Which one of the following terms was used for the States in the Draft Constitution presented by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 4th November, 1948 ?

The correct answer is  Union of States.

Key PointsTerms Used in the Draft Constitution

• The term "Union of States" was used in the Draft Constitution presented by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 4th November, 1948.
• The use of the term "Union" implies that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement among states, and no state has the right to secede from the federation.
• This term was chosen to emphasize the indivisibility and integrity of the Indian nation.
• The Constitution of India describes India as a "Union of States" under Article 1, reflecting the nation's commitment to unity and integrity.
• The choice of this term highlights the centralized nature of the Indian political system, where the center holds significant power over the states.

Additional Information

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.
• The Draft Constitution was presented to the Constituent Assembly on 4th November, 1948, and the final Constitution was adopted on 26th November, 1949.
• The term "Union of States" was specifically chosen to avoid the implications of a loose confederation of states and to stress the integrated nature of the Indian polity.
• The Constituent Assembly debates reflect the intention to create a strong center to maintain national unity and integrity, especially in the context of the partition of India in 1947.
• Article 1 of the Indian Constitution states: "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." This reflects the country's dual identity and the notion of unity in diversity.
• The Indian Federation is unique as it combines features of both federal and unitary systems, often described as a "quasi-federal" system.