Free Constitutional History MCQs with Answers

121. Under which article is the supreme command of the Armed Forces vested in the President of Pakistan?

• A. Article 245
• B. Article 243
• C. Article 244
• D. Article 198

Explanation: Article 243 vests the supreme command of Pakistan's Armed Forces in the President. Article 245 concerns the functions of the Armed Forces, which is the likely source of confusion.

122. Which fundamental right was primarily invoked in Nusrat Bhutto case?

• A. Right to Education
• B. Right to Life and Liberty
• C. Right to Property
• D. Right to Religion

Explanation: The Nusrat Bhutto case challenged detention under martial law and centred on the protection of life and personal liberty. Education, property and religion were not the principal rights involved in this petition.

123. In which year was the Nusrat Bhutto case decided?

• A. 1973
• B. 1977
• C. 1988
• D. 1999

Explanation: The Supreme Court decided Begum Nusrat Bhutto's constitutional case in 1977 after the military coup of 5 July 1977. The case is reported as PLD 1977 SC 657.

124. What principle was established by the Supreme Court in Nusrat Bhutto case?

• A. Doctrine of Basic Structure
• B. Doctrine of Necessity
• C. Separation of Powers
• D. Judicial Review

Explanation: In the Nusrat Bhutto case, the Supreme Court applied the Doctrine of Necessity to validate the military takeover on grounds of state necessity. This doctrine was later heavily criticised for legitimising extra-constitutional interventions.

125. Which institution's actions were challenged in this Nusrat Bhutto case?

• A. Judiciary
• B. Army
• C. Parliament
• D. Election Commission

Explanation: The petition challenged the detention and actions of the military regime headed by General Zia-ul-Haq, so the relevant institution was the Army. It did not challenge Parliament, the Election Commission or the ordinary judiciary.

126. Under which Article of the Constitution of Pakistan was the petition in the Nusrat Bhutto case filed?

• A. Article 199
• B. Article 184(3)
• C. Article 58(2)(b)
• D. Article 270

Explanation: The petition was filed under Article 184(3), which gives the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in matters involving the enforcement of fundamental rights and public importance. Article 199 concerns the High Courts' writ jurisdiction.

127. Who was the petitioner in the Nusrat Bhutto case?

• A. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
• B. Benazir Bhutto
• C. Nusrat Bhutto
• D. Fatima Jinnah

Explanation: Begum Nusrat Bhutto herself was the petitioner in the case challenging the detention of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Benazir Bhutto was his daughter, not the named petitioner in this case.

128. Which article restricts the High Court from questioning actions of the Armed Forces under Article 245?

• A. Article 199
• B. Article 244
• C. Article 246
• D. Article 243

Explanation: Article 199 defines the High Court's constitutional jurisdiction, and its limits include matters covered by Article 245 when the Armed Forces are acting in aid of civil power. Article 244 concerns the oath of Armed Forces members, while Articles 243 and 246 deal with command and tribal areas respectively.

129. When was the referendum on 'the Islamisation policy of Gen Zia-ul-Haq, and to extend his presidential term by five years' held?

• A. December 19, 1982
• B. December 19, 1984
• C. December 19, 1986
• D. December 19, 1987

Explanation: General Zia-ul-Haq’s referendum was held on 19 December 1984 and combined approval of his Islamisation programme with an extension of his presidential term. The dates in 1982, 1986 and 1987 do not match this referendum.

130. When was a referendum on allowing Pervez Musharraf to continue as President for five years held in Pakistan?

• A. April 30, 2001
• B. April 30, 2002
• C. April 30, 2003
• D. April 30, 2004

Explanation: The referendum allowing General Pervez Musharraf to continue as president for five years was held on 30 April 2002. It preceded the 2002 general elections and the Legal Framework Order.