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Questions and Answers
Which of the following Acts introduced the concept of communal electorates in India, creating separate voting systems for Muslims?
Which of the following Acts introduced the concept of communal electorates in India, creating separate voting systems for Muslims?
Which Act aimed to establish an All-India Federation by bringing together provinces and princely states?
Which Act aimed to establish an All-India Federation by bringing together provinces and princely states?
Which of the following articles defines "state" in the Indian Constitution for the purpose of applying fundamental rights?
Which of the following articles defines "state" in the Indian Constitution for the purpose of applying fundamental rights?
Which article in the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws?
Which article in the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws?
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Which article prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth?
Which article prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth?
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Which article guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, subject to the procedure established by law?
Which article guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, subject to the procedure established by law?
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Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution?
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Which of the following Acts introduced diarchy, a dual system of governance, in India?
Which of the following Acts introduced diarchy, a dual system of governance, in India?
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Which of the following statements about the Government of India Act 1935 is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about the Government of India Act 1935 is TRUE?
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Which article in the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
Which article in the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
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Which of these Acts was instrumental in granting India and Pakistan independence?
Which of these Acts was instrumental in granting India and Pakistan independence?
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Which of the following articles in the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion?
Which of the following articles in the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion?
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Which of the following articles in the Indian Constitution prohibits the state from acquiring private property for public purposes without providing compensation?
Which of the following articles in the Indian Constitution prohibits the state from acquiring private property for public purposes without providing compensation?
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Which of the following statements about the Indian Independence Act 1947 is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about the Indian Independence Act 1947 is TRUE?
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What is the name given to the guidelines provided in Articles 36 to 51 of the Indian Constitution that aim to achieve social and economic justice?
What is the name given to the guidelines provided in Articles 36 to 51 of the Indian Constitution that aim to achieve social and economic justice?
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Which of these Acts is considered as an attempt to introduce provincial autonomy in India, dividing power into reserved and transferred lists?
Which of these Acts is considered as an attempt to introduce provincial autonomy in India, dividing power into reserved and transferred lists?
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What does Article 48a of the Indian Constitution emphasize?
What does Article 48a of the Indian Constitution emphasize?
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Which article emphasizes the separation of the judiciary from the executive?
Which article emphasizes the separation of the judiciary from the executive?
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What does Article 110 of the Indian Constitution define?
What does Article 110 of the Indian Constitution define?
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What does Article 41 of the Indian Constitution provide?
What does Article 41 of the Indian Constitution provide?
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Which article prescribes the oath taken by the President of India?
Which article prescribes the oath taken by the President of India?
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Which article empowers the President to promulgate ordinances during periods when the Parliament is not in session?
Which article empowers the President to promulgate ordinances during periods when the Parliament is not in session?
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Which article advocates for the establishment of a uniform civil code for the entire nation?
Which article advocates for the establishment of a uniform civil code for the entire nation?
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Which article defines the composition of the Parliament?
Which article defines the composition of the Parliament?
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What does Article 163 state?
What does Article 163 state?
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Which article provides for the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
Which article provides for the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
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Which article grants power to the High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and other legal matters?
Which article grants power to the High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and other legal matters?
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Which article emphasizes the state's responsibility to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections of society?
Which article emphasizes the state's responsibility to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections of society?
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Which article provides for the establishment of a Supreme Court of India?
Which article provides for the establishment of a Supreme Court of India?
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Which article specifies the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?
Which article specifies the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?
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Which article provides for the office of the Vice President?
Which article provides for the office of the Vice President?
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Which article describes the process for impeaching the President?
Which article describes the process for impeaching the President?
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Which article outlines the fundamental duties of citizens?
Which article outlines the fundamental duties of citizens?
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Which constitutional article deals with the establishment of a Finance Commission to address financial relations between the Union and the states?
Which constitutional article deals with the establishment of a Finance Commission to address financial relations between the Union and the states?
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Which of the following constitutional articles deals with the appointment of the Election Commission?
Which of the following constitutional articles deals with the appointment of the Election Commission?
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Which amendment introduced the concepts of 'socialist', 'secular', and 'integrity' into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
Which amendment introduced the concepts of 'socialist', 'secular', and 'integrity' into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
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Which of the following best describes India's political system?
Which of the following best describes India's political system?
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Which constitutional amendment introduced the concept of urban local bodies, creating three tiers of governance?
Which constitutional amendment introduced the concept of urban local bodies, creating three tiers of governance?
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Which of the following constitutional articles protects the right to life and personal liberty?
Which of the following constitutional articles protects the right to life and personal liberty?
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Which of the following best describes the nature of Directive Principles of State Policy?
Which of the following best describes the nature of Directive Principles of State Policy?
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Which constitutional amendment abolished the right to property as a fundamental right?
Which constitutional amendment abolished the right to property as a fundamental right?
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Which constitutional article provides for grants-in-aid to states from the central government?
Which constitutional article provides for grants-in-aid to states from the central government?
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Which of the following is NOT a fundamental duty enshrined in the Indian Constitution?
Which of the following is NOT a fundamental duty enshrined in the Indian Constitution?
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Which amendment introduced the 10 percent reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) in educational institutions and government jobs?
Which amendment introduced the 10 percent reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) in educational institutions and government jobs?
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Which article provides for the establishment of special provisions in relation to certain states?
Which article provides for the establishment of special provisions in relation to certain states?
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Which of the following describes the principle of 'Separation of Functions' as applied in the Indian Constitution?
Which of the following describes the principle of 'Separation of Functions' as applied in the Indian Constitution?
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Which constitutional article repealed the Government of India Act 1935 and India Independence Act 1947 upon the Constitution of India coming into effect?
Which constitutional article repealed the Government of India Act 1935 and India Independence Act 1947 upon the Constitution of India coming into effect?
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Which of these is an example of a legal mechanism empowering citizens to address public interest issues through legal action?
Which of these is an example of a legal mechanism empowering citizens to address public interest issues through legal action?
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Which of the following articles provides for the proclamation of President's rule in a state?
Which of the following articles provides for the proclamation of President's rule in a state?
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Which of the following events significantly contributed to the East India Company's growing control in India?
Which of the following events significantly contributed to the East India Company's growing control in India?
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What was the primary intention behind the Regulating Acts passed by the British government?
What was the primary intention behind the Regulating Acts passed by the British government?
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What was the primary reason for the East India Company's financial troubles?
What was the primary reason for the East India Company's financial troubles?
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Which of the following was NOT a feature of the Regulating Act of 1773?
Which of the following was NOT a feature of the Regulating Act of 1773?
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What primary change did the Pit's India Act of 1784 bring to the East India Company's governance?
What primary change did the Pit's India Act of 1784 bring to the East India Company's governance?
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The Charter Act of 1833 was a significant turning point in British governance in India. What was its most notable impact?
The Charter Act of 1833 was a significant turning point in British governance in India. What was its most notable impact?
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Which of the following acts introduced the first elements of representative government in India?
Which of the following acts introduced the first elements of representative government in India?
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What was the main objective of the Indian Councils Act of 1861?
What was the main objective of the Indian Councils Act of 1861?
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Which of the following acts introduced the concept of communal electorates in India?
Which of the following acts introduced the concept of communal electorates in India?
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Which amendment to the Indian Constitution is often considered controversial due to its extensive changes and its implementation during the Emergency period?
Which amendment to the Indian Constitution is often considered controversial due to its extensive changes and its implementation during the Emergency period?
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What was the main purpose behind the establishment of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)?
What was the main purpose behind the establishment of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)?
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What is the primary role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)?
What is the primary role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)?
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Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian political system?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian political system?
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Which of the following best describes the relationship between the British government and the princely states during British rule in India?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the British government and the princely states during British rule in India?
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What is the significance of the "Doctrine of Basic Structure" in the Indian Constitution?
What is the significance of the "Doctrine of Basic Structure" in the Indian Constitution?
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Which of the following is NOT a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?
Which of the following is NOT a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?
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Which of the following terms refers to the principle of dividing governmental powers among different branches of government?
Which of the following terms refers to the principle of dividing governmental powers among different branches of government?
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What is the significance of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the Indian political system?
What is the significance of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the Indian political system?
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Which of the following BEST describes the role of the Supreme Court in the Indian legal system?
Which of the following BEST describes the role of the Supreme Court in the Indian legal system?
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Which of the following is TRUE about the "Doctrine of Lapse" policy implemented during British rule in India?
Which of the following is TRUE about the "Doctrine of Lapse" policy implemented during British rule in India?
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What is the primary purpose of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution?
What is the primary purpose of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution?
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What is the main function of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the Indian Parliament?
What is the main function of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the Indian Parliament?
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Which of the following accurately reflects the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?
Which of the following accurately reflects the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?
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What is the significance of the "Doctrine of Pleasure" in the context of Indian civil services?
What is the significance of the "Doctrine of Pleasure" in the context of Indian civil services?
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What is the term used for the system of dual governance where power was shared between elected ministers and appointed officials during the British Raj?
What is the term used for the system of dual governance where power was shared between elected ministers and appointed officials during the British Raj?
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Which of the following accurately defines the role of the Governor in the Indian state government?
Which of the following accurately defines the role of the Governor in the Indian state government?
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What is the primary function of NITI Aayog, replacing the Planning Commission?
What is the primary function of NITI Aayog, replacing the Planning Commission?
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What is the principle of collective responsibility in the context of the Westminster Model?
What is the principle of collective responsibility in the context of the Westminster Model?
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The Government of India Act 1935 attempted to establish a federal structure in India. Which of the following was a key element of this attempt?
The Government of India Act 1935 attempted to establish a federal structure in India. Which of the following was a key element of this attempt?
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What is the main function of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?
What is the main function of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?
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What is the significance of the Doctrine of Pith and Substance in India's constitutional framework?
What is the significance of the Doctrine of Pith and Substance in India's constitutional framework?
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What is the purpose of the Anti-Defection Law in Indian politics?
What is the purpose of the Anti-Defection Law in Indian politics?
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Which of the following describes the role of the Public Account Committee (PAC) in Indian politics?
Which of the following describes the role of the Public Account Committee (PAC) in Indian politics?
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Which of the following is a defining characteristic of the Westminster Model of government?
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of the Westminster Model of government?
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What is the significance of the Doctrine of Ultra Vires in the Indian legal system?
What is the significance of the Doctrine of Ultra Vires in the Indian legal system?
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What is the role of the Election Symbols Reservation and Allotment Order 1968 in Indian elections?
What is the role of the Election Symbols Reservation and Allotment Order 1968 in Indian elections?
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What is the main purpose of the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005?
What is the main purpose of the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005?
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What is the main difference between 'Diarchy' and 'Dyarchy'?
What is the main difference between 'Diarchy' and 'Dyarchy'?
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Which of the following options is NOT a key feature of the Westminster Model?
Which of the following options is NOT a key feature of the Westminster Model?
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Flashcards
East India Company
East India Company
A British trading company that monopolized trade in India.
Battle of Buxar
Battle of Buxar
A decisive battle in 1764 that established British control in India.
Regulating Acts
Regulating Acts
Laws passed to control the East India Company’s affairs.
Regulating Act of 1773
Regulating Act of 1773
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Governor General of Bengal
Governor General of Bengal
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Pitt's India Act of 1784
Pitt's India Act of 1784
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Charter Act of 1833
Charter Act of 1833
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Indian Councils Act of 1861
Indian Councils Act of 1861
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Communal Electorates
Communal Electorates
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42nd Amendment 1976
42nd Amendment 1976
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The Role of CAG
The Role of CAG
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Election Commission of India (ECI)
Election Commission of India (ECI)
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Judicial Review
Judicial Review
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The Emergency
The Emergency
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National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)
National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)
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Doctrine of Basic Structure
Doctrine of Basic Structure
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Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Rights
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Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances
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Charter Act
Charter Act
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Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
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Separation of Powers
Separation of Powers
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Federalism
Federalism
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Indian Councils Act of 1909
Indian Councils Act of 1909
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Mahatma Gandhi's Arrival
Mahatma Gandhi's Arrival
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Government of India Act 1919
Government of India Act 1919
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Government of India Act 1935
Government of India Act 1935
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Indian Independence Act 1947
Indian Independence Act 1947
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Longest Constitution
Longest Constitution
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Features of Indian Constitution
Features of Indian Constitution
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Article 1
Article 1
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Article 14
Article 14
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Article 17
Article 17
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Article 21
Article 21
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Article 32
Article 32
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Directive Principles
Directive Principles
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Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Chairman of Rajya Sabha
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Governor
Governor
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Chief Minister
Chief Minister
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Westminster Model
Westminster Model
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Bicameral Legislature
Bicameral Legislature
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Diarchy
Diarchy
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President's Rule
President's Rule
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National Emergency
National Emergency
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Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005
Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005
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Anti-Defection Law
Anti-Defection Law
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Panchayati Raj Institutions
Panchayati Raj Institutions
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All-India Services
All-India Services
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The Planning Commission
The Planning Commission
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The Finance Commission
The Finance Commission
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42nd Amendment
42nd Amendment
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73rd Amendment
73rd Amendment
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Fundamental Duties
Fundamental Duties
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44th Amendment
44th Amendment
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Study Notes
Historical Background of Indian Polity
- The East India Company, initially operating as traders, arrived in India in the early 17th century, receiving a unique trade charter from the British monarchy.
- This charter granted the East India Company a monopoly over trade in India.
- The company's control expanded through events like the Battle of Buxar in 1764, leading to the acquisition of Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, granting them control over regional revenues.
- Internal corruption and mismanagement within the East India Company resulted in significant debt, estimated at approximately 1 million pounds.
- To address issues with the East India Company, the British government introduced Regulating Acts (also known as Charter Acts) to oversee and regulate company affairs.
- These acts were periodically revisited, with terms and conditions of the company's charter reconsidered every 20 years.
- The first Regulating Act was established in 1773, and the last was enacted in 1853.
Significant Features of the Regulating Acts
- The 1773 Regulating Act served as the first step towards regulating the East India Company. This act centralized power by establishing the Court of Directors and empowering the Governor of Bengal, subsequently titled Governor-General of Bengal.
- The Governor-General was advised by a four-member executive council, known as the Governor-General in Council.
- The Act also established the Supreme Court at Fort William in Calcutta, initially comprising four judges.
- Challenges in implementation included a lack of cooperation from the East India Company and the Supreme Court's limited authority over company officials.
The Pit's India Act of 1784
- This act formally declared all East India Company territories as belonging to the British government.
- It separated the East India Company's powers by establishing the Board of Control and the Court of Directors, thereby reducing company authority over administrative decisions.
The Charter Act of 1833
- The East India Company was transformed into a purely administrative body, holding its territories in trust for the British government.
- This act constituted a significant step toward centralized British governance in India.
- The Governor-General of Bengal was designated as the Governor-General of India.
The Indian Councils Act of 1861
- This act introduced the concept of indirect elections and allowed for the inclusion of Indians as non-official members within legislative councils.
- This marked the initial phase of decentralization and empowered the Governor-General to enact legislation through ordinances.
The Indian Councils Act of 1892
- This act facilitated further expansion of legislative councils, granting Indians increased participation in budget deliberations to contribute directly to legislative discussions.
- It marked a notable step towards the development of strengthened legislative councils.
The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)
- This act strengthened central and provincial legislative councils, but also introduced communal electorates, creating separate systems for Muslim representation.
- Criticized for potentially contributing to British "divide and rule" policies.
The Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi
- Mahatma Gandhi's leadership within the Indian independence movement was a pivotal turning point in India's struggle for freedom.
- Gandhi's effective use of communication and strategies significantly raised public awareness and mobilized the Indian people towards independence.
- Gandhi's leadership provided a path for transforming India from a colony to an independent nation.
The Government of India Act 1919 (Montague-Chelmsford Reforms)
- This act aimed to introduce provincial autonomy, dividing governmental power into reserved and transferred lists, based on the extent of ministerial control over the Governor-General.
- The act introduced diarchy, a dual system of governance, and established a bicameral legislature.
- Criticism of the act centered on the incomplete implementation of provincial autonomy and the introduction of diarchy.
The Government of India Act 1935
- This act sought to create an All-India Federation, uniting provinces and princely states.
- It introduced a federal structure, assigning power lists to both federal and provincial levels and removing diarchy in favor of a system grounded in dyarchy.
- The act ultimately faced failure due to reservations from princely states to join the proposed federation.
The Indian Independence Act 1947
- The British Parliament enacted this act in July 1947, formally granting India and Pakistan independence.
- This act established India and Pakistan as independent dominions and abolished the role of the British monarch and the Viceroy.
- The act facilitated the process of princely states joining either India or Pakistan.
- It facilitated the establishment of a constituent assembly tasked with drafting India's Constitution.
The Constitution of India: Key Features
- The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution globally.
- It is fundamentally based on the Government of India Act 1935, incorporating elements from other constitutions, including those of the United States, Ireland, and Canada.
- It establishes a federal structure with a unitary influence, indicative of a blend of federal and unitary principles.
- It features a bicameral legislature alongside a robust central government and a Supreme Court acting as the apex judicial body.
- The Constitution encompasses fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and fundamental duties.
Key Articles & Concepts (unchanged)
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### Explanation of Key Articles (unchanged)
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### Significant Constitutional Amendments (unchanged)
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### Important Facts & Insights (unchanged)
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Important Terms and Concepts (unchanged)
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Summary - Impact of the Government of India Act 1935 (unchanged)
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Why was the Government of India Act 1935 a Major Turning Point? (unchanged)
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Description
This quiz explores the significant historical events that shaped Indian polity during the time of the East India Company. It covers the company's early trade monopoly, key battles, and the impact of the Regulating Acts. Understand the political landscape of India leading up to British rule.