Detailed GK Quiz on Indian Constitution History — 50 Questions

Dive deep into the fascinating journey of India's supreme legal framework with our comprehensive and interactive GK quiz on the history of the Indian Constitution. This meticulously crafted quiz, featuring 50 challenging multiple-choice questions, is designed to test your knowledge of key milestones, influential personalities, and foundational acts that shaped modern India's governance. From the Regulating Act of 1773 to the final adoption of the Constitution, each question is a step back in time, helping you better understand the rich and complex history of Indian law and constitution. Whether you're a student, a civil service aspirant, or simply a history enthusiast, this quiz offers a rigorous and rewarding way to consolidate your understanding of Indian polity. Challenge yourself, learn new facts, and explore the bedrock of India's democratic structure through this engaging quiz.

Comprehensive GK Quiz on Indian Constitution History

1. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?

• A. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
• B. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• C. Jawaharlal Nehru
• D. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

2. The Constitution of India was adopted on:

• A. 26 January 1950
• B. 26 November 1949
• C. 15 August 1947
• D. 2 October 1949

3. The idea of the Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution of India was first given by:

• A. M.N. Roy
• B. Mahatma Gandhi
• C. Jawaharlal Nehru
• D. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

4. The Government of India Act, 1935, established:

• A. Provincial autonomy
• B. Diarchy at the Centre
• C. Federal Court
• D. All of the above

5. The Objective Resolution, which later became the Preamble of the Constitution, was moved by:

• A. Jawaharlal Nehru
• B. B.R. Ambedkar
• C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• D. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

6. Who was the temporary president of the Constituent Assembly?

• A. B.N. Rau
• B. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
• C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• D. B.R. Ambedkar

7. The Constituent Assembly took how much time to prepare the Constitution?

• A. 2 years, 11 months, 18 days
• B. 3 years, 11 months, 18 days
• C. 2 years, 11 months, 18 days
• D. 2 years, 18 months, 11 days

8. Which plan proposed the formation of the Constituent Assembly?

• A. Cabinet Mission Plan
• B. Cripps Mission
• C. August Offer
• D. Wavell Plan

9. The concept of 'Welfare State' is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in:

• A. Fundamental Rights
• B. Preamble
• C. Fundamental Duties
• D. Directive Principles of State Policy

10. The first session of the Constituent Assembly was held on:

• A. 26 November 1949
• B. 9 December 1946
• C. 15 August 1947
• D. 26 January 1950

Indian Constitution Quiz: Key Milestones and Acts

11. Which Act introduced the system of dual government (Diarchy) in the provinces?

• A. Indian Councils Act, 1909
• B. Indian Councils Act, 1892
• C. Government of India Act, 1919
• D. Government of India Act, 1935

12. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was amended by which Amendment Act?

• A. 40th Amendment
• B. 44th Amendment
• C. 48th Amendment
• D. 42nd Amendment

13. The President of India's power to issue an ordinance is a remnant of:

• A. Government of India Act, 1935
• B. Indian Councils Act, 1909
• C. Charter Act of 1833
• D. Regulating Act of 1773

14. The concept of 'Fundamental Duties' was borrowed from which country's constitution?

• A. USA
• B. USSR (now Russia)
• C. UK
• D. France

15. Which of the following is not a feature of the Government of India Act, 1935?

• A. Abolition of Diarchy in provinces
• B. Establishment of Reserve Bank of India
• C. All-India Federation
• D. Communal Electorate for Sikhs and Anglo-Indians

16. Who was the first Vice President of the Constituent Assembly?

• A. H.C. Mukherjee
• B. V.T. Krishnamachari
• C. B.N. Rau
• D. Jawaharlal Nehru

17. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was based on which plan?

• A. Cabinet Mission Plan
• B. Mountbatten Plan
• C. Cripps Mission
• D. Simon Commission Report

18. The idea of 'Concurrent List' in the Indian Constitution is taken from:

• A. Canada
• B. USA
• C. Australia
• D. Ireland

19. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India as a:

• A. Sovereign, Democratic, Republic
• B. Sovereign, Socialist, Democratic, Republic
• C. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic
• D. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic

20. Who was the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly?

• A. B.N. Rau
• B. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• C. B.R. Ambedkar
• D. Jawaharlal Nehru

Polity Quiz & Indian Law: Foundational Principles

21. The first session of the Constituent Assembly was presided over by:

• A. Jawaharlal Nehru
• B. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• D. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

22. The system of 'separate electorate' for Muslims was introduced by:

• A. Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
• B. Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919
• C. Government of India Act, 1935
• D. Indian Councils Act, 1861

23. The Constituent Assembly was set up under the provisions of:

• A. Indian Independence Act, 1947
• B. Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946
• C. Government of India Act, 1935
• D. Cripps Mission, 1942

24. The term 'fraternity' in the Preamble means:

• A. Sense of justice
• B. Unity and integrity
• C. Brotherhood
• D. Equality of opportunity

25. The 'Objective Resolution' was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:

• A. 22 January 1947
• B. 26 November 1949
• C. 13 December 1946
• D. 26 January 1950

26. Who was the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

• A. V.V. Giri
• B. G.V. Mavalankar
• C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• D. B.R. Ambedkar

27. The concept of 'Judicial Review' in India is taken from the constitution of:

• A. UK
• B. Canada
• C. USA
• D. Ireland

28. The first country to adopt a written constitution was:

• A. USA
• B. UK
• C. India
• D. Japan

29. Who was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly?

• A. Jawaharlal Nehru
• B. B.R. Ambedkar
• C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• D. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

30. The preamble is the 'soul of the Constitution' according to:

• A. B.R. Ambedkar
• B. Jawaharlal Nehru
• C. Thakur Das Bhargava
• D. V.V. Giri

GK MCQ Indian Constitution: Facts & Figures

31. The term 'Sovereign' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution means:

• A. A state with an absolute monarchy
• B. India is an independent and supreme authority
• C. A state under the control of another country
• D. A state with a federal structure

32. The Constitution of India contains:

• A. 395 articles, 22 parts, 12 schedules
• B. 395 articles, 25 parts, 12 schedules
• C. 448 articles, 22 parts, 12 schedules
• D. 448 articles, 25 parts, 12 schedules

33. The 'Rule of Law' and 'Parliamentary System' concepts are borrowed from:

• A. USA
• B. Canada
• C. Australia
• D. UK

34. The chairman of the Union Constitution Committee was:

• A. B.R. Ambedkar
• B. Jawaharlal Nehru
• C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• D. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

35. The 'Fundamental Rights' are a part of which part of the Constitution?

• A. Part I
• B. Part II
• C. Part III
• D. Part IV

36. The 'Directive Principles of State Policy' are enshrined in:

• A. Part IV
• B. Part III
• C. Part II
• D. Part V

37. The idea of 'single citizenship' in India is borrowed from:

• A. USA
• B. Canada
• C. Ireland
• D. UK

38. The 42nd Amendment Act is also known as:

• A. Mini Constitution
• B. Major Constitution
• C. Preamble Constitution
• D. Judicial Constitution

39. Which of the following is not a part of the Preamble?

• A. Justice
• B. Federalism
• C. Liberty
• D. Equality

40. The Constituent Assembly was dissolved on:

• A. 26 January 1950
• B. 24 January 1950
• C. 24 January 1950
• D. 26 November 1949

History of Indian Constitution: Deeper Dive

41. The first President of independent India was:

• A. Jawaharlal Nehru
• B. B.R. Ambedkar
• C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• D. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

42. The concept of 'Procedure Established by Law' is from:

• A. Japan
• B. UK
• C. USA
• D. Ireland

43. Which Act established a separate Legislative Council for Bengal?

• A. Charter Act of 1833
• B. Charter Act of 1853
• C. Indian Councils Act of 1861
• D. Government of India Act of 1919

44. Who was the chairman of the Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee?

• A. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• B. Jawaharlal Nehru
• C. J.B. Kripalani
• D. B.R. Ambedkar

45. The 'Preamble' of the Constitution was influenced by the Preamble of:

• A. British Constitution
• B. Canadian Constitution
• C. French Constitution
• D. American Constitution

46. The Constituent Assembly, as on 15 August 1947, was a:

• A. Sovereign body
• B. Sovereign and interim legislature
• C. Interim legislature only
• D. Non-sovereign body

47. The 'Concurrent List' was adopted from which country?

• A. Australia
• B. Canada
• C. Ireland
• D. UK

48. The first country to adopt a Constitution with a 'Preamble' was:

• A. India
• B. USA
• C. UK
• D. Japan

49. The 'Charter Act of 1813' is known for:

• A. Ending the company's trade monopoly in India
• B. Appointing the first Governor-General of India
• C. Both A and B
• D. None of the above

50. The concept of 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity' is from:

• A. Russian Revolution
• B. American Revolution
• C. British Revolution
• D. French Revolution

We hope you found this **GK MCQ Indian Constitution** quiz both challenging and insightful. It is through these questions and answers that we can truly appreciate the immense effort and vision that went into drafting the world's longest written constitution. The journey of the Indian Constitution is not just a collection of historical facts; it is a testament to the democratic aspirations of a newly independent nation. This quiz, a blend of **polity quiz** and historical facts, serves as an excellent resource for anyone looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge of **Indian law and constitution gk questions**. It's a key step in understanding the past to better grasp the present structure of our governance. Keep exploring and learning!

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Exploring the History of the Indian Constitution

The journey to drafting the **Indian Constitution** was a long and complex process, beginning long before independence. It was shaped by British colonial rule, the national movement, and the aspirations of a diverse population. The history is a fascinating narrative of legislative evolution, from the early company rule acts to the monumental Government of India Act of 1935, which laid the blueprint for many of the provisions we see today. Understanding this history is crucial for anyone studying **Indian polity quiz** topics or preparing for competitive exams, as it provides the essential context behind the legal and administrative framework of the nation.

From Company Rule to Crown Rule: The Early Acts

The constitutional history of India officially began with the **Regulating Act of 1773**, which was the first step by the British Parliament to control and regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India. This Act established the post of Governor-General of Bengal and laid the foundation of a centralized administration. Subsequent acts like the Pitts India Act of 1784 further distinguished between the company's commercial and political functions, setting up a system of dual government. The **Charter Acts** of 1813, 1833, and 1853 progressively increased parliamentary control, culminating in the **Government of India Act of 1858**, which transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown following the Revolt of 1857.

Regulating Act, 1773

First step to control and regulate the East India Company's affairs in India. Created the Governor-General of Bengal.

Pitt's India Act, 1784

Distinguished between commercial and political functions of the company, establishing the Board of Control.

Charter Act, 1833

Made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India. Centralized administration and legislative powers.

Government of India Act, 1858

Transferred power from the company to the British Crown, ending the company rule. Introduced the Secretary of State for India.

The Road to Self-Governance: Key Reforms

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw increasing demands for self-governance, which led to significant constitutional reforms. The **Indian Councils Act of 1909**, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced the principle of communal representation for Muslims. This was a crucial, and controversial, step that sowed the seeds of separation. The **Government of India Act of 1919**, or the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced diarchy in the provinces, a system of dual rule where certain subjects were 'transferred' to Indian ministers while others were 'reserved' for British governors. These reforms were a partial response to the growing nationalist movement and were a precursor to greater autonomy.

"The constitution is not merely a lawyer's document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of age." — B.R. Ambedkar

The most pivotal act before independence was the **Government of India Act, 1935**. It was a massive piece of legislation that provided for an All-India Federation, the abolition of diarchy in the provinces, and the introduction of provincial autonomy. Although the federation never came into being, the Act's provisions served as the fundamental framework for the **Indian law and constitution gk questions** we study today. It provided for a federal court, a federal public service commission, and laid the groundwork for a bicameral legislature at the centre. Many of the features, such as the office of the governor, the federal judiciary, and the Public Service Commissions, were adopted directly into the Constitution of independent India.

The Constituent Assembly: Drafting the Constitution

The idea of a Constituent Assembly was first put forward by M.N. Roy in 1934 and was finally formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan. The Assembly was tasked with the monumental responsibility of drafting the constitution for a free India. It was a diverse body, comprising members from different political backgrounds, communities, and provinces. The first meeting was held on December 9, 1946, with Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha as its temporary president. Later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President, and B.N. Rau was appointed as the Constitutional Advisor. The assembly worked through various committees, with the most important being the **Drafting Committee**, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often hailed as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

💡 Quick Fact:

The Constituent Assembly had 11 sessions over 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days. The Drafting Committee sat for 114 days, considering proposals and making revisions.

The drafting process involved a thorough study of the constitutions of over 60 countries. The framers meticulously picked the best features, adapting them to suit the unique context and aspirations of India. Key borrowings include:

• UK: Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, single citizenship.
• USA: Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, independence of the judiciary.
• Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy.
• Canada: Federal system with a strong center, appointment of state governors.
• Australia: Concurrent List, freedom of trade and commerce.

Conclusion of the Drafting Process

On November 26, 1949, the Constitution was adopted and enacted by the people of India. The Preamble, Fundamental Rights, citizenship, and other temporary and transitional provisions came into force immediately. The remaining provisions, however, came into force on **January 26, 1950**, a date chosen to commemorate the anniversary of Purna Swaraj Day in 1930. This date marked India's transition to a sovereign, democratic republic. The constitution established a federal system with a unitary bias, a parliamentary form of government, and a delicate balance between fundamental rights and directive principles. This dual nature is a common theme in **indian constitution quiz** questions.

✅ Fun Fact:

The original handwritten copies of the Constitution are preserved in helium-filled cases in the Library of Parliament House in New Delhi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a constitutional monarchy and a republic?

In a constitutional monarchy, the head of state is a monarch whose powers are limited by a constitution, like in the UK. In a republic, the head of state is an elected or appointed official, like the President of India, and not a hereditary monarch.

Why is the 42nd Amendment called the 'Mini Constitution'?

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 was one of the most comprehensive amendments in Indian history. It brought about a large number of changes to the Constitution, including adding the words 'socialist', 'secular', and 'integrity' to the Preamble, and transferring several subjects from the State to the Concurrent List, hence its nickname.

What is the significance of the Preamble?

The Preamble serves as an introduction and summary of the Constitution. It outlines the objectives and philosophy of the Indian State, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It's considered the 'key to the Constitution' as it provides a guide to the framers' intentions.

Key Takeaways

1. The history of the Indian Constitution is rooted in various acts passed by the British Parliament, notably the Government of India Act, 1935, which served as a major source.
2. The Constituent Assembly, led by figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, was a diverse body that drafted the Constitution over nearly three years.
3. The Constitution's final form is a result of meticulous borrowing and adaptation of features from over 60 constitutions worldwide, showcasing its eclectic nature.
4. The concepts of 'Sovereign', 'Socialist', 'Secular', 'Democratic', and 'Republic' are the core principles enshrined in the Preamble.
5. The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, but came into force on January 26, 1950, a date chosen for its historical significance.

Conclusion:

The journey from a colony to a sovereign republic is reflected in every clause of the Indian Constitution. It is a living document that has evolved through numerous amendments to meet the needs of a changing society. Studying its history is not just about memorizing facts for a **gk mcq indian constitution** test; it is about appreciating the democratic principles and the foresight of the founding fathers who envisioned a just and equitable society. The Constitution is the backbone of Indian democracy, and its history is a testament to the nation's struggle for freedom and self-determination. This article and the accompanying quiz provide a solid foundation for anyone interested in the complex and rich tapestry of Indian law and governance.