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LEGAL REASONING 2
Introduction to the Constitution
Directions (1-5) Read the following passage and
answer the given questions.
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India.
It lays down the framework defining fundamental
political principles, establishes the structure,
procedures, powers, and duties of government
institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive
principles, and the duties of citizens. The Constitution
of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on
November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January
26, 1950. It replaced the Government of India Act
1935 as the country’s fundamental governing
document, and the Dominion of India became the
Republic of India. The Constitution of India is the
longest-written constitution of any sovereign country
in the world. It embodies the country’s rules and
regulations and defines the fundamental rights of its
citizens. It is a living document that has been
amended and refined several times since it was first
adopted in 1950. The Constitution of India is a unique
document that reflects the aspirations, values, and
diverse culture of the Indian people. It is a source of
inspiration and guidance for all citizens and has
played a pivotal role in shaping the course of India’s
development as a modern, democratic, and pluralistic
nation. The Constitution of India has its roots in the
country’s colonial past and the struggle for
independence from British rule. The process of
framing the Constitution began in the 1930s, with the
formation of the Indian National Congress and the
demand for self-governance. During the freedom
movement, various constitutional frameworks were
proposed, including the Nehru Report of 1928, the
Karachi Resolution of 1931, and the Bombay Plan of
1944. These proposals formed the basis for the
Constituent Assembly, which was elected in 1946 to
draft a new Constitution for the newly independent
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nation. The Constituent Assembly was composed of
elected representatives from all the provinces of
British India, as well as representatives from the
princely states. It was chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar,
who played a key role in the drafting of the
Constitution.
The Constituent Assembly held its first meeting on
December 9, 1946, and over the next three years, it
debated and discussed the various provisions of the
Constitution. The Constitution was finally adopted on
November 26, 1949, and it came into effect on
January 26, 1950, marking the birth of the Republic of
India. The Constitution of India reflects the country’s
diverse culture and the values of its founding fathers,
who were inspired by the ideals of democracy, justice,
liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is a living document
that has evolved through a series of amendments, and
it continues to guide and shape the development of the
nation.
Q1 A country has recently undergone constitutional
reforms, aiming to create a document that
embodies the ideals of democracy, justice,
liberty, equality, and fraternity. The constitution
serves as a source of inspiration and guidance
for its citizens, reflecting their aspirations and
values. Which of the following legal principles
aligns most closely with the constitutional
framework described in the passage?
(A) The principle of proportionality in legal
proceedings.
(B) The doctrine of separation of powers among
government branches.
(C) The concept of stare decisis in judicial
decision-making.
(D) The legal principle of strict liability in tort
cases.
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Q2 A country's constitution, adopted on 26 following legal concepts is most reflected in the

November 1949, came into effect on 26 January ongoing evolution of this constitution?
1950, replacing the existing governing (A) Precedent-setting decisions in the nation's
document. The drafting process involved elected highest court.
representatives debating and discussing various (B) The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty.
provisions over three years. The constitution is (C) The concept of judicial review in
seen as a unique document reflecting the constitutional matters.
country's culture and values. Which legal (D) The application of international law within
reasoning best supports the significance of domestic legal frameworks.
adopting a new constitution on a specific date?
Q5 A nation's constitution is hailed as the longest-
(A) The application of the rule of law in
written constitution of any sovereign country,
constitutional interpretation.
outlining the framework for fundamental
(B) The doctrine of judicial restraint in matters
political principles and the structure of
of constitutional amendments.
government institutions. Citizens actively
(C) The legal principle of ex post facto laws.
participate in debates about its various
(D) The symbolic importance of a constitution's
provisions. Which legal principle is most
effective date in marking a nation's
relevant to the active engagement of citizens in
transformation.
discussions about constitutional matters?
Q3 After gaining independence, a new nation (A) The concept of executive privilege in
decides to draft its constitution to establish a government affairs.
framework for governance. The Constitution is (B) The doctrine of parliamentary immunity for
envisioned as a comprehensive document that elected representatives.
defines fundamental political principles, (C) The legal principle of participatory
structures government institutions, and outlines democracy.
citizens' rights. Which historical context most (D) The application of strict liability in
closely aligns with the process undertaken by constitutional law cases.
this nation?
Directions (6-10) Read the following passage and
(A) The formation of the European Union in the
answer the given questions.
20th century.
The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, is a
(B) The establishment of the United Nations in
remarkable document that reflects a blend of several
the aftermath of World War II.
international influences, tailored to meet India's
(C) The framing of the Indian Constitution in
unique needs and circumstances. Its architects, led by
response to the struggle for independence.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, sought to integrate the best
(D) The adoption of the Magna Carta in
features from other nations' constitutions, adapting
medieval England.
them to the Indian context. This approach was
Q4 In a newly formed republic, the citizens pragmatic, aiming for a functional and effective
frequently refer to their constitution, which has constitution rather than an entirely original one.
been amended several times since its adoption in From the Government of India Act, 1935, India
1950. The document serves as a living guide, inherited the Federal Scheme and the Office of
shaping the nation's development as a modern, Governor. The Act laid the foundation for a federal
democratic, and pluralistic society. Which of the structure and the appointment of governors in Indian

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states, resembling the role of the President at the
Union level.
The British influence is evident in several aspects.
The Parliamentary system of government, the Rule of
Law, and the Bicameral legislature (Rajya Sabha and
Lok Sabha) were adopted from Britain. India also
embraced the British concepts of single citizenship,
cabinet system, prerogative writs, and parliamentary
privileges
Ireland contributed to the Directive Principles of State
Policy in Part IV of the Constitution. These principles,
while not enforceable in court, guide the state in
policymaking. The method of nominating members to
the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is also inspired by
the Irish model
The United States of America had a significant impact
on the Indian Constitution. The concepts
Impeachment of the President, the functions of the
President and Vice-President, and the removal of
Supreme Court and High Court judges are based on
the U.S. Constitution. Fundamental Rights,
cornerstone of the Indian Constitution, mirror those in
the U.S., encompassing rights to equality, freedom,
and against exploitation, among others. Judicial
review and the independence of the judiciary, ensuring
the supremacy of the Constitution and protecting
citizens’ rights, are also derived from the U.S. model.
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution, outlining its
objectives and guiding principles, reflects the U.S.
influence as well.
The Indian Constitution, therefore, stands as a
testament to the adaptability and foresight of its
framers. They successfully amalgamated various
international elements with Indian ideals
aspirations, ensuring that the Constitution remained
relevant and dynamic, capable of guiding the nation
through changing times. The blending of these
influences has helped India establish a democratic
framework that respects diversity, ensures rights, and
maintains the rule of law, while also adapting to the
country's specific needs and contexts.
Q6 The Federal Scheme in the Indian Constitution,
influenced by the Government of India Act,
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1935, bears resemblance to which of the
following principles?
(A) Centralized form of governance akin to the
British model
(B) Decentralized governance but with a strong
center, similar to the Canadian model
(C) Completely decentralized governance as in
the United States
(D) Dual governance system, akin to the
Australian model
Q7 In the context of the Indian Constitution, which
principle of the British model is reflected in the
concept of 'Rule of Law'?
(A) Supremacy of the Parliament
(B) Judicial independence
(C) Equality before the law
of
(D) The monarch as the head of state
Q8 Which aspect of the Indian Constitution inspired
by the U.S. Constitution ensures checks and
a balances in the governance system?
(A) Directive Principles of State Policy
(B) Judicial Review
(C) Parliamentary privileges
(D) Fundamental Duties
Q9 Considering the influence of Irish constitutional
practices on the Indian Constitution, which of
the following reflects the correct interpretation
of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
(A) Legally enforceable by the courts
(B) Serving as guidelines for the formation of
state policies
and (C) Providing a framework for judicial
interpretation
(D) Directing the conduct of individuals and
private entities
Q10 The concept of 'Single Citizenship' in the
Indian Constitution, influenced by the British
model, primarily counters which of the
following?
(A) Federal structure complexity
(B) Individual state sovereignty
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(C) Dual citizenship challenges (D) Central government's authority

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Answer Key
Q1 (C) Q6 (B)

Q2 (D) Q7 (C)

Q3 (C) Q8 (B)

Q4 (C) Q9 (B)

Q5 (C) Q10 (C)

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Hints & Solutions

Note: scan the QR code to watch video solution

Q1. Text Solution: Other Options:

Correct Option is C:The concept of stare decisis in (a) The application of the rule of law in constitutional
judicial decision-making. interpretation is a general legal principle but does not
Explanation: The passage highlights that the specifically address the significance of the
Constitution of India embodies the ideals of constitution's effective date.
democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. (b) The doctrine of judicial restraint in matters of
These principles reflect the values of the founding constitutional amendments is not directly related to
fathers and have evolved through a series of the context of adopting a new constitution.
amendments. Stare decisis, the legal principle of (c) The legal principle of ex post facto laws is
relying on precedent in judicial decision-making, unrelated to the specific scenario of marking a nation's
aligns with the ongoing evolution of legal principles transformation with a constitution's effective date.
in the context of the Constitution. Hence, the answer is D.
Other Options:
Video Solution:
(a) The principle of proportionality in legal
proceedings is a valid legal principle but is not
directly related to the described constitutional
framework.
(b) The doctrine of separation of powers among
Q3. Text Solution:
government branches is an important constitutional
Correct Option is C:The framing of the Indian
concept but is not the focus of the passage.
Constitution in response to the struggle for
(d) The legal principle of strict liability in tort cases is
independence.
unrelated to the context of the constitutional
Explanation: The passage mentions that the
framework.
Constitution of India has its roots in the country's
Hence, the answer is C.
colonial past and the struggle for independence from
Video Solution: British rule. The process of framing the Constitution
began in the 1930s, and various constitutional
frameworks were proposed during the freedom
movement. The Constituent Assembly was elected in
1946 to draft a new Constitution for the newly
Q2. Text Solution: independent nation, making option (c) the correct
Correct Option is D:The symbolic importance of a choice.
constitution's effective date in marking a nation's Other Options:
transformation. (a) The formation of the European Union in the 20th
Explanation: The passage mentions that the century is unrelated to the context of the Indian
Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November Constitution.
1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, (b) The establishment of the United Nations in the
marking the birth of the Republic of India. The aftermath of World War II is not directly relevant to
specific date holds symbolic importance in marking the framing of the Indian Constitution.
the nation's transformation from a dominion to a (d) The adoption of the Magna Carta in medieval
republic.

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England is historically significant but does not align
with the specific context of the Indian Constitution.
Hence, the answer is C.
Video Solution:
Q4. Text Solution:
Correct Option is C:The concept of judicial review in
constitutional matters.
Explanation: The passage mentions that
Constitution of India is a living document that has
been amended and refined since its adoption in 1950.
The ongoing evolution of the constitution aligns with
the concept of judicial review, where courts have the
authority to review and invalidate government actions
that are inconsistent with the constitution.
Other Options:
(a) Precedent-setting decisions in the nation's highest
court are relevant but do not capture the essence of the
ongoing evolution of the constitution.
(b) The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is not
applicable in the context of the passage.
(d) The application of international law within
domestic legal frameworks is not discussed in the
passage.
Hence, the answer is C.
Video Solution:
Q5. Text Solution:
Correct Option is C:The legal principle
participatory democracy.
Explanation: The passage describes citizens actively
engaging in debates about the constitution, and it
serves as a living document that shapes the nation's
development. Participatory democracy, where citizens
actively participate in decision-making processes,
aligns with the described scenario.
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Other Options:
(a) The concept of executive privilege in government
affairs is unrelated to citizens' active engagement in
constitutional debates.
(b) The doctrine of parliamentary immunity for
elected representatives is not the focus of the passage.
(d) The application of strict liability in constitutional
law cases is not relevant to the citizens' role in
constitutional discussions.
Hence, the answer is C.
Video Solution:
the
Q6. Text Solution:
Correct Option is B:Decentralized governance but
with a strong center, similar to the Canadian model
The Federal Scheme in India, influenced by the
Government of India Act, 1935, presents a
decentralized form of governance with a strong
central government, resembling the Canadian model
rather than a completely centralized or decentralized
system. Hence Option B is the correct answer.
Option A, C and D are incorrect as these options
represent other forms of governance that do not
accurately describe India's Federal Scheme.
Video Solution:
Q7. Text Solution:
Correct Option is C: Equality before the law
of The 'Rule of Law' in the Indian Constitution,
influenced by the British model, primarily embodies
the principle of equality before the law, ensuring that
all individuals are subject to the law of the land.
Hence, Option C is the correct answer.
Option A is incorrect. Supremacy of Parliament is a
separate principle.
Option B is incorrect. Judicial independence is more
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influenced by the American model.
Option D is incorrect. The monarch as the head of
state is not a principle directly related to the 'Rule of
Law'.
Video Solution:
Q8. Text Solution:
Correct Option is B: Judicial Review
Judicial Review, a concept borrowed from the U.S.,
allows the judiciary to interpret the constitution and
invalidate any legislative or executive action that is
contrary to the Constitution, ensuring a system of
checks and balances. Hence, Option B is the correct
answer.
Option A is incorrect. Directive Principles are inspired
by Ireland.
Option C is incorrect. Parliamentary privileges are
from Britain.
Option D is incorrect. Fundamental Duties are an
indigenous concept borrowed from Russia previously
USSR.
Video Solution:
Q9. Text Solution:
Correct Option is B: Serving as guidelines for the
formation of state policies
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The Directive Principles of State Policy, influenced by
Ireland, serve as guidelines for the state in making
laws and policies, although they are not enforceable in
courts. Hence, Option B is the correct answer.
Option A is incorrect. They are not legally
enforceable.
Option C is incorrect. Their primary role is not
judicial interpretation.
Option D is incorrect. They do not direct the conduct
of individuals and private entities.
Video Solution:
Q10. Text Solution:
Correct Option is C:Dual citizenship challenges
The concept of 'Single Citizenship' in India, inspired
by the British model, was adopted to avoid the
complexities and challenges associated with dual
citizenship, ensuring uniform rights and
responsibilities for all citizens across states. Hence,
Option C is the correct answer.
Options A, B and D are incorrect as these options do
not directly relate to the rationale behind adopting
single citizenship.
Video Solution:
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