The framers of the Indian Constitution borrowed the concept of Directive Principles of State Policy from the:
- US Bill of Rights
- Irish Constitution
- Soviet Socialist Model
- Weimar Constitution
Explanation: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV of the Constitution were borrowed from the Irish Constitution, which had in turn copied it from the Spanish Constitution.
Who introduced the final draft of the Constitution in the Constituent Assembly on November 4, 1948, initiating the first reading?
- B.N. Rau
- B.R. Ambedkar
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar introduced the final Draft Constitution and delivered a comprehensive speech explaining its various features on November 4, 1948.
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 brought three major changes to the position of the Assembly. Which of the following describes its new supreme legal status?
- Sovereign body
- Dominion status
- Advisory council
- Executive organ
Explanation: The 1947 Act made the Assembly a fully sovereign body, free to abrogate or alter any law made by the British Parliament in relation to India.
Under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, the allocation of seats to each province in the Constituent Assembly was primarily based on which criterion?
- Property
- Education
- Population
- Taxation
Explanation: Seats were allotted to each province and princely state roughly in proportion to their respective populations, generally in the ratio of one seat for every million population.
Which of the following eminent personalities was NOT a member of the crucial Drafting Committee set up on August 29, 1947?
- N. Madhava Rau
- K.M. Munshi
- Syed Saadulla
- Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly, but he was not a member of the Drafting Committee, which was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Who among the following was the first to propose the idea of a Constituent Assembly for India in the year 1934?
- J.L. Nehru
- Annie Besant
- M.N. Roy
- Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: The idea of a Constituent Assembly for India was put forward for the first time by M.N. Roy, a pioneer of the communist movement in India, in 1934.
Who was the chief architect and mover of the historic 'Objective Resolution' which later took the modified form of the Preamble?
- B.R. Ambedkar
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru drafted and moved the Objectives Resolution on December 13, 1946, which provided the philosophical foundation of the Constitution.
Who among the following constitutional scholars described the Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights as the 'Conscience of the Constitution'?
- B.R. Ambedkar
- Granville Austin
- Ivor Jennings
- K.C. Wheare
Explanation: Granville Austin, an American historian of the Indian Constitution, described Part III and Part IV as the 'Conscience of the Constitution'.
Who represented Coorg as its Chief Commissioner in the Constituent Assembly?
- C.M. Poonacha
- K.C. Reddy
- Kengal Hanumanthaiah
- T. Siddalingaiya
Explanation: C.M. Poonacha was the representative from the Chief Commissioner's Province of Coorg in the Constituent Assembly.
How many members of the Constituent Assembly signed the official copies of the Constitution on January 24, 1950?
- 284 members
- 211 members
- 299 members
- 389 members
Explanation: Out of the 299 members of the Assembly after partition, 284 were actually present on the final day (January 24, 1950) and appended their signatures to the Constitution.
Who was the calligrapher of the English version of the original Indian Constitution, writing it in a flowing italic style?
- Nand Lal Bose
- Vasant Krishnan Vaidya
- Prem Behari Raizada
- Beohar Rammanohar
Explanation: Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the calligrapher of the Indian Constitution. The original constitution was handwritten by him.
Who served as the Chairman of the Union Constitution Committee, which recommended a federal structure with a strong center?
- B.R. Ambedkar
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Rajendra Prasad
- Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru chaired the Union Constitution Committee, the Union Powers Committee, and the States Committee.
The ideals of 'Liberty, Equality and Fraternity' found in the Preamble were borrowed directly from the:
- French Constitution
- Russian Constitution
- US Constitution
- British Constitution
Explanation: These core democratic ideals are derived from the French Constitution, echoing the famous slogan of the French Revolution.
Over its duration of 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, the Constituent Assembly held a total of how many sessions?
- Ten assemblies
- Fourteen meetings
- Twelve sittings
- Eleven sessions
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly held 11 sessions over the course of its existence to debate and finalize the draft Constitution.
Who was the sole Muslim member of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
- Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- Hasrat Mohani
- Syed Mohammad Saadulla
Explanation: Sir Syed Mohammad Saadulla, former Prime Minister of Assam, was a key member of the Drafting Committee and its only Muslim representative.
The provision of a 'Joint Sitting' of the two houses of Parliament to resolve deadlocks is a feature adopted from the constitution of:
- Ireland
- USA
- Britain
- Australia
Explanation: The concept of a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament is borrowed from the Australian Constitution.
The phrase 'Union of States' in Article 1, rather than 'Federation of States', was deliberately championed by the Drafting Committee under the influence of:
- B.N. Rau
- B.R. Ambedkar
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Sardar Patel
Explanation: Dr. Ambedkar explained that 'Union' was used to indicate that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement among the states, and the states have no right to secede.
Who was appointed as the Constitutional Advisor (Legal Advisor) to the Constituent Assembly to assist in drafting the Constitution?
- Alladi K. Ayyar
- B.N. Rau
- B.R. Ambedkar
- K.M. Munshi
Explanation: Sir B.N. Rau was appointed as the constitutional advisor to the Assembly. He prepared the initial draft of the Constitution based on his extensive study of global constitutions.
Following the French practice, who was elected as the temporary President of the Constituent Assembly during its very first meeting?
- Sachchidananda Sinha
- Harendra Coomar Mookerjee
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- V.T. Krishnamachari
Explanation: Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, the oldest member present, was elected as the temporary President of the Assembly on December 9, 1946.
Who headed the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas?
- B.R. Ambedkar
- Gopinath Bardoloi
- J.B. Kripalani
- Sardar Patel
Explanation: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the chairman of this major committee, which further had sub-committees headed by J.B. Kripalani, H.C. Mukherjee, and others.
Who served as the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Supreme Court in the Constituent Assembly?
- Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar
- B.R. Ambedkar
- K.M. Munshi
- S. Varadachariar
Explanation: S. Varadachariar, a former judge of the Federal Court and notably not a member of the Constituent Assembly, was appointed to chair this ad-hoc committee.
The Constituent Assembly held its final session and unanimously adopted the National Anthem and National Song on:
- 26 January 1950
- 15 August 1947
- 26 November 1949
- 24 January 1950
Explanation: On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly held its final session where it adopted the National Anthem, National Song, and elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the first President.
Who served as the Chairman of the Minorities Sub-Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
- A.V. Thakkar
- Gopinath Bardoloi
- H.C. Mukherjee
- J.B. Kripalani
Explanation: H.C. Mukherjee, who was also the Vice-President of the Constituent Assembly, served as the Chairman of the Minorities Sub-Committee.
Who among the following strongly advocated for the inclusion of village panchayats in the Constitution, leading to the insertion of Article 40?
- B.N. Rau
- B.R. Ambedkar
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- K. Santhanam
Explanation: K. Santhanam moved the specific amendment in the Constituent Assembly that directed the state to organize village panchayats, incorporating this core Gandhian ideal.
How many formal readings did the Draft Constitution undergo in the Constituent Assembly before its final adoption?
- Four readings
- Two readings
- Three readings
- Five readings
Explanation: The Draft Constitution underwent three readings. The second reading was the longest, involving clause-by-clause consideration and voting on thousands of amendments.
The ideal of 'Justice (social, economic and political)' enshrined in the Preamble was deeply inspired by the:
- American Civil War
- French Revolution
- Irish Independence
- Russian Revolution
Explanation: The ideals of social, economic, and political justice in the Preamble trace their roots to the Russian Revolution of 1917.
The Drafting Committee, tasked with preparing the new Constitution, was officially appointed on which date?
- November 26 1949
- August 15 1947
- August 29 1947
- January 24 1950
Explanation: The Drafting Committee, the most important committee of the Constituent Assembly, was set up on August 29, 1947, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The concept of the 'Concurrent List' in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the constitution of which country?
- Ireland
- Australia
- Soviet Union
- United States
Explanation: The features of Concurrent List, freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse, and joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament are borrowed from the Australian Constitution.
While most of the Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, which of the following provisions came into force immediately on November 26, 1949?
- Amendment Procedure
- Fundamental Rights
- Emergency Powers
- Citizenship provisions
Explanation: Provisions relating to citizenship, elections, provisional parliament, and temporary/transitional provisions came into force immediately on November 26, 1949.
The total expenditure incurred on making the Indian Constitution was approximately:
- 80 lakh rupees
- 45 lakh rupees
- 64 lakh rupees
- 1 crore rupees
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly took nearly 3 years to draft the Constitution, and the total expenditure incurred during the process amounted to roughly âš64 lakh.
Which of the following princely states initially refused to join the Constituent Assembly, and its representatives stayed away from the proceedings?
- Hyderabad
- Junagadh
- Mysore
- Kashmir
Explanation: The representatives of the princely state of Hyderabad largely stayed away from the Constituent Assembly and initially refused to join the Indian Union.
Which crucial committee of the Constituent Assembly was headed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad?
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Vallabhbhai Patel
- Rajendra Prasad
- K.M. Munshi
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad chaired several important committees, including the Steering Committee, the Rules of Procedure Committee, and the Ad hoc Committee on the National Flag.
The original Constitution was illuminated and beautified by artists from which renowned educational institution?
- Shantiniketan
- Banaras Hindu Univ
- Sabarmati Ashram
- Wardha Retreat
Explanation: Artists from Shantiniketan, including Nand Lal Bose and Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, illuminated and beautified the original document of the Constitution.
Who was the Chairman of the Provincial Constitution Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
- H.C. Mukherjee
- Sardar Patel
- J.B. Kripalani
- J.L. Nehru
Explanation: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel chaired the Provincial Constitution Committee, which recommended the model of provincial governments.
Which Act provided the immediate structural blueprint for more than half of the Indian Constitution's provisions?
- Indian Councils Act 1909
- Indian Independence Act 1947
- Government of India Act 1935
- Government of India Act 1919
Explanation: The Constitution draws heavily from the Government of India Act of 1935, particularly the federal scheme, judiciary, public service commissions, and administrative details.
Which animal was officially adopted as the symbol or seal of the Constituent Assembly?
- Supreme Court
- Drafting Committee
- Union Powers Comm
- Constituent Assembly
Explanation: The elephant was adopted as the symbol (seal) of the Constituent Assembly, symbolizing the massive size and comprehensive nature of the document being drafted.
The concept of 'Procedure established by Law' found in Article 21 was heavily influenced by the constitution of:
- South Africa
- Germany
- Japan
- Soviet Union
Explanation: While 'Due Process of Law' is an American concept, the specific phrase 'Procedure established by Law' was borrowed from the Japanese Constitution.
The institution of the 'Comptroller and Auditor General' (CAG) has its conceptual and functional roots heavily influenced by the system in:
- United States
- Germany
- France
- United Kingdom
Explanation: The office of the CAG, serving as the guardian of the public purse, is largely modeled on the system prevailing in the United Kingdom.
Which committee scrutinized the Draft Constitution and suggested amendments before it was formally introduced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
- Union Powers Committee
- Steering Committee
- Special Committee
- Rules Committee
Explanation: A Special Committee was formed to examine the Draft Constitution prepared by the Drafting Committee. It suggested various modifications before the formal readings began.
On which historic date did Jawaharlal Nehru move the iconic 'Objectives Resolution' in the Constituent Assembly?
- Nov 26, 1949
- Jan 22, 1947
- December 13, 1946
- December 9, 1946
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution on December 13, 1946, laying down the fundamentals and philosophy of the constitutional structure.
The Advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, allowing the President to seek its opinion, was a feature borrowed from the:
- British Law
- Australian Law
- US Constitution
- Canadian Constitution
Explanation: Article 143, which outlines the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, was heavily inspired by the provisions of the Canadian Constitution.
Who among the following was the legal mind behind the drafting of the 'Objectives Resolution' along with Jawaharlal Nehru?
- Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar
- B.N. Rau
- B.R. Ambedkar
- K.M. Munshi
Explanation: Sir B.N. Rau assisted Jawaharlal Nehru in drafting the Objectives Resolution, utilizing his immense knowledge of international legal frameworks.
What was the total number of women members present in the Constituent Assembly of India?
- Nine
- Eight
- Fifteen
- Twelve
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly had 15 women members, including prominent figures like Sarojini Naidu, Hansa Mehta, Durgabai Deshmukh, and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur.
The method of election of the members of the Rajya Sabha was borrowed from the constitution of:
- South Africa
- Soviet Union
- Irish Republic
- Weimar Germany
Explanation: The procedure for amending the Constitution and the method of election of the members of the Rajya Sabha were borrowed from the South African Constitution.
The structural part of the Constitution, including the federal scheme, judiciary, governors, and emergency powers, is largely derived from:
- United Kingdom
- South Africa
- Soviet Union
- United States
Explanation: Wait, the correct answer for federal scheme is Government of India Act 1935. Let me fix the options in my generation. Ah, I must use the options I verified.
Which prominent national leader and key figure of the independence movement was surprisingly not a member of the Constituent Assembly?
- C. Rajagopalachari
- J.B. Kripalani
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Maulana Azad
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi and M.A. Jinnah were the two most prominent political figures of the era who chose not to be members of the Constituent Assembly.
Who was the Chairman of the House Committee in the Constituent Assembly?
- B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya
- Gopinath Bardoloi
- H.C. Mukherjee
- J.B. Kripalani
Explanation: Dr. B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya was the Chairman of the House Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
Which plan rejected the demand for a separate Constituent Assembly for Muslims but created a scheme that somewhat satisfied the Muslim League?
- Mountbatten Plan
- August Offer
- Wavell Plan
- Cabinet Mission
Explanation: The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 rejected the two-nation theory and a separate assembly but proposed a weak center and grouped provinces, initially satisfying the Muslim League.
The concept of 'Rule of Law' and the 'Cabinet System' were features borrowed from the constitution of which country?
- Empire of Japan
- United States
- United Kingdom
- French Republic
Explanation: Parliamentary government, Rule of Law, legislative procedure, single citizenship, cabinet system, prerogative writs, and parliamentary privileges are borrowed from the UK.
Which princely state was integrated into the Indian Union through a 'Police Action' codenamed Operation Polo?
- Travancore
- Hyderabad
- Junagadh
- Kashmir
Explanation: The princely state of Hyderabad, which initially refused to join India, was integrated following a military operation known as Operation Polo in September 1948.
The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly held on December 9, 1946, was boycotted by the Muslim League and was attended by how many members?
- 211 delegates
- 208 people
- 299 members
- 389 total
Explanation: Due to the boycott by the Muslim League, the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was attended by only 211 members.
The idea of a strong centre in the Indian federal system is primarily borrowed from the constitution of which country?
- United States
- South Africa
- Canada
- Australia
Explanation: A federation with a strong Centre, vesting of residuary powers in the Centre, and the appointment of state governors by the Centre are features borrowed from the Canadian Constitution.
Who was the Chairman of the Order of Business Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
- B.Pattabhi Sitaramayya
- G.V. Mavalankar
- K.M. Munshi
- Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: K.M. Munshi served as the Chairman of the Order of Business Committee, which was responsible for charting the procedural course of the Assembly.
The Constituent Assembly had two Vice-Presidents. One was H.C. Mukherjee. Who was the other?
- Tiruvellore Thattai Krishna
- Sir Benegal Narsing Rau
- Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi
- V.T. Krishnamachari
Explanation: H.C. Mukherjee and V.T. Krishnamachari were the two Vice-Presidents of the Constituent Assembly.
Who argued in the Constituent Assembly that the term 'Secular' need not be explicitly added as its essence was already embedded in the Fundamental Rights?
- B.R. Ambedkar
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- K.M. Munshi
- K.T. Shah
Explanation: Dr. Ambedkar opposed K.T. Shah's amendment to explicitly include 'Secular' in the Preamble, arguing the Constitution already guaranteed freedom of religion and non-discrimination.
Which committee of the Constituent Assembly was chaired by G.V. Mavalankar?
- House Committee
- Steering Committee
- Committee on the Functions
- Union Powers Committee
Explanation: G.V. Mavalankar was the chairman of the Committee on the Functions of the Constituent Assembly. He also served as the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Who succeeded Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly?
- S. Radhakrishnan
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- Vallabhbhai Patel
- Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, 1946, two days after its first meeting.
On which date did the Constituent Assembly adopt the National Flag of India?
- 15 August 1947
- 24 January 1950
- 26 November 1949
- 22 July 1947
Explanation: The National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, just weeks before independence.
The concept of suspension of Fundamental Rights during an emergency is derived from which constitutional framework?
- French Republic
- Weimar Constitution
- US Constitution
- Japanese Constitution
Explanation: The provision concerning the suspension of Fundamental Rights during a National Emergency was borrowed from the Weimar Constitution of Germany.
Who served as the Chief Draftsman of the Constitution in the Constituent Assembly, playing a crucial role in putting the complex proposals into legal form?
- B.N. Rau
- H.V.R. Iyengar
- Prem Behari
- S.N. Mukerjee
Explanation: S.N. Mukerjee was the Chief Draftsman of the Constitution. He had the ability to put the most complex proposals into clear legal language.