Polity · General Awareness

The Constitution of India

The foundation of India's government, explained clearly

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country — every other law must align with it. It came into effect on January 26, 1950, which is why that date is celebrated as Republic Day, even though India had already become independent on August 15, 1947.

Key Facts

• The Constituent Assembly was chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee and is known as the chief architect of the Constitution
• The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 (celebrated as Constitution Day) and came into effect on January 26, 1950
• It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world
• It draws inspiration from several countries — the parliamentary system from Britain, fundamental rights from the USA, and directive principles from Ireland
• The original Constitution had 395 Articles and 8 Schedules; it now has more due to amendments

Structure at a Glance

Part	Covers
Preamble	States the Constitution's guiding ideals — Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
Fundamental Rights	Basic rights guaranteed to every citizen (Articles 12-35)
Directive Principles	Guidelines for the government, not legally enforceable (Articles 36-51)
Fundamental Duties	Added later via the 42nd Amendment (1976)

Exam angle: Questions frequently ask about the chairperson of the Drafting Committee, the date of adoption vs. enforcement, and which countries specific features were borrowed from.

15 Practice Questions

1. On which date did the Constitution of India come into effect?

A. August 15, 1947    B. November 26, 1949    C. January 26, 1950    D. January 30, 1948

Answer: C. January 26, 1950

2. Who chaired the Constituent Assembly?

A. B.R. Ambedkar    B. Rajendra Prasad    C. Jawaharlal Nehru    D. Sardar Patel

Answer: B. Rajendra Prasad

3. Who chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?

A. Jawaharlal Nehru    B. Rajendra Prasad    C. B.R. Ambedkar    D. Sardar Patel

Answer: C. B.R. Ambedkar

4. On which date was the Constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly?

A. August 15, 1947    B. November 26, 1949    C. January 26, 1950    D. December 9, 1946

Answer: B. November 26, 1949

5. Constitution Day is observed on which date?

A. January 26    B. August 15    C. November 26    D. October 2

Answer: C. November 26

6. India's parliamentary system of government was borrowed from which country?

A. USA    B. Britain    C. Ireland    D. France

Answer: B. Britain

7. The concept of Fundamental Rights was largely inspired by which country's constitution?

A. USA    B. Britain    C. Canada    D. Australia

Answer: A. USA

8. The Directive Principles of State Policy were borrowed from which country?

A. USA    B. Ireland    C. Canada    D. Japan

Answer: B. Ireland

9. Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution through which amendment?

A. 42nd Amendment    B. 44th Amendment    C. 52nd Amendment    D. 61st Amendment

Answer: A. 42nd Amendment

10. In which year were Fundamental Duties added to the Constitution?

A. 1950    B. 1962    C. 1976    D. 1985

Answer: C. 1976

11. How many Articles did the original Constitution of India contain?

A. 295    B. 350    C. 395    D. 450

Answer: C. 395

12. The Constitution of India is often described as:

A. The shortest written constitution    B. The longest written constitution    C. An unwritten constitution    D. A partly written constitution

Answer: B. The longest written constitution

13. Fundamental Rights are covered under which range of Articles?

A. Articles 1-11    B. Articles 12-35    C. Articles 36-51    D. Articles 52-78

Answer: B. Articles 12-35

14. Which part of the Constitution states its guiding ideals like "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic"?

A. Preamble    B. Fundamental Rights    C. Directive Principles    D. Schedule 1

Answer: A. Preamble

15. Are the Directive Principles of State Policy legally enforceable in court?

A. Yes, always    B. No, they are not legally enforceable    C. Only during emergencies    D. Only for state governments

Answer: B. No, they are not legally enforceable

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