Constitutional Design - Long Answer Questions
A system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa. White Europeans imposed it. People were divided by skin colour and kept separate.
Leader of ANC (African National Congress). He fought against Apartheid, spent 28 years in prison (Robben Island), and became the first President of democratic South Africa.
A set of written rules that are accepted by all people living together in a country. It is the supreme law.
1. To generate trust. 2. To specify how government is constituted. 3. To limit powers of government. 4. To express aspirations of the people.
An introductory statement in a Constitution which states the reasons and guiding values of the Constitution.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Drafting Chairman), Rajendra Prasad (President), Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Azad, Sarojini Naidu, T.T. Krishnamachari.
People have supreme right to make decisions. No external power can dictate India.
Wealth is generated socially and should be shared equally. Govt should regulate land/industry.
Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion. No official religion.
Form of government where people enjoy equal political rights and elect their rulers.
The head of the state is an elected person (President), not a hereditary monarch.
Social, economic, and political justice. No discrimination.
Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
Equality of status and of opportunity.
Sense of brotherhood. Assuring dignity of individual and unity of nation.
An assembly of elected representatives that drafts a constitution.
2 years, 11 months, 18 days. Adopted on 26 Nov 1949. Enforced on 26 Jan 1950.
To mark the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930.
A change in the constitution made by the supreme legislative body (Parliament).
The oppressor (Whites) and oppressed (Blacks) had to live together as equals. They needed a constitution to protect rights.
Constitutional Design - Important Facts
Nelson Mandela imprisoned in 1964.
Released in 1990.
South Africa became democratic on 26 April 1994.
Called 'Rainbow Nation'.
Indian Constitution is very long.
Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) proposed Constituent Assembly.
Drafting Committee had 7 members.
Ambedkar is Father of Constitution.
Constituent Assembly had 299 members.
Motilal Nehru drafted a constitution in 1928.
Karachi Session (1931) discussed constitution.
Inspired by French Revolution ideals.
Inspired by US Bill of Rights.
Inspired by British Parliamentary system.
Values: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
Preamble is the 'Soul of Constitution'.
Terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' added in 1976 (42nd Amendment).
K.M. Munshi was a member.
Jaipal Singh represented tribals.
Durgabai Deshmukh was a female member.
Young India magazine - Gandhi's views.
Tryst with Destiny - Nehru's speech.
Constitutional Design - Important Dates/Terms
Constitution Adopted (Nov 26)
Constitution Enforced (Jan 26)
South Africa Independence/Democracy