Part IV of the Constitution of India deals with which of the following broad subject areas?

Introduction / Context:
The Constitution of India is divided into various Parts, each dealing with a specific theme such as the Union, States, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. Remembering which Part corresponds to which topic is a basic but very important aspect of Indian polity for competitive examinations. This question asks you to identify what subject matter is covered in Part IV of the Constitution.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers to Part IV of the Constitution.- The options mention the Union, the States, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.- We must match the correct subject area to Part IV.

Concept / Approach:
Part I of the Constitution deals with the Union and its territory. Part II deals with citizenship. Part III contains Fundamental Rights. Part IV contains the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are guidelines to the State for governance and socio economic development, though they are not enforceable by courts. Parts V and VI then go on to deal with the Union (Central) Government and the States respectively. Therefore, the correct association for Part IV is with the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Fundamental Rights are included in Part III of the Constitution, not Part IV, so option C cannot be correct.Step 2: The Union and the States, as institutional structures and authorities, are described in Parts V and VI, not in Part IV, so options A and B are also not correct.Step 3: Part IV is explicitly titled Directive Principles of State Policy and covers Articles 36 to 51.Step 4: Therefore, the only option that matches Part IV is option D, Directive Principles of State Policy.

Verification / Alternative check:
A helpful memory aid is the sequence: Part III for Rights (R), Part IV for Directive Principles (D), and Part IVA later added for Duties (D). Thinking of the pattern Rights, Directive Principles and Duties in consecutive Parts makes it easier to recall which subject belongs where.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (The Union) is wrong because the Union Government is described mainly in Part V of the Constitution, not Part IV.Option B (The States) is wrong because the structure, executive and legislature of States are described in Part VI.Option C (Fundamental Rights) is wrong because these rights are covered under Part III, not Part IV.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mix up Part III and Part IV or forget the titles of different Parts. Another mistake is to assume that the Union and States must appear first and therefore associate them with lower Part numbers. Systematic revision of the table of Parts and Schedules of the Constitution can prevent such confusion. Many exams ask at least one question testing this basic but high scoring information.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Directive Principles of State Policy