NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 1: The Indian Constitution

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The Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India primarily serve as a protection against which of the following?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe fluctuations of market forces in the economy
BThe judicial review power of the Supreme Court
CThe arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the State
DThe cultural dominance of foreign nations

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

The arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the State

Explanation

Fundamental Rights, enshrined in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12–35), are justiciable rights guaranteed to individuals to promote the ideal of political democracy. They function primarily as limitations on the authority of the State.

Analysis:

The arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the State is Correct: The primary objective of Fundamental Rights is to protect the liberties and freedoms of the people against invasion by the State. They serve as a check on the tyranny of the executive and the arbitrary laws of the legislature, thereby preventing the establishment of authoritarian rule. They ensure that the State does not exercise power in an arbitrary or absolute manner.
The judicial review power of the Supreme Court is Incorrect: Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders. Fundamental Rights do not protect against judicial review; rather, judicial review is the mechanism used to enforce Fundamental Rights under Article 13 and Article 32.
The fluctuations of market forces in the economy is Incorrect: While the Constitution contains provisions regarding trade and commerce, the primary function of Fundamental Rights is political and civil protection, not insulation from economic market fluctuations.
The cultural dominance of foreign nations is Incorrect: While Articles 29 and 30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities, the overarching purpose of Part III is protection against the State's infringement on individual liberties, not specifically against foreign cultural dominance.

Key Takeaway: Fundamental Rights operate as negative obligations on the State, restricting its authority to ensure the protection of individual liberty and the maintenance of the rule of law.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The Indian Constitution

With reference to the concept of 'Constitutive Rules' in a society, consider the following: 1. They define the fundamental nature of a society. 2. They are temporary rules that change with every election. 3. In modern large societies, these rules are typically formulated through consensus. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the historical evolution of the Indian Constitution: 1. The demand for a Constituent Assembly was first made by the British Government in 1934. 2. The Constituent Assembly was convened for the first time in December 1946. 3. The drafting of the Constitution was completed between December 1946 and November 1949. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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From the perspective of constitutional governance, what is the central purpose of adopting a Constitution in a democracy?

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Consider the following assertions regarding the political history of Nepal: 1. The 1990 Constitution of Nepal vested final authority in the Council of Ministers. 2. The 2015 Constitution of Nepal was adopted to establish the country as a democracy. 3. The transition from monarchy to democracy did not require any change in the constitutive rules of the state. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the Indian Constitution, the safeguards against the misuse of authority by political leaders are primarily enshrined in:

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The correct option is

The arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the State

Explanation

Analysis:

The arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the State is Correct: The primary objective of Fundamental Rights is to protect the liberties and freedoms of the people against invasion by the State. They serve as a check on the tyranny of the executive and the arbitrary laws of the legislature, thereby preventing the establishment of authoritarian rule. They ensure that the State does not exercise power in an arbitrary or absolute manner.
The judicial review power of the Supreme Court is Incorrect: Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders. Fundamental Rights do not protect against judicial review; rather, judicial review is the mechanism used to enforce Fundamental Rights under Article 13 and Article 32.
The fluctuations of market forces in the economy is Incorrect: While the Constitution contains provisions regarding trade and commerce, the primary function of Fundamental Rights is political and civil protection, not insulation from economic market fluctuations.
The cultural dominance of foreign nations is Incorrect: While Articles 29 and 30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities, the overarching purpose of Part III is protection against the State's infringement on individual liberties, not specifically against foreign cultural dominance.

Key Takeaway: Fundamental Rights operate as negative obligations on the State, restricting its authority to ensure the protection of individual liberty and the maintenance of the rule of law.