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What is a unique feature of the Indian Constitution compared to other modern democracies?
Which amendment procedure demonstrates the rigidity of the Indian Constitution?
From which document does the structural part of the Indian Constitution largely derive?
What does the Indian Constitution exemplify regarding the concept of rigidity and flexibility?
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Which aspect of the Indian Constitution reflects its federal structure?
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Why might the Indian Constitution be considered future-oriented?
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Which of the following best exemplifies the Indian Constitution's diversity?
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Which feature distinguishes the Indian Constitution's approach to the principle of federalism?
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Which historical factor contributed to the Indian Constitution being particularly lengthy?
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What is the primary reason the Indian Constitution includes provisions typically found in ordinary laws in other democracies?
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What was a major criticism regarding the representation in the Constituent Assembly?
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Which of the following criticisms relates to the influence of British governance on the Constituent Assembly?
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What was a significant reason critics cited for the complexity of the Indian Constitution?
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Which factor contributed to the time-consuming nature of the Constituent Assembly's work?
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What is one of the distinguishing features of the Indian Constitution?
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Which feature characterizes the federal structure of the Indian Constitution?
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Who was appointed as the Chief Draftsman of the Indian Constitution?
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What is one of the features that indicates the Indian Constitution's suitability to the Indian system?
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What was one of the criticisms regarding the composition of the Constituent Assembly?
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Which of these statements is true regarding the drafting time of the Indian Constitution?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Federal System with Unitary Bias:
- Establishes a federal structure with two governing bodies, though the term 'federation' is absent from the text itself.
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Description
This quiz explores the criticisms and notable features of the Constituent Assembly in India. It examines the lack of representation, the influence of British governance, and the dominance of specific political groups in shaping the Constitution. Additionally, it highlights key figures and symbols associated with the Assembly.
