Q1. Which of the following statements best reflects the distinction introduced by the Indian Independence Act, 1947, regarding the dual role of the Constituent Assembly?
- It mandated that the Assembly function under the oversight of the British Parliament.
- It dissolved the Assembly’s authority to legislate on any matter other than constitutional affairs.
- It authorized the Assembly to function both as a constitution-making body and a sovereign legislative body.
- It created two separate assemblies for the dominions of India and Pakistan.
Correct Option: 3. It authorized the Assembly to function both as a constitution-making body and a sovereign legislative body.
Explanation: The Indian Independence Act of 1947 empowered the Constituent Assembly to legislate and create the Constitution without external interference. It functioned as the first Parliament when acting in legislative capacity.
Q2. Which principle embedded in the Objectives Resolution marks a departure from the British constitutional framework?
- Parliamentary sovereignty
- Federalism with residuary powers to the Union
- Separation of powers
- Bicameralism
Correct Option: 2. Federalism with residuary powers to the Union.
Explanation: Unlike the British system (which is unitary), the Objectives Resolution outlined a federal structure where residuary powers rested with the Union, a notable divergence from both British and American models.
Q3. Which of the following correctly explains why the Constituent Assembly was considered a partly elected and partly nominated body?
- Members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were nominated.
- Representatives of princely states were nominated by the British Crown.
- Members from princely states were nominated by their rulers, while British Indian representatives were elected indirectly.
- All members were elected indirectly by provincial governors, while the Governor-General nominated princely representatives.
Correct Option: 3. Members from princely states were nominated by their rulers, while British Indian representatives were elected indirectly..
Explanation: The princely states did not have democratic institutions, so their rulers nominated members; the rest were elected by provincial legislatures, which were themselves elected on limited franchise.
Q4. The allocation of seats in the Constituent Assembly to various communities was primarily based on which of the following principles?
- Regional linguistic identities
- Equal representation of all communities irrespective of population
- Separate electorates and religious census
- Proportional representation based on population and communal classification
Correct Option: 4. Proportional representation based on population and communal classification
Explanation: The Cabinet Mission Plan allocated seats based on population and divided them among Muslims, Sikhs, and General category in each province.
Q5. Which of the following personalities had no formal role in the Constituent Assembly proceedings despite their national importance?
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- B.R. Ambedkar
Correct Option: 2. Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Although he was a guiding moral and political force, Mahatma Gandhi never held a seat in the Constituent Assembly.