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Summary
The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, marking the day when India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic. The Constitution is a document that outlines the rights and duties of Indian citizens and describes how the government should function. It defines the roles and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and manages the relationship between the government and the people. It aims to protect the interests of citizens by limiting the government’s ability to act arbitrarily.
The idea of a Constituent Assembly to draft the Constitution was suggested in 1946 by the Cabinet Mission. The members were indirectly elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies. Initially, the Assembly had 389 members, but after the Partition, the number reduced to 299. The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on December 9, 1946, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as its President. The Assembly worked through five sessions between December 1946 and August 1947.
Jawaharlal Nehru proposed the Objectives Resolution, which laid down the goals of the new Constitution. These included ensuring that India would be a republic, providing social, political, and economic democracy to all, and safeguarding the rights of minorities and backward classes. The Drafting Committee, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, played a key role in shaping the Constitution. It incorporated provisions for civil liberties, the abolition of untouchability, and equal rights for women.
The final draft was passed on November 26, 1949. Only certain provisions, like citizenship, were immediately enforced, but the entire Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. This date was chosen because it had been celebrated as Independence Day after the Congress declared complete independence in 1929.
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Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Constitution is a comprehensive document containing the set of rules that describe the rights and duties of its citizens and the way the governance is to be carried out. Which of the following statements correctly describes the same?
A. It ensures smooth governance for the welfare of its citizens.
B. It regulates the position of the citizens.
C. It dictates terms to the states to work under the central government.
D. It provides rules and regulations for the smooth functioning of various commercial establishments in the country.
Answer: A. It ensures smooth governance for the welfare of its citizens.
2. The Constituent Assembly was truly national in character. In this context, identify the categories which were given membership of the Constituent Assembly.
P: General Category, Muslims and Sikhs.
Q: Christians, Anglo-Indians and Parsees
R: General Category and Sikhs.
S: Christians and Parsees.
A. P and Q
B. R and S
C. P and R
D. Q and S
Answer: A. P and Q
3. How were members of the Constituent Assembly selected?
A. Directly elected by the people
B. Nominated by the Viceroy
C. Indirectly elected by Provincial Legislative Assemblies
D. Indirectly elected by the Provincial Council
Answer: C. Indirectly elected by Provincial Legislative Assemblies
4. The Constituent Assembly of undivided India consisted of ________ members.
A. 390
B. 292
C. 389
D. 384
Answer: C. 389
5. When was the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly held?
A. December 5, 1946
B. December 25, 1945
C. December 9, 1946
D. December 24, 1946
Answer: C. December 9, 1946
6. Where was the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly held?
A. Present Lok Sabha Hall of Parliament
B. Present Rajya Sabha Hall of Parliament
C. Present Central Hall of the Parliament
D. Rashtrapati Bhawan
Answer: C. Present Central Hall of the Parliament
7. Arrange the following events in chronological order.
A: Independence of India
B: Setting up of the Drafting Committee
C: First sitting of the Constituent Assembly
D: Election to Provincial Assembly
A. D-C-A-B
B. B-A-C-D
C. A-D-C-B
D. D-C-B-A
Answer: D. D-C-B-A
8. Who was elected President of the Constituent Assembly at its first sitting?
A. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
B. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
C. Dr. Sachidananda Sinha
D. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: B. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
9. Who proposed the ‘Objectives Resolution’?
A. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
B. Mahatma Gandhi
C. Subhash Chandra Bose
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: D. Jawaharlal Nehru
10. The Objectives Resolution proposed on December 13, 1946 and passed by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947 highlighted the objectives of the Constitution. Which of the following were the national goals laid down?
A. Free India would be a republic.
B. Fundamental Rights to all citizens.
C. Ideals of social, political and economic democracy to all citizens.
D. All of the above.
Answer: D. All of the above
11. Name the legal sanction that allowed the Constituent Assembly to function post Partition.
A. Objectives Resolution, 1946
B. Indian Independence Act, 1929
C. Poorna Swaraj Declaration, 1929
D. Government of India Act, 1942
Answer: B. Indian Independence Act, 1947
12. The Cabinet Mission Plan had ensured representation to the general category and which other groups?
A. Anglo-Indians and Muslims
B. Muslims and Sikhs
C. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
D. Muslims, Christians and Sikhs
Answer: B. Muslims and Sikhs
13. On the basis of which plan was the Constituent Assembly constituted?
A. Cabinet Mission Plan
B. Mountbatten Plan
C. Cripps Mission
D. None of the above
Answer: A. Cabinet Mission Plan
14. Who was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?
A. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
C. Dr. H.C. Mukherjee
D. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: B. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Short Answer Questions
1. What is meant by the term Constitution?
Answer: Constitution is a comprehensive document containing the set of rules that describe the rights and duties of its citizens and the manner according to which the governance of a country is to be carried out.
2. What is known as the ‘Objectives Resolution’? By whom was the Objectives Resolution proposed?
Answer: The ‘Objectives Resolution’ highlighted the objectives and laid down the ‘national goals.’ It was proposed by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946.
3. When was the Constitution adopted and passed? When did the Constitution come into force?
Answer: The Constitution was adopted and passed by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. The Constitution as a whole came into force on January 26, 1950.
4. Why was January 26 chosen for the commencement of the Constitution?
Answer: January 26 was chosen for the commencement of the Constitution because of its historical importance. It was the day in 1930 when the Congress passed the Poorna Swaraj resolution, declaring Complete Independence for India.
5. Write a short note on Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution to the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, known as the architect of the Indian Constitution, played a pivotal role in framing the Constitution. He provided for constitutional guarantees and protections for civil liberties, including the abolition of untouchability, social rights for women, and reservation of jobs for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. His vision ensured the Constitution was workable, flexible, and inclusive, protecting the rights of minorities and backward classes.
Structured Questions
1. With reference to the making of Indian Constitution explain the following:
Answer: (a) Name the Plan which proposed to set up the Constituent Assembly. How were the members of the Constituent Assembly elected?
Answer: The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed to set up the Constituent Assembly. The members of the Constituent Assembly were indirectly elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies (Lower House only).
(b) How was the membership of the Constituent Assembly reduced as a result of partition of the country?
Answer: The membership of the Constituent Assembly was reduced as a result of the partition of the country because the Muslim League boycotted the Constituent Assembly and members representing the territories that became Pakistan withdrew. As a result, the membership of the Constituent Assembly of India stood at 299 members against the original number of 389.
(c) How can you say that the Constituent Assembly gave adequate representation to all sections of the Indian Society?
Answer: The Constituent Assembly gave adequate representation to all sections of Indian society as it included members from various communities. Apart from the General category, Muslims and Sikhs were represented. The Congress leaders ensured that other communities like Anglo-Indians, Indian Christians, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes were also represented. Representatives from these communities included Mr. Frank Anthony, Mr. S.H. Prater, Dr. H.C. Mukherjee, Joseph D’souza, Dr. H.P. Modi, Zafar Imam, Mohammad Saadullah, Sardar Hukum Singh, and Ujjal Singh. Therefore, the Constituent Assembly was truly national in character.
2. With reference to the ‘Objectives Resolution’ explain the following:
Answer: (a) Who proposed the ‘Resolution’? When was the Resolution passed by the Constituent Assembly? Name the Act that gave legal sanctity to the Constituent Assembly.
Answer: The ‘Objectives Resolution’ was proposed by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946. The Resolution was passed by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947. The Indian Independence Act, 1947 gave legal sanctity to the Constituent Assembly.
(b) State any three points of the ‘Objectives Resolution’.
Answer:
- Free India will be nothing but a ‘republic’.
- The ideals of social, political and economic democracy would be guaranteed to all people.
- The state would safeguard the rights of minorities and backward classes.
(c) List four principles that Babasaheb Ambedkar incorporated in the Constitution.
Answer:
- Made the Indian Constitution workable, flexible, and strong enough to hold the country together both in peace and in war.
- Provided special safeguards to the minorities and certain classes, who are socially and educationally backward.
- Incorporated the Right to Constitutional Remedies to ensure that the Fundamental Rights of the individuals are not infringed by the Centre or the State governments.
- Single citizenship, single judiciary, and uniformity in fundamental laws to integrate Indian society. Therefore, he proposed a strong Centre to maintain territorial integrity and administrative discipline.
Thinking Skills
1. The Constitution of India is the longest written Constitution in the world. What would have been the consequences if the Constitution of India was not written? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: If the Constitution of India had not been written, the country would have faced numerous consequences. The absence of a written Constitution would have led to a lack of a clear legal framework for the functioning of the government, which could result in arbitrary decisions by those in power. Without a written Constitution, the Fundamental Rights of citizens might not be protected, leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation and injustice. Furthermore, the absence of a written Constitution would have made it difficult to maintain the unity and integrity of the diverse Indian society, as there would be no clear guidelines for governing such a vast and pluralistic nation. The lack of a comprehensive document would have hindered the development of a democratic and just society, as the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judiciary would not be clearly defined. This could lead to power imbalances and potentially the rise of authoritarianism.
2. Do you think that the Constitution of India has an important role in maintaining the unity and integrity of India? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: Yes, the Constitution of India plays a crucial role in maintaining the unity and integrity of the country. The Constitution provides a strong framework that ensures the protection of the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religion, caste, or region. By promoting principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, the Constitution helps in fostering a sense of national unity among the people of India. It ensures the fair distribution of powers between the central and state governments, thereby addressing regional aspirations while maintaining national integrity. The Constitution also safeguards the rights of minorities and backward classes, which helps in preventing social unrest and maintaining harmony in a diverse society like India. By outlining the procedures for resolving disputes, the Constitution contributes to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, thus preserving the unity and stability of the nation.
3. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was a learned man with great foresight. Make a list of instances where his foresight came to our nation’s aid in times of crisis.
Answer:
- Dr. Ambedkar’s emphasis on the importance of a strong central government helped maintain the unity and stability of India, especially during times of regional or communal unrest.
- His inclusion of the Right to Constitutional Remedies ensured that citizens could seek protection against the violation of their Fundamental Rights, proving invaluable in upholding democratic principles.
- Dr. Ambedkar’s work towards the abolition of untouchability and the establishment of social justice systems paved the way for the empowerment of marginalized communities, preventing potential social upheaval.
- His foresight in including safeguards for minorities and backward classes prevented the marginalization of these groups, promoting inclusive development and social harmony.
4. The Indian Constitution has taken the best features from the Constitutions of countries around the world. Make a list of few of these features stating which country inspired them and how have they been modified to suit the needs of our country.
Answer:
- Parliamentary System of Government: Inspired by the United Kingdom, the Indian Constitution adopted the parliamentary system with modifications, such as ensuring federalism and providing for both central and state governments.
- Fundamental Rights: Taken from the United States Constitution, these rights were incorporated into the Indian Constitution to protect individual liberties. However, India also added the provision for reasonable restrictions to accommodate public interest.
- Directive Principles of State Policy: Borrowed from the Irish Constitution, these were included to guide the state in ensuring social and economic welfare for all citizens. They are non-justiciable, but essential for governance.
- Federation with a Strong Centre: Inspired by Canada, India adopted a federal structure but with a stronger central government to ensure national integrity, considering the country’s diversity.
5. Trace how the Republic Day has been celebrated over the years.
Answer:
- Republic Day has been celebrated every year on January 26 since 1950 to honour the day the Constitution of India came into effect.
- The first Republic Day celebration was marked by a grand parade at Rajpath, New Delhi, showcasing India’s cultural diversity and military prowess.
- Over the years, Republic Day celebrations have included the participation of various states through their vibrant tableaux, representing the country’s rich heritage and achievements.
- Each year, a foreign dignitary is invited as the chief guest for the Republic Day parade, symbolizing India’s diplomatic relations with the world.
- The celebration has expanded to include the distribution of gallantry awards and the showcasing of technological advancements in defence and science.
Extras MCQs
1. When did the Constitution of India come into effect?
A. 26th January 1947
B. 15th August 1947
C. 26th January 1950
D. 15th August 1950
Answer: C. 26th January 1950
20. When did the second reading of the draft Constitution complete?
A. November 4, 1948
B. October 17, 1949
C. November 26, 1949
D. January 26, 1950
Answer: B. October 17, 1949
Extra Questions and Answers
1. When did the Constitution of India come into effect?
Answer: The Constitution of India came into effect on 26th January 1950.
17. How did the Constitution of India evolve from the Cabinet Mission to its final implementation?
Answer: The evolution of the Indian Constitution began with the Cabinet Mission’s arrival in India in 1946. One of the mission’s key proposals was to form a Constituent Assembly, indirectly elected by Provincial Legislative Assemblies. The Assembly’s first sitting took place on 9th December 1946 under the temporary presidency of Dr. Sachidananda Sinha. However, it was Dr. Rajendra Prasad who was later elected as the permanent President. The Assembly started with 389 members, though after the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan, the membership was reduced to 299.
Despite challenges, including the Muslim League’s boycott, the Constituent Assembly held five sessions between December 1946 and August 1947. Over three years, the Assembly painstakingly debated and drafted the Constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a crucial role in this process as Chairman of the Drafting Committee, ensuring the Constitution addressed both the political and social needs of a diverse nation. The Constitution was signed on 26th November 1949 and fully implemented on 26th January 1950. This date was chosen to commemorate the historical significance of the 1929 Lahore Congress session, which had declared Complete Independence (Poorna Swaraj).
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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