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Questions and Answers
Who was the chairman of the drafting committee for the Indian Constitution?
When was the Constituent Assembly of India established?
Which individual proposed the idea of creating a constituent assembly and was elected its president?
Which individual served as the Deputy Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and Union Home Minister?
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Which feature of the Indian Constitution ensures that judicial review power resides only with the Supreme Court of India?
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When was the Indian Constitution adopted?
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Who presented the first draft of the Indian Constitution to the Constituent Assembly?
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Which principle of the Indian Constitution directs the state towards the welfare of people?
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In India, which form of federalism is followed where power is divided between central and state governments?
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Which feature of the Indian Constitution ensures that no part of the country can cede territory to foreign powers without consent?
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Study Notes
Introduction
The Indian Constitution is one of the most comprehensive constitutions in the world, outlining the fundamental rights, duties, and fundamental structure of the government. It was adopted on January 26, 1950, after years of deliberations by various committees and the Constituent Assembly.
Adoption Process
The adoption of the Indian Constitution took place over three rounds of drafts. The first draft was written by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and presented to the Constituent Assembly on November 4, 1947. This version was later amended during two sessions of the assembly before the final document was adopted on January 24, 1950, and came into effect from January 26, 1950.
Features of Indian Constitution
Here are some key features of the Indian Constitution:
- Federal System: India follows a unitary form of federalism which means power is divided between the central and state governments. However, states have the right to secede from the union if they follow the due process laid down in the constitution.
- Territorial Integrity: No part of the country can cede any territory to foreign powers without the consent of all State Governments and Parliament.
- Single Citizenship: All citizens of India are single citizens of one republic with no second allegiance in the grant of privileges of citizenship.
- Directive Principles: These principles direct the state towards the welfare of people, which are justifiably adaptable in nature.
- Parliamentary Democracy: The President of India is both head of state and nominal executive of the constitution while real executive is vested in the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
- Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen has equal voting rights.
- Fundamental Rights: These include freedom of speech, religion, association, movement, residence, occupation and cultural and educational rights.
- Separation of Powers: Separation of powers is ensured with judicial review power residing only with Supreme Court of India.
Drafting Committee
The drafting committee was formed on August 28, 1947, under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. It consisted of six members, including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who proposed the idea of creating a constituent assembly and was elected its president.
Constitutional Assembly
The Constituent Assembly of India was established on December 9, 1946, with 389 representatives from across the nation. The assembly had members from different provinces, princely states, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Each province had 2 seats except Bihar which had 4, Orissa 2, Saurashtra 3.
Key Contributors
Some key contributors to the drafting of the Indian Constitution were:
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar - He played a crucial role in drafting the constitution, serving as its chairman.
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru - As a leader of the Congress Party and the first prime minister of India, he contributed significantly to the shaping of the Indian polity through his vision and leadership.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - As the Deputy Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and Union Home Minister, he played a significant role in ensuring that the provisions of the Constitution led to strong unity among the diverse peoples of India.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the adoption process and key features of the Indian Constitution, including federal system, single citizenship, parliamentary democracy, and more. Learn about the drafting committee, constituent assembly, and key contributors behind this significant document.
