Introduction to the Constitution of India

Questions and Answers

What does a constitution primarily establish in relation to the government?

A template for electoral procedures

A guideline for international relations

A framework for economic policies

A framework for the structure and functions of government organs (correct)

Which period marks the beginning of British influence in India according to the historical background?

1858

1775

1947

1600 (correct)

What was one significant power granted to the East India Company through its charter?

The right to govern India independently

The monopoly of trade with the East (correct)

The ability to form military alliances with local rulers

The authority to create laws for India

What was the duration for which the charter granted to the East India Company was valid?

15 years Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the traditional practices accepted as binding in government operations?

Conventions Signup and view all the answers

What motivated English merchants to establish commercial contacts with India?

Stories of India's tremendous wealth Signup and view all the answers

Who authorized the organization of trading expeditions for the East India Company?

The Governor and 24 members Signup and view all the answers

The East India Company's charter was granted by which monarch?

Queen Elizabeth I Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of Dyarchy as outlined in the Act of 1919?

To train the natives in the act of self-government. Signup and view all the answers

What led to widespread agitation for 'Swaraj' among Indians after the Reforms of 1919?

The introduction of the Dyarchy failed. Signup and view all the answers

Which commission was established to evaluate the Government of India Act of 1919 after ten years?

Simon Commission Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the Government of India Act of 1935?

Creation of a Federation with optional accession of states. Signup and view all the answers

How many schedules were included in the Government of India Act, 1935?

10 schedules Signup and view all the answers

What was required from Indian states for their accession to the proposed Federation under the 1935 Act?

Each ruler had to sign an Instrument of Accession. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Round Table Conference following the Simon Commission's report?

A white paper was prepared for Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant shortcoming of the 1919 Reforms as perceived by the Indian populace?

It failed to establish responsible government. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Act of Settlement, 1781 aim to clarify regarding public servants?

It defined the jurisdiction of courts over public servants and residents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key outcome of the Pits India Act, 1784?

It confirmed the separation of commercial and political functions of the Company. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the Charter Act of 1813 introduce?

It opened Indian trade to all British merchants. Signup and view all the answers

Which power did the Charter Act of 1833 give to the Governor-General-in-Council?

To formulate laws applicable to all persons in Company territory. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary intention behind the Parliament's appointment of committees after the passage of the Act of Settlement, 1781?

To investigate and control the Governor-General's actions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable feature of the regulations made following the Charter Act of 1833?

They were categorized as Acts of Parliament rather than Regulations. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the administration was directly challenged by the Pits India Act, 1784?

The effective control of Parliament over the Company's affairs. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Charter Act of 1793 affect the East India Company's trading rights?

It renewed the company's monopoly for a further 20 years. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the Regulating Act of 1773 introduce regarding the governance of India?

It established a definite system of Government of India. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a provision of the Regulating Act of 1773?

Direct appointment of governors by the British crown. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the appointment of a secret committee on April 13, 1772?

Concerns over the company heading towards bankruptcy. Signup and view all the answers

What weaknesses were identified by the secret committee regarding the East India Company's administration?

Ambiguity in the relationship between the governor-general and his council. Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for appointing the judges of the Supreme Court established by the Regulating Act of 1773?

The Crown. Signup and view all the answers

What jurisdiction did the Supreme Court established under the Regulating Act of 1773 possess?

Civil, criminal, admiralty, and ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of the Bengal famine according to the historical context provided?

The British government was asked for a large loan by the company. Signup and view all the answers

How was the appeal process structured from the Supreme Court established in Calcutta?

Appeals lay to the King-in-Council in England. Signup and view all the answers

What was abolished at the Provincial/state level by the Act of 1935?

Dyarchy Signup and view all the answers

Which subjects were classified as 'reserved' under the Act of 1935?

Defence and External Affairs Signup and view all the answers

How many members were to represent the British Indian Provinces in the Legislative Assembly?

250 Signup and view all the answers

What was the composition of the Upper House of the Federal Legislature?

156 from British India and 104 nominated by Princes Signup and view all the answers

Who held the executive authority at the Centre according to the Act of 1935?

The Governor-General Signup and view all the answers

Which provinces were made bicameral after the Act of 1935?

Bombay, Bengal, Madras, Bihar, Assam, and United Provinces Signup and view all the answers

What type of legislative power division was established between the Centre and the Provinces?

Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent lists Signup and view all the answers

What power does the Governor have when it comes to matters of special responsibility?

To override the advice of ministers Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

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.