The making of the Indian Constitution was a monumental task carried out by some of the finest minds of the time under the aegis of the Constituent Assembly. From its formation in 1946 to the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, the journey involved detailed debates, numerous committees, and landmark decisions that continue to shape Indian governance.
Making of the Constitution MCQs and Answers
1. The idea of a Constituent Assembly for India was officially accepted by the British government for the first time in which of the following proposals?
(a) The Cripps Mission, 1942
(b) The August Offer, 1940
(c) The Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946
(d) The Wavell Plan, 1945
Answer: (b)
Explanation: While the idea of a Constituent Assembly had been discussed by Indian nationalists for some time, the British government officially conceded to this demand for the first time in the August Offer of 1940.
2. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the composition of the Constituent Assembly formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan?
(a) Members were directly elected by the people of British India.
(b) Representatives of the Princely States were directly elected by their subjects.
(c) Members from British India were elected indirectly by the provincial legislative assemblies.
(d) The Governor-General nominated all members of the Assembly.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: According to the Cabinet Mission Plan, the members representing British India in the Constituent Assembly were elected indirectly by the members of the provincial legislative assemblies using the method of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
3. The total number of members initially planned for the Constituent Assembly was:
(a) 296
(b) 389
(c) 300
(d) 400
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a total of 389 members for the Constituent Assembly, of which 296 were to be elected from British India and 93 were to be nominated by the Princely States.
4. Consider the following individuals who were members of the Constituent Assembly:
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Rajendra Prasad
- Mahatma Gandhi
Which of the individuals listed above was NOT a member of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) 1 only
(b) 4 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi, though a towering figure in the Indian independence movement, was not a member of the Constituent Assembly.
5. The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on:
(a) December 9, 1946
(b) August 15, 1947
(c) January 26, 1950
(d) November 26, 1949
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on December 9, 1946, in the Constitution Hall (now the Central Hall of Parliament) in New Delhi.
6. Who among the following served as the provisional President of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) Rajendra Prasad
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Sachchidananda Sinha
(d) H.C. Mookherjee
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Sachchidananda Sinha, being the oldest member, was elected as the provisional (temporary) President of the Constituent Assembly during its first meeting.
7. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly on:
(a) December 9, 1946
(b) December 11, 1946
(c) January 24, 1950
(d) August 29, 1947
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Two days after the first meeting, on December 11, 1946, Rajendra Prasad was unanimously elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly.
8. The Objectives Resolution, which laid down the fundamental principles and philosophy of the Constitution, was moved in the Constituent Assembly by:
(a) B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(d) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru moved the historic Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946. It was unanimously adopted on January 22, 1947, and shaped the Constitution that followed.
9. Consider the following committees of the Constituent Assembly and their chairpersons:
- Union Powers Committee – Jawaharlal Nehru
- Provincial Constitution Committee – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Drafting Committee – B.R. Ambedkar
- Rules of Procedure Committee – Rajendra Prasad
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: (d)
Explanation: All the listed committees and their chairpersons are correctly matched. These were some of the most important committees that played a crucial role in framing the Constitution.
10. The Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly comprised how many members, including the Chairman?
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 7
(d) 8
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Drafting Committee, arguably the most crucial committee, had seven members, with B.R. Ambedkar as its Chairman.
11. Who among the following was NOT a member of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
(b) K.M. Munshi
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru was not a member of the Drafting Committee. He chaired several other important committees like the Union Powers Committee and the Union Constitution Committee.
12. The Constituent Assembly took how long to finalize the Constitution of India?
(a) Exactly two years
(b) Approximately two years and eleven months
(c) Two years, eleven months, and eighteen days
(d) Three years
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly took exactly two years, eleven months, and eighteen days to complete the monumental task of drafting the Constitution of India.
13. The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:
(a) December 9, 1946
(b) August 15, 1947
(c) November 26, 1949
(d) January 26, 1950
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. This day is commemorated as Constitution Day.
14. The Constitution of India came into force on:
(a) November 26, 1949
(b) January 26, 1950
(c) August 15, 1947
(d) December 9, 1946
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950. This day is celebrated as Republic Day in India.
15. The idea of including Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India was primarily inspired by:
(a) The American Bill of Rights
(b) The British Bill of Rights
(c) The Irish Constitution
(d) The French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution draw heavily from the Bill of Rights in the American Constitution.
16. The concept of Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the Constitution of:
(a) Canada
(b) Australia
(c) Ireland
(d) Germany
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Directive Principles of State Policy, contained in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, were inspired by the Irish Constitution of 1937.
17. The procedure for the amendment of the Constitution of India is laid down in Article:
(a) 356
(b) 360
(c) 368
(d) 370
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 368 of the Constitution of India deals with the powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution and the procedure to be followed for such amendments.
18. The principle of “Procedure established by Law” adopted in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is influenced by the Constitution of:
(a) United States
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Japan
(d) Canada
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The phrase “Procedure established by Law” in Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty) of the Indian Constitution is derived from the Constitution of Japan.
19. Which of the following committees of the Constituent Assembly dealt with the issue of the national flag?
(a) Union Powers Committee
(b) Ad hoc Committee on the National Flag
(c) States Committee
(d) Steering Committee
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Ad hoc Committee on the National Flag, chaired by Rajendra Prasad, was specifically constituted to deliberate on and finalize the design of the national flag of India.
20. The principle of Parliamentary form of government adopted in the Indian Constitution is primarily based on the model of:
(a) United States
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Canada
(d) Australia
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Indian Constitution adopts a Parliamentary form of government, which is closely modeled on the Westminster system prevalent in the United Kingdom.
21. The idea of a written constitution for India was a result of:
(a) The long history of British parliamentary acts applicable to India.
(b) The desire to have a fundamental law superior to ordinary laws.
(c) The influence of the American Constitution.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The decision to have a written constitution for India was influenced by multiple factors, including the legacy of British legislation, the aspiration for a supreme fundamental law, and the examples of other nations with written constitutions, notably the United States.
22. Which of the following committees of the Constituent Assembly negotiated with the Princely States for their integration into the Indian Union?
(a) Union Powers Committee
(b) States Committee
(c) Provincial Constitution Committee
(d) Drafting Committee
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The States Committee, usually chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru, was entrusted with the crucial task of negotiating with the rulers of the Princely States for their accession to the Indian Union.
23. The concept of judicial review in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from the Constitution of:
(a) United Kingdom
(b) Ireland
(c) United States
(d) Australia
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The power of judicial review, which allows the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, is a feature borrowed from the American Constitution.
24. The Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution was adopted from the Constitution of:
(a) Canada
(b) Australia
(c) Ireland
(d) South Africa
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The division of powers into three lists—Union List, State List, and Concurrent List—in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, with the Concurrent List allowing both the Union and the states to legislate on certain subjects, was adopted from the Australian Constitution.
25. The debates in the Constituent Assembly provide valuable insights into the intentions and philosophies of the constitution-makers. These debates are officially recorded and published as:
(a) The Constitution of India
(b) The Constituent Assembly Debates
(c) The Framing of India’s Constitution
(d) India Wins Freedom
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The proceedings and discussions that took place in the Constituent Assembly were meticulously recorded and have been published in a series of volumes known as the Constituent Assembly Debates.
26. The initial proposal for the division of powers between the Union and the states in the Indian Constitution was primarily based on:
(a) The Government of India Act, 1919
(b) The Nehru Report, 1928
(c) The Government of India Act, 1935
(d) The Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The scheme of distribution of powers between the center and the provinces under the Government of India Act, 1935, served as a significant basis for the division of powers in the Indian Constitution, although with modifications.
27. Which of the following features of the Indian Constitution reflects a blend of rigidity and flexibility?
(a) Fundamental Rights
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) The Amendment Procedure under Article 368
(d) The Federal System
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The amendment procedure under Article 368 requires different levels of majority for different types of amendments, reflecting a balance between the need for constitutional stability (rigidity) and the necessity for adaptation to changing circumstances (flexibility).
28. The provision for the election of the President of India was adopted from the Constitution of:
(a) United States
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Ireland
(d) Canada
Answer: (c)
Explanation: While India adopted a parliamentary system from the UK, the method of election of the President as the head of the state (indirect election by an electoral college) was inspired by the Irish Constitution.
29. The suspension of Fundamental Rights during a national emergency is a provision drawn from the Constitution of:
(a) Germany (Weimar Constitution)
(b) Canada
(c) Australia
(d) South Africa
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The provision for the suspension of Fundamental Rights during a national emergency, as outlined in Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, has its roots in the Weimar Constitution of Germany.
30. The concept of “Union of States” used to describe India in Article 1 of the Constitution emphasizes:
(a) The indestructible nature of the Indian Union.
(b) The result of an agreement between the states.
(c) The equal status of all states.
(d) The right of states to secede from the Union.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 1 describes India as a “Union of States” rather than a “Federation of States” to indicate that the Indian Union is not the result of an agreement between independent states and that the states do not have the right to secede from it.
31. Who among the following played a significant role in shaping the linguistic provinces in India post-independence, based on the debates within the Constituent Assembly and later developments?
(a) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Pattabhi Sitaramayya
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The issue of linguistic provinces was complex and debated extensively. While Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was initially cautious, Jawaharlal Nehru was more supportive. Pattabhi Sitaramayya headed the Dar Commission, which initially recommended against linguistic reorganization but later the Fazl Ali Commission, with his involvement, paved the way for it.
32. The provision for adult suffrage was adopted by the Constituent Assembly:
(a) After considerable debate and reservations.
(b) Unanimously and with strong support from all members.
(c) With a limited franchise based on property and education.
(d) Only for the elections to the central legislature initially.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Despite some initial reservations by certain members, the Constituent Assembly ultimately adopted the principle of universal adult suffrage with strong support, recognizing the equality of all citizens in the electoral process.
33. The Drafting Committee, in formulating the Constitution, was significantly influenced by:
(a) The experiences of other newly independent nations.
(b) The socio-political context of India at the time.
(c) The various drafts and reports prepared by earlier committees of the Constituent Assembly.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Drafting Committee drew upon the constitutional experiences of other countries, the specific needs and challenges of India, and the groundwork laid by other committees within the Constituent Assembly.
34. The Preamble to the Constitution of India reflects the objectives set forth in the Objectives Resolution, but with some modifications. Which of the following key ideals was explicitly emphasized in the Preamble?
(a) Complete independence
(b) Socialist state
(c) Secular state
(d) Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
Answer: (d)
Explanation: While the Preamble embodies the spirit of the Objectives Resolution, it explicitly mentions “Justice, social, economic and political,” “Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship,” “Equality of status and of opportunity,” and aims to promote “Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.” The terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were added later by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
35. The concept of “Rule of Law” which permeates the Indian Constitution is largely influenced by the constitutional tradition of:
(a) United States
(b) United Kingdom
(c) France
(d) Switzerland
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The principle of Rule of Law, which implies that all are equal before the law and governed by law, not by arbitrary power, is a fundamental aspect of the British constitutional system and has significantly influenced the Indian Constitution.
36. The debates in the Constituent Assembly reveal varying perspectives on the balance of power between the center and the states. Ultimately, the Constitution adopted a system that is often described as:
(a) Purely federal
(b) Purely unitary
(c) Quasi-federal or a federal system with a strong centralizing tendency
(d) Confederal
Answer: (c)
Explanation: While the Indian Constitution establishes a federal structure with the division of powers, it also incorporates several features that give the central government a stronger position, leading it to be often described as quasi-federal or a federal system with a strong centralizing tendency.
37. The provision for the establishment of All India Services finds its historical precedent in:
(a) The Regulating Act of 1773
(b) Pitt’s India Act of 1784
(c) The Government of India Act, 1858
(d) The Mont
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1858, which transferred the administration of India from the East India Company to the Crown, also laid the groundwork for the creation of All India Services under the control of the Secretary of State for India.
38. The Constituent Assembly also functioned as the provisional Parliament of India until the first general elections. During this period, it was presided over by:
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(c) Rajendra Prasad
(d) G.V. Mavalankar
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Rajendra Prasad, who was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly, continued to preside over its sessions even when it functioned as the provisional Parliament of India. G.V. Mavalankar later became the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha after the first general elections.
39. The concept of single citizenship in India was adopted from the constitutional framework of:
(a) United States
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Canada
(d) Australia
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Unlike the federal system of the United States which has dual citizenship (federal and state), India adopted the concept of single citizenship, where every citizen is primarily a citizen of India, following the model of the United Kingdom.
40. The debates in the Constituent Assembly highlight the importance given to minority rights and their protection. Which of the following committees was primarily concerned with safeguarding the interests of minorities?
(a) Union Powers Committee
(b) Provincial Constitution Committee
(c) Minorities Committee
(d) Drafting Committee
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Minorities Committee, chaired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, played a crucial role in deliberating on and recommending provisions for the protection of the interests of various minority communities in India.
41. The process of enacting the Constitution involved several readings of the draft Constitution in the Assembly. How many readings did the draft Constitution undergo before being finally adopted?
(a) Two
(b) Three
(c) Four
(d) Five
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The draft Constitution prepared by the Drafting Committee underwent three readings in the Constituent Assembly, during which it was debated, amended, and finally adopted.
42. The lion capital adopted as the national emblem of India was taken from the Sarnath pillar of which ruler, whose influence on the principles of governance was also acknowledged during the Constitution-making process?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Kanishka
(d) Samudragupta
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The lion capital is adopted from the Ashokan pillar at Sarnath. The principles of dharma and righteous governance advocated by Emperor Ashoka were also influential during the framing of the Constitution.
43. The Constituent Assembly included women members who played a significant role in the deliberations. How many women were members of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 15
(d) 17
Answer: (c)
Explanation: There were 15 women members in the Constituent Assembly, representing diverse backgrounds and contributing significantly to the debates on various aspects of the Constitution.
44. The provision for impeachment of the President of India, as laid down in Article 61 of the Constitution, is borrowed from the Constitution of:
(a) United Kingdom
(b) United States
(c) Ireland
(d) Canada
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The procedure for the impeachment of the President of India for violation of the Constitution is similar to the impeachment process outlined in the Constitution of the United States.
45. The debates in the Constituent Assembly often involved discussions on the balance between individual liberties and the needs of the state. Which part of the Constitution primarily addresses individual liberties?
(a) Directive Principles of State Policy
(b) Fundamental Duties
(c) Fundamental Rights
(d) Preamble
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Part III of the Constitution of India enshrines the Fundamental Rights, which guarantee various freedoms and protect the individual against arbitrary state action, reflecting the importance given to individual liberties during the constitution-making process.
46. The idea of residuary powers being vested in the central government, as opposed to the states, in the Indian federal system was adopted from the Constitution of:
(a) United States
(b) Australia
(c) Canada
(d) Switzerland
Answer: (c)
Explanation: In the Canadian federal system, residuary powers (powers not specifically enumerated in the lists) are vested in the central government. India adopted a similar approach.
47. The Constituent Assembly held its last session on:
(a) November 26, 1949
(b) January 24, 1950
(c) January 26, 1950
(d) August 15, 1947
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The last session of the Constituent Assembly was held on January 24, 1950. On this day, the members signed the final version of the Constitution.
48. The total number of days the Constituent Assembly held its sittings to frame the Constitution was approximately:
(a) 114 days
(b) 165 days
(c) 299 days
(d) 350 days
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly held 11 sessions over a period of two years, eleven months, and eighteen days, totaling approximately 165 days of sittings.
49. The initial debates in the Constituent Assembly regarding the nature of the Indian state saw a strong advocacy for a secular outlook. Which of the following best reflects this early understanding of secularism in the Indian context?
(a) Complete separation of religion and state with no interaction.
(b) Equal respect for all religions by the state without any state religion.
(c) State support and promotion of all religions equally.
(d) A state that is anti-religious.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The early understanding of secularism in the Constituent Assembly, championed by many leaders, emphasized the principle of equal respect for all religions by the state, with the state itself not adhering to any particular religion. The explicit mention of ‘secular’ in the Preamble came later.
50. The smooth functioning of the Constituent Assembly was facilitated by various rules and procedures. Which committee was primarily responsible for framing these rules of procedure?
(a) Drafting Committee
(b) Steering Committee
(c) Rules of Procedure Committee
(d) Union Constitution Committee
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Rules of Procedure Committee, chaired by Rajendra Prasad, was responsible for formulating the rules and procedures that governed the conduct of business in the Constituent Assembly.
This blog post presents Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) based on the formation, structure, functioning, and key committees of the Constituent Assembly. These questions are crafted specifically for aspirants preparing for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other competitive exams, with clear answers and concise explanations to help solidify your understanding.