Question 1

Which of these is not a function of the constitution?
a. It gives a guarantee of the rights of the citizen.
b. It marks out different spheres of power for different branches of government.
c. It ensures that good people come to power.
d. It gives expression to some shared values.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is c. It ensures that good people come to power.
Explanation: The constitution does not ensure that good people come to power; rather, it provides the framework and rules for governance, guarantees rights, distributes powers, and expresses shared values. — Step-by-step: The constitution guarantees rights (a), marks powers (b), and expresses shared values (d). However, it does not control the quality of people who come to power, so (c) is not a function.

Question 2

Which of the following is a good reason to conclude that the authority of the constitution is higher than that of the parliament?
a. The constitution was framed before the parliament came into being.
b. The constitution makers were more eminent leaders than the members of the parliament.
c. The constitution specifies how parliament is to be formed and what are its powers.
d. The constitution cannot be amended by the parliament.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is c. The constitution specifies how parliament is to be formed and what are its powers.
Explanation: The constitution is the supreme law that defines the formation and powers of the parliament, establishing its authority as subordinate to the constitution. Option d is incorrect because the constitution can be amended by the parliament under certain procedures. — Step-by-step: (a) is not a valid reason since timing does not determine authority. (b) is subjective and irrelevant. (c) is correct because the constitution sets the rules for parliament. (d) is incorrect because the constitution can be amended by parliament with special procedures.

Question 3

State whether the following statements about a constitution are True or False.
a. Constitutions are written documents about formation and power of the government.
b. Constitutions exist and are required only in democratic countries.
c. Constitution is a legal document that does not deal with ideals and values.
d. A constitution gives its citizens a new identity.

Accepted Answer

a. True - Constitutions are indeed written documents that define the formation and powers of government.
b. False - Constitutions exist in all types of countries, not only democracies.
c. False - Constitutions also deal with ideals and values, not just legal rules.
d. True - A constitution provides citizens with a legal and political identity. — Step-by-step:
- a: Constitutions are written documents defining government structure.
- b: Non-democratic countries also have constitutions.
- c: Constitutions include ideals and values.
- d: Constitutions confer identity to citizens.

Question 4

State whether the following inferences about the making of the Indian Constitution are Correct or Incorrect. Give reasons to support your answer.
a. The Constituent Assembly did not represent the Indian people since it was not elected by all citizens.
b. Constitution making did not involve any major decision since there was a general consensus among the leaders at that time about its basic framework.
c. There was little originality in the Constitution, for much of it was borrowed from other countries.

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect - Although the Constituent Assembly was not elected by universal adult franchise, it broadly represented the Indian people through indirect elections and representation of provinces and communities.
b. Incorrect - Constitution making involved many major decisions and debates; there was not complete consensus on all issues.
c. Incorrect - While the Indian Constitution borrowed features from other countries, it also showed originality in adapting these to Indian conditions. — Step-by-step:
- a: Representation was indirect but inclusive.
- b: There were significant debates and decisions.
- c: Borrowing does not mean lack of originality; adaptation was key.

Question 5

Give two examples each to support the following conclusions about the Indian Constitution:
a. The Constitution was made by credible leaders who commanded peoples' respect.
b. The Constitution has distributed power in such a way as to make it difficult to subvert it.
c. The Constitution is the locus of people's hopes and aspirations.

Accepted Answer

a. Examples: (1) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, was a respected leader; (2) Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister, was a credible leader.
b. Examples: (1) Division of powers between Centre and States; (2) Checks and balances among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
c. Examples: (1) Fundamental Rights guarantee freedoms and equality; (2) Directive Principles guide social and economic justice. — Step-by-step:
- a: Leaders like Ambedkar and Nehru commanded respect.
- b: Power distribution and checks prevent subversion.
- c: Rights and principles reflect people's aspirations.

Question 6

Why is it necessary for a country to have a clear demarcation of powers and responsibilities in the constitution? What would happen in the absence of such a demarcation?

Accepted Answer

It is necessary to have a clear demarcation of powers and responsibilities to avoid conflicts between different branches and levels of government, ensure smooth functioning, and protect citizens' rights. Without such demarcation, there would be confusion, overlapping authority, power struggles, and inefficiency in governance. — Step-by-step:
- Clear demarcation prevents conflict.
- It defines roles and limits powers.
- Absence leads to chaos and governance failure.

Question 7

Why is it necessary for a constitution to place limitations on the rulers? Can there be a constitution that gives no power at all to the citizens?

Accepted Answer

Limitations on rulers are necessary to prevent abuse of power, protect citizens' rights, and ensure accountability. A constitution without any power to citizens would be undemocratic and authoritarian, and thus such a constitution would not be legitimate or effective in protecting people's interests. — Step-by-step:
- Limitations prevent tyranny.
- They ensure rule of law and rights.
- No citizen power means no democracy.

Question 8

The Japanese Constitution was made when the US occupation army was still in control of Japan after its defeat in the Second World War. The Japanese constitution could not have had any provision that the US government did not like. Do you see any problem in this way of making the constitution? In which way was the Indian experience different from this?

Accepted Answer

The problem with the Japanese constitution making was that it was imposed by an external power, limiting the sovereignty and democratic participation of the Japanese people. In contrast, the Indian Constitution was made by an elected Constituent Assembly representing Indian people, reflecting their aspirations and sovereignty. — Step-by-step:
- Japanese constitution was externally imposed.
- This limits legitimacy and people's participation.
- Indian constitution was internally made by representatives.

Question 9

Rajat asked his teacher this question: “The constitution is a fifty year old and therefore outdated book. No one took my consent for implementing it. It is written in such tough language that I cannot understand it. Tell me why should I obey this document?” If you were the teacher, how would you answer Rajat?

Accepted Answer

I would explain to Rajat that the constitution is a living document that provides the framework for governance and protects citizens' rights. Its age does not make it irrelevant as it can be amended. Consent is given indirectly through democratic processes. Understanding may be difficult, but it is important as it governs the country and ensures justice and equality. Obeying it maintains law and order and protects everyone's rights. — Step-by-step:
- Constitution is foundational and adaptable.
- Consent is through elected representatives.
- Obedience ensures social order and rights protection.

Question 10

In a discussion on the experience of the working of our Constitution, three speakers took three different positions:
a. Harbans: The Indian Constitution has succeeded in giving us a framework of democratic government.
b. Neha: The Constitution made solemn promises of ensuring liberty, equality and fraternity. Since this has not happened, the Constitution has failed.
c. Nazima: The Constitution has not failed us. We have failed the Constitution.
Do you agree with any of these positions? If yes, why? If not, what is your own position?

Accepted Answer

This is an opinion-based question. One may agree with Harbans that the Constitution provides a democratic framework, which is true as India has regular elections and democratic institutions. One may also agree with Nazima that failures are due to society and governance, not the Constitution itself. Neha's point highlights that promises are not fully realized, indicating challenges remain. My position is that the Constitution provides a strong foundation, but its success depends on how people and leaders uphold its values. — Step-by-step:
- Harbans: Constitution succeeded in framework.
- Neha: Promises not fully realized.
- Nazima: Failures due to people, not document.
- Personal view integrates these perspectives.

Question 11

What is a constitution in the context of a state or society?

Accepted Answer

A set of fundamental principles according to which a state is constituted or governed — A constitution is the fundamental legal framework that defines how a state is organized and governed. It lays down the basic rules and principles for the functioning of government and society.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of a constitution?

Accepted Answer

Allowing unlimited power to the government without restrictions — A constitution limits the powers of government and does not allow unlimited power. Instead, it sets rules for coordination, decision-making, and fulfilling societal goals.

Question 13

Imagine a group with diverse members having disputes on property ownership, education, and safety. How does a constitution help such a group live together peacefully?

Accepted Answer

— A constitution provides a set of basic rules that are publicly known and legally enforceable, which allows minimal coordination among diverse members. It assures everyone that rules will be followed and disputes resolved fairly, enabling peaceful coexistence.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The first function of a constitution is to provide a set of basic rules that allow for _____ amongst members of a society.

Accepted Answer

minimal coordination — The constitution provides basic rules that enable members of society to coordinate their actions and live together peacefully, ensuring social order.

Question 15

Who decides what laws should govern a society according to a constitution?

Accepted Answer

The people or their representatives in a democratic setup — In democratic constitutions like India's, the people ultimately have the power to decide laws, usually through elected representatives in Parliament.

Constitution

Constitution — Study Notes

INTRODUCTION

WHY DO WE NEED A CONSTITUTION?

Specification of decision making powers

Practice Questions — Constitution

All 10 Chapters in India Constitution at Work