The Principle of Deliberation
The authority of the Constituent Assembly stemmed not just from its broad representation but also from the procedures it followed and the values its members upheld during the Constitution’s framing. While diverse sections of society participated, they did so not merely as representatives of their own identities but with the nation’s interests in mind. Disagreements arose, but they were rooted in principled differences rather than self-interest. Various fundamental issues were debated, including the structure of government, the relationship between states and the center, the powers of the judiciary, and property rights. Nearly every aspect crucial to a modern state was discussed meticulously, except for the provision of universal suffrage, which was passed without debate, showcasing the Assembly’s democratic commitment.
The Constitution derived its authority from the Assembly members’ engagement in public reasoning. They prioritized discussion and reasoned argument, offering principled justifications for their positions rather than solely advancing personal interests. The extensive debates in the Constituent Assembly, where every clause of the Constitution underwent scrutiny, epitomized public reasoning at its finest. These deliberations deserve recognition as a significant milestone in constitutional history, comparable in importance to the French and American revolutions.
Class 11 Polity Chapter 1: The Principle of Deliberation
The authority of the Constituent Assembly, responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution, stemmed not only from its representativeness but also from the ethos of deliberation it embraced.
Members participated not merely as representatives of their communities but as stewards of the nation’s collective well-being. This ethos ensured that deliberations transcended narrow interests, focusing instead on the broader national interest.