Indian Constitution and Democracy Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the Constitution of India?

A set of written rules that are accepted by all people living within the country, partly rigid and partly flexible.

The Constitution of India is completely rigid, meaning it cannot be amended.

False (B)

All countries have a constitution, but the Constitution of India is unique because it is open to all, including all sources and means of production in a country.

True (A)

What is the primary difference between a communist and democratic system regarding the source/means of production?

<p>In a communist system, the government controls the source/means of production, while in a democratic system, it is open to all.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries are examples of oligarchic systems?

<p>Russia (B), China (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a totalitarian system?

<p>Total control over the lives of people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The demand for a Constituent Assembly was first officially made by the Congress in 1935.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the founder of the Communist Party of India (CPI)?

<p>M.N. Roy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the August Offer of 1940, and how did it relate to the demand for a Constituent Assembly?

<p>The August Offer proposed a limited form of self-governance but did not include an immediate grant of a Constituent Assembly, leading to its rejection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Cabinet Mission Plan?

<p>The Cabinet Mission Plan resulted in the partition of India into India and Pakistan, along with the creation of a Constituent Assembly to frame their respective constitutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were the key figures in the Cabinet Mission Plan?

<p>The key figures were: A V Alexander (Stafford Cripps), Patel Lawrence, and Lord Linlithgow (Viceroy of India).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the individual satyagraha against the Cabinet Mission Plan?

<p>The individual satyagraha, led by Acharya Vinoba Bhave, was a non-violent protest against the Cabinet Mission Plan's proposed partition of India, highlighting the opposition to division among certain sections of Indian society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the Cripps Mission of 1942?

<p>The Cripps Mission was a British attempt to gain Indian support for the war effort by offering dominion status and a future Constituent Assembly. However, this proposal was rejected by the Indian National Congress, leading to the Quit India Movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Cabinet Mission Plan in the formation of the Indian Constitution?

<p>The Cabinet Mission Plan was instrumental in paving the way for the Constituent Assembly, which subsequently drafted the Indian Constitution. The Plan provided a framework for the formation of the Constituent Assembly and the transfer of power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How were the members of the Constituent Assembly selected?

<p>The members of the Constituent Assembly were elected indirectly, with some members representing princely states and some nominated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many seats were allocated in the Constituent Assembly, and how many were allotted for each sector?

<p>The Constituent Assembly had a total of 389 seats, with 296 for British India and 93 for provinces and princely states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the chairperson of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?

<p>Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Drafting Committee in the formation of the Indian Constitution?

<p>The Drafting Committee was responsible for preparing the draft of the Indian Constitution, working within the framework established by the Constituent Assembly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many drafts of the Indian Constitution were prepared before the final version?

<p>A total of 11 drafts of the Constitution were prepared over 165 days, resulting in the final document.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Drafting Committee's work for the Indian Constitution spanned over 2 years and 11 months.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When and how was the Indian Constitution adopted?

<p>The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, marking the beginning of India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the core provisions of the Indian Constitution?

<p>The Constitution outlines core provisions such as citizenship, elections, and a provisional parliament. These provisions lay the foundation for governance and the rights of citizens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Indian Constitution function as a law-making body?

<p>The Indian Constitution serves as the foundation for all laws passed by the Parliament, with the judiciary interpreting them and ensuring their adherence to the Constitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first president of India?

<p>Rajendra Prasad, a prominent Indian nationalist and freedom fighter, was the first president of India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first speaker of the Lok Sabha?

<p>G.V. Mavlankar, an influential Indian politician, was the first speaker of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Indian Constitution considered quasi-federal?

<p>The Indian Constitution combines elements of both unitary and federal systems, resulting in a hybrid structure, often described as quasi-federal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between a unitary and federal system?

<p>A unitary system places power at the center, while a federal system distributes it at the center and in the states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Article 312 in the Indian Constitution?

<p>Article 312 focuses on the centralization of control over the Department of Personnel and Training, exemplifying the unitary aspects of the Indian Constitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

India has a presidential form of government.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the essential features of India's parliamentary system of government?

<p>India's parliamentary system is characterized by the executive, headed by the Prime Minister, being accountable to the elected legislature. The government derives its legitimacy from the Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of India's parliamentary system?

<p>The Prime Minister is elected by the people. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

India's parliamentary system is a direct adaptation of the British system with no alterations or variations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Beating Retreat Ceremony' in India?

<p>The 'Beating Retreat Ceremony' signifies the end of the Republic Day celebrations, highlighting the closing of the day's festivities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Indian Constitution differentiate written constitutions from unwritten ones?

<p>Written constitutions are compiled and structured in system form, while unwritten constitutions are not structured but evolve organically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a capitalist state and a plutocratic state?

<p>Capitalism is a broad economic system where private ownership and the free market play a significant role, while plutocracy is a form of government ruled by the wealthy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mixed economy' refer to, especially in the context of India?

<p>Mixed economy refers to a system where both private and public sectors coexist, often with the government playing a role in regulating the economy. This is commonly observed in India, balancing elements of capitalism with government intervention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United Kingdom has a written constitution, similar to India.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical significance of 22nd July 1947 in India?

<p>On 22nd July 1947, India adopted its national flag, representing a significant step in establishing national identity and symbols of independent India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 24th January 1950 in India?

<p>On 24th January 1950, India adopted its national song, further solidifying the nation's identity and cultural heritage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of May 1949 in India?

<p>In May 1949, India ratified its membership in the Commonwealth, marking a significant step in its international engagement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'radicalism' in the context of the Indian Constitution?

<p>Radicalism refers to a significant shift in someone's general pattern of thinking, and in India's context, it often relates to movements or ideologies that challenge the established order and advocate for fundamental change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of Indian federalism?

<p>The Indian federal system is characterized by a division of powers between the center and states, with the center retaining a strong degree of control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'quasi-federal' in India?

<p>Quasi-federalism refers to a system where, despite a federal structure, the central government retains a significant degree of power, creating a hybrid system with elements of both unitary and federal principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'bicameralism' refer to, and how does it apply to India?

<p>Bicameralism describes a system where the legislature is composed of two houses, as in India where the Parliament comprises the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Indian Constitution is both unitary and federal.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Constitution of India

A set of rules that governs India, accepted by all its people.

Democratic Country

A country where citizens have a say in how the country is run.

Communist Country

A country where the government controls the means of production.

Oligarchic Country

A country governed by a small group of people.

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Monarchic Country

A country governed by a monarch (king or queen).

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Totalitarian Country

A country with a government that controls every aspect of people's lives.

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Constituent Assembly

The body that drafted the Indian Constitution.

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Cabinet Mission Plan

A plan for India's independence in 1946.

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August Offer 1940

Proposal for a Constituent Assembly, rejected by Congress & Muslim League.

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MN Roy

An advocate for a Constituent Assembly, early Indian advocate of constituent assembly from 1934.

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Congress and Muslim League Demand

Opposition to the Cabinet Mission Plan.

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Provisional Parliament

A temporary legislative body initially formed in the transition to independence.

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Objective Resolution

Proposed principles for India's future governance.

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Drafting Committee

The committee responsible for writing the final draft of the Constitution.

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B.R. Ambedkar

Chairman of the Drafting Committee, key figure in India's constitution.

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Citizenship Provisions

Rules that determined who was a citizen of India.

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Election Provisions

Detailed instructions for conducting elections in India

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Total Seats in CA

389 seats in the Constituent Assembly.

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First Meeting of CA

9th December 1946.

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Adoption of Constitution

26th November 1949

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Enforcement of Constitution

26th January 1950.

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Study Notes

Constitution

  • A set of written rules accepted by all people living in a country
  • Indian constitution is partly rigid and partly flexible

Democracy

  • All countries have constitutions
  • Constitutions are open to all sources/means of production

Extras

  • Communist: source/means of production – government (e.g., China, Russia)
  • Oligarchic: government by a few (e.g., Korea)
  • Monarchic: Total control over the lives of people

Constituent Assembly

  • Demand for Constituent Assembly officially demanded, Congress (1935), Nehru (1936)
  • August 1940 offer, rejected by Congress, Muslim League
  • Cabinet Mission Plan (1946), Congress, Muslim League, Pakistan Demand
  • AV Alexander, Stafford Cripps, Pathic Lawrence (chair)
  • Cripps Mission (1942), Dominion status to India, Reject Quit India Movement

Provisions of Cabinet Mission Plan

  • Total seats: 389
  • British India: 296
  • Provinces/Princely states: 93
  • Nominated: 4 chief comm., 4 governors of provinces
  • Indirectly elected from communities (Sikh, General)
  • Meeting and drafting of CA (Dec 9, 1946) with 211 members

Objective Resolution

  • 13 December 1946: Objective Resolution moved by Nehru
  • 22 January 1947: Objective Resolution adopted by CA
  • Drafting Committee (setup on 29th Aug 1947): Total members – 7
    • Chairman: Bhim Rao Ambedkar
    • Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar, Gopalawami Ayyangar and Mohammed Saadulah
    • B.L. Mitter (replaced by N Madhav Rau), D.P. Khaitan (replaced by T.T. Krishnamachari), K.M. Munshi
  • Total sessions – 11/165 days
  • Total time – 2 years, 11 months, 17/18 days

Drafting Committee

  • 10th draft (6-7 Oct), 11th draft (14-26 Nov 1949)
  • Final draft by B R Ambedkar, from Bengal
  • Adopted – 26 Nov 1949 (Constitution Day)
  • Enforced – 26 Jan 1950 (provisions, citizenship, elections, provisional parliament)
  • Functions of the Constituent Assembly: law-making body (Head: G.V. Mavalankar, First Speaker of Lok Sabha), Constitution maker (President: Rajendra Prasad, Tempore President: Sachchidanand Sinha)

Functions of CA

  • To Legislate(make laws)
  • Legal/ Constitutional Avd. by B. N. Rao, Chief Draftsman SN Mukerjee
  • No. of CA members who signed Constitution – 284
  • Imp Female members of CA: Raj Kumari Amritkaur (first health minister), Sucheta Kriplani (first female CM of UP), Sarojini Naidu (Governor Rajyapal, UP)
  • Last sitting of CA – 24 Jan 1950. 1st President of India – Rajendra Prasad
  • Handwritten constitution (calligraphy): Prem Binari Narain Raizada (English), Vasant Kumar Vaidya

Other

  • Constitution decorated by Nand Lal Bose, Beohar Ram Manohar

  • Language: English and Hindi

  • Symbol: Elephant

  • First country to create constitution – USA (July 4, 1948, Written)

  • Nehru (chair) and eight Congress leaders created a constitution for India

  • Chairman of CA of India:

    • Major Committees (Union Power Committee, Ad Hoc Committee on Citizenship, Rules of Procedure Committee, Steering Committee, Drafting Committee etc.).*
    • Their Chairmen.*

  • Linguistic provinces commission – S.K. Dhar, Ad hoc comm. (flag) – Rajendra Prasad

  • Capitalist state – Industrialists, Plutocratic – gov. by rich people, Mixed economy - India

  • Democracy – by the people, for the people, of the people

  • Republic Day Celebration – Beating Retreat Ceremony, PM hoists Indian Flag in Red Fort. President unfurling flag at Kartavya Path

  • UK – unwritten constitution

Written vs Unwritten Constitution

  • Written Constitution: compiled and structured, formed by few members (e.g., India)
  • Unwritten Constitution: not structured (e.g., UK), not formally amended
  • More than one level of government in Indian constitution
  • Radicalism (change in someone's general pattern of thinking, ex: Naxalism, NE Insurgency)
  • Key features of Indian constitution (Federalism – Quasi Federal, division of power between the centre and state; Unitary – take power away from states).

What is the Constitution of India?

  • Federal features: Supremacy of constitution, division of power between Union and State, existence of independent judiciary

  • Unitary features: Single citizenship, single constitution, power of union to override on state matters, during emergency the system becomes virtually unitary, changes in names and boundaries of states made by Parliament, integrated judiciary system, centre appoints the governors, dependence of states on the centre for economic assistance and grants.

  • Bicameralism, Federal, Judiciary – integrated

  • Unitary feature – dept. of personal and training controlled by Centre (Art. 312)

Form of Government

  • Unitary system of govt. possesses a strong state and parliamentary system of government (essential features taken from UK), executive accountable to legislators
  • Form of Government - Parliamentary (India, UK), Presidential (USA)

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The Indian Constitution PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the Indian Constitution and the principles of democracy. This quiz covers key historical developments, such as the Constituent Assembly and different government types. Challenge yourself with questions about the provisions and significance of the Cabinet Mission Plan.

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