CONSTITUTIONAL DESIGN-QUESTION ANSWER-CLASS 9-SOCIAL SCIENCE

CHAPTER-CONSTITUTIONAL DESIGN-TOPICWISE QUESTION ANSWER CLASS-9 SUBJECT-SOCIAL SCIENCE(DEMOCRATIC POLITICS-I)

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2 Marks Questions:

1. What is a constitution?

• A constitution is the supreme law of a country.

• It lays down the rules about how the government works and citizens’ rights.

2. What was apartheid in South Africa?

• A system of racial discrimination between whites and non-whites.

• Non-whites were denied equal rights, education, jobs, and public facilities.

3. Why do we need a constitution?

• It provides rules for the functioning of the government.

• It protects the rights of citizens and limits government powers.

4. Who was Nelson Mandela?

• A leader of the African National Congress and freedom fighter against apartheid.

• He became the first black President of democratic South Africa.

5. When did the Indian Constitution come into effect?

• On 26th January 1950.

• This day is celebrated as Republic Day in India.

6. What is the Preamble of the Constitution?

• It is the introduction to the Constitution.

• It states the values and guiding principles of the Constitution.

7. What does ‘sovereign’ mean in the Preamble?

• India is free to take its own decisions.

• No external power can control it.

8. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

• He is known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.”

9. What do you understand by 'Republic'?

• The head of state is elected, not hereditary.

• It means the President is chosen by the people.

10. What is a constitutional amendment?

• It is a change or addition to the Constitution.

• It is made to keep the Constitution up to date.

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3 Marks Questions:

1. What are the three main functions of a constitution?

• It defines how the government is formed.

• It sets limits on the powers of government.

• It states the rights and duties of citizens.

2. Describe the role of the African National Congress (ANC).

• ANC led the struggle against apartheid.

• It organized protests, strikes, and marches.

• It became the ruling party after the end of apartheid.

3. What compromises were made in South Africa’s constitution?

• Whites accepted majority rule and equal rights.

• Blacks agreed not to take revenge or seize property.

• A peaceful and democratic constitution was formed.

4. Why is the Indian Constitution considered legitimate?

• It was created through public discussion and consensus.

• It reflected the hopes of freedom struggle.

• It was accepted by all major groups.

5. What is the significance of the 26th November 1949?

• The Indian Constitution was adopted on this date.

• It came into effect later on 26 January 1950.

• This day marks the start of Indian democracy.

6. What are the main ideals in the Preamble?

• Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

• Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.

• These values define India’s constitutional philosophy.

7. What was the objective of the Constituent Assembly?

• To draft the Constitution for independent India.

• To make laws protecting citizens’ rights and democracy.

• To reflect India’s diversity and unity.

8. Explain ‘Justice’ as mentioned in the Preamble.

• No discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender.

• Government must reduce inequality.

• Welfare of all, especially the poor and disadvantaged.

9. Explain the concept of ‘Equality’ in the Constitution.

• All citizens are equal before the law.

• Equal opportunity in jobs, education, and services.

• No special treatment based on class or birth.

10. Why was the Indian Constitution not written overnight?

• It was based on years of freedom struggle.

• Leaders had long discussions on values and vision.

• Different ideas and experiences were studied carefully.

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5 Marks Questions:

1. Why do we need a Constitution?

• It creates trust and peace among people.

• It defines how the government will be formed.

• It limits the powers of the government.

• It protects citizens’ rights.

• It expresses people's vision for a just society.

2. Describe the main features of the South African Constitution.

• Ended apartheid and gave equal rights to all races.

• Guaranteed social justice and human rights.

• Included all communities in its making.

• Ensured one person, one vote.

• Protected minority property rights.

3. What problems did India face during Constitution making?

• Partition caused violence and fear.

• Integration of princely states was difficult.

• Country had poverty, illiteracy, and inequality.

• There were different opinions and interests.

• Still, the Assembly created a united vision.

4. Explain the process of Constitution making in India.

• Constituent Assembly formed in 1946.

• Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

• 114 meetings over 3 years with debates and changes.

• More than 2,000 amendments were discussed.

• Adopted on 26 November 1949.

5. Discuss the key guiding values of the Indian Constitution.

• Justice: Fair treatment to all.

• Liberty: Freedom of thought and actions.

• Equality: No discrimination; equal opportunity.

• Fraternity: Brotherhood and unity among people.

• Democracy: Rule by elected representatives.

6. What makes the Indian Constitution a living document?

• It can be amended as society changes.

• New rights and laws can be added.

• It adapts to changing needs.

• Reflects the will of the people.

• Combines stability with flexibility.

7. How is India a secular, socialist, and democratic republic?

• Secular: No official religion; all are treated equally.

• Socialist: Government works for equal wealth and welfare.

• Democratic: Citizens elect leaders.

• Republic: President is elected, not a king.

• Justice and equality are core values.

8. How was the Constituent Assembly representative of Indian society?

• Included members from different regions and communities.

• Represented different castes, religions, and languages.

• Members had diverse ideologies and professions.

• Women and minorities were included.

• It was a mini-India in itself.

9. Compare India’s and South Africa’s constitution-making processes.

• India: Prepared before Independence was completed.

• South Africa: Made after apartheid ended.

• Both included diverse communities.

• Focused on justice, equality, and peace.

• Both learned from past suffering.

10. Explain the role of the Preamble in the Constitution.

• States the purpose and goals of the Constitution.

• Mentions key values like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

• Acts as a guide to interpret laws.

• Reflects the spirit of the Constitution.

• Is the soul and summary of the document.

11. “Indian Constitution is both rigid and flexible”. Explain.

• Rigid: Some parts of the Constitution require a special majority in Parliament and ratification by states to be amended (e.g., federal structure).

• Flexible: Other parts can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament (e.g., number of seats in Lok Sabha).

• Balanced approach: It allows necessary changes without destroying core values.

• Example: The 42nd Amendment added ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ in the Preamble – showing flexibility with purpose.

• So, it is neither too easy nor too hard to amend – making it both rigid and flexible.

12. Why should we accept the Constitution made by the Assembly more than 60 years ago?

• Reflects people’s will: Though made in 1949, it was created by elected representatives of all sections.

• Wide acceptance: Major political and social groups supported it; no major group has rejected it since.

• Democratic values: It protects freedom, equality, and justice for all citizens.

• Adaptable: It allows amendments to match changing needs of society.

• Proved successful: It has worked well for over 70 years in a large, diverse country.

13. What was the philosophy behind the Constitution?

• Justice: Social, economic, and political fairness to all.

• Liberty: Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.

• Equality: Equal treatment and opportunity for all citizens.

• Fraternity: Promoting unity and brotherhood.

• Inspired by freedom struggle: Ideas of Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar and others shaped its values.

• These ideas are written in the Preamble, which is the soul of the Constitution.

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To Learn More Click Below:

Cahpter 1- What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Chapter 2- Constitutional Design

Chapter 3- Electoral Politics

Chapter 4- Working of Institutions

Chapter 5- Democratic Rights