Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution

Total Questions: 70

1. Who gave the idea of a Constituent Assembly firstly for the formation of Constitution for India? [U.P.S.C. (Pre)1996]

Correct Answer: (a) Swaraj party in 1934.
Solution:The Swaraj Party, in its conference at Ranchi in May 1934, presented the policy of Constituent Assembly. It was to be composed of Indian representatives elected on the basis of adult suffrage. It was the first occasion when Indians demanded for a Constituent Assembly.

The Swaraj Party was founded in January 1923, following the Gaya session of the Indian National Congress in December 1922. Its main objective was to secure greater self-governance and political freedom for Indians under British rule, grounded in the idea of "Swaraj," meaning "self-rule" or "independence."

Leaders like C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru advocated for working within the legislative councils to push for reforms. Consequently, in the 1923 Bengal Legislative Council elections, the Swaraj Party achieved significant success. However, after the death of C. R. Das, the Swaraj party began to decline.

2. Who in the begining, presented the idea of Indian Constituent Assembly in pre independence days? [U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2017]

Correct Answer: (a) M.N. Roy
Solution:The idea of the constituent assembly was put forward for the first time by M.N. Roy in the year 1934. The first formal demand for the constituent assembly was made by Swaraj Party at a conference in Ranchi held in May, 1934.

The timeline below highlights the evolution of this idea, culminating in the Constituent Assembly's role in framing India's Constitution and paving the way for complete independence.

YearEvolution
1934The 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.
1935Indian National Congress first demanded a Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution of India.
1938J.L. Nehru declared that the Constitution of free India must be framed, without outside interference, by a Constituent Assembly elected based on Adult Franchise.
1940First time in principle, the demand for a Constituent Assembly was accepted by the British in the August offer of 1940.
1942Sir Stafford Cripps came to India with a draft proposal to frame an independent Constitution, which was rejected by the Muslim League.
1946Cabinet Mission was sent to India, which rejected the idea of two Constituent assemblies. Hence, Elections were held as per the Cabinet Mission plan of 1946 to establish the Constituent Assembly.

Composition of Constituent Assembly.

3. Who said, "The constituent Assembly alone can produce a Constitution indigenous to the country and truly and fully representing the will of the people"? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2022]

Correct Answer: (a) Mahatma Gandhi
Solution:Mahatma Gandhi wrote an article, "The Only Way", in the Harijan of 19 November 1939, in which he expressed the view that the "Constituent Assembly alone can produce a Constitution indigenous to the country and truly and fully representing the will of the people."

The timeline below highlights the evolution of this idea, culminating in the Constituent Assembly's role in framing India's Constitution and paving the way for complete independence.

YearEvolution
1934The 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.
1935Indian National Congress first demanded a Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution of India.
1938J.L. Nehru declared that the Constitution of free India must be framed, without outside interference, by a Constituent Assembly elected based on Adult Franchise.
1940First time in principle, the demand for a Constituent Assembly was accepted by the British in the August offer of 1940.
1942Sir Stafford Cripps came to India with a draft proposal to frame an independent Constitution, which was rejected by the Muslim League.
1946Cabinet Mission was sent to India, which rejected the idea of two Constituent assemblies. Hence, Elections were held as per the Cabinet Mission plan of 1946 to establish the Constituent Assembly.

Composition of Constituent Assembly.

4. The proposal for framing of the Constitution of India by an elected Constituent Assembly was made by [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008 ]

Correct Answer: (c) Cripps Mission
Solution:The proposal for framing of the Constitution of India (after the end of the Second World War) by an elected Constituent Assembly was made by the Cripps Mission (1942).

The timeline below highlights the evolution of this idea, culminating in the Constituent Assembly's role in framing India's Constitution and paving the way for complete independence.

YearEvolution
1934The 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.
1935Indian National Congress first demanded a Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution of India.
1938J.L. Nehru declared that the Constitution of free India must be framed, without outside interference, by a Constituent Assembly elected based on Adult Franchise.
1940First time in principle, the demand for a Constituent Assembly was accepted by the British in the August offer of 1940.
1942Sir Stafford Cripps came to India with a draft proposal to frame an independent Constitution, which was rejected by the Muslim League.
1946Cabinet Mission was sent to India, which rejected the idea of two Constituent assemblies. Hence, Elections were held as per the Cabinet Mission plan of 1946 to establish the Constituent Assembly.

Composition of Constituent Assembly.

5. With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements: [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2022]

1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.

2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:The Cripps mission was sent by the British government to India in March, 1942 which had the following proposals Setting up Dominion status. Any province unwilling to join the Indian dominion could form a separate union and have a separate constitution.

A Constituent Assembly would be formed to frame new constitution for the country. This assembly would have members elected by provincial assemblies and nominated by princely states. Thus statement (1) is incorrect.

6. As per Cabinet Mission plan, in the Constituent Assembly to decide allotted members seat in each province, one representative was in ratio to which population? [U.P. P.C.S (Pre) 2003]

Correct Answer: (b) 10 Lakh
Solution:The Cabinet Mission arrived in India in 1946. The Mission proposed a plan for the formation of a Constituent Assembly to frame a Constitution for the Indian Union. The representation of provinces was based on the population, roughly one representative over 10 lakh population.

By 1946, political pressure for Indian independence had reached its peak. It was evident that British rule in India was nearing its end. Following the failure of the Cripps Mission 1942, there was little left to offer in terms of conciliation, except full freedom.

  • The growing discontent within the military (as evident in the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny) with soldiers showing solidarity with nationalist movements, created fears of the unreliability of the armed forces in suppressing another large-scale rebellion like the Quit India Movement of 1942.
  • The British government recognized the urgent need for a political settlement to avoid another mass uprising and ensure favorable future relations with an independent India.

Keeping these things in mind, the Cabinet Mission was sent to India with the primary aim of ensuring a united India. This desire stemmed from the British authorities' pride in their historical role in politically unifying the subcontinent and their skepticism regarding the viability of Pakistan.

7. Who among the following persons was not a member of the Cabinet Mission? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]

Correct Answer: (a) William Wood
Solution:The members of the Cabinet Mission were Sir Pethick- Lawrence (Secretary for India), Stafford Cripps (Chairman- Board of Trade) and A. V. Alexander (Navy Minister). William Wood was not a member of the Cabinet Mission.

By 1946, political pressure for Indian independence had reached its peak. It was evident that British rule in India was nearing its end. Following the failure of the Cripps Mission 1942, there was little left to offer in terms of conciliation, except full freedom.

  • The growing discontent within the military (as evident in the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny) with soldiers showing solidarity with nationalist movements, created fears of the unreliability of the armed forces in suppressing another large-scale rebellion like the Quit India Movement of 1942.
  • The British government recognized the urgent need for a political settlement to avoid another mass uprising and ensure favorable future relations with an independent India.

Keeping these things in mind, the Cabinet Mission was sent to India with the primary aim of ensuring a united India. This desire stemmed from the British authorities' pride in their historical role in politically unifying the subcontinent and their skepticism regarding the viability of Pakistan.

8. Indian Constituent Assembly was established under- [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]

Correct Answer: (c) Cabinet Mission, 1946
Solution:U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009 The Constituent Assembly of India was constituted under the Cabinet Mission, 1946, on the basis of Indirect election.

By 1946, political pressure for Indian independence had reached its peak. It was evident that British rule in India was nearing its end. Following the failure of the Cripps Mission 1942, there was little left to offer in terms of conciliation, except full freedom.

  • The growing discontent within the military (as evident in the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny) with soldiers showing solidarity with nationalist movements, created fears of the unreliability of the armed forces in suppressing another large-scale rebellion like the Quit India Movement of 1942.
  • The British government recognized the urgent need for a political settlement to avoid another mass uprising and ensure favorable future relations with an independent India.

Keeping these things in mind, the Cabinet Mission was sent to India with the primary aim of ensuring a united India. This desire stemmed from the British authorities' pride in their historical role in politically unifying the subcontinent and their skepticism regarding the viability of Pakistan.

9. Through which plan was the Constituent Assembly created? [M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (b) Cabinet Mission Plan
Solution:U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009 The Constituent Assembly of India was constituted under the Cabinet Mission, 1946, on the basis of Indirect election.

By 1946, political pressure for Indian independence had reached its peak. It was evident that British rule in India was nearing its end. Following the failure of the Cripps Mission 1942, there was little left to offer in terms of conciliation, except full freedom.

  • The growing discontent within the military (as evident in the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny) with soldiers showing solidarity with nationalist movements, created fears of the unreliability of the armed forces in suppressing another large-scale rebellion like the Quit India Movement of 1942.
  • The British government recognized the urgent need for a political settlement to avoid another mass uprising and ensure favorable future relations with an independent India.

Keeping these things in mind, the Cabinet Mission was sent to India with the primary aim of ensuring a united India. This desire stemmed from the British authorities' pride in their historical role in politically unifying the subcontinent and their skepticism regarding the viability of Pakistan.

10. In the Interim Government formed in 1946, the Vice- President of the Executive Council was. [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]

Correct Answer: (a) Jawaharlal Nehru
Solution:On 24 August, 1946 Interim Government was announced on a condition that Interim Government would take charge latest by 2 September, 1946. Viceroy was the Ex-officio President of the Executive Council while Jawaharlal Nehru was designated as Vice-President of the Executive Council.

The Cabinet of the Interim Government of India was composed of the following members:

1. President of the Executive Council (Viceroy and Governor-General of India): Viscount Wavell (till February 1947 Lord Mountbatten (from February 1947)
2. Commander-in-Chief: Sir Claude Auchinleck
3. Vice President, Also in charge of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations: Jawaharlal Nehru (INC)
4. Home Affairs, Information and Broadcasting: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (INC)
5. Agriculture and Food: Rajendra Prasad (INC)
6. Commerce: Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar (ML)
7. Defence: Baldev Singh (INC)
8. Finance: Liaquat Ali Khan (ML)
9. Education and Arts: C Rajagopalachari (INC)
10. Health: Ghazanfar Ali Khan (ML)
11. Labour: Jagjivan Ram (INC)
12. Law: Jogendra Nath Mandal (ML)
13. Railways and Communications, Post and Air: Abdur Rab Nishtar (ML)
14. Works, Mines and Power: CH Bhabha (INC)