UPSC Prelims 2013 Q9: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the
Provinces were
- (a) directly elected by the people of those Provinces
- (b) nominated by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
- (c) elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
- (d) selected by the Government for their expertise in constitutional matters
Answer: (c) elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
Explanation
How members of the Constituent Assembly were chosen
The Assembly was set up in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
Members from the Provinces were elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Method | Indirect election, by proportional representation with the single transferable vote |
| Basis | Roughly one seat per ten lakh people |
| Communities | Seats divided among General, Muslim and Sikh |
| Princely States | Members nominated by the rulers |
Total strength:
| Group | Seats |
|---|---|
| Provinces | 292 |
| Princely States | 93 |
| Chief Commissioners' Provinces | 4 |
| Total | 389 (reduced to 299 after Partition) |
It first met on 9 December 1946; Dr Rajendra Prasad became its President.
Answer: (c) elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Members were not directly elected by the people.
- (b) Incorrect. They were not nominated by the Congress and the Muslim League.
- (c) CORRECT. Members from the Provinces were elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
- (d) Incorrect. They were not selected by the Government for expertise.
Key point
Constituent Assembly (1946, Cabinet Mission Plan): 389 members; provincial members indirectly elected by Provincial Assemblies; princely States nominated.
Remember
Constituent Assembly: elected by Provincial Assemblies.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Assembly was directly elected on adult franchise.
- Forgetting that princely States' members were nominated.
- Mixing up the numbers: 389 before and 299 after Partition.
Exam tip
Constituent Assembly = indirect election by provincial legislatures (elected in 1946).
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 1 (Constitution: Why and How?)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Making of the Constitution