Test: Constitution: Why And How?- 1 - UPSC MCQ

The British Cabinet Mission played a crucial role in guiding the Constituent Assembly, which was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India.

- Statement i is incorrect because it is small groups that typically undermine constitutions in their pursuit of power, not the general public.

- Statement ii is correct as it highlights the design of constitutions to fragment power among branches, which is a critical aspect of preventing the concentration of power.

- Statement iii is also correct, reflecting the flexibility and adaptability of the Indian Constitution while preserving its core values.

- Statement iv is incorrect because the credibility of the framers plays a significant role in the constitution's authority and legitimacy.

Thus, the correct combination of statements is found in Option D: ii, iii

• The Assertion is correct; constitutions made by leaders without public support typically lack legitimacy and stability.
• The Reason is also correct; successful constitutions are indeed often the result of popular national movements, as seen in historical examples.
• The Reason serves as a correct explanation of the Assertion because it clarifies why constitutions created by unpopular leaders tend to fail, linking the success of a constitution to public backing.

- The Assertion is correct because a constitution that fails to protect minority rights often leads to discontent and a lack of support from those groups.

- The Reason is false because the effectiveness of a constitution is not solely dependent on law enforcement; it must also include the protection of rights to maintain legitimacy.

- Therefore, the Reason does not correctly explain the Assertion, making Option A the correct choice.

To determine the correct statements, we analyze each statement:

- Statement i is incorrect. The authority of the Constituent Assembly comes not only from broad representation but also from its procedures and the values of its members.

- Statement ii is correct. Universal suffrage was indeed the only provision that passed with minimal debate, granting voting rights to all citizens.

- Statement iii is incorrect. The debates were largely centered around principles rather than personal interests, reflecting a commitment to public reason.

- Statement iv is correct. The extensive discussions in the Assembly are regarded as significant historical events, comparable to the debates during the French and American revolutions.

Therefore, the correct statements are ii and iv, making Option B the right answer.

- The Assertion is true because the constitution indeed establishes a framework that safeguards individual rights against potential abuses by the government.

- The Reason is also true, as it is a stipulation in many democratic constitutions that rights can be suspended during national emergencies.

- However, the Reason does not serve as a correct explanation of the Assertion since the ability to suspend rights during emergencies does not negate the fundamental protective role of the constitution. Instead, it highlights the balance between individual rights and state powers during crises.

The Constituent Assembly was tasked with creating a Constitution that embodied the values and principles that emerged from the nationalist movement, ensuring that the new governance structure reflected the aspirations of the Indian people.

The Objective Resolution (A) was introduced by Nehru in 1946 and encapsulated the aspirations behind the Constitution (1). The Mode of Promulgation (B) refers to how a constitution comes into being and who crafts it (2). Directive Principles (C) are non-justiciable guidelines for government policy (3). Balanced Institutional Design (D) refers to the distribution of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary (4).

- Statement i is correct as the constitution does set a framework for addressing social inequalities and welfare.

- Statement ii is incorrect; modern constitutions like India’s often do not prioritize ethnic identity for citizenship.

- Statement iii is correct because the Preamble and Directive Principles in the Indian Constitution advocate for the elimination of caste discrimination.

- Statement iv is also correct, as constitutions reflect the fundamental identity and political aspirations of a people.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: i, iii, and iv.

Statement I is false because the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Indian Constitution was not elected by universal suffrage; it was elected indirectly by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies. Statement II is false because the Objective Resolution of 1946 outlined the principles and values that would guide the Indian Constitution, not guidelines for food production.