Consider the following statements regarding the "Institution of the Speaker" in the Indian Constitution: 1. It was an original innovation of the Indian Constituent Assembly. 2. It was adapted from the British Constitution. 3. It was adapted from the United States Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only. Explanation The office of the Speaker is a pivotal position in India's parliamentary democracy, responsible for regulating the proceedings of the Lok Sabha. Its origins and functions are deeply rooted in the evolution of the parliamentary system in India during British rule and the subsequent adoption of the Westminster model. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The institution of the Speaker was not an original innovation of the Constituent Assembly. The office originated in India in 1921 under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1919 (Montague-Chelmsford Reforms). At that time, the Speaker was known as the President of the Central Legislative Assembly. Frederick Whyte and Vithalbhai Patel were the first appointed and elected Speakers (Presidents), respectively. - Statement 2 is Correct: The office of the Speaker in India is adapted from the British Constitution (Westminster model). Similar to the Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK, the Speaker in India is the presiding officer of the Lower House, tasked with maintaining order, interpreting rules, and protecting the privileges of the House. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Indian Speaker is not adapted from the United States Constitution. In the US system, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is an active party leader who participates in debates and voting to advance their party's agenda. In contrast, the Indian Speaker (following the British model) is expected to function as a neutral arbiter during proceedings. Key Takeaway: The institution of the Speaker in India originated under the Government of India Act, 1919, and is modeled on the Speaker of the British House of Commons.

NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 1: Constitution: Why and how?

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Institution of the Speaker" in the Indian Constitution:

It was an original innovation of the Indian Constituent Assembly.
It was adapted from the British Constitution.
It was adapted from the United States Constitution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1 only
C1, 2 and 3
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

The office of the Speaker is a pivotal position in India's parliamentary democracy, responsible for regulating the proceedings of the Lok Sabha. Its origins and functions are deeply rooted in the evolution of the parliamentary system in India during British rule and the subsequent adoption of the Westminster model.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The institution of the Speaker was not an original innovation of the Constituent Assembly. The office originated in India in 1921 under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1919 (Montague-Chelmsford Reforms). At that time, the Speaker was known as the President of the Central Legislative Assembly. Frederick Whyte and Vithalbhai Patel were the first appointed and elected Speakers (Presidents), respectively.
Statement 2 is Correct: The office of the Speaker in India is adapted from the British Constitution (Westminster model). Similar to the Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK, the Speaker in India is the presiding officer of the Lower House, tasked with maintaining order, interpreting rules, and protecting the privileges of the House.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Indian Speaker is not adapted from the United States Constitution. In the US system, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is an active party leader who participates in debates and voting to advance their party's agenda. In contrast, the Indian Speaker (following the British model) is expected to function as a neutral arbiter during proceedings.

Key Takeaway:

The institution of the Speaker in India originated under the Government of India Act, 1919, and is modeled on the Speaker of the British House of Commons.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Constitution: Why and how?

Consider the following statements regarding the "Constituent Assembly" elections: 1. Members were chosen by direct election by the people of India. 2. Members were chosen by indirect election by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies. 3. The Provincial Legislative Assemblies were established under the Indian Independence Act, 1947. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following features was NOT borrowed from the British Constitution?

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Which provision of the Indonesian Constitution is cited as an example of an enabling provision?

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Which of the following was NOT a feature of the Objectives Resolution?

easy

The "Objectives Resolution" moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946: 1. Defined the aims of the Constituent Assembly. 2. Declared India to be an independent Sovereign Republic. 3. Guaranteed safeguards for minorities and backward classes. 4. Established the exact federal structure of the Union immediately. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

Keep practising Chapter 1: Constitution: Why and how?

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The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The institution of the Speaker was not an original innovation of the Constituent Assembly. The office originated in India in 1921 under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1919 (Montague-Chelmsford Reforms). At that time, the Speaker was known as the President of the Central Legislative Assembly. Frederick Whyte and Vithalbhai Patel were the first appointed and elected Speakers (Presidents), respectively.
Statement 2 is Correct: The office of the Speaker in India is adapted from the British Constitution (Westminster model). Similar to the Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK, the Speaker in India is the presiding officer of the Lower House, tasked with maintaining order, interpreting rules, and protecting the privileges of the House.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Indian Speaker is not adapted from the United States Constitution. In the US system, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is an active party leader who participates in debates and voting to advance their party's agenda. In contrast, the Indian Speaker (following the British model) is expected to function as a neutral arbiter during proceedings.

Key Takeaway:

The institution of the Speaker in India originated under the Government of India Act, 1919, and is modeled on the Speaker of the British House of Commons.