Working of the Constituent Assembly
The Constituent Assembly of India was created to write an Indian constitution. It was made up of MPs who were elected indirectly. The Constituent Assembly convened for the first time on December 9, 1946. The Muslim League boycotted the meeting, insisting for Pakistan’s independence. As a result, only 211 persons showed up to the meeting. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, the Assembly’s senior member, was elected as the Assembly’s temporary President using French process. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was later elected President of the Assembly. H.C. Mukherjee and V.T. Krishnamachari were elected as Assembly Vice Presidents. In other words, the Assembly had two Vice Presidents.
Method – Working of the Constituent Assembly
The work of the Constituent Assembly was well-organized, open, and consensus-based. To begin, some key concepts were identified and agreed upon. Then, under the supervision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a Drafting Committee created a draft constitution for debate. Clause by Clause, the Draft Constitution was thoroughly considered in multiple times. Approximately 2,000 modifications were considered. The members deliberated for 114 days over the period of three years. Every document presented to the Constituent Assembly, as well as every word said, has been documented and saved. The debates are referred to as ‘Constituent Assembly Debates.’ These arguments are dispersed throughout 12 thick volumes! During these debates, every provision of the constitution is justified. These are used to interpret the meaning of the Constitution.
Time line of Working of the Constituent Assembly with total number of days
- Jawaharlal Nehru proposed a “Objective Resolution” outlining the essential principles of the constitution on December 13, 1946, which became the Preamble.
- On January 22, 1947, the objective resolution was unanimously adopted.
- On November 26, 1949, the assembly passed and adopted the ‘Constitution of India’.
- On July 22, 1947, the National Flag was adopted.
- On August 15, 1947, the country declared its independence.
- On August 29, 1947, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
- On July 16, 1948, V. T. Krishnamachari was elected as the Constituent Assembly’s second vice-president, with Harendra Coomar Mookerjee.
- On November 26, 1949, the assembly enacted and adopted the “Constitution of India.”
- On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly held its final session.
- The ‘Constitution of India’ (which comprises 395 articles, 8 schedules, and 22 parts) was signed and adopted by everyone.
- The ‘Constitution of India’ was signed into law on January 26, 1950, after two years, eleven months, and eighteen days of work and a total cost of $6.4 million. (The assembly drafted the constitution in 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days. The constitution was written at a cost of Rs.64 lakhs.)
MCQs
Question -1 The concept of a Constituent Assembly was first proposed by…..?
- (a) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- (b) M.N. Roy
- (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- (d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Answer – (b)
Question -2 When The ‘Constitution of India’ was signed into law?
- (a) On January 26, 1950
- (b) On January 24, 1950
- (c) On November 26, 1949
- (d) On August 15, 1947
Answer – (b)
Question -3 How much time did the assembly draft the constitution ?
- (a) in 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
- (b) in 1 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
- (c) in 2 years, 10 months, and 18 days.
- (d) in 2 years, 11 months, and 22 days.
Answer – (a)
Question – 4 On which cost the constitution was written?
- (a) at a cost of Rs.64 lakhs (6.4 million).
- (b) at a cost of Rs.74 lakhs (7.4 million).
- (c) at a cost of Rs.84 lakhs (8.4 million).
- (d) at a cost of Rs.94 lakhs (9.4 million).
Answer – (a)
Question – 5 How many Articles, schedules and parts were in constitution of India at the time of commencement?
- (a) 395 articles, 8 schedules, and 22 parts
- (b) 395 articles,12 schedules, and 22 parts
- (c) 395 articles, 8 schedules, and 12 part
- (d) 395 articles,10 schedules, and 22 parts
Answer – (a)
Question – 6 Who was the chairman of the constitution drafting committee?
- (a) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
- (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
- (c) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
- (d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Answer – (a)
Question – 7 Who was the temporary President of constitution Assembly?
- (a) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
- (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
- Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad