Indian Polity & Constitution • Topic 1 of 4

The Constitution & Its Making

The Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution; Dr. B. R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee and is called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. It was adopted on 26 November 1949 (Constitution Day) and came into force on 26 January 1950.

The making — a 3-year story in five dates

DateEvent
1946Constituent Assembly formed (Dr. Rajendra Prasad — permanent President of the Assembly)
29 Aug 1947Drafting Committee set up, chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
26 Nov 1949Constitution adopted — now Constitution Day
26 Jan 1950Constitution came into force — India became a Republic
The exam trap. Adopted = 26 Nov 1949; came into force = 26 Jan 1950. SSC loves to swap these two dates in the options.

The Preamble in one line

It declares India a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic securing Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. The words "Socialist", "Secular" and "Integrity" were added later by the 42nd Amendment (1976) — not part of the original 1949 text.

Borrowed features — who we learned what from

FeatureBorrowed from
Parliamentary system, rule of lawBritain (UK)
Fundamental Rights, judicial reviewUnited States
Directive Principles (DPSP)Ireland
Emergency provisionsGermany (Weimar)
Federal system, residuary powersCanada

✅ Solved examples

1. Who chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
2. When was the Constitution adopted, and when did it come into force?
Adopted 26 November 1949; in force 26 January 1950.
3. From which country did India borrow Fundamental Rights?
The United States.
4. Which amendment added "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble?
The 42nd Amendment (1976).

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Who is called the Father of the Indian Constitution?
Drafting Committee chair.
—
—
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
2. Constitution Day is observed on?
Adoption date.
—
—
26 November
3. The Directive Principles were borrowed from?
European island nation.
—
—
Ireland
4. The parliamentary system was adopted from?
Westminster.
—
—
Britain (UK)
5. The Constitution came into force in which year?
Republic Day.
—
—
1950

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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