Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Article 368
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Constitution of India is a living document, designed to be amended when necessary to respond to social, economic and political changes. However, this power to amend is not unlimited or casual. It follows a specific constitutional procedure. Knowing which Article sets out this procedure is a fundamental piece of information in Indian polity and is frequently asked in examinations.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks about the Article that lays down the procedure for amending the Constitution.- The options list four different Articles by number: 368, 345, 351 and 333.- Only one of these Articles is directly connected with constitutional amendment procedure.
Concept / Approach:
Article 368 of the Constitution of India explicitly deals with 'Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and procedure therefor'. It describes different categories of amendments, including those requiring only a special majority in Parliament and those requiring, in addition, ratification by at least one half of the State legislatures. The other Articles mentioned in the options deal with different subjects such as language and representation and have no relationship with the amendment procedure.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Article 368 is always mentioned in connection with constitutional amendments, such as the First Amendment, Forty Second Amendment or One Hundredth Amendment.Step 2: Recognise that Article 345 is about the official language of a State and allows a State legislature to adopt any one or more languages in use in the State or Hindi as the official language.Step 3: Note that Article 351 deals with the directive for development of the Hindi language, encouraging its enrichment with forms and expressions used in other Indian languages.Step 4: Article 333 concerns the representation of the Anglo Indian community by nomination in certain State Legislative Assemblies, which is unrelated to amendment procedures.Step 5: Therefore, the only Article that lays down the amendment procedure is Article 368.
Verification / Alternative check:
A simple memory aid is that most standard polity textbooks have a separate chapter on constitutional amendments, and almost all of them start by quoting or explaining Article 368. If you remember that this Article number is always linked with amendments and special majorities, it becomes easy to answer such questions correctly even under exam pressure.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (Article 345) is wrong because it deals with the official language of a State, not with amending the Constitution.Option C (Article 351) is wrong as it speaks about the directive for the development and promotion of Hindi.Option D (Article 333) is wrong because it relates to representation of the Anglo Indian community in State Assemblies.
Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse Article numbers that refer to language provisions or representation with those that deal with amendment powers. Another error is to assume that any Article in the 300 range might relate to amendments without specifically remembering 368. Repeated revision and association of the keyword 'amendment' with Article 368 is the best way to avoid these mistakes in examinations.
Final Answer:
Correct answer: Article 368
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