Preamble & History — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. November 26, 1949

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 — the same date the Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly. This date is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas) in India. The Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950 (Republic Day). The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete the Constitution, meeting for 166 days over 11 sessions.

Correct Answer: B. The Indian people are the ultimate source of the Constitution's authority

The opening words 'WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA' in the Preamble signify that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India, not from any external power or a separate constituent body. This establishes the doctrine of popular sovereignty — the people of India are the ultimate source of all constitutional authority. The Constitution was adopted by the people through their elected representatives in the Constituent Assembly. This is a fundamental democratic principle.

Correct Answer: A. Justice

All four — Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity — are explicitly mentioned in the Preamble. The Preamble secures to all citizens: Justice (social, economic, and political); Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship); Equality (of status and opportunity); and promotes Fraternity (assuring dignity of the individual and unity and integrity of the Nation). All these are present in the Preamble. The question is actually a trick question — all these ARE part of the Preamble.

Correct Answer: B. 1929

The Indian National Congress passed the 'Poorna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) resolution at its Lahore Session in December 1929, under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru. The Tricolor was unfurled on December 31, 1929, and January 26, 1930 was declared as the first 'Independence Day'. Subsequently, January 26 was chosen as the date on which the Indian Constitution would come into force in 1950. This is why January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day.

Correct Answer: B. Brotherhood and dignity of the individual

The concept of 'Fraternity' (Bandhuta) in the Preamble assures the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood and belonging among all citizens. It recognizes that a democratic republic can function effectively only if there is a spirit of fraternity among its citizens transcending caste, religion, region, and language. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized fraternity as the most essential element for a democratic society, drawing from Buddhist and French revolutionary values.

Correct Answer: B. B) Ultimate sovereignty rests with the people

The phrase "We, the People of India" in the Preamble signifies that the ultimate source of authority in India is the people themselves, not the government or any external power. This reflects the democratic principle of popular sovereignty. The Preamble declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic constituted by the will of the people. It echoes the opening of the US Constitution which also begins with "We the People".

Correct Answer: C. No, the Preamble is not justiciable

The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is not justiciable — it cannot be enforced by courts directly. Courts cannot use the Preamble alone to grant rights or impose duties. However, the Preamble can be used to interpret ambiguous provisions of the Constitution. The Supreme Court in Berubari Union case (1960) held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution, but later in Kesavananda Bharati (1973) reversed this and held that the Preamble IS a part of the Constitution and can be used for interpretation.

Correct Answer: A. The US Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is primarily modelled on the Preamble of the US Constitution and also draws inspiration from the Objectives Resolution of the Constituent Assembly. The US Constitution begins with 'We the People of the United States...' and India's Preamble begins with 'We the People of India...' The concept of securing justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity also draws from the French Revolution's ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

Correct Answer: B. External control or authority

'SOVEREIGN' in the Preamble means that India is completely free from external control. India has supreme authority within its own territory and is not subject to any other nation or international body (though it participates in international organizations voluntarily). This sovereignty was achieved with independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. Sovereignty means India can formulate its own foreign policy, enter treaties, and make all decisions for its citizens without external interference.

Correct Answer: C. Sachchidananda Sinha

The Constituent Assembly of India held its first meeting on December 9, 1946 at Constitution Hall (now Parliament House) in New Delhi. The first meeting was presided over by Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha (the oldest member of the Constituent Assembly) as provisional chairman. Subsequently, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, 1946. The Muslim League boycotted the Constituent Assembly at this stage.