Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution

Total Questions: 70

21. Who chaired the first meeting of Constituent Assembly? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]

Correct Answer: (c) Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha
Solution:Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha temporarily chaired the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, which was held on 9 December, 1946. The Constituent Assembly unanimously elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as permanent Chairman on 11 December 1946. Dr. Rajendra Prasad's name was proposed by J.B. Kripalani.
List-IList-II
When did the constituent assembly first meet?The assembly first met on 9 December 1946
Was there any role of the Muslim League in the formation of the Constitution of India?No, there was no role played by the Muslim League in the constituent assembly as it had boycotted this meeting citing its demand for partition.
What is 'Objective Resolution' concerned with the constituent assembly of India?Objective Resolution enshrined the aspirations and values of the constitution-makers. Under this, the people of India were guaranteed social, economic and political justice, equality and fundamental freedoms. This resolution was unanimously adopted on 22 January 1947 and the Preamble to the Constitution is based on it.
When was Objective Resolution moved and by whom?On 13 December 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the 'Objective Resolution'.
When was the National Flag of the Union adopted?The National Flag of the Union was adopted on 22 July 1947
For how many days was the constituent assembly assembled to frame the constitution?The time taken by the assembly to frame the constitution: 2 years, 11 months and 17 days. Money spent in framing the constitution: Rs.64 lakhs
When was Jana Gana Mana adopted as our national anthem?On 24 January 1950, 'Jana Gana Mana' was adopted as the national anthem
How many articles does our final constitution have?The final document had 22 parts, 395 articles and 8 schedules.
What was the total number of sessions the constituent assembly had?The assembly had met for 11 sessions
When was the draft of the Indian Constitution published?The draft was published in January 1948 and the country's people were asked for their feedback and input within 8 months
What is the date of the last session?The last session was held from 14 - 26 November 1949. The constitution was passed and adopted by the assembly on 26 November 1949
When did the Constitution of India come into force?The constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 (which is celebrated as Republic Day).

22. The first-day session of Indian Constituent Assembly was chaired by- [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]

Correct Answer: (b) Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha
Solution:Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha temporarily chaired the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, which was held on 9 December, 1946. The Constituent Assembly unanimously elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as permanent Chairman on 11 December 1946. Dr. Rajendra Prasad's name was proposed by J.B. Kripalani.
List-IList-II
When did the constituent assembly first meet?The assembly first met on 9 December 1946
Was there any role of the Muslim League in the formation of the Constitution of India?No, there was no role played by the Muslim League in the constituent assembly as it had boycotted this meeting citing its demand for partition.
What is 'Objective Resolution' concerned with the constituent assembly of India?Objective Resolution enshrined the aspirations and values of the constitution-makers. Under this, the people of India were guaranteed social, economic and political justice, equality and fundamental freedoms. This resolution was unanimously adopted on 22 January 1947 and the Preamble to the Constitution is based on it.
When was Objective Resolution moved and by whom?On 13 December 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the 'Objective Resolution'.
When was the National Flag of the Union adopted?The National Flag of the Union was adopted on 22 July 1947
For how many days was the constituent assembly assembled to frame the constitution?The time taken by the assembly to frame the constitution: 2 years, 11 months and 17 days. Money spent in framing the constitution: Rs.64 lakhs
When was Jana Gana Mana adopted as our national anthem?On 24 January 1950, 'Jana Gana Mana' was adopted as the national anthem
How many articles does our final constitution have?The final document had 22 parts, 395 articles and 8 schedules.
What was the total number of sessions the constituent assembly had?The assembly had met for 11 sessions
When was the draft of the Indian Constitution published?The draft was published in January 1948 and the country's people were asked for their feedback and input within 8 months
What is the date of the last session?The last session was held from 14 - 26 November 1949. The constitution was passed and adopted by the assembly on 26 November 1949
When did the Constitution of India come into force?The constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 (which is celebrated as Republic Day).

23. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly in [67th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re-Exam), 2022]

Correct Answer: (d) December 1946 AD
Solution:Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha temporarily chaired the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, which was held on 9 December, 1946. The Constituent Assembly unanimously elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as permanent Chairman on 11 December 1946. Dr. Rajendra Prasad's name was proposed by J.B. Kripalani.

The Constituent Assembly, formed in 1946, played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution, ensuring it reflected the nation's diverse cultural, social, and political fabric. Led by prominent figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Assembly engaged in comprehensive debates on federalism, fundamental rights, and governance, shaping the document's core principles.

The Constitution, adopted on November 26, 1949, and enforced on January 26, 1950, symbolized India's shift to a sovereign republic. This landmark event introduced a parliamentary democracy built on the principles of justice, liberty, and equality, laying the groundwork for the country's governance and development.

24. What are true about Constituent Assembly? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2022]

(i) Constituent Assembly's first meeting was held on 9 December, 1946.

(ii) It is first permanent President was Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha.

(iii) Muslim League bycotted first meeting of Constituent Assembly.

Correct Answer: (a) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Solution:Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha temporarily chaired the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, which was held on 9 December, 1946. The Constituent Assembly unanimously elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as permanent Chairman on 11 December 1946. Dr. Rajendra Prasad's name was proposed by J.B. Kripalani.

The Constituent Assembly, formed in 1946, played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution, ensuring it reflected the nation's diverse cultural, social, and political fabric. Led by prominent figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Assembly engaged in comprehensive debates on federalism, fundamental rights, and governance, shaping the document's core principles.

The Constitution, adopted on November 26, 1949, and enforced on January 26, 1950, symbolized India's shift to a sovereign republic. This landmark event introduced a parliamentary democracy built on the principles of justice, liberty, and equality, laying the groundwork for the country's governance and development.

25. Who was the Chairman of 'Constituent Assembly' of India? [Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007]

Correct Answer: (a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Solution:Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha temporarily chaired the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, which was held on 9 December, 1946. The Constituent Assembly unanimously elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as permanent Chairman on 11 December 1946. Dr. Rajendra Prasad's name was proposed by J.B. Kripalani.

The Constituent Assembly of India arose from the nation's aspiration to frame its Constitution as a step toward self-determination and the end of British colonial rule. This need was driven by the inadequacy of British-imposed constitutional frameworks, like the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935, which limited self-governance while retaining British control over critical areas like defense, finance, and foreign affairs, leaving Indians with little real power.

As a result, this disparity fueled dissatisfaction and strengthened the resolve for a sovereign, independent governance system. Furthermore, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized that only a Constitution created by Indians could represent the country's diverse social, cultural, and political landscape.

26. Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly of Independent India? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Solution:Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha temporarily chaired the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, which was held on 9 December, 1946. The Constituent Assembly unanimously elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as permanent Chairman on 11 December 1946. Dr. Rajendra Prasad's name was proposed by J.B. Kripalani.

The Constituent Assembly of India arose from the nation's aspiration to frame its Constitution as a step toward self-determination and the end of British colonial rule. This need was driven by the inadequacy of British-imposed constitutional frameworks, like the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935, which limited self-governance while retaining British control over critical areas like defense, finance, and foreign affairs, leaving Indians with little real power.

As a result, this disparity fueled dissatisfaction and strengthened the resolve for a sovereign, independent governance system. Furthermore, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized that only a Constitution created by Indians could represent the country's diverse social, cultural, and political landscape.

27. Who was the first nominated Deputy Chairman of the Constituent Assembly? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (d) Frank Anthony
Solution:Frank Anthony was the first nominated temporary Deputy Chairman of the Constituent Assembly. He was nominated on 9 Dec, 1946 by the temporary chairman of the constituent assembly Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha.

He established All India Anglo-Indian Association in 1942. He served as a nominated member of the Lok Sabha for seven terms between 1950 and 1992. H.C. Mukherjee was the first permanent vice-president of Constituent Assembly.

28. Constituent Assembly of India was established on: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995]

Correct Answer: (b) 09 December, 1946
Solution:The Indian Constitution was made by the Constituent Assembly, which came into existence as per the provisions of the Cabinet Mission of May 1946. Its task was to formulate a Constitution for facilitating the appropriate transfer of sovereign power from British authorities to Indian hands.
  • 9 December 1946: The Constituent Assembly sat for the first time.
  • 11 December 1946: Rajendra Prasad as President, Harendra Coomar Mookerjee and V.T. Krishnamachari as the Vice Presidents were elected, and B. N. Rau as Constitutional legal advisor was appointed.
  • 13 December 1946: Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the famous "Objective Resolution" in the Assembly, which laid down the philosophy of the Constitution of India.
  • 22 January 1947: The Resolution was unanimously adopted by the Assembly.
  • July 1947-Indian Independence act, 1947: The Act made the following changes in the position of the Constituent Assembly:

The Assembly was given complete autonomy and the power to draft any Constitution it chose. The Act gave the Assembly the authority to annul or amend any law passed by the British Parliament regarding India. The Assembly was also given legislative authority. As a result, the Assembly was elected as India's first free Parliament (Dominion Legislature). Dr. Rajendra Prasad presided over meetings of the Assembly as the Constituent body, and G.V. Mavlankar presided over those of the Assembly as the Legislative body.

  • July-October 1947: Preparation of the first draft by the Constitutional advisor, Constitutional Advisor started putting together the first draft of the Constitution by aligning the reports already discussed and adopted.
  • 22 July 1947: The Constituent Assembly adopted the National flag.
  • October 1947- February 1948: Deliberations in Drafting Committee and resultant draft Constitution, Drafting committee produced the draft Constitution by February 21, 1948, which contained 315 Articles and 8 Schedules.
  • 4 November 1948-9 November 1948 (First reading): Drafting committee published the draft Constitution of India in February 1948. The draft was introduced in the Assembly in November 1948.
  • 15 November 1948-17 October 1949 (Second reading): Clause-by-clause draft discussion was conducted in the Assembly.
  • May 1949: The Constituent Assembly accepted and approved India's membership of the British Commonwealth.
  • 14 November 1949-26 November 1949 (Third reading): The Assembly finished the third reading.
  • 26 November 1949: The Constituent Assembly passed and adopted the Constitution of India.
  • 24 January 1950: The Constituent Assembly elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the first President of India and, adopted the National anthem and National song.

29. The first Session of Constituent Assembly was held on: [66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re-Exam), 2020]

Correct Answer: (a) 9th December, 1946
Solution:The Indian Constituent Assembly was established with the commencement of its first meeting on December 9, 1946. The first session of the Constituent Assembly began on 9 December 1946, and ended on 23 December, 1946.

The session was attended by 207 Members (according to Rajya Sabha Website). In the fifth meeting, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid down the objective resolution.

30. When was the Constituent Assembly established? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]

Correct Answer: (a) December, 1946
Solution:The Indian Constituent Assembly was established with the commencement of its first meeting on December 9, 1946. The first session of the Constituent Assembly began on 9 December 1946, and ended on 23 December, 1946.

The session was attended by 207 Members (according to Rajya Sabha Website). In the fifth meeting, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid down the objective resolution.