Questions and Answers
What major reason is cited for the complexity of the language in the Indian Constitution?
Which of the following statements about the Indian Constituent Assembly is incorrect?
Which of the following best describes a unique feature of the Indian Constitution?
What does the 'Basic Structure' of the Indian Constitution NOT include?
Signup and view all the answers
Which individual was NOT significantly involved in the drafting of the Indian Constitution?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one significant reason the Indian Constitution is considered the lengthiest among written Constitutions worldwide?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Article 368 define the amendment process of the Indian Constitution?
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect of the Indian Constitution's drafting process is highlighted by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar?
Signup and view all the answers
In what way does the Indian Constitution exhibit a blend of rigidity and flexibility?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT considered a feature of the Indian Constitution as per its drafting?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Criticism of the Constituent Assembly
- The Constituent Assembly was not a fully representative body, as its members were not directly elected by the people under universal adult franchise.
- It lacked sovereignty since it operated under the proposals and permissions of the British Government.
- The Assembly's duration was excessively long compared to the American Constitution, which was framed in only four months.
- Dominance by the Congress party criticized for overshadowing diverse political representation.
- Overrepresentation of lawyer-politicians led to a complicated and lengthy Constitution.
- Upper caste Hindus predominantly shaped the Assembly, raising issues about the absence of diverse perspectives.
Notable Features of the Constituent Assembly
- The elephant was adopted as the symbol of the Constituent Assembly.
- Sir B.N. Rau served as the Constitutional advisor, guiding legal aspects of the Constitution.
- H.V. R. Iyengar acted as the Secretary to the Constituent Assembly.
- S.N. Mukerjee was the chief draftsman, responsible for drafting the Constitution.
- Calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada beautifully handwrote the original Constitution in fluid Italic script.
Salient Features of the Constitution
- The Indian Constitution incorporates elements from various global constitutions tailored for the Indian context, making it unique.
Combination of Parliamentary Sovereignty & Judicial Supremacy
- The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest written constitution worldwide, characterized by both rigidity and flexibility.
- It establishes a parliamentary form of government, underpinned by the supremacy of the Constitution and judicial review.
- The Constitution aims to maintain harmony and balance between fundamental rights and directive principles, featuring a federal structure with unitary bias.
Major Features of the Indian Constitution
- Lengthiest Written Constitution: Holds the record as the bulkiest constitution globally, originally consisting of 395 articles and currently comprising 465 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules.
-
Geographical and Historical Factors:
- The vastness and diversity of India contribute to its length.
- Inherited elements from the Government of India Act, 1935 influence its bulk.
-
Rigidity and Flexibility:
- It is a synthesis of both types, with Article 368 outlining two amendment procedures: a special majority in Parliament and the requirement for half of the states' ratification.
-
Diverse Sources:
- The Constitution draws from various global influences, praised by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for its comprehensive approach in adopting features from many constitutions.
- The structural aspects stem from the Government of India Act of 1935, while fundamental rights are inspired by American and Irish constitutions, with political principles borrowed from the British model.
-
Federal System with Unitary Bias:
- Establishes a federal structure with two governing bodies, though the term 'federation' is absent from the text itself.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the various criticisms levied against the Constituent Assembly of India. This quiz will cover aspects such as representation, sovereignty, and the duration of its formation in comparison to other nations. Test your knowledge and understanding of this significant historical body.
