1.

Parliament of India has been empowered to amend the Constitution under which
article?
Article 368 empowers the Parliament to amend the Constitution, providing for three types of
amendments: by a simple majority, by a special majority, and by a special majority with state
ratification.

2. Name the Act which was passed as a measure of gratitude for India's role in World
War 1.
The Government of India Act, 1919, also called the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, was
passed as a measure of gratitude for India's contributions during World War I. It introduced a
diarchic system of governance at the provincial level.

3. Who put the idea of a Constituent Assembly in 1934?

M.N. Roy, a prominent Indian political thinker and revolutionary, proposed the idea of a
Constituent Assembly in 1934 to draft India's Constitution.

4. When was the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly held?

The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on 9th December 1946. This meeting
laid the foundation for framing the Indian Constitution.

5. Who was the first president of the Constituent Assembly?

Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the temporary president of the Constituent Assembly during
its inaugural meeting.

6. Who was elected permanent president of the Constituent Assembly?

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent president of the Constituent Assembly on
11th December 1946.

7. How much total time was taken for the Constitution to complete?
The drafting of the Constitution took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, from 9th December
1946 to 26th November 1949.

8. Name the major committees and their chairmen of the Constituent Assembly.
Some major committees include:

 Drafting Committee: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

  Union Powers Committee: Jawaharlal Nehru
 States Committee: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
 Fundamental Rights and Minorities Committee: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

9. When was the Constitution adopted and what is this day known for? How many
members signed the Constitution?
The Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949, celebrated as Constitution Day. A
total of 284 members signed the Constitution on this day.

10. What is preamble and what is written in it?

The Preamble serves as the introduction to the Constitution, outlining its objectives and
values. It declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic and emphasizes
justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

11. What do you understand by constitutional law and constitutionalism?

Constitutional law refers to the legal framework governing the organization and functioning
of the state. Constitutionalism is the principle that limits government power to prevent
authoritarianism and ensure rule of law.

12. Explain in brief the purpose and provisions of The Government of India Act of 1935.
The Government of India Act of 1935 introduced provincial autonomy, a federal structure,
and an All-India Federation. However, it retained British control over key areas like defense
and foreign affairs.

13. What was 'August Offer'? Briefly explain the Enactment of the Constitution.
The August Offer (1940) was a British proposal promising dominion status after World War
II and expanded Indian representation. It set the stage for drafting the Constitution.

14. Enumerate salient features of the Constitution.

 Written Constitution: Comprehensive and detailed.

 Federal System: Division of powers between center and states.
 Parliamentary Government: Responsible executive.
 Secularism: Equal respect for all religions.
 Independent Judiciary: Supreme authority in legal matters.
15. Enlist the fundamental rights and their features.
Fundamental Rights:

1. Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom
3. Right against Exploitation
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
5. Cultural and Educational Rights
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
These rights are justiciable, enforceable, and protect individual freedoms.

16. Which Fundamental Right is deleted and under which Amendment? Discuss Right
to Equality under Article 14.
The Right to Property was removed as a fundamental right by the 44th Amendment (1978).
Article 14 ensures equality before the law and prohibits discrimination.

17. Enlist the Fundamental Duties. What is the significance of Fundamental Duties?
The 11 Fundamental Duties (Article 51A) include respecting the Constitution, promoting
harmony, and protecting the environment. They encourage responsible citizenship and
complement Fundamental Rights.

18. How are the Directive Principles of State Policy criticized?

They are non-justiciable and seen as mere guidelines, which some argue limit their practical
implementation.

19. What do you mean by Federal Structure of government? What are its features?
The federal structure divides powers between the center and states. Key features include dual
government, division of powers, and supremacy of the Constitution.

20. How 'Canadian model' and 'American model' of federal system differ? How does
India resemble the Canadian model?
The Canadian model emphasizes a strong center, unlike the U.S. model with balanced
federalism. India resembles Canada due to its quasi-federal system.
21. What are non-federal features of the Indian Constitution?

 Single Constitution: Unlike a dual system.

 Single Citizenship: No state-specific citizenship.
 Unified Judiciary: No dual court system.
 Strong Center: Residual powers lie with the Union.

22. Name the classifications under which center-state relations can be studied.

1. Legislative relations
2. Administrative relations
3. Financial relations

23. What are four aspects in the center-state legislative relations?

1. Division of Legislative Powers: Between Union and State Lists.

2. Parliament’s Authority: Over state subjects during emergencies.
3. Residuary Powers: Rest with the Union.
4. Disputes Resolution: Through courts or coordination mechanisms.

24. Write a note on Distribution of Legislative Subjects.

The Constitution distributes subjects into three lists:

1. Union List: Central government authority (e.g., defense, foreign affairs).

2. State List: State government authority (e.g., police, agriculture).
3. Concurrent List: Shared subjects (e.g., education, environment).

25. How are the Taxing Powers divided between center and states?

 The Union can levy taxes like income tax and excise duty.
 States can impose taxes like property tax and sales tax.
 GST is shared between the Union and states.

26. Lay down the procedure for amendment of the constitutional powers.
Amendments are made under Article 368:

1. By simple majority for certain provisions.

2. By special majority for most amendments.
 3. With state ratification for federal provisions.

27. Briefly explain any five important amendments to the Constitution.

1. 1st Amendment (1951): Introduced restrictions on freedom of speech.

2. 42nd Amendment (1976): Strengthened central power and added “socialist, secular”
to the Preamble.
3. 44th Amendment (1978): Reduced the power of emergency provisions.
4. 61st Amendment (1989): Lowered voting age from 21 to 18.
5. 73rd Amendment (1992): Established Panchayati Raj institutions.

28. What are features of Parliamentary Form of Government of India?

 Collective Responsibility: Council of Ministers accountable to Parliament.

 Dual Executive: President as nominal head; Prime Minister as real head.
 Majority Rule: Based on party strength in the Lok Sabha.

29. Make a note on constitutional powers and status of the President of India.
The President is the constitutional head, functioning on the advice of the Council of
Ministers. Powers include executive (appointments), legislative (assent to bills), and
emergency powers.

30. Compare National Emergency and President’s Rule.

 National Emergency: Declared under Article 352, 356, or 360 during external threats
or financial crises.
 President’s Rule: Imposed under Article 356 when state machinery fails to function.

31. What are effects of National Emergency on center-state relations?

During a National Emergency:

 The Union assumes authority over state subjects.

 Fundamental Rights under Articles 19 are suspended.
 Financial control shifts to the Union.

32. What are the types of Urban Governments? Write a note on Municipal Corporation.
Urban governments include:
 1. Municipal Corporations (large cities)
2. Municipalities (medium towns)
3. Nagar Panchayats (small towns)
Municipal Corporations handle city administration, including sanitation, public
health, and urban planning.

33. What do you mean by "Failure of Constitutional Machinery"?

It refers to a state's inability to function per constitutional provisions, leading to the
imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356.

34. Write a note on the emergency powers of the Indian President.

The President can declare emergencies under Articles 352 (National Emergency), 356 (State
Emergency), and 360 (Financial Emergency), granting extraordinary powers to the Union.