Indian Constitution Overview

Questions and Answers

What is one primary reason for needing a constitution?

To allow the government to impose any laws

To provide a set of basic rules for social coordination (correct)

To limit the political rights of citizens

To promote individual sovereignty over collective good

Which of the following functions of a constitution involves deciding the structure of government?

Providing basic rules for society

Making decisions in a society (correct)

Determining citizen rights

Setting limits on government power

What role does a constitution play in protecting the rights of citizens?

It removes legal accountability from government officials.

It gives the government absolute power over citizens.

It establishes fundamental limits on government actions. (correct)

It encourages unrestricted freedom for the government.

How does a constitution help in maintaining the balance of power among different government organs?

By providing an authoritative allocation of power. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the government to operate within the limits of the constitution?

To maintain structure and order in society. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of a constitution related to society's disparities?

To create conditions for a just society. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does a constitution impact ordinary citizens?

It derives their power and authority from the constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects the observation about the constitution?

It empowers the people to control the government. Signup and view all the answers

What historical period corresponds to the Indus Valley Civilization?

3300–1300 BC Signup and view all the answers

What does B.C. stand for in the chronological timeline?

Before Christ Signup and view all the answers

Which emperor is associated with establishing constitutional principles in India?

Ashoka the Great Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the East India Company gain total administrative control in Bengal?

1765 Signup and view all the answers

When did the East India Company start its unified control over all of India?

1765 Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of A.D. in chronological terms?

Anno Domini Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the Revolt of 1857?

End of East India Company rule Signup and view all the answers

What period is often associated with the beginning of India's constitutional history?

3rd Century BC Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first temporary president of the Constituent Assembly that met on December 9, 1946?

Sachchidananda Sinha Signup and view all the answers

What role did Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar hold in the Constituent Assembly?

Chairman of the drafting committee Signup and view all the answers

How many members did the Constituent Assembly originally consist of?

385 Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the United Kingdom?

Bicameral Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What was the governing document for India before the Constitution was adopted?

Government of India Act 1935 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements of the Constitution of India was influenced by the United States?

Judicial review Signup and view all the answers

On what date was the Constitution of India finally adopted?

November 26, 1949 Signup and view all the answers

Which country provided the concept of Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution?

Ireland Signup and view all the answers

What does the Preamble to the Constitution of India highlight as essential for the country?

Unity and Integrity Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is included in the Preamble to promote social harmony?

Dignity of Individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes a society that meets the needs of all its members?

Egalitarian Society Signup and view all the answers

What does the Preamble indicate regarding the Constitution's authority?

The People of India Signup and view all the answers

What did Mahatma Gandhi envision for India according to the Preamble?

A State of Perfect Harmony Signup and view all the answers

Who designed and decorated the original page of the Preamble?

Beohar Shakha Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the Preamble?

Outline the rights of the citizens Signup and view all the answers

What type of society does the Preamble seek to establish?

Egalitarian Society Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred on 26 January 1950 in India?

The Constitution of India came into effect Signup and view all the answers

Which company established administrative power in India after the Battle of Plassey?

British East India Company Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of The Act for the Better Government of India (1858)?

To put India under direct British control Signup and view all the answers

What did Ashoka's Edicts establish in Ancient India?

Constitutional principles for governance Signup and view all the answers

During the period of the British Raj, which position was created to oversee Indian governance?

Secretary of State Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acts or laws was not enforced by the East India Company?

The Citizenship Act Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Revolt of 1857 in India?

The end of Company rule in India Signup and view all the answers

Who was the primary figure overseeing Indian administration during the British Raj?

The Governor-General of India Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Constitution

A constitution is essential for establishing governance in a country.
It defines the political system and the distribution of power among government organs: executive, legislature, and judiciary.
It serves as a protective framework for citizens against arbitrary decision-making by the government.

Importance of the Constitution

Provides basic rules for social coordination and governance.
Specifies decision-making authorities within a society.
Sets limits on government actions to protect citizens' rights.
Creates conditions for a fair and just society.

Historical Context of the Indian Constitution

Ancient India boasts a rich cultural heritage, including the Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1300 BC).
The constitutional history of India dates back to the reign of Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC) known for the Edicts of Ashoka, which laid foundational principles.

Major Events in Indian Constitutional History

Edicts of Ashoka (324–185 BC): Documents establishing governance principles.
East India Company (1599–1765): Transition from a trading entity to a governing power in India following the Battle of Plassey (1757).
British Raj (1858–1947): Era shaping India's constitutional framework leading to the independence movement.

Framing the Constitution

The Constituent Assembly consisted of 385 members, with representatives from various regions including Provincial Legislative Assemblies and Princely States.
Sessions held over 166 days to draft the Constitution, ultimately adopting it on November 26, 1949.

Borrowed Features of the Indian Constitution

From the UK: Parliamentary system, nominal head (President), council of ministers, and bicameral parliament.
From the USA: Written constitution, Fundamental Rights, and judicial review.
From Australia: Concurrent List and center-state relations.
From Canada: Federal system and residuary powers.
From Germany and Japan: Emergency provisions and the Supreme Court's operational framework.
From South Africa: Procedure for constitutional amendments.
From Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy.

The Preamble of the Constitution

Reflects India's commitment to an egalitarian society, emphasizing dignity, fraternity, unity, and integrity.
Serves as a guiding principle, outlining the vision for a democratic, secular, and just society.
Recognizes the importance of harmony among diverse cultural and religious groups within India.

Purposes of the Preamble

Indicates the source of constitutional authority.
States the objectives the Constitution aims to achieve, aligning with Gandhiji's vision of an inclusive and harmonious India.

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Description

Explore the essential aspects of the Indian Constitution, including its definition, history, and significance. Understand why a constitution is crucial for a democratic society and how it serves to empower the people against governmental power.