Worksheet Solutions: Framing the constitution | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: The members of the constituent assembly were elected by ________.
Ans: Provincial legislature
The members of the constituent assembly were elected by provincial legislature, reflecting the diverse regional representation in the assembly.

Q2: The Muslim League boycotted the assembly due to their demand for a ________ constitution and state.
Ans: Separate
The Muslim League boycotted the assembly due to their demand for a separate constitution and state, highlighting religious and political divisions.

Q3: The Objective Resolution outlined the ideals of the constitution and provided a ________ for constitution-making.
Ans: Framework
The Objective Resolution outlined the ideals of the constitution and provided a framework for constitution-making, setting the guiding principles for the assembly's discussions.

Q4: The issue of separate electorates led to intense debates in the assembly and was eventually ________.
Ans: Removed
The issue of separate electorates led to intense debates in the assembly and was eventually removed, emphasizing the assembly's focus on fostering national unity.

Q5: The Constitution granted universal adult suffrage, allowing the participation of all citizens irrespective of ________.
Ans: Gender
The Constitution granted universal adult suffrage, allowing the participation of all citizens irrespective of gender, ensuring gender equality in the democratic process.

Q6: The division of power between the central and state governments was intensely debated, leading to the creation of ________ lists.
Ans: Union, State, Concurrent
The division of power between the central and state governments was intensely debated, leading to the creation of Union, State, Concurrent lists, defining the scope of legislative authority.

Q7: The Language Committee decided that ________ in Devanagari script would be an official language after independence.
Ans: Hindi
The Language Committee decided that Hindi in Devanagari script would be an official language after independence, shaping India's linguistic policy.

Q8: Indian secularism maintains a cautious ________ between the State and religion.
Ans: Distance
Indian secularism maintains a cautious distance between the State and religion, ensuring religious freedom while preventing state interference in religious affairs.

Q9: ________ was elected as the President of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
Ans: Jinnah
Jinnah was elected as the President of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the country's foundational documents.

Q10: The Constituent Assembly made provisions to abolish ________ and open Hindu temples to all castes.
Ans: Untouchability
The Constituent Assembly made provisions to abolish untouchability and open Hindu temples to all castes, promoting social equality and combating discriminatory practices.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The Muslim League boycotted the constituent assembly.
Reason: They demanded a separate constitution and state.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The Assertion is correct as the Muslim League did boycott the constituent assembly. However, the Reason, although true, is not the correct explanation. The reason for their boycott was not merely the demand for a separate constitution and state but also deep-seated political differences and concerns about adequate representation and safeguards for Muslims in the proposed Indian state.

Q2: Assertion: The Objective Resolution proclaimed India to be an independent sovereign republic.
Reason: It outlined the ideals of the constitution and provided a framework for constitution-making.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the Assertion and the Reason are true. The Objective Resolution indeed proclaimed India as an independent sovereign republic, and it outlined the ideals of the constitution, providing a framework for the constitution-making process. The Reason explains why the Assertion is true.

Q3: Assertion: The issue of separate electorates was hotly debated in the assembly.
Reason: Sardar Patel strongly advocated for separate electorates.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The Assertion is true as the issue of separate electorates was indeed hotly debated in the assembly. However, the Reason is false. Sardar Patel was strongly against separate electorates and declared them as divisive and harmful to the unity of the nation. He advocated for the removal of separate electorates.

Q4: Assertion: The Indian Constitution granted universal adult suffrage.
Reason: It restricted the right to vote based on social and economic status.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (d)
The Assertion is false because the Indian Constitution did grant universal adult suffrage, ensuring that all adult citizens, regardless of their social or economic status, had the right to vote. The Reason is true because there were no restrictions on voting rights based on social or economic status in the Indian Constitution.

Q5: Assertion: Hindi was unanimously accepted as the national language in the Constituent Assembly.
Reason: Language issues were emotionally charged and related to regional culture and heritage.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The Assertion is true as Hindi was not unanimously accepted as the national language; there were debates and concerns over language issues in the Constituent Assembly. The Reason is also true; language issues were indeed emotionally charged and related to regional culture and heritage. However, the Reason does not directly explain why Hindi was not unanimously accepted as the national language. There were various linguistic and cultural factors at play in the decision-making process.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Who were the dominant voices in the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: The dominant voices in the Constituent Assembly were Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Q2: Who moved the "Objective Resolution" in the assembly?
Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru moved the "Objective Resolution" in the assembly.

Q3: What was the role of Sardar Patel in the assembly?
Ans: Sardar Patel played a crucial role in the assembly as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs.

Q4: Name the chairman of the drafting committee of the constitution.
Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chairman of the drafting committee of the constitution.

Q5: What did NG Ranga emphasize regarding minorities in the assembly?
Ans: NG Ranga emphasized the protection of the rights of minorities in the assembly.

Q6: Why was there intense debate over the issue of separate electorates?
Ans: There was intense debate over the issue of separate electorates to ensure adequate representation and safeguard the interests of various communities.

Q7: How did the Constituent Assembly address the problem of untouchability?
Ans: The Constituent Assembly addressed the problem of untouchability by including provisions for the abolition of untouchability and the promotion of equality and social justice.

Q8: What were the three lists of subjects provided in the draft constitution?
Ans: The three lists of subjects provided in the draft constitution were the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.

Q9: Who advocated for a strong government after partition?
Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru advocated for a strong government after partition.

Q10: Why did language become an emotional issue in the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: Language became an emotional issue in the Constituent Assembly due to the diverse linguistic groups in India and their demand for recognition and protection of their languages.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Who were the dominant voices in the Constituent Assembly, and what roles did they play in the framing of the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The dominant voices in the Constituent Assembly included leaders like Pt. Nehru, Vallabh Bhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, BR Ambedkar, ICM Munshi, and Alladi Krishna Swamy Aiyar. Nehru introduced the Objective Resolution, while Patel negotiated with princely states. Rajendra Prasad served as the President of the Assembly, and Ambedkar chaired the drafting committee.

Q2: Why did the Muslim League boycott the Constituent Assembly, and what were their demands?
Ans: The Muslim League boycotted the assembly because they wanted a separate constitution and a separate state (Pakistan). They demanded separate electorates to ensure political representation for Muslims.

Q3: What were the main issues debated in the Constituent Assembly regarding the rights of different groups like linguistic minorities, religious minorities, and dalits?
Ans: Linguistic minorities sought protection for their mother tongues, religious minorities demanded special safeguards, and dalits asked for the abolition of caste suppression and reservations in education and government jobs.

Q4: What was the significance of the Objective Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: The Objective Resolution outlined the ideals of the Indian Constitution, proclaiming India as an independent sovereign republic. It guaranteed justice, equality, freedom, and adequate safeguards for minorities and backward classes, providing a framework for constitution making.

Q5: How was the issue of separate electorates debated in the Constituent Assembly, and what were the arguments against it?
Ans: The issue of separate electorates led to intense debate. While some argued it would ensure minority representation, others, including Sardar Patel, saw it as divisive, leading to conflicts and partition. The argument against separate electorates was based on the idea of national unity and assimilation of all communities within the nation.

Q6: Why was the question of national language contentious in the Constituent Assembly, and how was it resolved?
Ans: The choice of a national language was emotional and related to regional culture. Hindustani was accepted, but differences between Hindi and Urdu arose. A gradual transition to Hindi in Devanagari script was decided, with English as the official language for 15 years after independence. Provinces could choose their official language.

Q7: What were the two key features of the Indian Constitution regarding voting rights and secularism?
Ans: The Indian Constitution granted universal adult suffrage from the beginning, ensuring the right to vote for every adult citizen irrespective of gender, caste, religion, or economic status. Secularism was evident through Fundamental Rights guaranteeing freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and equality, maintaining a cautious distance between the State and religion.

Q8: What was the role of leaders like SG Durgabai in the Constituent Assembly debates on language, and what fears did they express?
Ans: Leaders like SG Durgabai expressed opposition against Hindi in South India, fearing that it might erode provincial languages and cultural heritage. They emphasized the inclusive nature of Hindustani, stressing the need for mutual understanding among different language groups.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the significant roles played by Pt. Nehru, Vallabh Bhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and BR Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly debates and the framing of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabh Bhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played crucial roles in the Constituent Assembly debates and the framing of the Indian Constitution.

• Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru: As the first Prime Minister of independent India, Pt. Nehru played a prominent role in shaping the Constitution. He believed in a democratic and socialist framework for the country. Nehru emphasized the need for fundamental rights, equality, and social justice. He advocated for a secular state and worked towards the inclusion of Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution.
• Vallabh Bhai Patel: Known as the "Iron Man of India," Vallabh Bhai Patel played a vital role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union. He focused on maintaining the unity and integrity of India. Patel actively participated in the debates on fundamental rights, citizenship, and the distribution of legislative powers. His efforts played a significant role in the formation of a strong and centralized government.
• Rajendra Prasad: Rajendra Prasad was elected as the President of the Constituent Assembly. He presided over its sessions and ensured that all members had a fair chance to express their opinions. Prasad facilitated the smooth functioning of the assembly and encouraged consensus-building. His leadership skills were instrumental in maintaining harmony and resolving conflicts during the framing of the Constitution.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Dr. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, played a pivotal role in drafting and shaping its provisions. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he worked tirelessly to ensure social equality and justice. Ambedkar fought against caste discrimination and advocated for the rights of marginalized communities. He played a crucial role in the inclusion of provisions related to fundamental rights, abolition of untouchability, and affirmative action.

Collectively, these leaders contributed significantly to the Constituent Assembly debates and the framing of the Indian Constitution. Their vision and efforts laid the foundation for a democratic, inclusive, and progressive India.

Q2: Discuss the debates and resolutions regarding the contentious issue of separate electorates in the Constituent Assembly. What were the arguments for and against separate electorates, and how was the matter resolved?
Ans: The issue of separate electorates was a contentious topic during the Constituent Assembly debates. Separate electorates were a system where members of specific religious or social groups could vote only for candidates belonging to their own community. The debates revolved around the question of whether separate electorates were necessary for the protection of minority rights or whether they would hinder the goal of national integration.

Arguments for separate electorates:

• Protection of minority rights: Proponents of separate electorates argued that it was essential to safeguard the political representation of religious and social minorities. They believed that minorities would be marginalized in a democratic system dominated by the majority community.
• Autonomy and self-governance: Supporters of separate electorates believed that it would allow minority communities to have a say in their own affairs and preserve their cultural and religious identity.

Arguments against separate electorates:

• Promoting national integration: Opponents of separate electorates argued that such a system would perpetuate divisions along religious and social lines, hindering the goal of national unity and integration.
• Equal representation: Critics pointed out that separate electorates would lead to the under-representation of minorities in the overall political process.

The matter of separate electorates was resolved through the Poona Pact of 1932. Under this agreement, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, representing the interests of the Dalits, agreed to give up the demand for separate electorates for Dalits in exchange for reserved seats in the legislatures. This compromise, known as the reservation policy, aimed to ensure the political representation and empowerment of marginalized communities while preserving the principles of national integration.

Q3: Explain the complexities surrounding the choice of a national language in the Constituent Assembly debates. Discuss the reasons for the opposition against Hindi as the national language and how the issue was resolved.
Ans: The issue of choosing a national language was one of the most complex and debated topics during the Constituent Assembly discussions. The debates revolved around the choice between Hindi and English as the national language, taking into consideration linguistic diversity, regional aspirations, and the need for effective communication.

Reasons for opposition against Hindi as the national language:

• Linguistic diversity: India is a linguistically diverse country with numerous regional languages. Many members of the Constituent Assembly were concerned that declaring Hindi as the national language would undermine the linguistic rights and cultural identities of non-Hindi speaking regions.
• Regional aspirations: Several states, particularly those in the southern and eastern parts of India, had strong regional identities and preferred their own languages to be recognized and promoted.
• Administrative challenges: Critics argued that implementing Hindi as the national language would pose significant administrative challenges, as it would require extensive language training and translation efforts.

The issue was resolved through the inclusion of provisions related to language in the Constitution. The Constitution of India recognized Hindi as the official language of the Union while granting significant flexibility to the states to continue using their regional languages for official purposes. English was also retained as an associate official language to ensure effective communication at the national level. This compromise, known as the "Official Languages Act," aimed to balance the need for a common language with the preservation of linguistic diversity and regional aspirations.

Q4: Elaborate on the key features of the Indian Constitution, focusing on universal adult suffrage and secularism. How did these features reflect the vision of the framers of the Constitution, and what impact did they have on India's democratic fabric?
Ans: The Indian Constitution, framed by the Constituent Assembly, embodies several key features that reflect the vision of its framers and have had a profound impact on India's democratic fabric. Two such features are universal adult suffrage and secularism.

• Universal adult suffrage: The Constitution of India grants the right to vote to every adult citizen, without any discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or economic status. Universal adult suffrage reflects the framers' commitment to ensuring political equality and inclusivity. It empowers every citizen to participate in the democratic process, elect representatives, and shape the country's destiny. This feature has contributed to the strengthening of democracy in India by fostering political participation, accountability, and the representation of diverse interests.
• Secularism: The Indian Constitution enshrines the principle of secularism, which means that the state is neutral in matters of religion and treats all religions equally. Secularism reflects the framers' vision of a pluralistic, tolerant, and harmonious society. It ensures that the state does not favor any particular religion and guarantees religious freedom to all citizens. This feature has played a vital role in promoting social cohesion, protecting minority rights, and upholding the principles of equality and justice.

The inclusion of universal adult suffrage and secularism in the Indian Constitution has had a transformative impact on India's democratic fabric. Universal adult suffrage has empowered marginalized sections of society, ensuring their representation and participation in the political process. It has helped in reducing social inequalities and promoting social justice. Secularism has fostered religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, preventing the dominance of any particular religion and safeguarding the rights of religious minorities. These features have contributed to the consolidation of democracy in India and the growth of a diverse, inclusive, and pluralistic society.