Unlock the secrets of India’s Constitution-making process with our comprehensive guide to the Constituent Assembly and its Committees! Our curated collection of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with detailed answers will walk you through the key aspects of the Assembly’s functioning, its notable members, and the crucial role of its committees. From the Drafting Committee’s pivotal decisions to the Assembly’s debates and deliberations, our MCQs will test your knowledge and understanding of this pivotal period in Indian history. Perfect for UPSC CSE Prelims aspirants, our questions and answers will help you refine your preparation and boost your confidence for the exam.
MCQs on Constituent Assembly and its Committees
The Constituent Assembly was formed under the:
(a) Simon Commission Plan
(b) Cripps Mission Plan
(c) Cabinet Mission Plan
(d) Mountbatten Plan
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly was constituted in November 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
Which of the following statements regarding the composition of the Constituent Assembly is correct?
(a) The members were directly elected by the people.
(b) The members were nominated by the Governor-General.
(c) The Assembly consisted of representatives from British India and the Princely States.
(d) The members were elected by the Provincial Legislative Councils and nominated by the British government.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly had members who were elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies and those nominated by the Princely States.
The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on:
(a) 9th December 1946
(b) 15th August 1947
(c) 26th January 1950
(d) 26th November 1949
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on 9th December 1946 in the Constitution Hall (now the Central Hall of Parliament).
Who among the following was the temporary chairman of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(d) Sachchidananda Sinha
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Sachchidananda Sinha was the first temporary chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
Who was elected as the permanent Chairman of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(d) C. Rajagopalachari
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent Chairman of the Constituent Assembly on 11th December 1946.
Which of the following statements is/are correct about the election of the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly?
- He was elected by the members of the Constituent Assembly.
- He was elected directly by the people of India.
- He was nominated by the British Government.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Chairman of the Constituent Assembly was elected by its members.
The ‘Objectives Resolution’ in the Constituent Assembly was moved by:
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The ‘Objectives Resolution,’ which laid down the aims and objectives of the Constitution, was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13th December 1946.
The ‘Objectives Resolution’ was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:
(a) 26th November 1949
(b) 26th January 1950
(c) 22nd January 1947
(d) 15th August 1947
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the ‘Objectives Resolution’ on 22nd January 1947.
How many readings did the draft Constitution go through in the Constituent Assembly?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The draft Constitution went through three readings in the Constituent Assembly.
Who among the following was the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly?
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(c) B.N. Rau
(d) K.M. Munshi
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Sir B.N. Rau was the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly.
Which of the following committees of the Constituent Assembly was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
(a) Union Powers Committee
(b) Provincial Constitution Committee
(c) Drafting Committee
(d) Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee, which was responsible for preparing the draft Constitution.
The Drafting Committee was formed on:
(a) 13th December 1946
(b) 22nd January 1947
(c) 29th August 1947
(d) 26th November 1949
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Drafting Committee was formed on 29th August 1947.
How many members were there in the Drafting Committee initially?
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 7
(d) 8
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Drafting Committee initially had seven members, including the Chairman, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Which of the following committees of the Constituent Assembly was chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru?
(a) Drafting Committee
(b) Union Powers Committee
(c) Provincial Constitution Committee
(d) Fundamental Rights Committee
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru chaired the Union Powers Committee and the Union Constitution Committee.
The Provincial Constitution Committee was headed by:
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Provincial Constitution Committee was headed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas was chaired by:
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas was chaired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Which of the following committees of the Constituent Assembly dealt with the rules of procedure?
(a) Drafting Committee
(b) Steering Committee
(c) Rules Committee
(d) Union Powers Committee
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Rules Committee dealt with the rules of procedure of the Assembly.
The Steering Committee of the Constituent Assembly was headed by:
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Steering Committee was headed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Flag on:
(a) 26th January 1950
(b) 15th August 1947
(c) 22nd July 1947
(d) 26th November 1949
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Flag on 22nd July 1947.
The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Anthem on:
(a) 26th January 1950
(b) 15th August 1947
(c) 22nd July 1947
(d) 24th January 1950
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Anthem on 24th January 1950.
The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Song on:
(a) 26th January 1950
(b) 15th August 1947
(c) 22nd July 1947
(d) 24th January 1950
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Song on 24th January 1950.
The Constitution of India was adopted on:
(a) 26th January 1950
(b) 15th August 1947
(c) 26th November 1949
(d) 24th January 1950
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constitution of India was adopted on 26th November 1949.
The Constitution of India came into force on:
(a) 26th January 1950
(b) 15th August 1947
(c) 26th November 1949
(d) 24th January 1950
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Constitution of India came into force on 26th January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day.
The Constituent Assembly took how long to complete the drafting of the Constitution?
(a) 2 years
(b) 2 years, 7 months, and 23 days
(c) 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days
(d) 3 years
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Constitution.
Which of the following statements is/are correct about the nature of the Constituent Assembly?
- It was a partly elected and partly nominated body.
- It was a sovereign body.
- It was formed on the basis of universal adult franchise.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly was partly elected and partly nominated and was a sovereign body, but it was not formed on the basis of universal adult franchise.
The total number of members in the Constituent Assembly was initially:
(a) 300
(b) 389
(c) 400
(d) 500
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The total number of members in the Constituent Assembly was initially 389.
After the partition of India, the strength of the Constituent Assembly was reduced to:
(a) 299
(b) 300
(c) 350
(d) 250
Answer: (a)
Explanation: After the partition of India, the strength of the Constituent Assembly was reduced to 299.
Which of the following statements is correct about the method of election in the Constituent Assembly?
(a) Direct election by the people
(b) Indirect election by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
(c) Nomination by the British Government
(d) Election by the Princely States
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The members of the Constituent Assembly were indirectly elected by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
The primary objective of the Constituent Assembly was to:
(a) Frame the Constitution for independent India
(b) Enact laws for the country
(c) Serve as the first Parliament of India
(d) Demand complete independence from Britain
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The primary objective of the Constituent Assembly was to frame the Constitution for independent India.
Which of the following was NOT a committee of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) Drafting Committee
(b) Rules Committee
(c) States Committee
(d) Planning Committee
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Planning Committee was not a committee of the Constituent Assembly.
The States Committee of the Constituent Assembly was chaired by:
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The States Committee, which negotiated with the Princely States, was chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru.
Which of the following committees advised on the structure of the Union Government?
(a) Drafting Committee
(b) Union Powers Committee
(c) Union Constitution Committee
(d) Rules Committee
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Union Constitution Committee, chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru, advised on the principles of the Union Constitution.
The committee that examined and reported on the financial provisions of the Constitution was the:
(a) Drafting Committee
(b) Finance Committee
(c) Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas
(d) Union Powers Committee
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Finance Committee examined and reported on the financial provisions of the Constitution.
Which committee of the Constituent Assembly dealt with the powers of the states?
(a) Drafting Committee
(b) Provincial Constitution Committee
(c) States Committee
(d) Union Powers Committee
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Provincial Constitution Committee, chaired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, dealt with the principles of the State Constitutions.
The special committee to examine the draft Constitution was chaired by:
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(d) Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The special committee to examine the draft Constitution was chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Which of the following was a major contribution of the Drafting Committee?
(a) Defining the objectives of the Constitution
(b) Preparing the draft Constitution
(c) Advising on fundamental rights
(d) Negotiating with the Princely States
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Drafting Committee’s major contribution was preparing the draft Constitution, which formed the basis for the final document.
The Constituent Assembly decided on the national emblem on:
(a) 26th January 1950
(b) 15th August 1947
(c) 22nd July 1947
(d) 24th January 1950
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the national emblem on 26th January 1950.
Who among the following was a prominent woman member of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) Sarojini Naidu
(b) Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
(c) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur were all prominent women members of the Constituent Assembly.
Which of the following statements about the participation of women in the Constituent Assembly is correct?
(a) They played a minimal role in the debates.
(b) They actively participated and made significant contributions.
(c) They were primarily nominated and did not participate in the elections.
(d) They only participated in the later stages of the Constitution-making process.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Women actively participated in the Constituent Assembly debates and made significant contributions to the framing of the Constitution.
The Constituent Assembly held its sessions in:
(a) Bombay
(b) Calcutta
(c) Delhi
(d) Madras
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly held its sessions primarily in Delhi.
Which of the following statements regarding the representation of Princely States in the Constituent Assembly is correct?
(a) Their representatives were directly elected by the people.
(b) They were initially reluctant to join the Assembly.
(c) They were given equal representation to British India.
(d) They played a dominant role in the Assembly.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Princely States were initially reluctant to join the Constituent Assembly and joined later after negotiations.
The Constituent Assembly aimed to establish:
(a) A unitary state
(b) A federal state
(c) A communist state
(d) A theocratic state
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly aimed to establish a federal state, balancing the powers between the Union and the states.
Which of the following factors influenced the decisions of the Constituent Assembly?
- The historical context of India’s struggle for independence
- The socio-economic conditions of the country
- The legal and political traditions of other countries
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The decisions of the Constituent Assembly were influenced by India’s historical context, socio-economic conditions, and the legal and political traditions of other countries.
The Constituent Assembly provided for:
(a) Separate electorates for minorities
(b) Reserved seats for minorities
(c) No representation for minorities
(d) Dominant representation for minorities
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly provided for reserved seats for minorities to ensure their representation and protect their interests.
Which of the following languages was predominantly used in the Constituent Assembly debates?
(a) Hindi
(b) English
(c) Sanskrit
(d) Urdu
Answer: (b)
Explanation: English was the predominant language used in the Constituent Assembly debates, though members could speak in any Indian language.
The Constituent Assembly emphasized the importance of:
(a) Individual rights
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Both individual rights and Directive Principles
(d) Neither individual rights nor Directive Principles
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly emphasized the importance of both individual rights (Fundamental Rights) and Directive Principles of State Policy, aiming to balance individual liberties with social justice.
Which of the following statements is correct about the amendments to the draft Constitution?
(a) No amendments were allowed.
(b) Only minor amendments were permitted.
(c) Members moved numerous amendments, which were debated and voted upon.
(d) Amendments were only accepted if proposed by the British government.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Members of the Constituent Assembly moved numerous amendments, which were thoroughly debated and voted upon, reflecting the democratic nature of the process.
The Constituent Assembly aimed to create a Constitution that was:
(a) Rigid and unchangeable
(b) Flexible and easily amendable
(c) A balance of rigidity and flexibility
(d) Entirely based on foreign models
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly aimed to create a Constitution that was a balance of rigidity and flexibility, allowing for amendments while safeguarding its core principles.
Which of the following is a criticism of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) It was too quick in drafting the Constitution.
(b) It was not adequately representative.
(c) It did not give enough importance to the states.
(d) It was dominated by socialist ideology.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: One of the criticisms of the Constituent Assembly is that it was not directly elected by the people and thus was not fully representative.
The Constituent Assembly provided for an independent:
(a) Executive
(b) Legislature
(c) Judiciary
(d) All of the above
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly provided for an independent judiciary to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of citizens.
Consider the following statements regarding the formation of the Constituent Assembly:
- It was constituted under the recommendations of the Cabinet Mission.
- The elections to the Constituent Assembly were held on the basis of universal adult suffrage.
- The scheme of elections was indirect.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly was formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan, and the elections were indirect, by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
Which of the following statements is/are correct about the composition of the Constituent Assembly?
- The representatives of the Princely States were nominated by their respective rulers.
- The representatives from British India were directly elected by the people.
- The Assembly included members from all sections of the society.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Princely States nominated their representatives, and the Assembly was broadly representative. The representatives from British India were indirectly elected.
The ‘Objectives Resolution’ influenced which of the following parts of the Indian Constitution the most?
(a) Fundamental Rights
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Preamble
(d) Fundamental Duties
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The ‘Objectives Resolution’ greatly influenced the drafting of the Preamble, setting out the basic philosophy of the Constitution.
Which of the following committees of the Constituent Assembly was responsible for negotiating with the Princely States?
(a) Drafting Committee
(b) States Committee
(c) Provincial Constitution Committee
(d) Union Powers Committee
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The States Committee, chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru, was responsible for negotiating with the Princely States for their integration into the Indian Union.
The term ‘Constituent Assembly’ refers to:
(a) A body of legal experts
(b) A group of political leaders
(c) An assembly of representatives elected or nominated for the purpose of framing a constitution
(d) A committee of the Parliament
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A Constituent Assembly is specifically formed to draft or frame a constitution for a country.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the role of the Constituent Assembly?
- It framed the Constitution of India.
- It acted as the first Parliament of independent India.
- It amended the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly framed the Constitution, acted as the provisional Parliament, and adapted the Indian Independence Act.
The Constituent Assembly provided for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in:
(a) The legislature
(b) The executive
(c) Both the legislature and the executive
(d) Neither the legislature nor the executive
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly provided for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the legislature to ensure their political representation.