UPSC Prelims 2017 Q38: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of
India?
- (a) Liberty of thought
- (b) Economic liberty
- (c) Liberty of expression
- (d) Liberty of belief
Answer: (b) Economic liberty
Explanation
Liberty in the Preamble
The Preamble secures LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.
Economic appears only under JUSTICE, not under liberty.
| Ideal | What the Preamble lists |
|---|---|
| Justice | Social, economic and political |
| Liberty | Thought, expression, belief, faith and worship |
| Equality | Status and opportunity |
| Fraternity | Dignity of the individual; unity and integrity of the Nation |
The options checked:
| Option | In the Preamble? |
|---|---|
| (a) Liberty of thought | Yes |
| (b) Economic liberty | No |
| (c) Liberty of expression | Yes |
| (d) Liberty of belief | Yes |
Answer: (b) Economic liberty.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Liberty of thought is the first liberty named in the Preamble.
- (b) CORRECT. The Preamble has economic justice, but no economic liberty.
- (c) Incorrect. Liberty of expression is expressly embodied in the Preamble.
- (d) Incorrect. Liberty of belief is listed, along with faith and worship.
Key point
Preamble: Justice (social, economic, political); Liberty (thought, expression, belief, faith, worship); Equality (status, opportunity).
Remember
Economic justice, yes; economic liberty, no.
Common mistakes
- Carrying economic over from justice to liberty.
- Missing the word 'not' in the question and marking a liberty that is listed.
- Forgetting that liberty has five parts and justice has three.
Exam tip
Count them: 3 justices, 5 liberties, 2 equalities. Economic belongs to justice only.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Preamble
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 10 (The Philosophy of the Constitution)