Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Article 368
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Every living Constitution needs a mechanism for change so that it can adapt to new circumstances. The Constitution of India provides a specific article that describes how it can be amended. This procedure varies in difficulty depending on the type of provision being changed. Knowing which Article contains this method of amendment is a basic but important fact in Indian polity.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Article 368 of the Constitution of India is the central provision that lays down the procedure for amending the Constitution. It describes how amendments can be initiated, the types of majority required in Parliament, and when ratification by state legislatures is necessary. Other Articles listed in the options deal with topics such as emergency provisions or language of courts and have nothing to do with the amendment process itself. Therefore, recognising Article 368 as the amendment article is key to solving this question.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that discussions about the amendment of the Constitution always focus on Article 368.Step 2: Remember that this Article sets out the special majority requirements and, in some cases, the need for state ratification.Step 3: Examine the options and confirm that Article 368 appears among them.Step 4: Recognise that Articles 348, 358, 378, and 280 refer to other matters such as language of courts, emergency provisions, transitional arrangements, and the Finance Commission.Step 5: Select Article 368 as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consult any standard polity book under the chapter Constitutional Amendment. It will inevitably cite Article 368 as the main provision and discuss various amendment cases and doctrines in relation to it. Constitutional amendments are often referenced by the phrase amendment under Article 368, reinforcing the association. This consistent usage across study materials confirms that Article 368 is the correct Article for this question.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Article 348 deals with the language to be used in the Supreme Court and High Courts and for Acts and Bills, not with amendment procedure. Article 358 is connected with the suspension of certain Fundamental Rights during an emergency. Article 378 contains transitional provisions from the time when the Constitution came into force. Article 280 deals with the Finance Commission. None of these Articles provides the method for constitutional amendment, so they cannot be correct here.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates confuse Articles 356, 358, and 368 because they all appear in discussions of high level constitutional issues such as emergencies or central state relations. Others may not remember the exact article number and guess. A good strategy is to remember a small set of key Articles like 32, 356, 368, and 370 as anchors for important topics. Associating 368 firmly with amendments will help you avoid errors in the exam.
Final Answer:
Article 368
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