Reviewing AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Study Material Chapter 1 The Constitution of India Questions and Answers can help students prepare confidently for exams.
AP Inter 2nd Year Civics 1st Lesson The Constitution of India Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Cite any two major committees and their chairmen of the Constituent Assembly.
Answer:
Two major committees of the Constituent Assembly:
- Union Powers Committee -Jawaharlal Nehru
Drafting Committee -B. R. Ambedkar.
Question 2.
Mention Chief Commissioners’ provinces.
Answer:
Chief Commissioners provinces in the Indian Constituent Assembly of 1946 were:
- Delhi
- Ajmer-Merwara
- Coorg
- British Baluchistan.
Question 3.
How many women representatives were members of the Constituent Assembly indicate four such representatives?
Answer:
There were 15 women members in the Constituent Assembly of 1946,
- Sarojini Naidu,
- Durgabai Deshmukh,
- Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit,
- Ammu Swaminathan.
Question 4.
Which Supreme Court judgments have held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution of India?
Answer:
The Supreme Court judgments that have held Preamble is a part of the Constitution of India:
- Berubari Union Case (1960)
- Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
- LIC of India case (1995).
Question 5.
Write about the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution is about the division of powers between the Union and the States. It contains three lists.
- List I (Union List),
- List II (State List),
- List III (Concurrent List).
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Describe the composition of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
Answer:
- The Constituent Assembly was the special body formed in Nov-1946 to make Indian Constitution.
- It contained 389 members (296 seats for British India and 93 for Princely States.)
- Drafting committee of the constituent Assembly was formed on August 291947.
- It was entrusted with the crucial task of preparing a draft of the new Constitution of India.
- This committee comprised seven members and was headed by Dr.B.R.Ambedkar.
- The Drafting Committee, after considering the proposals of various committees, prepared the First Draft of the Constitution of India, which was published in February 1948.
- The people of India were given eight months to examine the draft and suggest amendments.
- In the light of public comments, criticisms, and suggestions, the Committee prepared a Second Draft, which was published in October 1948.
Question 2.
Write any four sources of the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
- The main source of the Constitution was the Government of India Act, 1935.
- Indian Constitution was made after studying many known constitutions of the world.
- It borrowed many ideas from different countries and existing systems.
Four sources of the Indian Constitution:
- Government of India Act, 1935 : Federal structure, Integrated Judiciary, Public Service Commission, President’s Rule, Office of Governor
- British Constitution: Parliamentary system, Legislative Procedure, Rule of law, Single Citizenship.
- USA Constitution : Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary, Judicial review, Office of the Vice President, Impeachment of the President, Removal of Judges of Supreme court.
- Canada Constitution : Federation with a Strong Centre, residuary powers in the Centre.
Question 3.
Mention any eight parts of the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
Originally, the Constitution of India contained 22 Parts, 395 Articles and 8 Schedules As of 2026, there are 25 Parts, 473 Articles and 12 Schedules.
Major Parts of the Indian Constitution :
- Part I – Union and its Territory (Articles 1 to 4.
- Part II – Citizenship (Articles 5 to 11.
- Part III – Fundamental Rights (Articles 12 to 35)
- Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36 to 51.
- Part IV-A – Fundamental Duties (Article 51 A)
- Part V – Union Government (Articles 52 to 151.
- Part VI – State Governments (Articles 152 to 237)
- Part VII – Deleted by 7th Amendment Act-1956 (Articles 238 deleted)
- Part VIII – Union Territories (Articles 239 to 242.
- Part IX – Panchayats (Articles 243 – 243(0))
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Explain any six salient features of the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
- Indian Constitution starts with the Preamble.
- It reflects the aims, aspirations, and objectives of the people of India.
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution:
1. Lengthiest Written constitution:
- The constitution of India is the lengthiest written constitution in the world.
- Originally, the Indian constitution contained 22 Parts with 395 Articles and 8 schedules.
- As of 2026, it consists of 25 parts with 473 Articles and 12 schedules.
2. Combination of rigidity and flexibility:
The Constitution of India combines features of both rigid and flexible constitutions.
- A rigid constitution requires a special procedure for its amendment,
- A flexible constitution can be amended like ordinary laws.
Indian Constitution is neither wholly rigid nor wholly flexible, but a unique blend of both.
3. Federal System with Unitary Bias:
The constitution of India includes features of both Unitary and Federal systems. It works as a federal system during normal times and Unitary system in emergencies.
Federal system: Two Governments (Central and State), division of powers, Supreme Constitution, Independent Judiciary. [ Notably the term Federation does not appear anywhere in the constitution instead, it uses “Union of States”]
Unitary system: Strong Centre, Single Constitution, Single Citizenship, Integrated Judiciary.
4. Parliamentary form of Government:
- The Constitution of India has adopted the British parliamentary system of government.
- The President of India is the nominal executive head.
- The Union Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is the real executive authority. Majority party rule the legislature.
5. Fundamental Rights:
The basic human rights are as 6 Fundamental Rights given in Part III (Articles 12 to 35).
They are:
- Right to equality
- Right to freedom
- Right against exploitation
- Right to religion
- Right to culture and educational right
- Right to constitutional remedies.
6. Directive Principles:
- Directive Principles of State Policy are given in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51..
- They are not enforceable by courts, but they guide the government in making laws.
- They are divided into three types: Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal-Intellectual principles.
7. Fundamental Duties:
Originally, the Constitution did not include Fundamental Duties. They were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. At first, ten duties were included, and later one more was added, making a total of eleven duties. These duties include respecting the Constitution, the National Flag and National Anthem, safeguarding public property etc.
Question 2.
Write the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and explain its significance.
Answer:
- The term “Preamble” refers to the introduction or preface to the Constitution.
- It reflects the aims, aspirations, and objectives of the people of India.
- The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is based on the Objectives Resolution, drafted and moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1947.
- It has been amended only once, by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, Which added three new words: Socialist, Secular and Integrity.
TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE
We, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, Social, Economic and Political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all;
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION”.
Significance of the Preamble:
The Preamble contains the basic philosophy and fundamental values – political, moral, and social- on which the Constitution is founded. It reflects the grand vision of the Constituent Assembly and the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the Constitution.
Admiring Comments on the Preamble by Eminent members and jurists:
- “Preamble is the soul of the Constitution”. – Justice Hidayatullah
- “Preamble is like the identity card of the Constitution.” – N. A. Palkhlvala
- “Preamble is the “horoscope of our sovereign democratic republic”.- K.M.Munshi
- “The Preamble to our Constitution expresses what we had thought or dreamt so long”. – Sir Alladi Krishnaswami Iyer
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which Act separated the legislative functions of the Governor-General from the executive functions?
1. Charter Act of 1853
2. Charter Act of 1833
3. Indian Council Act of 1861
4. Indian Council Act of 1909
Answer:
1. Charter Act of 1853
Question 2.
Which among the following Indians were nominated by Lord Canning in 1862 to the Legislative Council?
a) Raja of Benares
b) Maharaja of Patiala
c) Sir Dinkar Rao
d)Dadabhai Naoroji
1. a, b, c
2. b, c, d
3. a & d
4. a, c, d
Answer:
1. a, b, c
Question 3.
Under the 1892 Act, members of councils were allowed to
1. Vote on budgetary demands
2. Ask questions to the executive (with restrictions)
3. Initiate bills independently
4. Elect the Viceroy
Answer:
2. Ask questions to the executive (with restrictions)
Question 4.
The Government of India Act of 1919 introduced, for the first time, in India
1. Federalism and Provincial Autonomy
2. Bicameralism and Direct Elections
3. Separate Electorates for Muslims
4. Complete Responsible Government
Answer:
2. Bicameralism and Direct Elections
Question 5.
The Government of India Act of 1935 contained
1. 250 sections and 8 schedules
2. 300 sections and 12 schedules
3. 321 sections and 10 schedules
4. 350 sections and 15 schedules
Answer:
3. 321 sections and 10 schedules
Question 6.
The Constituent Assembly was constituted under
1. Wavell Plan
2. Cripps Mission
3. August Offer
4. Cabinet Mission Plan
Answer:
4. Cabinet Mission Plan
Question 7.
Who chaired the Constituent Assembly when it met as a Legislative body?
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
2. H.C. Mukherjee
3. GV. Mavalankar
4. V.T. Krishnamachari
Answer:
3. GV. Mavalankar
Question 8.
Which of the following three words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976?
1. Socialist, Secular, Integrity
2. Socialist, Justice, Liberty
3. Secular, Republic Equality
4. Unity, Fraternity, Dignity
Answer:
1. Socialist, Secular, Integrity
Fill in the Blanks
Question 1.
Dual system of government (Double Government) was introduced by ___________
Answer:
Pitt’s India Act of 1784
Question 2.
The ‘portfolio system recognized under the Act of 1861 was introduced by ___________
Answer:
Lord Canning
Question 3.
The Indian Councils Act of 1909 is also known as ___________
Answer:
Morley-Minto Reforms
Question 4.
The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly of India was held on ___________
Answer:
9 December 1946
Question 5.
The permanent President of the Constituent Assembly was ___________
Answer:
Dr. Babu Rajendra Prasad
Question 6.
After Independence, the total strength of the Constituent Assembly was reduced from 389 to ___________
Answer:
299
One Word Answers
Question 1.
Which Act permitted the Christian missionaries to enter India?
Answer:
Charter Act of 1813
Question 2.
Who is the first Governor-General of India?
Answer:
Lord William Bentinck
Question 3.
Who was elected as the temporary President of the Constituent Assembly in December 1946?
Answer:
Dr. Sachidananda Sinha
Question 4.
Who moved the historic Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946?
Answer:
Jawahartal Nehru
Question 5.
Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of Indian Constitution?
Answer:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Question 6.
Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution recognised the Languages?
Answer:
Eighth Schedule