UPSC Prelims 2025 PYQ on Constitutional Amendment & State Ratification
Q. Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India:
I. List I – Union List, in the Seventh Schedule
II. Extent of the executive power of a State
III. Conditions of the Governor’s office
For a constitutional amendment with respect to which of the above, ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States is required before presenting the bill to the President of India for assent?
Answer: (a) I and II only
Explanation:
Article 368 of the Constitution determines the procedure for the amendment of constitutional provisions. A Constitutional Amendment Bill must be passed in each House by a special majority, and if it seeks to amend federal provisions, it must also be ratified by at least half of the State legislatures.
Statement I – Correct: Any change to the Union List (Seventh Schedule) requires ratification by the States.
Statement II – Correct: Article 162 (extent of State executive power) also requires ratification if amended.
Statement III – Incorrect: Article 158 (conditions of Governor’s office) can be amended by Parliament alone using special majority; no state ratification is required.
UPSC Prelims 2025 PYQ – Constitutional Amendment & State Ratification
