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Question

The Preamble to the Indian Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. Which of these terms were added to the Preamble by the \(42^{nd}\) Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976?

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2025 Question Paper (06-Aug-2025) Shift 2
The correct answer is
Socialist, Secular

Understanding the Indian Constitution Preamble Amendments

The Preamble to the Constitution of India serves as an introductory statement that contains the guiding principles of the Indian Constitution. It briefly introduces the nature of the Indian state and the objectives it seeks to achieve.

Significance of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, enacted in 1976, is a landmark amendment that introduced significant changes to the Indian Constitution. One of the key changes was the modification of the Preamble. This amendment aimed to align the Preamble with the ideals of establishing a socialist, secular, and unified nation.

Key Terms Added to the Preamble

Before the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, the Preamble declared India to be a Sovereign, Democratic Republic. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, added three new words to the Preamble:

  • Socialist
  • Secular
  • Integrity (added to the phrase "Unity of the Nation")

Therefore, the Preamble, after this amendment, reads: "WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC..."

Analyzing the Options

The question asks which terms from the list (Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic) were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. Based on the historical context:

  • Option 1: Socialist, Secular - Both 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were indeed added by the 42nd Amendment.
  • Option 2: Sovereign, Democratic - 'Sovereign' and 'Democratic' were part of the original Preamble and were not added in 1976.
  • Option 3: Republic, Democratic - 'Republic' and 'Democratic' were also part of the original Preamble.
  • Option 4: Justice, Liberty - 'Justice', 'Liberty', 'Equality', and 'Fraternity' are objectives mentioned in the Preamble but were not added by the 42nd Amendment.

Conclusion on Added Terms

The terms specifically added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, among the choices presented, are 'Socialist' and 'Secular'.

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