The Constitutional Development of India is part of Indian Polity and Governance. Below are notes on 9 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

Cripps Mission and Wavell Plan

  • Cripps Mission (March 1942):
    • Sent by British PM Churchill, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, to gain Indian support for WWII.
    • Proposals (Post-War):
      • Grant Dominion Status to India.
      • Establish a Constituent Assembly (partially elected by provincial assemblies, partially nominated by Princely States) to frame a new Constitution.
      • Provinces were given the option to opt out of the Indian Union and form separate constitutions.
      • Defence of India to remain under British control.
      • No immediate transfer of power.
      • Did NOT include any specific provisions or reference to Fundamental Rights.
    • Rejection:
      • Congress: Opposed Dominion Status (demanded complete independence), lack of immediate transfer of power, and the "right to opt out" clause (threatening India's unity). Gandhi called it "a post-dated cheque on a failing bank."
      • Muslim League: Rejected due to the absence of an explicit provision for Pakistan and no guarantee of separate electorates for Muslims.
  • Wavell Plan (June 1945):
    • Proposed by Viceroy Lord Wavell to break the political deadlock and resolve the constitutional crisis.
    • Key Proposals:
      • Reconstitution of the Viceroy's Executive Council.
      • All members of the Executive Council (except the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief) to be Indians.
      • Equal representation for caste Hindus and Muslims in the Council.
      • Formation of an Interim Government at the Centre.
      • Viceroy to retain his veto power.
      • Transfer of foreign affairs portfolio from the Viceroy to an Indian member.
    • Shimla Conference (June-July 1945): Convened to discuss the plan.
    • Failure: The plan failed because the Muslim League insisted on being the sole representative of all Muslims, claiming exclusive right to nominate Muslim members to the Executive Council, which Congress rejected.

Drafting Committee and Enactment of the Constitution

  • Drafting Committee: Constituted on August 29, 1947, with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as Chairman.
  • The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950.
  • Indian Constitution described as 'QuasiFederal' by K.C. Wheare.
  • Rajpramukh post was renamed to Governor in 1956 (via the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act and States Reorganisation Act).
  • Declaration of Emergency due to Chinese invasion: October 1962.
  • Kesavananda Bharati case (1973): Affirmed the Doctrine of Basic Features and Parliament's power to amend Fundamental Rights.
  • Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
  • Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was introduced in the Indian Judicial System under Chief Justice of India P. N. Bhagwati.
  • Anti-defection law was passed by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985.
  • Mizoram was made a state in 1987.
  • Voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 by the 61st Amendment Act, 1989.
  • 73rd Amendment Act for Panchayati Raj: 1992 (came into force 1993).
  • Maithili was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution by the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003.
  • Right to Information (RTI) Act: 2005.
  • Prohibition of traffic in human beings is covered under Article 23 of the Constitution.
  • Granville Austin: Author of "Working a Democratic Constitution: A History of the Indian Experience".
  • Rajni Kothari: Author of "Caste and Politics in India".
  • C.P. Bhambri: Author of "The Indian State".
  • Mohit Bhattacharya: Author of "Public Administration".
  • Atul Kohli: Author of "The Success of India's Democracy".
  • Penderal Moon: Author of "Divide and Quit".
  • Alan Gledhill: Author of "The Republic of India: Development of its Laws and Constitution".

Formation and Working of the Constituent Assembly

  • 1928: Motilal Nehru Committee drafted a Constitution for India (Nehru Report).
  • 1934: M.N. Roy first suggested the need for a constitution for free India and the idea of a Constituent Assembly.
  • 1934: Swaraj Party first formally mooted the idea of a Constituent Assembly to frame a Constitution for India.
  • 1942: M. S. Aney moved the motion of Secret Sitting Session of the Central Legislative Assembly.
  • 1945 (Nov): Maulana Azad was the Chairman of the Central Election Board for the Central Legislative elections.
  • The chronological development of the Constitution of India sequence is: Two chambers of central legislative assembly (GoI Act 1919) → Distribution of powers between Centre and Units (GoI Act 1935) → Election for central legislative assembly (e.g., 1945) → Formation of Constituent Assembly (Dec 1946).
  • Demand for linguistic provinces was first floated to bring the administration closer to the people.
  • 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' (Women's Reservation Bill) was first introduced in the Parliament of India in 1996.
  • The Henderson Brooks - Bhagat report pertains to the Sino-Indian engagement of 1962.
  • The Arun Nehru report pertains to reforms needed in the management of Indian armed forces.

Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)

  • Government of India Act, 1919 (MontaguChelmsford Reforms): British Parliament Act.
  • Provincial Diarchy: Introduced in provinces. Subjects divided into:
    • Reserved Subjects: Administered by Governor and Executive Council (not responsible to legislative council). Examples: law and order, finance.
    • Transferred Subjects: Administered by Governor and Ministers (responsible to legislative council). Examples: education, health.
  • Central Legislature: Introduced bicameralism for the first time.
    • Council of State: Upper House.
    • Legislative Assembly: Lower House.
  • Direct Elections: Introduced for the first time for both houses of the Central Legislature.
  • Public Service Commission (PSC): Act provided for its establishment.
    • PSC first set up in India in 1926.
    • Federal Public Service Commission (under GoI Act 1935) became Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 1950 with the commencement of the Indian Constitution.
    • Article 378(1) of the Indian Constitution provided for the transfer of the Chairman and members of the Federal Public Service Commission to the Union Public Service Commission.
  • Communal Representation: Extended to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans.
  • Budget Separation: Central and provincial budgets separated; provinces empowered to enact their own budgets.
  • High Commissioner for India: Created a new office in London.
  • Statutory Commission: Mandated to be appointed after 10 years to inquire into and report on its working (led to Simon Commission).
  • Assam Chief Commissionership: Introduced in 1874.

Government of India Act, 1935

  • Repealed by Article 395 of the Constitution of India (along with Indian Independence Act, 1947).
  • Proposed an All India Federation (British India provinces + princely states), but it never materialized as princely states did not join.
  • Abolished diarchy in provinces and introduced Provincial Autonomy.
  • Introduced diarchy at the Centre (federal subjects divided into reserved and transferred).
  • Introduced bicameralism in 6 out of 11 provinces (Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Bihar, Assam, United Provinces).
  • Divided powers between the Centre and units into three lists: Federal List (59 items), Provincial List (54 items), and Concurrent List (36 items).
  • Residuary powers were vested with the Governor-General.
  • Extended separate electorates to depressed classes (Scheduled Castes), women, and labour.
  • Increased franchise to about 10% of the total population.
  • Provided for the establishment of a Federal Court (established in 1937).
  • Provided for the establishment of a Reserve Bank of India.
  • Provided for the establishment of Federal Public Service Commission, Provincial Public Service Commission, and Joint Public Service Commission.
  • Abolished the Council of India, established by the Government of India Act 1858.
  • A significant source for the Constitution of India, influencing features like the:
    • Federal Scheme
    • Office of Governor
    • Judiciary
    • Public Service Commissions
    • Emergency provisions
    • Administrative details
    • President's power to issue ordinances.

Indian Councils Acts of 1861, 1892, and 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)

Indian Councils Act, 1861: 1.

    • Initiated decentralization; restored legislative powers to Bombay and Madras Presidencies.
    • Established new legislative councils for Bengal, North-Western Frontier Province, and Punjab.
    • Introduced Indians as non-official members into the Viceroy's Legislative Council (e.g., Raja of Benaras, Maharaja of Patiala, Sir Dinkar Rao nominated).
    • Empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances without the legislative council's concurrence during emergencies. Indian Councils Act, 1892: 2.
    • Expanded the number of additional (non-official) members in Central and Provincial Legislative Councils.
    • Introduced the element of indirect election for the first time (nominations made on the recommendation of various bodies like local boards, universities, chambers of commerce).
    • Implemented on 20th June 1892 (date of Royal Assent).
    • Allowed members to discuss the budget (but not to vote on it).
    • Allowed members to ask questions on matters of public interest, but did not allow supplementary questions.
    • Provided for a minimum of 5 non-official members in the Imperial Legislative Council (out of 10-16 additional members). Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley-Minto 3. Reforms):
    • Significantly increased the size of legislative councils (e.g., Imperial Legislative Council from 16 to 60 members).
    • Retained official majority in the Central Legislative Council.
    • Allowed for non-official majority in Provincial Legislative Councils.
    • Members were allowed to ask supplementary questions and move resolutions on the budget and other matters of public interest.
    • First time an Indian (Satyendra Prasad Sinha) was appointed to the Viceroy's Executive Council (as a law member).
    • Introduced the system of separate electorates for Muslims, legitimizing communalism.

Indian Independence Act, 1947

  • The Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British House of Commons by Prime Minister Clement Attlee on July 4, 1947.
  • The Bill received Royal Assent on July 18, 1947, thereby becoming the Indian Independence Act, 1947.
  • The Act ended British rule in India and declared India an independent and sovereign state from August 15, 1947.
  • It provided for the partition of India into two independent Dominions: India and Pakistan.
  • The Constituent Assembly of each Dominion was granted unlimited power to frame and adopt any constitution it deemed fit, including the power to abrogate or alter any law made by the British Parliament.
  • The British Parliament's authority over the Dominions ceased; they were free to secede from the British Commonwealth.
  • The Government of India Act, 1935, was adopted, with necessary modifications, as the interim constitution for each Dominion until a new constitution was framed.
  • The Governor-General of each Dominion was to be appointed by the British King/ Queen (on the advice of the Dominion Cabinet) and would act as a constitutional head (nominal head).
  • British paramountcy over the princely states lapsed, granting them freedom to join either India or Pakistan or to remain independent.
  • The office of the Secretary of State for India was abolished, and his functions were transferred to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs.
  • The British monarch's title of "Emperor of India" was dropped.
  • The Act did not lay down the basic framework of the Indian Constitution, nor did it declare India a Republic; it created Dominions.

Objectives Resolution and Fundamental Principles

  • Objectives Resolution:
  • Moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946.
  • Adopted unanimously by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
  • Laid down the fundamental principles and philosophy for the Indian Constitution.
  • Declared India as an Independent, Sovereign Republic.
  • Envisaged a Union of British Indian territories, Indian States, and other parts willing to join.
  • Stated that all power and authority of the Independent Sovereign India, and its constituent parts, are derived from the people.
  • Guaranteed Justice (social, economic, political), Equality (status, opportunity, law), and Freedom (thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association, action) to all people.
  • Provided adequate safeguards for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and depressed and other backward classes.
  • Committed to maintaining the integrity of the territory of the Republic and its sovereign rights on land, sea, and air according to justice and the law of civilized nations.
  • Aimed to contribute to the promotion of world peace and the welfare of mankind.
  • Its modified version forms the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.
  • Books and Authors related to Indian Constitutional & Political Thought/Development:
  • `Gandhian Constitution for India` / `Gandhian Constitution for Free India`: Sriman Narayan Agarwal.
  • `The Republic of India`: A. Gledhill.
  • `The White Umbrella`: D. Mackenzie Brown.
  • `The Politics of India since Independence`: Paul R. Brass.

Regulating Act, 1773

  • First step by the British Government to control and regulate the affairs of the East India Company (EIC) in India.
  • First time recognized the political and administrative functions of the EIC.
  • Laid the foundation of central administration in India.
  • Designated the Governor of Bengal as the 'Governor-General of Bengal'.
  • Warren Hastings was the first GovernorGeneral of Bengal.
  • Created an Executive Council of four members to assist the Governor-General.

2. Act passed for British East India Company Rule

Practice MCQs: The Constitutional Development of India

Cripps Mission and Wavell Plan

  1. Which of the following is correct ?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2009

    1. The Nehru Report (1928) had advocated the inclusion of Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India
    2. The Government of India Act, 1935 referred to Fundamental Rights.
    3. The August Offer. 1940 included the Fundamental Rights.
    4. The Cripps Mission 1942 referred to Fundamental Rights.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Nehru Report (1928) had advocated the inclusion of Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India

    The Nehru Report, prepared by a committee headed by Motilal Nehru, was the first major attempt by Indians to draft a constitutional framework for India. It included a specific chapter listing fundamental rights, such as rights to freedom of speech, assembly, association, religion, and protection against arbitrary arrest and detention, reflecting the desire for guaranteed civil liberties.

Drafting Committee and Enactment of the Constitution

  1. Who among the following was the Chief Justice of India when Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was introduced in the Indian Judicial System?

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2017

    1. M. Hidayatullah
    2. A. S. Anand
    3. A. M. Ahmadi
    4. P. N. Bhagwati
    Show answer

    Answer: D. P. N. Bhagwati

    Justice P.N. Bhagwati served as the Chief Justice of India from July 1985 to December 1986. Before becoming CJI, as a judge of the Supreme Court, he played a crucial role along with Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer in relaxing the traditional rule of locus standi, allowing public-spirited citizens to approach the court on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged, thereby pioneering the concept of PIL in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Key early PIL cases were decided during this period, solidifying PIL's place in the Indian judicial system.

  2. Arrange the following events in the correct chronological order : 1. Passage of the Anti- defection law by the Parliament of India 2. Mizoram was made a state 3. Voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 4. Maithili was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India Select the answer using the code given below :

    Asked in: UPSC Geoscientist 2024

    1. 2, 3, 1, 4
    2. 1, 3, 2, 4
    3. 4, 3, 2, 1
    4. 1, 2, 3, 4
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2, 3, 4

    - Anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule): Added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985. - Statehood for Mizoram: Achieved on February 20, 1987, through the State of Mizoram Act, 1986. - Reduction of Voting Age: Done by the 61st Amendment Act, 1989, amending Article 326 of the Constitution. - Addition of Maithili to Eighth Schedule: One of the four languages (Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali) added by the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003.

  3. Who described the Indian Constitution as Quasi federal ?

    Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2017

    1. Jennings
    2. K.C. Wheare
    3. Morris-Jones
    4. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
    Show answer

    Answer: B. K.C. Wheare

    K.C. Wheare, a distinguished constitutional expert, famously described the Indian Constitution as "quasi-federal" because it combines elements of both federal and unitary systems, with a strong centralising tendency.

  4. Match List-I with List-II : List-I List-II (Authors) (Books)

    Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2017

    1. Rajni I. Public Administration Kothari
    2. C.P. Bham‐ II. Caste and Politics in India bri III. Working a Democratic
    3. Mohit Bhat‐ Constitution : Indian Experi‐ tacharya ence
    4. Granville IV. The Indian State Austin Choose the correct answer from the options given below : A. (1) II, (2) IV, (3) I, (4) III B. (1) III, (2) II, (3) I, (4) IV C. (1) I, (2) II, (3) III, (4) IV D. (1) IV, (2) I, (3) II, (4) III
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Rajni I. Public Administration Kothari

    This question tests knowledge of prominent scholars and their seminal works in the field of Indian politics, public administration, and constitutional history.

  5. Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer from code given below : List - I List - II (Authors) (Books) (A) Atul (i) Divide and Quit Kohli (B) Gran‐ (ii) The Success of India's Demoville Austin cracy (iii) The Republic of India : Devel‐ (C) Pendopment of its Laws and Constitueral Moon tion (iv) Working of a Democratic Con‐ (D) Alan stitution : A History of the Indian Gledhill Experience

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2018

    1. (A)-(iii), (B)-(iv), (C)-(i), (D)-(ii)
    2. (A)-(ii), (B)-(i), (C)-(iii), (D)-(iv)
    3. (A)-(ii), (B)-(iv), (C)-(i), (D)-(ii)
    4. (A)-(i), (B)-(ii), (C)-(iii), (D)-(iv)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (A)-(ii), (B)-(iv), (C)-(i), (D)-(ii)

    This question tests knowledge of prominent authors and their significant works related to Indian history, politics, and the Constitution.

  6. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists : List-I List-II

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2007

    1. Fundamental Duties 1. Minerva Mills Case
    2. Parliament can 2. Article 23 of the amend Fundamental Constitution Rights
    3. Doctrine of Basic 3. 42nd Amendment of Features the Constitution
    4. Prohibition of 4. Keshvanand Bharti traffic in Human be‐ case ings Code: A. 3 4 1 2 B. 4 3 2 1 C. 2 1 4 3 D. 1 2 3 4
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Fundamental Duties 1. Minerva Mills Case

    - Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. - The Keshvanand Bharti case (1973) is a landmark judgment that established Parliament's power to amend Fundamental Rights, but also introduced the 'Doctrine of Basic Structure' as a limitation on this power. - The Doctrine of Basic Features (or Basic Structure) was propounded in the Keshvanand Bharti case. The Minerva Mills case (1980) further applied and reinforced this doctrine, particularly in striking down parts of the 42nd Amendment. While Keshvanand Bharti originated the doctrine, Minerva Mills is a significant case in its evolution and application. - Article 23 of the Constitution of India prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour.

  7. RAJPRAMUKH post was renamed to Governer(RAJYAPAL) in year:

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2007

    1. 1947
    2. 1950
    3. 1948
    4. 1956
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1956

    The post of Rajpramukh, which existed in some of the constituent states or unions of states formed after India's independence, was abolished by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Concurrently, the Constitution was amended by the 7th Amendment Act, 1956, which facilitated the reorganization of states on linguistic lines and replaced the Rajpramukh with the Governor (Rajyapal) as the head of state in all states.

  8. From which date did the Constitution of India come into force?

    Asked in: Agricultural Development Officer, Agriculture Department

    1. 26th January, 1950
    2. 15th August, 1947
    3. 26th January, 1947
    4. 26th January, 1951
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 26th January, 1950

    This is a fundamental question about the Indian Constitution, specifically its commencement date.

  9. Who among the following has described the Indian Constitution as ‘Qausi-Federal’ ?

    Asked in: Assistant Engineer (AE) Exam 2012

    1. K.C. Wheare
    2. Ivor Jennings
    3. Allan Gledhill
    4. Granville Austin
    Show answer

    Answer: A. K.C. Wheare

    This question asks about the specific description given to the Indian Constitution's federal structure by a prominent political scientist. It's about recognizing influential interpretations of the Indian Constitution.

  10. Consider the following facts and arrange them in correct chronological order starting from the earliest to the last activity: I. Fundamental Duties were added in the Constitution of India. II. Declaration of Emergency due to Chinese invasion. III. Right to Information Act. IV. 73rd Amendment Act for Panchayati Raj. Select the correct answer from the code given below :

    Asked in: Lower Subordinate Services Examination 2024

    1. IV, III, II, I
    2. II, I, IV, III
    3. I, II, III, IV
    4. III, IV, I, II
    Show answer

    Answer: B. II, I, IV, III

    This question tests the knowledge of significant constitutional and legislative events in India's post- independence history. It requires knowing the approximate or exact years of these events.

  11. Constitution of India came into force on

    Asked in: TRAINED GRADUATE TEACHER (TGT) 2018

    1. AD 1947 Century
    2. AD 1948 Century
    3. AD 1949 Century
    4. AD 1950 Century
    Show answer

    Answer: D. AD 1950 Century

    The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950. This date is celebrated as Republic Day in India.

Formation and Working of the Constituent Assembly

  1. Which one of the following sequences of the chronological development of the Constitution of India is correct? - Two chambers of central legislative assembly - Election for central legislative assembly - Formation of Constituent Assembly - Distribution of powers between Centre and the Units The correct chronological sequences of the constitutional development of India is :

    Asked in: Sr. Teacher Gr II (Sec. Edu.) Comp. Exam 2022

    1. (a), (b), (c), (d)
    2. (b), (c), (d), (a)
    3. (b), (d), (a), (c)
    4. (a), (c), (d), (b)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (b), (d), (a), (c)

    c-2022 Chronological understanding of key constitutional developments in India. Evolution of legislative structures and federal principles. Formation of the Constituent Assembly for drafting the Constitution.

Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)

  1. The Chief Commissionership was introduced in Assam in

    Asked in: APSC CCE Prelims Exam 2001

    1. 1873
    2. 1874
    3. 1875
    4. 1876
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 1874

    The administrative reorganization by the British involved creating new provinces or changing the status of existing regions for better governance and revenue collection.

  2. Which of the following statements are correct? provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission in India. 2. The Public Service Commission was set up in India for the first time in 1926. 3. With the existence of Indian Constitution in 1950 the Federal Public Service Commission came to be known as the Union Public Service Commission. 4. Chairman and Members of the Federal Public Service Commission became Chairman and Members of the Union Public Service Commission by Article 378 of Indian Constitution.

    Asked in: 1. Government of India Act (1919) · GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2018

    1. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    2. Only 1 and 2
    3. Only 1, 2 and 3
    4. Only 2, 3 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1, 2, 3 and 4

    - The foundation for a Public Service Commission was laid by the GoI Act 1919. - The first PSC was established in 1926. - The Federal PSC became the UPSC under the Constitution in 1950. - Article 378 facilitated the transition of members.

Government of India Act, 1935

  1. Match the features of Indian Constitution with the sources borrowed from different constitutions of the world. (use correct codes) List 1 - Features List 2 - Sources (a) Office of the Gov‐ (i) Government of ernor India Act 1935 (ii) British Constitu‐ (b) Judicial Review tion (c) Directive Principles of (iii) Ireland Constitu‐ State Policy tion (d) Parliamentary Sys‐ (iv) American Contem of Government stitution

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2013

    1. (a)-(i), (b)-(iv), (c)-(iii), (d)-(ii)
    2. (a)-(iv), (b)-(iii), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)
    3. (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii)
    4. (a)-(i), (b)-(iii), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii)
    Show answer

    Answer: A. (a)-(i), (b)-(iv), (c)-(iii), (d)-(ii)

    The Indian Constitution is a blend of features drawn from various sources, including the Government of India Act 1935 and constitutions of other countries, adapting them to Indian needs.

  2. Consider the following pairs in respect of 'Sources of Indian Constitution' and pick up the right matchings. (1) Item: Office of Governor - Source: England (2) Item: Public Service Commission - Source: Govt. of India Act-1935 (3) Item: Freedom of Trade & Commerce - Source: USA (4) Item: The Language of Preamble of Constitution - Source: Australia

    Asked in: OPSC CS Prelims 2022

    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 and 3
    3. 2 and 4
    4. 3 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 2 and 4

    The Indian Constitution is known as a "bag of borrowings" as it has adopted features from various constitutions around the world and the Government of India Act, 1935.

  3. The Constitution of India adopted the federal system from the Act of

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 5 2022

    1. 1919
    2. 1935
    3. 1947
    4. 1909
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 1935

    The Government of India Act, 1935, introduced a federal structure with distribution of powers between the centre and provinces, establishment of a federal court, and features like provincial autonomy, many of which influenced the design of the Indian Constitution.

Indian Councils Acts of 1861, 1892, and 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)

  1. Who organised the 'Khudai Khidmatgar' in 1929 ?

    Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 60 62rd

    1. Abdul Gaffar Khan
    2. Ali Brothers
    3. Ansari Brothers
    4. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Abdul Gaffar Khan

    It was a non-violent Pashtun resistance movement against British rule in India, strongly allied with the Indian National Congress. Its members were also called 'Red Shirts' (Surkh Posh) because of the color of their uniform shirts.

  2. Read the following statements with respect to the Indian Councils Act, 1892 and choose the correct option : (i) It was implemented on 20th June, 1892 (ii) Out of total 24 members, 5 were non- government members (iii) Members were given rights to ask supplementary questions Which of the above statements is/are true?

    Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2021

    1. (i), (ii) and (iii)
    2. (i) and (ii)
    3. (i) and (iii)
    4. Only (ii)
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Only (ii)

    - (i) The Indian Councils Act, 1892, was assented to on June 20, 1892, but it was implemented later (e.g., Feb 1893). Stating it was implemented on June 20, 1892, is inaccurate. Statement (i) is false. - (iii) The Act allowed members to ask questions on certain matters (like budget), but it did not grant the right to ask supplementary questions. This right was introduced by the Indian Councils Act of 1909. Statement (iii) is false. - (ii) The Act increased the number of additional members in the legislative councils and introduced the principle of indirect election/nomination based on recommendations. While stating a precise number "5 out of total 24" without context is difficult to verify as a general rule for the Central Legislative Council (where the total could vary), the Act did increase the proportion of non-official members. Given that options A, B, and C are incorrect because they include the false statements (i) or (iii), option D implies that statement (ii) is considered true for the purpose of this question.

  3. By which Act an element of election was introduced in India for the first time ?

    Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2018

    1. Indian Council Act, 1861
    2. Indian Council Act, 1892
    3. Government of India Act, 1902
    4. Government of India Act, 1919
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Indian Council Act, 1892

    The Act of 1892 increased the number of non-official members in the Central and Provincial Legislative Councils and allowed for their selection through a process that involved recommendations from bodies like municipal committees, district boards, universities, and chambers of commerce.

Indian Independence Act, 1947

  1. The Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the House of Commons by the British Prime Minister Attlee on

    Asked in: APPSC Group 1 Prelims 2023

    1. (1) 2nd July, 1947
    2. (2) 3rd July, 1947
    3. (3) 4th July, 1947
    4. (4) 5th July, 1947
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (3) 4th July, 1947

    The Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British House of Commons by Prime Minister Clement Attlee on July 4, 1947.

  2. Arrange the following events in a chronological order and select the conrect answer from the codes given below: I. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession. II. Constitution of India was enforced. III. Accession to India ratified by the Sovereign Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. IV. New Constitution of the State of Jammu and Kashmir came into force. Codes:

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2019

    1. I, III, IV, II
    2. III, IV, I, II
    3. I, II, III, IV
    4. IV, III, II, I
    Show answer

    Answer: C. I, II, III, IV

    I. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on October 26, 1947. II. The Constitution of India was enforced on January 26,

Objectives Resolution and Fundamental Principles

  1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below : List-I (Books) List-II (Authors)

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2013

    1. Gandhian Constitution for i. D. Mackenzie India Brown ii. Sriman
    2. The Republic of India Narayan
    3. The White Umbrella iii. A. Gledhill
    4. The Politics of India since iv. Paul. R. Independence Brass A. (1) ii i iv iii B. (2) ii iii i iv C. (3) i ii iii iv D. (4) ii iv i iii
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Republic of India Narayan

    - 'Gandhian Constitution for India' was authored by Sriman Narayan Agarwal, outlining a constitution based on Gandhian principles. (A-ii) - 'The Republic of India' is a book by Alan Gledhill, providing an analytical study of the Indian Constitution and government. (B-iii) - 'The White Umbrella: Indian Political Thought from Manu to Gandhi' is a notable work by D. Mackenzie Brown. (C-i) - 'The Politics of India since Independence' is a widely read book by Paul R. Brass on Indian political history post-1947. (D-iv)

  2. Who has authored 'Gandhian Constitution for Free India' ?

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2018

    1. Aruna Asaf Ali
    2. Achyut Patwardhan
    3. Shriman Narayan Agarwal
    4. Humayun Kabir
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Shriman Narayan Agarwal

    Shriman Narayan Agarwal, an economist and Gandhian, drafted this constitution outlining his vision for a free India based on Gandhian principles like village self-sufficiency (Gram Swaraj), decentralization, and cottage industries.