Consider the following definitions of terms used in the Preamble: 1. Sovereign: People have supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters. 2. Republic: The head of the state holds a hereditary position. 3. Fraternity: All citizens should behave as if they are members of the same family. Which of the above are correctly defined?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution, outlining the fundamental values, philosophy, and objectives of the Indian State. - Statement 1 is correct: The term Sovereign implies that India is an independent state and not a dominion or dependency of any other nation. There is no authority above it, and it is free to conduct its own affairs (both internal and external). Consequently, the people of India have the supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters without outside interference. - Statement 2 is incorrect: A Republic means that the head of the state is elected, either directly or indirectly, for a fixed period. In India, the President is the elected head of the state. This is in direct contrast to a monarchy, where the head of the state holds a hereditary position (e.g., the King or Queen in the United Kingdom). - Statement 3 is correct: Fraternity refers to a sense of common brotherhood. The Constitution promotes this feeling of fraternity by the system of single citizenship. It implies that all citizens should behave as if they are members of the same family, transcending religious, linguistic, regional, or sectional diversities, to ensure the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation. Key Takeaway: In the Indian context, 'Sovereign' denotes absolute independence, 'Republic' signifies an elected head of state rather than a hereditary monarch, and 'Fraternity' represents the spirit of brotherhood essential for national unity.

NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 2: Constitutional design

mcqeasy

Consider the following definitions of terms used in the Preamble:

Sovereign: People have supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters.
Republic: The head of the state holds a hereditary position.
Fraternity: All citizens should behave as if they are members of the same family.

Which of the above are correctly defined?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution, outlining the fundamental values, philosophy, and objectives of the Indian State.

Statement 1 is correct: The term Sovereign implies that India is an independent state and not a dominion or dependency of any other nation. There is no authority above it, and it is free to conduct its own affairs (both internal and external). Consequently, the people of India have the supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters without outside interference.
Statement 2 is incorrect: A Republic means that the head of the state is elected, either directly or indirectly, for a fixed period. In India, the President is the elected head of the state. This is in direct contrast to a monarchy, where the head of the state holds a hereditary position (e.g., the King or Queen in the United Kingdom).
Statement 3 is correct: Fraternity refers to a sense of common brotherhood. The Constitution promotes this feeling of fraternity by the system of single citizenship. It implies that all citizens should behave as if they are members of the same family, transcending religious, linguistic, regional, or sectional diversities, to ensure the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation.

Key Takeaway: In the Indian context, 'Sovereign' denotes absolute independence, 'Republic' signifies an elected head of state rather than a hereditary monarch, and 'Fraternity' represents the spirit of brotherhood essential for national unity.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Constitutional design

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The "supreme law" of a country that determines the relationship among people living in a territory and also the relationship between the people and government is known as:

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What was the total membership of the Constituent Assembly of India immediately following the partition?

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Consider the following statements about the working of the Constituent Assembly: 1. The Drafting Committee was chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. 2. The members deliberated for 114 days spread over three years. 3. More than two thousand amendments were considered during the drafting process. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about the preamble of the US Constitution: 1. It begins with the phrase "We, the States of the United States". 2. It aims to form a "more perfect union". 3. It explicitly mentions "Justice" and "Liberty" as core values. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution, outlining the fundamental values, philosophy, and objectives of the Indian State.

Statement 1 is correct: The term Sovereign implies that India is an independent state and not a dominion or dependency of any other nation. There is no authority above it, and it is free to conduct its own affairs (both internal and external). Consequently, the people of India have the supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters without outside interference.
Statement 2 is incorrect: A Republic means that the head of the state is elected, either directly or indirectly, for a fixed period. In India, the President is the elected head of the state. This is in direct contrast to a monarchy, where the head of the state holds a hereditary position (e.g., the King or Queen in the United Kingdom).
Statement 3 is correct: Fraternity refers to a sense of common brotherhood. The Constitution promotes this feeling of fraternity by the system of single citizenship. It implies that all citizens should behave as if they are members of the same family, transcending religious, linguistic, regional, or sectional diversities, to ensure the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation.