Making of the Constitution & Preamble

The making of the Constitution is examined through dates, names and numbers: who chaired what, how long it took, and what the Preamble actually says. These are among the most predictable marks in any general studies paper, because the facts never change.

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Making of the Constitution — true or false?

6 statements · 12s each

The dates that carry the marks

EventDate
Constituent Assembly first met9 December 1946
Objectives Resolution moved (Nehru)13 December 1946
Constitution adopted26 November 1949
Constitution came into force26 January 1950
Time taken2 years, 11 months, 18 days

26 November is Constitution Day; 26 January is Republic Day. Confusing adoption with commencement is the single commonest error here.

Who did what

  • Dr Rajendra Prasad — President of the Constituent Assembly
  • Dr B. R. Ambedkar — Chairman of the Drafting Committee
  • Jawaharlal Nehru — moved the Objectives Resolution
  • B. N. Rau — Constitutional Adviser
  • Sachchidananda Sinha — first (temporary) President of the Assembly

The Preamble, word by word

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, Liberty, Equality and to promote among them all Fraternity

"We, the people" establishes that authority flows from the people. Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are the four objectives — and their order is asked.

Sort the role

Who held which position?

0/6

Chief architect of the Constitution

Which group does it belong to?

Fix the numbers

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Put the events in order

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Match the fact

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Quick reference

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Exam tip: 26 November 1949 = adopted; 26 January 1950 = came into force. A large share of constitution questions turn on nothing more than keeping those two dates apart.


Test yourself

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