CBSE Class 12 – History (NCERT)

PART IV: THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY – PART III (Modern India)

Chapter 15: Framing the Constitution – The Beginning of a New Era

For CBSE Board Examination – Class XII

Subject: History
Book: Themes in Indian History – Part III
Chapter: 15
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Syllabus Alignment: Strictly as per NCERT History Textbook

Multiple Choice Questions (30) with Answers and Explanations

(Each question includes four options, the correct answer, and a concept-clearing explanation, fully aligned with CBSE exam standards.)

1. What was the primary objective of framing the Indian Constitution?

A. To continue British laws
B. To establish a monarchy
C. To provide a democratic framework for independent India
D. To limit citizens’ rights

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Constitution aimed to create a democratic political system for independent India, replacing colonial rule and ensuring rights, equality, and justice.

2. Which body was responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution?

A. British Parliament
B. Indian National Congress
C. Constituent Assembly
D. Supreme Court

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Constituent Assembly was specially formed to frame the Constitution through debates, committees, and consensus.

3. When was the Constituent Assembly formed?

A. 1945
B. 1946
C. 1947
D. 1948

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan.

4. Why was the Constituent Assembly considered representative?

A. Members were nominated by the British
B. Members were elected by universal franchise
C. It included diverse regions and communities
D. Only Congress members were included

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Assembly included members from different regions, religions, castes, and political backgrounds, making it broadly representative.

5. How were members of the Constituent Assembly elected?

A. Direct election by people
B. Nomination by the Governor-General
C. Indirect election by provincial legislatures
D. Selection by political parties

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Members were indirectly elected by provincial legislatures, as universal adult franchise was not feasible then.

6. What does the long duration of Constitution-making reflect?

A. Delay and confusion
B. Foreign interference
C. Careful deliberation and democratic discussion
D. Lack of leadership

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The nearly three-year-long process shows seriousness, detailed debate, and democratic decision-making.

7. Why were committees formed within the Constituent Assembly?

A. To delay the process
B. To avoid debates
C. To examine issues in detail
D. To reduce participation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Committees allowed focused and detailed examination of complex constitutional issues.

8. Which committee prepared the draft of the Constitution?

A. Union Powers Committee
B. Advisory Committee
C. Drafting Committee
D. Provincial Committee

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Drafting Committee was responsible for preparing and revising the draft Constitution.

9. Why were debates essential in the Constituent Assembly?

A. To show political rivalry
B. To allow only majority opinion
C. To accommodate diverse views
D. To follow British traditions

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Debates allowed members to express different viewpoints and reach consensus democratically.

10. Which issue created intense debate in the Constituent Assembly?

A. Currency system
B. National language
C. Foreign policy
D. Army recruitment

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Language was a sensitive issue due to India’s linguistic diversity, leading to intense discussions.

11. How was the language issue resolved?

A. Only Hindi was adopted
B. Only English was adopted
C. Both Hindi and English were accepted
D. Regional languages replaced both

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
A compromise allowed the use of both Hindi and English to maintain national unity.

12. What was revolutionary about universal adult franchise?

A. It limited voting to educated people
B. It granted voting rights to all adults
C. It excluded women
D. It required property ownership

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Universal adult franchise gave voting rights to all adults irrespective of caste, gender, or education.

13. Why did some members support universal adult franchise?

A. To copy Britain
B. To reduce participation
C. To promote political equality
D. To favor elites

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
It ensured equality and reflected faith in the people’s ability to participate in democracy.

14. What form of federalism did India adopt?

A. Loose federation
B. Unitary system
C. Federal system with strong centre
D. Confederation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
India adopted federalism with a strong centre to maintain unity in a diverse country.

15. Why was a strong central government considered necessary?

A. To suppress states
B. To avoid elections
C. To ensure unity and stability
D. To reduce development

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
After Partition, a strong centre was needed to prevent fragmentation and maintain stability.

16. How were powers divided in the Indian Constitution?

A. Two lists
B. Four lists
C. Three lists
D. No division

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Powers were divided into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.

17. What was the main purpose of Fundamental Rights?

A. To increase state power
B. To protect individual liberty
C. To favor one community
D. To reduce democracy

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Fundamental Rights protect citizens from misuse of state power and ensure equality.

18. Why were Fundamental Rights not made absolute?

A. To weaken democracy
B. To support dictatorship
C. To allow reasonable restrictions
D. To reduce freedom

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Reasonable restrictions balance individual rights with public order and security.

19. Which principle guided the idea of citizenship in the Constitution?

A. Religion
B. Language
C. Residence
D. Caste

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Citizenship was based on residence and legal criteria, not religion.

20. Why was citizenship a sensitive issue after Partition?

A. Due to economic crisis
B. Due to foreign pressure
C. Due to large-scale migration
D. Due to language conflict

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Partition caused mass displacement, making citizenship a complex issue.

21. Which social practice was abolished by the Constitution?

A. Slavery
B. Bonded labor
C. Untouchability
D. Caste system

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Constitution abolished untouchability to promote social equality.

22. Why were reservations provided in the Constitution?

A. To favor elites
B. To correct historical injustices
C. To weaken unity
D. To reduce representation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Reservations aimed to ensure representation of historically marginalized communities.

23. What are Directive Principles of State Policy?

A. Enforceable laws
B. Judicial orders
C. Guidelines for governance
D. Emergency provisions

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Directive Principles guide the state in promoting social and economic welfare.

24. Are Directive Principles legally enforceable?

A. Yes
B. No
C. Only in emergencies
D. Only by Parliament

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
They are non-justiciable but fundamental in governance.

25. What vision of India is reflected in the Constitution?

A. Authoritarian state
B. Religious state
C. Democratic and secular republic
D. Colonial administration

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Constitution envisioned India as a democratic, secular, and sovereign republic.

26. When was the Constitution adopted?

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

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.

27. When did the Constitution come into effect?

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

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.

28. Why was 26 January chosen as the enforcement date?

A. It was Gandhi’s birthday
B. It marked British departure
C. It commemorated Purna Swaraj
D. It was convenient

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
26 January commemorated the declaration of complete independence in 1930.

29. How did the Constitution transform Indian society?

A. By limiting rights
B. By promoting hierarchy
C. By ensuring equality and justice
D. By restoring colonial laws

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Constitution aimed at social transformation through equality, justice, and rights.

30. Why is the Indian Constitution central to nation-building?

A. It supports dictatorship
B. It favors one region
C. It provides a democratic framework
D. It restricts participation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Constitution balances unity and diversity, making it the foundation of India’s nation-building process.

These MCQs are strictly based on NCERT content and fully aligned with CBSE Class 12 Board Examination standards.