Q & A — 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

Questions and Activities

Question 1. "The Constituent Assembly had representatives from diverse backgrounds in India." Why do you think it was important to have a diverse set of representatives from all over India?

Answer: This was important because India is a diverse (Diverse – having many different types of diversity) country. The inclusion of representatives from different regions and backgrounds brought the problems, ideas and needs of different people before the Constituent Assembly. This helped in making a Constitution that considered the interests of as many people of the country as possible.

Question 2. Read the statements below carefully and identify which key features/values in the Constitution of India are reflected in each statement.

(a) Sheena, Rajat, and Harsh are standing in a line. They are excited to cast their first vote in the general elections.

Answer: This statement reflects the value of democracy (Democracy – government chosen by the people) and equal political rights. All eligible citizens have the right to vote and choose their representatives.

(b) Radha, Imon, and Harpreet study in the same class in the same school.

Answer: This statement reflects the value of equality (Equality – being equal). All children should have equal opportunities to receive education without any discrimination.

(c) Parents must make arrangements to ensure their children's education.

Answer: This statement reflects the value of Fundamental Duties. Parents or guardians are expected to make efforts to provide education to their children or dependants between 6 and 14 years of age.

(d) People of all castes, genders, and religions can use the village well.

Answer: This statement reflects the values of equality and non-discrimination. No person should be denied access to public resources on the basis of caste, religion or gender.

Question 3. It is said that 'All citizens in India are equal before the law'. Do you think this is a fact? If yes, why? If not, why not? why? If not Formulate your arguments.

Answer: Yes, it is an important principle of the Constitution that all citizens are equal before the law. No person should be discriminated against before the law on the basis of caste, religion, gender, etc. All citizens should have equal rights and equal opportunities. This is the basis of the Right to Equality.

Question 4. You have learnt that 'India is the only country that provided universal adult franchise to its citizens from the beginning.' Can you explain why India did it?

Answer: India gave all adult citizens the right to vote so that every citizen could participate equally in democracy. The makers of the Indian Constitution believed that all citizens should have equal political rights in governance. This gave people the opportunity to choose their government and representatives.

Question 5. How did the freedom struggle inspire the making of the Constitution of India? How did India's civilisational heritage inspire some of the key features in the Constitution of India? Explain.

Answer: The freedom struggle inspired the Indian Constitution to adopt values such as freedom, equality, justice and fraternity. During the freedom movement, people struggled for equal rights and self-government.

The heritage of Indian civilisation inspired the Constitution to give importance to respect for diversity, respect for nature, the search for knowledge, respect for women and ideas such as ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

Question 6. Do you think we, as a society, have achieved all the ideals of the Constitution? If not, what can we each do as citizens to move our country closer to these ideals?

Answer: No, we have not yet fully achieved all the ideals of the Constitution. Inequality, discrimination and other problems can still be seen in some parts of society.

As citizens, we can:

Treat all people equally.
Not discriminate on the basis of caste, religion or gender.
Respect the rights of others.
Follow our Fundamental Duties.
Protect the environment.
Participate responsibly in democratic processes.
Follow the values of justice, freedom, equality and fraternity in our lives.

In this way, we can bring our country closer to the ideals of the Constitution.

Question 7. Read the clues carefully to solve the crossword on the next page to uncover important concepts from the Indian Constitution.

Answer:

Across —

2. The branch of government that makes laws.
Answer: Legislature

7. The part of the Constitution that outlines the duties of citizens.
Answer: Fundamental Duties

8. The highest court in India that protects the Constitution.
Answer: Supreme Court

9. A system where the head of state is elected, not hereditary.
Answer: Republic

10. The process by which the Constitution can be changed over time.
Answer: Amendment

Down —

1. The group of people who wrote the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Constituent Assembly

3. The statement at the beginning of the Constitution that tells us the values it upholds.
Answer: Preamble

4. The document that lays out the rules and laws of a country.
Answer: Constitution

5. The gas used to preserve the original Constitution safely.
Answer: Helium

6. Basic rights given to every citizen, like freedom and equality.
Answer: Fundamental Rights

Important Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is a Constitution? Why is it needed?

Answer: A Constitution is an important document that explains the basic principles and laws of a country. It is needed because it tells us how the government will be formed, how it will work, and what the rights and duties of citizens are.

Question 2: What does the Constitution determine about the government?

Answer: The Constitution mainly determines:

The structure and functions of the three organs of government—Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
The balance of power and checks among these organs.
The rights and duties of citizens.
The long-term goals and aspirations of the country.

Question 3: When was the Constitution of India prepared and when did it come into force?

Answer: The work on the Constitution was completed on 26 November 1949. It came into force in India on 26 January 1950. Therefore, Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26 January.

Question 4: When was the Constituent Assembly formed? How many members did it have?

Answer: The Constituent Assembly was formed on 9 December 1946. Initially, it had 389 members. After the Partition of India, its strength was reduced to 299 members. It also included 15 women members.

Question 5: Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly.

Question 6: Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee?

Answer: Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He played an important role in preparing the initial draft of the Constitution.

Question 7: What were the major factors that influenced the Indian Constitution?

Answer: The Indian Constitution was mainly influenced by:

The experiences and ideals of the Indian freedom struggle.
India's rich civilisational and cultural heritage.
Useful ideas taken from the Constitutions of other countries.

Question 8: How did the freedom struggle influence the Indian Constitution?

Answer: The ideals of equality, justice, freedom, fraternity and protection of cultural heritage that developed during the freedom struggle were included in the Constitution. Many leaders of the freedom movement were also members of the Constituent Assembly, so their experiences and ideas influenced the making of the Constitution.

Question 9: How did India's civilisational heritage influence the Constitution?

Answer: Indian civilisation has a long tradition of accepting diversity, respecting nature, seeking knowledge, respecting women and believing in the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). The Constitution also gives importance to unity in diversity, equality, duties and respect for all.

Question 10: What did the Indian Constitution learn from other countries?

Answer: The Constitution-makers studied the Constitutions of many countries and adopted useful ideas for India. For example:

Liberty, equality and fraternity — inspired by France.
Directive Principles of State Policy — inspired by Ireland.
Independent judiciary — inspired by the United States of America.

Question 11: What are the main features of the Indian Constitution?

Answer: The main features of the Indian Constitution are:

A clear arrangement of the three organs of government.
Separation of powers.
Fundamental Rights of citizens.
Fundamental Duties of citizens.
Directive Principles of State Policy.
Democratic system of government.
Equality and justice for all citizens.
Emphasis on values such as liberty and fraternity.

Question 12: What are Fundamental Rights?

Answer: Fundamental Rights are important rights given to citizens by the Constitution and protected by law. Examples include the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right Against Exploitation and Right to Education.

Question 13: What are Fundamental Duties?

Answer: Fundamental Duties are responsibilities that citizens are expected to follow. These include respecting the Constitution, the National Flag and the National Anthem, protecting the country, protecting the environment and respecting India's shared cultural heritage.

Question 14: What are the Directive Principles of State Policy?

Answer: The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the government. Their aim is to promote a better standard of living, social and economic justice and the welfare of citizens.

Question 15: What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?

Answer: Fundamental Rights are rights that citizens can claim and protect through courts if they are violated. On the other hand, Directive Principles are goals and guidelines for the government. Citizens cannot directly approach a court only because a Directive Principle has not been followed.

Question 16: Why is the Indian Constitution called a ‘Living Document’?

Answer: The Constitution is called a Living Document because it can be amended according to the changing needs of the country.

Question 17: What is an amendment to the Constitution?

Answer: The process of making necessary changes to the Constitution is called an amendment. Amendments are made after discussion and consideration in Parliament. In some cases, State Legislatures also have a role.

Question 18: What does the Preamble of the Indian Constitution tell us?

Answer: The Preamble describes the basic ideals and values of the Constitution. It speaks of India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and highlights the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Question 19: What does ‘Sovereign’ mean?

Answer: Sovereign means that India is independent in its internal and external matters. No outside power can give directions to the Government of India.

Question 20: What does ‘Democratic’ mean?

Answer: In a democratic system, people have equal political rights. They elect their representatives and can hold the elected representatives accountable.

Question 21: What does ‘Republic’ mean?

Answer: Republic means that the head of the country is elected and does not get the position because of birth or family lineage.

Question 22: What does ‘Secular’ mean?

Answer: Secular means that every citizen has the freedom to follow and practise a religion of their choice. India has no official state religion, and the government treats all religions equally.

Question 23: What does ‘Equality’ mean?

Answer: Equality means that all citizens are equal before the law and should have equal opportunities. There should be no unfair discrimination on the basis of caste, religion or gender.

Question 24: What does ‘Fraternity’ mean?

Answer: Fraternity means that all citizens should treat one another with respect and a feeling of brotherhood, like members of one family.

Question 25: Why is the Constitution still relevant to us today?

Answer: The Constitution is still relevant because it protects the rights of citizens, defines the powers and responsibilities of the government, and guides the country towards the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Question 26: Why is the Constitution not only a legal document but also a work of art?

Answer: The original copy of the Constitution was beautifully handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada. Its pages were decorated with historical and cultural scenes by Nandalal Bose and his colleagues. Therefore, the Constitution is not only a legal document but also a beautiful work of art.

“Think about it”, “Let’s Explore” and “Don’t Miss Out”

Question 1. If the referee and the captains of both teams in a Kabaddi match did not have a rulebook, what problems could arise?

Answer: Without a rulebook, the players and captains might not agree on a decision. Disputes could increase, and it would become difficult to make fair decisions in the game. Therefore, common rules are necessary for everyone.

Question 2. Why is it necessary for all players to follow the rules in a game?

Answer: Following the rules keeps the game fair (Fair – just) and organised. It reduces disputes and gives all players equal opportunities.

Question 3. What would happen if the captain of a team refused to follow the rulebook?

Answer: It could create disputes and disorder in the game. If rules are not followed, it would become difficult to make fair decisions. Similarly, in a country, everyone must follow the rules of the Constitution.

Question 4. What can be called the ‘rulebook’ of a country?

Answer: The Constitution (Constitution – fundamental law) of a country can be called its rulebook. The Constitution lays down the basic rules for the government and citizens.

Question 5. What difficulty can arise in making rules with everyone's agreement?

Answer: Different people have different ideas and needs. Therefore, it can be difficult to make a rule that considers everyone's views and is accepted by everyone.

Question 6. Why was there a need to make the Constitution of India?

Answer: After gaining independence, India had to govern itself. Therefore, it was necessary to decide what kind of government India would have, what rules would be followed, what rights citizens would have, and how disputes would be resolved.

Question 7. How were the members of the Constituent Assembly chosen?

Answer: The members of the Constituent Assembly were elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies. These Provincial Legislative Assemblies themselves had been elected by the people.

Question 8. Why was it important to include representatives from different regions and social groups in the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: It allowed the different conditions and views of the people of India to be included in the making of the Constitution. It helped in making the Constitution broader and suitable for India's diversity.

Question 9. What major questions did the Constituent Assembly consider?

Answer: The Constituent Assembly mainly considered the following questions:

What kind of government should India have?
How should every adult get the right to vote?
How should Fundamental Rights be protected?
How should the powers of the three organs of government be separated?
What should be the relationship between the Central and State Governments?
What should be the procedure for amending the Constitution?

Question 10. Why did the makers of the Constitution study the Constitutions of other countries?

Answer: They studied the Constitutions of other countries to understand useful ideas and adopt those ideas that were suitable for India's conditions.

Question 11. Why is there a need to amend the Constitution?

Answer: The needs and circumstances of a country change over time. Therefore, a provision for amendment (Amendment – change) was included so that necessary changes could be made in the Constitution.

Question 12. How many Parts and Schedules are there in the Constitution of India?

Answer: The present Constitution has 25 Parts and 12 Schedules. When the Constitution came into force, it had 22 Parts and 8 Schedules.

Question 13. What kind of special Constitution does India have?

Answer: The Constitution of India is the world's longest written Constitution.

Question 14. What is the main purpose of the Directive Principles of State Policy?

Answer: Their purpose is to guide the government towards creating a society where the welfare of citizens, a better standard of living and social and economic justice are ensured.

Question 15. Can a person approach the court if the Directive Principles of State Policy are not implemented?

Answer: No. The Directive Principles are guidelines for the government. The government should make efforts to follow them, but a person cannot directly approach the court simply because they have not been implemented.

Question 16. What duty related to the environment is included among the Fundamental Duties?

Answer: Citizens have a duty to protect the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to show compassion towards all living creatures.

Question 17. What provision related to education is included among the Fundamental Duties?

Answer: Parents or guardians are expected to make efforts to provide education to their children or dependants between 6 and 14 years of age.

Question 18. What important change related to the National Flag took place in 2004 for citizens?

Answer: In 2004, the Supreme Court held that flying the National Flag is a part of freedom of expression. After this, citizens could fly the Tricolour at their homes, provided it was not disrespected.

Question 19. Was the Panchayati Raj system a part of the original Constitution or was it added later?

Answer: The Panchayati Raj system was not a part of the original Constitution. It was added to the Constitution through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

Question 20. Who wrote the original copy of the Constitution?

Answer: The original copy of the Constitution was written in beautiful handwriting by Prem Behari Narain Raizada.

Question 21. Who decorated the pages of the original Constitution?

Answer: Nandalal Bose and his colleagues decorated the pages of the Constitution with beautiful illustrations related to India's history and culture.

Question 22. Why is helium gas used to preserve the original copy of the Constitution?

Answer: Helium is a gas that does not chemically react with paper or ink. Therefore, it helps in preserving the original copy of the Constitution for a long time.

Question 23. When were the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ added to the Preamble?

Answer: The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added to the Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976.

Class 7 new ncert Chapter 10 SST Solution - The Constitution of India - An Introduction