Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution

“The Constituent Assembly was the body that framed the Indian Constitution, representing the hopes and aspirations of the people of India.”

Formation of Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly was formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. It consisted of 389 members (later 299 after partition), representing provinces and princely states.

  • Date of first meeting: 9th December 1946
  • President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad (elected on 11th December 1946)
  • Vice-President: H.C. Mukherjee
  • Drafting Committee Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Working of the Constituent Assembly

  • Held 11 sessions over 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days
  • Total of 165 days were spent in debating the Constitution
  • The Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949
  • It came into effect on 26th January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day)

The assembly functioned as a sovereign body and also acted as the first Parliament of independent India until 1952.

Important Committees of the Assembly

  • Drafting Committee: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Chairman)
  • Union Powers Committee: Jawaharlal Nehru
  • Union Constitution Committee: Jawaharlal Nehru
  • Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights & Minorities: Sardar Patel
  • Provincial Constitution Committee: Sardar Patel
  • Steering Committee: Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Significance of the Constituent Assembly

The assembly represented different regions, religions, and communities of India. It ensured the Constitution reflected democratic values, secularism, social justice, and federalism.

Despite challenges like Partition and communal violence, the assembly maintained its focus on building a just and inclusive constitution.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2020: Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
  • HSSC 2018: When was the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly held?
  • 9th December 1946
  • RRB JE 2019: Who was the first President of the Constituent Assembly?
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Did You Know? Over 2,000 amendments were proposed during the drafting of the Indian Constitution!

Conclusion

The Constituent Assembly played a historic role in shaping the destiny of modern India. Its democratic functioning and inclusive vision laid the foundation of the world's largest democracy.

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