh
- D Uttar Pradesh
Correct answer: Nagaland
The act does not apply to the states of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. It also has specific exemptions for certain tribal areas and the hill areas of Manipur.
Under the 73rd Amendment, the Chairperson of a Panchayat at the intermediate level or district level is elected:
- A Directly by the people
- B Indirectly by and from amongst the elected members
- C Nominated by the Governor
- D Appointed by the State Government
Correct answer: Indirectly by and from amongst the elected members
Article 243-C specifies that the Chairperson of a panchayat at the intermediate or district level shall be elected indirectly. However, the Chairperson at the village level is elected in a manner determined by the State Legislature.
The 'Gram Sabha' mentioned in the 73rd Amendment is a body consisting of:
- A All residents of the village
- B All taxpayers of the village
- C All persons registered in the electoral rolls of the village
- D The elected members of the Panchayat
Correct answer: All persons registered in the electoral rolls of the village
Article 243 defines Gram Sabha as a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village. It is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system.
Which Article provides for the duration of Panchayats?
- A Article 243-B
- B Article 243-E
- C Article 243-G
- D Article 243-H
Correct answer: Article 243-E
Article 243-E deals with the duration of Panchayats. It sets the term at 5 years and provides that elections to fill a vacancy must be held within six months of dissolution.
The 73rd Amendment Act came into force on which date?
- A December 22, 1992
- B April 24, 1993
- C January 26, 1993
- D August 15, 1992
Correct answer: April 24, 1993
The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, received presidential assent on April 20, 1993, and came into effect on April 24, 1993. This day is now celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day.
Who can be removed from office only in a manner similar to a judge of a High Court?
- A The Sarpanch of a Gram Panchayat
- B The State Election Commissioner
- C The Chairman of the Zila Parishad
- D The Panchayat Secretary
Correct answer: The State Election Commissioner
The State Election Commissioner has security of tenure and can only be removed from office in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of a High Court. This ensures the independence of the election process.
Which functional item among the following is NOT part of the Eleventh Schedule?
- A Animal husbandry
- B Fisheries
- C Urban Forestry
- D Public Distribution System
Correct answer: Urban Forestry
Urban Forestry is a functional item listed under the Twelfth Schedule (Urban Local Bodies/74th Amendment). The Eleventh Schedule focuses on rural development, including items like PDS and fisheries.
The 73rd Amendment Act classifies provisions into two categories. These are:
- A Compulsory and Voluntary
- B Economic and Social
- C Central and State
- D Judicial and Executive
Correct answer: Compulsory and Voluntary
The provisions are divided into compulsory (mandatory for states to include in their laws) and voluntary (at the discretion of state legislatures). This balance respects the federal structure while ensuring basic uniformity.
Which specific Article was inserted by the 73rd Amendment to define the 'Gram Sabha'?
- A Article 243A
- B Article 243
- C Article 243B
- D Article 243C
Correct answer: Article 243A
Article 243A provides for the Gram Sabha, which may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may by law provide.
Under the 73rd Amendment Act, what is the minimum percentage of seats reserved for women in Panchayats (including seats reserved for SC/ST women)?
- A Not less than one-third
- B Not less than one-fourth
- C Exactly 50%
- D Proportional to their population
Correct answer: Not less than one-third
Article 243D(3) mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat shall be reserved for women.
Which of the following matters is a 'Compulsory Provision' of the 73rd Amendment Act?
- A Giving representation to Members of Parliament in Panchayats
- B Granting financial powers to Panchayats to levy taxes
- C Fixing a five-year tenure for Panchayats at all levels
- D Providing reservation for Backward Classes (OBCs)
Correct answer: Fixing a five-year tenure for Panchayats at all levels
Fixing a 5-year tenure and holding fresh elections within 6 months of dissolution are compulsory (mandatory) provisions. The others are voluntary (discretionary) for the state.
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, added a new Schedule to the Constitution. Which one is it?
- A The Ninth Schedule
- B The Tenth Schedule
- C The Eleventh Schedule
- D The Twelfth Schedule
Correct answer: The Eleventh Schedule
The 73rd Amendment added the Eleventh Schedule, which contains 29 functional items placed within the purview of Panchayats.
In case of a premature dissolution of a Panchayat, the newly constituted Panchayat remains in office for:
- A The remainder of the dissolved Panchayat's term
- B A completely fresh five-year term
- C A fixed period of six months
- D The duration decided by the State Election Commission
Correct answer: The remainder of the dissolved Panchayat's term
According to Article 243E(4), a Panchayat constituted upon the dissolution of a Panchayat before its full term shall continue only for the remainder of the original period.
Which Article of the Constitution empowers the State Legislature to authorize a Panchayat to levy, collect and appropriate taxes?
- A Article 243H
- B Article 243G
- C Article 243-I
- D Article 243J
Correct answer: Article 243H
Article 243H deals with the powers to impose taxes by, and Funds of, the Panchayats, as authorized by State law.
Which of the following is NOT a ground for disqualification of a member of a Panchayat under Article 243F?
- A Being less than 25 years of age, if they have attained 21 years of age
- B Under any law currently in force for State Legislature elections
- C Under any law made by the State Legislature
- D If the person is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court
Correct answer: Being less than 25 years of age, if they have attained 21 years of age
Article 243F states that no person shall be disqualified on the ground that he is less than 25 years of age, if he has attained the age of 21 years.
Who is responsible for providing the State Election Commission with the staff necessary for the discharge of its functions?
- A The Governor of the State
- B The President of India
- C The Chief Minister
- D The Union Public Service Commission
Correct answer: The Governor of the State
Under Article 243K(3), when so requested by the State Election Commission, the Governor of the State shall make available such staff as may be necessary.
The State Finance Commission is required to make recommendations to the Governor regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between:
- A The State and the Panchayats
- B The Union and the State
- C The Panchayats and the Municipalities
- D Neighboring States
Correct answer: The State and the Panchayats
Article 243-I mandates the State Finance Commission to review the financial position of Panchayats and recommend the distribution of tax proceeds between the State and the Panchayats.
Which Article provides for the 'Composition of Panchayats' and the manner of filling seats by direct election?
- A Article 243A
- B Article 243B
- C Article 243C
- D Article 243D
Correct answer: Article 243C
Article 243C specifies that all seats in a Panchayat shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the Panchayat area.
The 73rd Amendment Act added Part IX to the Constitution, which is titled:
- A Part IX: The Panchayats
- B Part IXA: The Municipalities
- C Part IXB: The Co-operative Societies
- D Part X: The Scheduled and Tribal Areas
Correct answer: Part IX: The Panchayats
Part IX was added/reintroduced with the title 'The Panchayats', consisting of Articles 243 to 243-O.
Which constitutional authority is responsible for ensuring that the accounts of the Panchayats are audited?
- A The State Legislature (through law)
- B Comptroller and Auditor General
- C State Election Commission
- D The Finance Minister of the State
Correct answer: The State Legislature (through law)
Article 243J states that the Legislature of a State may, by law, make provisions with respect to the maintenance of accounts and the auditing of such accounts.
The first State Finance Commission under the 73rd Amendment was to be constituted within how many years from the commencement of the Act?
- A One year
- B Two years
- C Five years
- D Immediately upon the first election
Correct answer: One year
Article 243-I states that the Governor shall, within one year from the commencement of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, constitute a Finance Commission.
Reservation of seats for SCs and STs is based on which criteria under Article 243D?
- A Their population's proportion to the total
- B Economic and social backwardness of the area
- C A fixed quota of twenty-seven percent
- D Sole discretion of the state Governor
Correct answer: Their population's proportion to the total
The number of seats reserved shall bear, as nearly as may be, the same proportion to the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in that Panchayat as the population of SCs or STs bears to the total population.
Which of the following is a 'Voluntary Provision' regarding the composition of Panchayats?
- A Direct elections for all seats in Panchayats at all levels
- B Granting voting rights to the chairpersons of the Panchayats in the meetings of the Panchayats
- C Providing representation to MPs and MLAs in the Panchayats
- D Reservation for women
Correct answer: Providing representation to MPs and MLAs in the Panchayats
Providing representation to Members of the Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha) and State Legislature (MLA/MLC) in the Panchayats is a discretionary power of the State Legislature.
Under Article 243-O, the validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or allotment of seats to such constituencies cannot be called in question in:
- A Any Court of Law
- B The Supreme Court
- C The State Legislature
- D The Election Commission
Correct answer: Any Court of Law
Article 243-O (a) explicitly bars the interference by courts in electoral matters, specifically regarding delimitation and allotment of seats.
Which functional item is included in the Eleventh Schedule among the following?
- A Regulation of land use and construction of buildings
- B Urban planning including town planning
- C Technical training and vocational education
- D Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes
Correct answer: Technical training and vocational education
Technical training and vocational education (Item 18) is part of the Eleventh Schedule (Panchayats). The other options belong to the Twelfth Schedule (Municipalities).
The 73rd Amendment Act provides for a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj. Which tier is located at the district level?
- A Gram Panchayat
- B Panchayat Samiti
- C Zila Parishad
- D Anchalik Panchayat
Correct answer: Zila Parishad
The three tiers are: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (intermediate/block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).
A person is disqualified from being a member of a Panchayat if they are so disqualified by or under any law for the time being in force for the purposes of elections to the:
- A State Legislature
- B Local Bodies
- C Parliament of India
- D Co-operative Societies
Correct answer: State Legislature
Article 243F(1)(a) links the disqualification criteria to the existing laws governing the election to the State Legislature.
How is the Chairperson of a Village Panchayat elected?
- A Always directly by the people
- B Always indirectly by the elected members
- C In whatever manner State law provides
- D Nominated by the District Collector
Correct answer: In whatever manner State law provides
Under Article 243C(5), the Chairperson of a Panchayat at the village level shall be elected in such manner as the State Legislature may provide (can be direct or indirect), whereas at the intermediate/district level, it must be indirect.