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Questions and Answers
What does a constitution primarily establish in relation to the government?
What does a constitution primarily establish in relation to the government?
Which period marks the beginning of British influence in India according to the historical background?
Which period marks the beginning of British influence in India according to the historical background?
What was one significant power granted to the East India Company through its charter?
What was one significant power granted to the East India Company through its charter?
What was the duration for which the charter granted to the East India Company was valid?
What was the duration for which the charter granted to the East India Company was valid?
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Which term describes the traditional practices accepted as binding in government operations?
Which term describes the traditional practices accepted as binding in government operations?
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What motivated English merchants to establish commercial contacts with India?
What motivated English merchants to establish commercial contacts with India?
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Who authorized the organization of trading expeditions for the East India Company?
Who authorized the organization of trading expeditions for the East India Company?
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The East India Company's charter was granted by which monarch?
The East India Company's charter was granted by which monarch?
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What was the primary objective of Dyarchy as outlined in the Act of 1919?
What was the primary objective of Dyarchy as outlined in the Act of 1919?
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What led to widespread agitation for 'Swaraj' among Indians after the Reforms of 1919?
What led to widespread agitation for 'Swaraj' among Indians after the Reforms of 1919?
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Which commission was established to evaluate the Government of India Act of 1919 after ten years?
Which commission was established to evaluate the Government of India Act of 1919 after ten years?
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What was a key feature of the Government of India Act of 1935?
What was a key feature of the Government of India Act of 1935?
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How many schedules were included in the Government of India Act, 1935?
How many schedules were included in the Government of India Act, 1935?
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What was required from Indian states for their accession to the proposed Federation under the 1935 Act?
What was required from Indian states for their accession to the proposed Federation under the 1935 Act?
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What was the outcome of the Round Table Conference following the Simon Commission's report?
What was the outcome of the Round Table Conference following the Simon Commission's report?
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What was a significant shortcoming of the 1919 Reforms as perceived by the Indian populace?
What was a significant shortcoming of the 1919 Reforms as perceived by the Indian populace?
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What did the Act of Settlement, 1781 aim to clarify regarding public servants?
What did the Act of Settlement, 1781 aim to clarify regarding public servants?
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Which of the following was a key outcome of the Pits India Act, 1784?
Which of the following was a key outcome of the Pits India Act, 1784?
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What significant change did the Charter Act of 1813 introduce?
What significant change did the Charter Act of 1813 introduce?
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Which power did the Charter Act of 1833 give to the Governor-General-in-Council?
Which power did the Charter Act of 1833 give to the Governor-General-in-Council?
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What was the primary intention behind the Parliament's appointment of committees after the passage of the Act of Settlement, 1781?
What was the primary intention behind the Parliament's appointment of committees after the passage of the Act of Settlement, 1781?
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What was a notable feature of the regulations made following the Charter Act of 1833?
What was a notable feature of the regulations made following the Charter Act of 1833?
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Which aspect of the administration was directly challenged by the Pits India Act, 1784?
Which aspect of the administration was directly challenged by the Pits India Act, 1784?
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How did the Charter Act of 1793 affect the East India Company's trading rights?
How did the Charter Act of 1793 affect the East India Company's trading rights?
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What significant change did the Regulating Act of 1773 introduce regarding the governance of India?
What significant change did the Regulating Act of 1773 introduce regarding the governance of India?
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Which of the following was NOT a provision of the Regulating Act of 1773?
Which of the following was NOT a provision of the Regulating Act of 1773?
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What led to the appointment of a secret committee on April 13, 1772?
What led to the appointment of a secret committee on April 13, 1772?
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What weaknesses were identified by the secret committee regarding the East India Company's administration?
What weaknesses were identified by the secret committee regarding the East India Company's administration?
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Who was responsible for appointing the judges of the Supreme Court established by the Regulating Act of 1773?
Who was responsible for appointing the judges of the Supreme Court established by the Regulating Act of 1773?
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What jurisdiction did the Supreme Court established under the Regulating Act of 1773 possess?
What jurisdiction did the Supreme Court established under the Regulating Act of 1773 possess?
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What was one of the outcomes of the Bengal famine according to the historical context provided?
What was one of the outcomes of the Bengal famine according to the historical context provided?
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How was the appeal process structured from the Supreme Court established in Calcutta?
How was the appeal process structured from the Supreme Court established in Calcutta?
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What was abolished at the Provincial/state level by the Act of 1935?
What was abolished at the Provincial/state level by the Act of 1935?
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Which subjects were classified as 'reserved' under the Act of 1935?
Which subjects were classified as 'reserved' under the Act of 1935?
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How many members were to represent the British Indian Provinces in the Legislative Assembly?
How many members were to represent the British Indian Provinces in the Legislative Assembly?
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What was the composition of the Upper House of the Federal Legislature?
What was the composition of the Upper House of the Federal Legislature?
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Who held the executive authority at the Centre according to the Act of 1935?
Who held the executive authority at the Centre according to the Act of 1935?
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Which provinces were made bicameral after the Act of 1935?
Which provinces were made bicameral after the Act of 1935?
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What type of legislative power division was established between the Centre and the Provinces?
What type of legislative power division was established between the Centre and the Provinces?
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What power does the Governor have when it comes to matters of special responsibility?
What power does the Governor have when it comes to matters of special responsibility?
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Study Notes
Introduction to the Indian Constitution
- Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950.
- A constitution is a document of legal sanctity outlining the framework and functions of government organs.
- Constitutional Law regulates the structure, relationships, and functions of governmental organs.
- Rules include both legal rules and conventions accepted as binding.
Historical Background of Indian Constitution
- All constitutions are shaped by historical events and impact future governance.
- The British presence in India began with the East India Company, established in 1600.
Timeline of Constitutional Development
- Timeline of constitutional evolution spans from 1600 to 1950:
- 1600-1765: British traders established foothold in India.
- 1765-1858: Transition from trade to governance.
- 1858-1919: Establishment of British authority as a governing power.
- 1919-1947: Political movements towards self-governance.
- 1947-1950: Independence to formal constitution.
Key Developments from 1600-1765
- East India Company emerged as a commercial entity, receiving a charter from Queen Elizabeth in 1600.
- Charter granted monopoly over trade, allowing an armed naval force for protection.
- The company established trading posts and appointed officers responsible to the court of directors in England.
- Post-Battle of Plassey, exploitation of Indian resources led to public outcry in Britain.
Regulating Act of 1773
- First Act of British Parliament to regulate East India Company's governance.
- Established governance framework changing company's constitution and recognized Calcutta's government.
- Introduced a Supreme Court in Calcutta consisting of Chief Justice and three judges.
Deficiencies and Reforms Post-1773
- 1773 Act had shortcomings in defining relationships among the Governor-General, council, and Supreme Court.
- Act of Settlement, 1781 aimed to address defects, clarified jurisdiction, and exempted public servants' actions in official capacity.
Pits India Act 1784
- Differentiated between the company's commercial and political functions.
- Sought to enhance parliamentary control over company's administration.
Subsequent Charter Acts
- Charter Act of 1793 renewed the company's trading monopoly for 20 years.
- Charter Act of 1813 ended the company's exclusive trade rights, opening Indian trade to all British merchants.
Charter Act of 1833
- Centralized legislative power with the Governor-General-in-Council.
- Allowed for the creation of laws applicable to all within the company's territories.
Government of India Act 1919 and its Shortcomings
- Failed to fulfill aspirations for self-governance leading to Congress agitation for "Swaraj".
- Criticisms included lack of responsible governance and ineffective Dyarchy.
Simon Commission and the Government of India Act 1935
- Simon Commission was appointed to evaluate the Government of India Act of 1919.
- The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced:
- Federal structure with limited provincial autonomy.
- Dyarchy at the central level with reserved and transferred subjects.
- A bicameral legislature comprising a Council of States and Legislative Assembly.
Features of the Government of India Act 1935
- Proposed an All India Federation with voluntary accession of Indian states.
- Introduced a Federal Court for judicial matters.
- Defined powers among federal, provincial, and concurrent lists.
Impact of the 1935 Act
- Legislative assemblies strengthened in provinces, most established bicameral systems.
- Set groundwork for increased participation in governing processes leading up to independence.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of the Constitution of India, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. It outlines the essential principles and legal framework governing the functions of government organs in the country. Test your knowledge about its significance and structure.
