Framing the Indian Constitution: Exam Questions
Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The Constituent Assembly of India was constituted under the scheme formulated by the:
a) Cripps Mission
b) Cabinet Mission Plan
c) Simon Commission
d) Mountbatten Plan
Answer: b) Cabinet Mission Plan
Rationale: The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 provided the framework for the Constituent Assembly.
2. The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on:
a) 26 January 1946
b) 9 December 1946
c) 15 August 1947
d) 26 November 1949
Answer: b) 9 December 1946
Rationale: This marks the beginning of the Constituent Assembly's work.
3. Who was elected as the temporary President of the Constituent Assembly in its first meeting?
a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
c) Jawaharlal Nehru
d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
Answer: d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
Rationale: As the oldest member, he was chosen as the interim president.
4. The permanent President of the Constituent Assembly was:
a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Rationale: He was elected permanent President on December 11, 1946.
5. The 'Objectives Resolution' was moved in the Constituent Assembly by:
a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
c) Jawaharlal Nehru
d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: c) Jawaharlal Nehru
Rationale: Nehru moved this historic resolution on December 13, 1946.
6. Which of the following ideals was NOT explicitly mentioned in the Objectives Resolution?
a) Justice
b) Liberty
c) Equality
d) Economic development
Answer: d) Economic development
Rationale: While implied by social and economic justice, explicit mention of a comprehensive 'economic development' plan was not its primary focus. Its core ideals were Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
7. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Rationale: Dr. Ambedkar meticulously guided the drafting process.
8. The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:
a) 15 August 1947
b) 26 January 1950
c) 26 November 1949
d) 9 December 1946
Answer: c) 26 November 1949
Rationale: This is the date when the Constitution was finally adopted and enacted.
9. The Indian Constitution came into force on:
a) 26 November 1949
b) 15 August 1947
c) 26 January 1950
d) 2 October 1949
Answer: c) 26 January 1950
Rationale: This date is celebrated as Republic Day.
10. How long did the Constituent Assembly take to prepare the Constitution of India?
a) 1 year 11 months 18 days
b) 2 years 11 months 18 days
c) 3 years 11 months 18 days
d) 2 years 9 months 11 days
Answer: b) 2 years 11 months 18 days
Rationale: This is the precise duration of the constitution-making process.
11. The concept of 'Universal Adult Franchise' in the Indian Constitution means that:
a) Only educated adults can vote.
b) All citizens above a certain age, without discrimination, have the right to vote.
c) Only male adults have the right to vote.
d) Only property owners can vote.
Answer: b) All citizens above a certain age, without discrimination, have the right to vote.
Rationale: It abolished discriminatory voting criteria.
12. India is a 'Republic' because:
a) It has a written constitution.
b) Its Head of State is an elected person, not a hereditary monarch.
c) It has a parliamentary system of government.
d) It is a sovereign state.
Answer: b) Its Head of State is an elected person, not a hereditary monarch.
Rationale: This is the defining characteristic of a Republic.
13. Which part of the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens?
a) Part I
b) Part II
c) Part III
d) Part IV
Answer: c) Part III
Rationale: Part III of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights.
14. The Directive Principles of State Policy are included in which part of the Indian Constitution?
a) Part II
b) Part III
c) Part IV
d) Part V
Answer: c) Part IV
Rationale: Part IV outlines the Directive Principles, which are guiding principles for the state.
15. The Indian Constitution is considered to be a blend of rigidity and flexibility because:
a) It has a very long written document.
b) Some parts can be amended easily, while others require a special majority.
c) It borrowed features from various constitutions.
d) It has both a strong central government and powerful states.
Answer: b) Some parts can be amended easily, while others require a special majority.
Rationale: This feature allows it to adapt while maintaining its core structure.
Part B: Short Answer Questions
1. On what basis was the Constituent Assembly of India formed?
Answer: The Constituent Assembly was formed on the basis of the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, through indirect elections by members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
2. When did the Constituent Assembly hold its first session, and who was its temporary President?
Answer: The Constituent Assembly held its first session on December 9, 1946. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was elected as its temporary President.
3. Who moved the 'Objectives Resolution', and what was its significance?
Answer: The 'Objectives Resolution' was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946. It outlined the philosophical framework and guiding principles of the Constitution, serving as a preamble and inspiring the entire constitution-making process.
4. Mention two core ideals enshrined in the 'Objectives Resolution'.
Answer: Two core ideals were: 1) To declare India an Independent, Sovereign Republic, and 2) To guarantee Justice, social, economic and political; Equality of status and opportunity; and Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association and action, subject to law and public morality.
5. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
6. What is meant by 'Universal Adult Franchise' in the context of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Universal Adult Franchise means that all citizens of India, regardless of their caste, creed, religion, gender, literacy, or wealth, who are 18 years of age or above (previously 21), have the right to vote in elections.
7. Briefly explain what it means for India to be a 'Republic'.
Answer: For India to be a 'Republic' means that the Head of the State (the President) is an elected person, directly or indirectly, and not a hereditary monarch. This signifies that political sovereignty ultimately rests with the people.
8. Name two Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Two Fundamental Rights are: 1) Right to Equality and 2) Right to Freedom (e.g., freedom of speech and expression). (Other valid answers include Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, Right to Constitutional Remedies).
9. How long did the Constituent Assembly take to draft the Indian Constitution?
Answer: The Constituent Assembly took approximately 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Indian Constitution.
10. When was the Indian Constitution adopted, and when did it come into force?
Answer: The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. It came into force on January 26, 1950.
Part C: Long Answer Questions (5-10 Marks Each)
1. Describe the process of the formation of the Constituent Assembly of India. Discuss the major challenges and complexities faced by its members in framing the Constitution. (Approx. 10 marks)
Answer:
The Constituent Assembly of India was a monumental undertaking, tasked with drafting the Constitution for a newly independent nation amidst unprecedented challenges. Its formation and the subsequent framing process were complex and fraught with difficulties.
I. Making of the Constituent Assembly:
Basis of Formation: The Constituent Assembly was constituted in November 1946 under the scheme formulated by the Cabinet Mission Plan (1946).
Composition and Representation:
Total Strength: The total strength of the Assembly was to be 389 members.
Provinces: 292 members were to be elected from British Indian Provinces.
Princely States: 93 members were to be nominated by the Princely States.
Chief Commissioner's Provinces: 4 members were from Chief Commissioner's Provinces (Delhi, Ajmer-Merwara, Coorg, British Baluchistan).
Mode of Election: The members from British Indian Provinces were to be indirectly elected by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies by the method of proportional representation with a single transferable vote. This ensured representation for various communities (General, Muslim, Sikh).
Initial Meetings:
The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on December 9, 1946.
Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was elected as the temporary President.
On December 11, 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President, and H.C. Mukherjee and V.T. Krishnamachari were elected as Vice-Presidents.
Shift Post-Partition: After the partition of India in June 1947, the Muslim League members (who had abstained from the Assembly's first meeting) withdrew from the Constituent Assembly for India. The strength of the Assembly consequently came down to 299 members.
II. Major Challenges and Complexities in Framing the Constitution:
The members of the Constituent Assembly faced numerous significant challenges:
Massive Diversity: India was (and remains) a land of immense diversity in terms of language, religion, caste, region, and economic status. Crafting a Constitution that accommodated and protected the interests of all these diverse groups was a formidable task.
Legacy of Partition and Communalism: The backdrop of the violent Partition of India, accompanied by widespread communal riots, posed a severe challenge. The Assembly had to create a Constitution that could bind together a fractured nation and prevent future communal strife, leading to the adoption of secular principles.
Integration of Princely States: The accession of 565 princely states to the Indian Union was a complex process. The Assembly had to devise a constitutional framework that could integrate these diverse entities, ensuring their democratic transition while respecting their unique historical contexts.
Socio-Economic Backwardness: India was largely an agrarian, impoverished nation with vast inequalities, illiteracy, and deeply entrenched social evils like untouchability. The Constitution had to address these socio-economic realities and provide a framework for development and social justice, leading to provisions like Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
Lack of Precedent for a Large Democracy: There was no readily available model for a large, diverse, newly independent nation to adopt. The framers had to adapt democratic principles from various Constitutions globally to suit India's unique conditions, requiring extensive debates and compromises.
Debate on Centralization vs. Decentralization: A key challenge was to strike a balance between a strong central government (needed for unity and stability post-Partition) and sufficient autonomy for states to manage their local affairs, leading to a unique federal structure.
Consensus Building and Compromises: The Assembly comprised members with diverse ideological leanings (socialists, Gandhians, liberals, conservatives). Reaching a consensus on various contentious issues, from language to property rights, required prolonged deliberations, intense debates, and numerous compromises.
Time Constraint (Perceived Urgency): While the process took nearly three years, there was a constant sense of urgency to provide a stable legal and political framework for the nascent nation.
Despite these immense challenges, the dedication, intellectual capacity, and spirit of compromise among its members, especially the Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, enabled the Constituent Assembly to produce a comprehensive and enduring Constitution.
2. Elaborate on the 'Vision' of the Indian Constitution as articulated in the Objectives Resolution. How did these guiding principles shape the spirit and content of the Constitution? (Approx. 8-10 marks)
Answer:
The 'Vision' of the Indian Constitution was eloquently laid down in the Objectives Resolution, moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946, and unanimously adopted on January 22, 1947. This resolution served as a philosophical bedrock and a guiding star for the entire constitution-making process.
I. Vision Articulated in the Objectives Resolution:
The Objectives Resolution declared India's commitment to:
Independent Sovereign Republic: It proclaimed India as an Independent Sovereign Republic, shedding all vestiges of colonial rule and asserting its complete autonomy. This meant India would be free from external control and would govern itself.
Union of States: It envisioned India as a Union of various territories, including British Indian Provinces and Indian States, emphasizing the federal nature of the polity.
Justice for All: It aimed to secure for all the people of India Justice – social, economic, and political. This was a revolutionary promise, prioritizing equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Liberty for All: It guaranteed Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association, and action, subject to law and public morality. This enshrined fundamental freedoms for every citizen.
Equality of Status and Opportunity: It pledged Equality of status, of opportunity, and before the law. This was a commitment to abolish all forms of discrimination and ensure equal chances for advancement.
Fraternity and Unity: It aimed to assure all people the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation, promoting a sense of brotherhood among diverse communities.
Safeguards for Minorities and Backward Classes: It committed to providing adequate safeguards for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and other backward classes, acknowledging their specific needs and ensuring their inclusion.
Maintenance of Integrity: It resolved to maintain the integrity of the territory of the Republic and its sovereign rights on land, sea, and air according to justice and the law of civilized nations.
Promotion of World Peace: It expressed India's desire to contribute to the promotion of world peace and the welfare of mankind.
II. How these Guiding Principles Shaped the Spirit and Content of the Constitution:
The Objectives Resolution was not just a statement of intent but profoundly shaped every aspect of the Constitution:
Preamble as the Essence: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is a direct reflection and distillation of the Objectives Resolution. Phrases like "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic," "Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" are directly derived from this foundational document, embodying the spirit of the entire Constitution.
Fundamental Rights (Part III): The commitment to Liberty and Equality found its concrete expression in the Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35). These rights are justiciable, empowering citizens to seek legal recourse against their violation, thus ensuring the practical application of these ideals.
Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): The vision of Social and Economic Justice outlined in the Resolution translated directly into the Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51). These non-justiciable principles serve as a moral compass for the state, guiding it to achieve a welfare society and reduce inequalities.
Secularism: Although 'Secular' was added later to the Preamble, the essence of respecting "belief, faith, and worship" and guaranteeing "freedom of religion" (Articles 25-28) was inherent in the Resolution's call for equal treatment for all, reflecting a secular vision for the state.
Federal Structure with Strong Union: The idea of a "Union of States" (Article 1) was translated into a federal structure with a strong centre, balancing the need for national unity with regional autonomy, as envisioned in the Resolution's emphasis on unity and integrity.
Safeguards for Minorities and Backward Classes: The commitment to "adequate safeguards" for minorities, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes led to specific provisions for reservations in education and employment, cultural and educational rights for minorities (Articles 29-30), and the establishment of various commissions for their welfare.
Democratic Governance: The very nature of the "Republic" and the emphasis on liberty and equality formed the bedrock of India's parliamentary democratic system, ensuring popular sovereignty through Universal Adult Franchise.
Inspiration for Future Policies: The vision articulated continues to inspire legislative and executive actions aimed at achieving the ideals of social justice, equality, and inclusive development in India.
In essence, the Objectives Resolution was more than just a procedural document; it was the soul of the Indian Constitution, providing the ethical, political, and philosophical framework that guided the framers in creating a document aimed at transforming India into a just, free, and egalitarian society.
3. Discuss the salient features of the Indian Constitution that make it a unique and enduring document, reflecting a balance between idealism and pragmatism. (Approx. 10 marks)
Answer:
The Indian Constitution, adopted on November 26, 1949, and enforced on January 26, 1950, is a unique and enduring document that reflects a remarkable balance between the lofty ideals of justice, liberty, and equality, and the practical realities of governing a diverse and developing nation. Its salient features highlight this unique blend:
Longest Written Constitution: It is the longest and most comprehensive written constitution in the world, initially having 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules (now approximately 448 Articles, 25 Parts, and 12 Schedules). This detailed nature aims to minimize ambiguities and provide a clear framework for governance.
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic:
Sovereign: India is independent of any external control.
Socialist (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976): Aims to achieve social and economic equality, reducing disparities.
Secular (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976): Guarantees equal respect and protection for all religions, with no state religion.
Democratic: Governed by the people through elected representatives.
Republic: The Head of the State (President) is elected, not hereditary.
Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: The Constitution is neither purely rigid nor purely flexible. Some provisions can be amended by a simple majority, while others require a special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting, plus a majority of the total membership) and ratification by half of the state legislatures. This ensures adaptability while protecting core principles.
Parliamentary Form of Government: India has adopted the British Westminster model, where the Executive (Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister) is responsible to the Legislature (Parliament). This ensures accountability and responsiveness.
Federal System with Unitary Bias (Quasi-Federal): While India has a federal structure with division of powers between the Centre and States (Seventh Schedule), it has a strong unitary bias. Features like a single constitution, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, all-India services, and emergency provisions provide the Centre with significant power, especially during crises, ensuring unity and integrity.
Fundamental Rights (Part III): These are justiciable rights guaranteed to citizens, protecting them against state action. They are enforceable by courts (Right to Equality, Freedom, against Exploitation, Freedom of Religion, Cultural & Educational Rights, Right to Constitutional Remedies). This reflects the idealism of ensuring individual liberties.
Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): These are non-justiciable guidelines for the state to achieve social and economic justice. They represent the socio-economic conscience of the Constitution, aiming to establish a welfare state, reflecting pragmatic goals of a developing nation.
Fundamental Duties (Part IVA, added by 42nd Amendment, 1976): These are moral obligations for citizens, emphasizing their responsibilities towards the nation and society.
Independent and Integrated Judiciary: India has a single, integrated judicial system with the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts. The judiciary is independent of the Executive and Legislature, serving as the guardian of the Constitution and fundamental rights.
Universal Adult Franchise: All citizens above 18 years of age (originally 21) have the right to vote without discrimination. This was a bold and progressive move for a newly independent nation, demonstrating deep faith in the common person.
Single Citizenship: Unlike federations like the USA, India provides for single citizenship, fostering a sense of national unity over regional identities.
Emergency Provisions: The Constitution contains detailed provisions for national (Article 352), state (Article 356), and financial emergencies (Article 360), allowing the Union government to assume extraordinary powers to safeguard the country's sovereignty, unity, integrity, and security.
Independent Bodies: The Constitution establishes independent bodies like the Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to ensure the fair and efficient functioning of the democratic system.
In conclusion, the Indian Constitution is a masterpiece of legal and political engineering. Its unique blend of borrowed features adapted to Indian conditions, its emphasis on fundamental rights alongside socio-economic directives, and its flexible yet rigid structure allow it to be both a dynamic and an enduring document, capable of guiding a diverse nation through complex challenges.
