Constitution Assembly Session Overview 1947

Questions and Answers

What were the primary motivations behind the establishment of the Constituent Assembly in India?

The primary motivations were to create a constitution that reflected India's diverse needs and to establish a parliamentary system.

How did the British government's attitude change towards Indian independence after World War II?

After World War II, the British government became more willing to grant independence to India, albeit under their own terms.

What are some broad issues that received consensus during the earlier efforts of constitution-making in India?

Consensus was reached on the necessity of a strong Bill of Rights and the establishment of a federal system.

In what year was the Constituent Assembly of India established?

The Constituent Assembly was established in December 1946. Signup and view all the answers

What significant influences did the framers of the Indian Constitution have on other post-colonial countries?

The framers' efforts were emulated in many other constitutions across the post-colonial world. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of political structure was primarily agreed upon by the Indian National Congress for the new constitution?

A parliamentary system was primarily agreed upon as the best fit for India's needs. Signup and view all the answers

Why was a federal system deemed necessary in India’s constitution-making process?

A federal system was needed to guard against fissiparous tendencies while allowing diversity to flourish. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Granville Austin's accounts play in the understanding of the Indian Constitution?

Granville Austin's accounts provide a prominent, albeit critical, perspective on the Indian Constitution's development. Signup and view all the answers

What theme does the document suggest will be explored in subsequent chapters regarding the Constituent Assembly?

Subsequent chapters will closely examine specific constitutional issues addressed by the Constituent Assembly. Signup and view all the answers

How did the context of World War II impact the British decision to allow India independence?

The aftermath of World War II weakened Britain’s resolve and its ability to maintain colonial rule, leading to concessions for Indian independence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Constituent Assembly Sessions and Independence Act

Second and third sessions of the Constituent Assembly took place in January and April 1947.
The imminent Partition limited substantive discussions on major issues.
Indian Independence Act 1947 granted legal recognition to the Constituent Assembly on August 15, 1947.
With the Act, the Assembly also functioned as the Dominion Parliament.

Impact of Independence on Assembly Work

Members transitioned into parliamentarians, dividing their time between governance and constitutional work.
Immediate governance challenges overshadowed long-term constitutional planning, particularly concerning the rights of citizens.

Political Context (1946–50)

The Indian subcontinent was in turmoil during this period, affecting the Assembly's deliberations.
The Atlee government received praise for its moves towards India's independence, reflecting the urgent need for political resolution.

Alternative Political Perspectives

The Socialist Party’s Constitution excluded property rights, highlighting diverse ideological perspectives.
The Indian National Congress faced multiple competing viewpoints, complicating consensus-building due to varied interests.

Importance of Inclusive Decision Making

The Constituent Assembly adopted an inclusive approach to decision-making, recognizing the need for broader representation of views and opinions.

The Sapru Committee's Contributions

Chaired by Tej Bahadur Sapru, the committee was created in December 1945 to address communalism and minority rights.
The Sapru Committee Report emphasized minority protection and influenced provisions in the Indian Constitution.

Overview of the Constituent Assembly's Role

The Constituent Assembly of India has received both acclaim and criticism for its work on the Constitution.
Its framework has been significant in shaping constitutions in other post-colonial nations.

Historical Prelude to the Assembly's Formation

Many Indians, beyond nationalist leaders, debated the desired Constitution prior to independence.
Previous constitution-making efforts by the Congress involved extensive debate and eventual consensus on key issues.
Fundamental agreements included the inclusion of a strong Bill of Rights, a parliamentary system, and a federal framework conducive to India's diversity.
The assembly was established in December 1946 in the context of Britain’s willingness to grant independence post-World War II.

Description

Explore the significant events and discussions held during the second and third sessions of the Constituent Assembly in early 1947. Understand how the Indian Independence Act impacted the constitutional framework and accelerated the assembly's progress towards independence.