Using standard group theoretical techniques we construct the exact wave function of the $[{\bf 70},1^-]$ multiplet in the orbital, spin and flavor space. This symmetric wave function is compared to that customarily used in the $1/N_c$ expansion, which is asymmetric. The comparison is made by analyzing the matrix elements of various operators entering the mass formula. These matrix elements are calculated by the help of isoscalar factors of the permutation group, specially derived for this purpose as a function of $N_c$. We also compare two distinct methods used in the study of the $[{\bf 70},1^-]$ multiplet. In the first method the generators are divided into two parts, one part acting on a subsystem of $N_c-1$ quarks called core and anothe...