Political Science: Election Laws and Reforms

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Questions and Answers

What year did the British Crown assume direct responsibility for governing India?

1950

1946

1858 (correct)

1600

Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal appointed under the Regulating Act of 1773?

Lord Canning

Lord Cornwallis

Lord Warren Hastings (correct)

Lord Clive

What significant change occurred in 1946 regarding India's governance?

Formation of the British Raj

Assumption of diwani rights

Establishment of the East India Company

Formation of the Constituent Assembly (correct)

What did the Regulating Act of 1773 aim to control?

The affairs of the East India Company Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the Constitution of India adopted?

1950 Signup and view all the answers

Which areas were under the diwani rights granted to the British in 1765?

Bengal, Bihar, Orissa Signup and view all the answers

What was the tenure fixed for the Governor-General under the Regulating Act of 1773?

5 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was not an objective of MN Roy regarding Indian governance?

Formation of a ruling monarchy Signup and view all the answers

What was established as part of the Government of India Act, 1935?

Establishment of the All-India Federation Signup and view all the answers

Which list in the Government of India Act, 1935 contained federal subjects for the Centre?

Federal List Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the Government of India Act, 1935 introduce regarding provincial governance?

Introduction of provincial autonomy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following provisions was included in the Government of India Act, 1935?

Extension of separate electorates for depressed classes Signup and view all the answers

Which event prompted the British Prime Minister to declare the end of British rule in India by June 30, 1948?

Indian Independence Act, 1947 Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main causes leading to the demand for partition by the Muslim League?

World War II weakening British power Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Cripps Mission in 1942?

To propose constitutional reforms in India Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following provinces did not have bicameralism as per the Government of India Act, 1935?

Punjab Signup and view all the answers

What does the Preamble of the Indian Constitution primarily outline?

The basic philosophy and fundamental values of the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Which terms were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment in 1976?

Socialist, Secular, Integrity Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the nature of the Preamble?

It is non-justiciable but outlines fundamental values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'Sovereign' as stated in the Preamble?

It emphasizes India as an independent state with no authority above it. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Kesavananda Bharati case indicate about the Preamble?

The Preamble can be amended, but basic features are protected. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a component of the goals stated in the Preamble?

Establishment of a monarchy Signup and view all the answers

According to the Preamble, what is meant by promoting 'Fraternity'?

Ensuring collective identity and the dignity of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Non-justiciable' mean in the context of the Preamble?

It cannot be enforced through legal proceedings. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to laws inconsistent with or derogating from any Fundamental Rights under Article 13?

They are declared void. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be challenged on the ground of violating a fundamental right according to the Keshwananda Bharti case?

Constitutional amendments. Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 14 of the Constitution ensure?

Equality before law and equal protection of law. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Rule of Law' in the Indian context?

Punishment can occur only with legal proceedings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of the ambit of law as mentioned?

Non-legislative sources of law like customs. Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 15 prohibit?

Discrimination on certain grounds including religion and race. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the right to equality?

It includes both citizens and foreigners. Signup and view all the answers

What can be challenged based on the basic structure of the Constitution according to the Supreme Court?

Any law violating fundamental rights. Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 2 empower the Parliament to do?

Admit new states into the union Signup and view all the answers

Which article allows for the alteration of state boundaries?

Article 3 Signup and view all the answers

What is not a way in which union territories can be acquired, as per the content?

Gift Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the Union of India?

It is an indestructible union of destructible states Signup and view all the answers

What must happen before a bill to create a new state is introduced?

Prior recommendation from the President Signup and view all the answers

Which article mentions the amendment of the First and Fifth schedules?

Article 4 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is not authorized by Article 3?

Create a new Union Territory Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of the relationship between the President and the Parliament concerning new states?

The President can refer the decision to the states for input Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Background

British presence in India began in 1600 under Queen Elizabeth I, subsequently obtaining 'diwani' rights in 1765 over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
After the Sepoy Mutiny in 1858, the British Crown took direct control of India's governance.
MN Roy advocated for a constitution in 1934, leading to the formation of a Constituent Assembly in 1946, which adopted the Constitution on January 26, 1950.

Regulating Act of 1773

First legislative measure by British government to control East India Company (EIC) affairs.
Recognized EIC's political and administrative roles; laid the foundation for central administration.
Established the position of Governor-General of Bengal; Lord Warren Hastings was the first appointee.
Created a 5-year fixed term for the Governor-General and a four-member Executive Council.
Introduced separate electorates for Scheduled Castes.

Government of India Act, 1935

Composed of 321 sections and 10 schedules.
Established All-India Federation with provinces and princely states.
Divided responsibilities into three lists: Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent, with residuary powers to the Viceroy.
Abolished dyarchy and implemented provincial autonomy; adopted dyarchy at the center.
Introduced bicameral legislatures in six provinces.
Expanded separate electorates for depressed classes, women, and labor.

Indian Independence Act, 1947

Announced by British Prime Minister Clement Atlee, ending British rule by June 30, 1948.
Enabled provinces wishing to accept the Indian Constitution to do so.
The Muslim League was actively demanding partition at this time.

Causes of Partition

Economic impact of World War II weakened British control.
Significant political initiatives including the Cripps proposal (1942) and the Quit India Movement.

Preamble of the Constitution

India declared a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Democratic Republic.
Objectives include justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity among citizens.
Originally adopted on November 26, 1949; the 42nd Amendment in 1976 added "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity."

Concept of Sovereignty

India classified as an independent state with no external authority.
Not considered a dominion or dependent entity.

Union and its Territory

Article 1: Defines territory as non-federal with specific provisions for new states and alterations.
Articles 2 and 3 outline the powers of Parliament to create or modify states.
Legislative changes require the President's recommendation before introduction in Parliament.

Fundamental Rights

Article 14 ensures equality before the law and equal protection under the law, applicable to all persons.
Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, with specific access rights to public venues.
Equality before law follows British legal principles, while equal protection derives from US jurisprudence.
Judicial rulings have established that 'Rule of Law' is a fundamental feature of the Constitution and cannot be altered.

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Description

This quiz covers essential topics related to election laws, electoral reforms, and voting behavior. It also explores the concepts of coalition government and anti-defection laws. Test your understanding of these critical elements in political science.