Question Answers for Chapter 10 The Constitution of India- An Introduction Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Class 7 Social Science The Constitution of India- An Introduction Extra Questions
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1. When was the Indian Constitution adopted?
Answer
The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949.
Question 2. Who was the first President of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer
Dr. Sachidananda Sinha was the first President of the Constituent Assembly.
Question 3. Who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution?
Answer
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution.
Question 4. What are the main parts of the government as outlined in the Constitution?
Answer
The three main parts of the government are the legislature, executive, and judiciary. They each have separate functions to ensure fairness and accountability.
Question 5. Why is the Constitution important for the citizens of India?
Answer
The Constitution protects citizens' rights, outlines their duties, and ensures fairness by setting rules for governance, making it essential for maintaining justice and equality.
Question 6. How did the Indian Constitution borrow ideas from other countries?
Answer
The Indian Constitution incorporated ideas from various countries, like the USA’s independent judiciary, France’s liberty, equality, and fraternity, and Ireland’s Directive Principles.
Question 7. What does "Sovereign" mean in the Preamble?
Answer
"Sovereign" means that India is free to make its own decisions without external control.
Question 8. What does "Secular" mean in the Preamble?
Answer
"Secular" means that India does not have an official religion and respects all religions equally.
Question 9. What were the three main sources that influenced the Indian Constitution?
Answer
The Indian Constitution was influenced by the Indian Freedom Movement, India's Civilisational Heritage, and the constitutions of other countries.
Question 10. What is the role of the President in the Constitution?
Answer
The President is the ceremonial head of the state and ensures the Constitution is followed.
Question 11. What is the function of the legislature in the government?
Answer
The legislature makes laws for the country.
Question 12. What is the role of the executive in the government?
Answer
The executive implements the laws made by the legislature.
Question 13. What is the role of the judiciary in the government?
Answer
The judiciary ensures that laws follow the Constitution and settles disputes.
Question 14. What is the separation of powers in the Constitution?
Answer
The separation of powers ensures that the legislature, executive, and judiciary function independently for fairness.
Question 15. What are Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution?
Answer
Fundamental Rights guarantee equality, freedom, and protection against exploitation.
Question 16. What are Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?
Answer
Fundamental Duties are the responsibilities of citizens, like respecting the Constitution and protecting the environment.
Question 17. What are Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
Answer
DPSPs are guidelines for the government to promote justice, improve living standards, and ensure the welfare of the people.
Question 18. What is the significance of the "Preamble" in the Constitution?
Answer
The Preamble introduces the Constitution and highlights its core values, like justice, liberty, and equality.
Question 19. What does "Republic" mean in the Preamble?
Answer
"Republic" means that the head of state is elected and not a hereditary monarch.
Question 20. What is the role of amendments in the Constitution?
Answer
Amendments allow the Constitution to be changed to meet new needs and challenges.
Question 21. What is the importance of the Constituent Assembly in India's history?
Answer
The Constituent Assembly was responsible for drafting the Constitution, ensuring democratic governance in India.
Question 22. What were the major influences of the French Revolution on the Indian Constitution?
Answer
The French Revolution's principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity influenced the Indian Constitution's values.
Question 23. How does the Constitution ensure the protection of minority rights?
Answer
The Constitution guarantees the protection of all citizens' rights, regardless of their religion or social group.
Question 24. How does the Constitution help maintain democracy in India?
Answer
The Constitution ensures that citizens can elect their leaders and holds them accountable for their actions.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1. How does a constitution act as a rulebook for a country’s governance?
Answer
The Constitution acts as a rulebook by defining the structure and powers of the government, outlining citizens' rights and duties, and providing the legal framework for law-making and governance. It ensures fair, accountable, and orderly functioning of the state.
Question 2. Why was the Constitution of India adopted in 1949 but implemented in 1950?
Answer
The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 but came into effect on 26 January 1950 to give time for the country to prepare for the transition from British rule. This also marked India’s Republic Day, symbolizing the country’s self-governance.
Question 3. How does the Constitution promote fraternity among India’s diverse communities?
Answer
The Constitution promotes fraternity by embedding values like vasudhaiva kutumbakam, fostering unity across diverse communities. It ensures equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, encouraging mutual respect and harmony through principles like equality and secularism.
Question 4. How does the Constitution promote equality in India?
Answer
The Constitution promotes equality by ensuring that all citizens are treated equally before the law, regardless of religion, caste, gender, or race. It guarantees equal opportunities and prohibits discrimination, upholding the values of justice and fairness.
Question 5. What was the role of the Constituent Assembly in shaping India’s Constitution?
Answer
The Constituent Assembly was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India. It included representatives from diverse regions and communities, ensuring the Constitution reflected India’s values of democracy, equality, and justice.
Question 6. What are the main components of the government structure as per the Indian Constitution?
Answer
The Indian Constitution establishes three main branches of government: the legislature (which makes laws), the executive (which implements laws), and the judiciary (which ensures laws are followed and settles disputes).
Question 7. What is the role of the President, Prime Minister, and judges in the Constitution?
Answer
The President is the ceremonial head of state, the Prime Minister leads the executive, and judges in the judiciary ensure laws are in line with the Constitution. These officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution.
Question 8. How did the Indian Freedom Movement influence the Constitution?
Answer
The Indian Freedom Movement emphasized values like equality, justice, and freedom, which were incorporated into the Constitution. Leaders of the movement brought their experiences into the Constituent Assembly to create a fair and democratic system.
Question 9. How is the Constitution a "living document"?
Answer
The Constitution is a "living document" because it can be amended to meet the changing needs of the country. Amendments help adapt the Constitution to new challenges and evolving societal norms, keeping it relevant over time.
Question 10. What is the significance of the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
Answer
The Preamble sets out the fundamental values and objectives of the Constitution, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It guides the government and citizens in ensuring a fair and just society.
Question 11. How does the Indian Constitution protect individual rights?
Answer
The Constitution provides Fundamental Rights that guarantee individual freedoms like equality, freedom of speech, and protection from exploitation. These rights are enforceable in court if violated by the government or others.
Question 12. What are Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and how do they guide the government?
Answer
DPSPs are guidelines for the government to create laws and policies aimed at improving the standard of living, ensuring justice, and protecting the environment. They are not legally enforceable but guide government actions.
Question 13. What changes have been made to the Constitution since its adoption?
Answer
The Constitution has been amended several times to address evolving issues. Notable changes include the addition of Fundamental Duties in 1976, the recognition of the Panchayati Raj System in 1992, and rights like the freedom to fly the national flag.
Question 14. How does the Indian Constitution ensure a separation of powers?
Answer
The Constitution ensures the separation of powers by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful and ensures fairness in governance.
Question 15. What does ‘republic’ signify in the Preamble of the Constitution?
Answer
‘Republic’ in the Preamble of the Constitution signifies:
- The head of the state is an elected individual, not someone who inherits the position.
- This ensures that the government is accountable to the people.
- It promotes the idea of citizen participation in governance.
Question 16. What was the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the drafting of the Indian Constitution?
Answer
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.
- He ensured that the Constitution upheld the values of equality, justice, and social rights, particularly for marginalized groups.
- His leadership and vision shaped key sections of the Constitution, particularly those related to fundamental rights, social justice, and the protection of individual liberties.
Question 17. How did the freedom struggle influence the inclusion of Fundamental Rights in the Constitution?
Answer
- The freedom struggle was focused on the protection of citizens' rights against colonial oppression.
- Leaders from the movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others, ensured that the Constitution included Fundamental Rights to protect individual freedoms.
- These rights guarantee equality, freedom of speech, and protection from exploitation, ensuring the spirit of democracy and justice.
Question 18. What role did the Constituent Assembly play in shaping the Indian Constitution?
Answer
- The Constituent Assembly was tasked with framing the Constitution of India after independence.
- It consisted of elected representatives who debated key issues such as governance, fundamental rights, and the structure of the government.
- The assembly's decisions shaped India’s democratic framework and ensured the inclusion of values like equality, justice, and social welfare.
Question 19. How does the Constitution accommodate India's diversity in terms of religion, language, and culture?
Answer
- The Indian Constitution accommodates India’s diversity by recognizing multiple languages, religions, and cultures.
- It guarantees the freedom to practice any religion and promotes the idea of "unity in diversity."
- The Constitution allows for the protection of cultural heritage and the promotion of multiple languages through the recognition of various regional languages in the Eighth Schedule.
Question 20. What is the significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution?
Answer
- The DPSP provides guidelines to the government for achieving social and economic justice.
- While they are not legally enforceable, they guide government policies on issues like healthcare, education, and the environment.
- The DPSPs reflect the Constitution’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens, particularly the disadvantaged.
Question 21. Why was it necessary to include the concept of "Separation of Powers" in the Constitution?
Answer
- The separation of powers ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.
- By dividing authority among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, the Constitution maintains a system of checks and balances.
- This system allows each branch to act independently, preventing misuse of power and safeguarding democratic principles.
Question 22. Explain the significance of the Preamble and how it reflects the values of the Constitution.
Answer
- The Preamble serves as the introduction to the Constitution, outlining its core values and objectives.
- It reflects the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- The Preamble emphasizes India’s commitment to a sovereign, secular, democratic republic, guiding the government in ensuring fairness and respect for all citizens, regardless of their background.
Question 23. How does the Indian Constitution ensure the protection of minority rights?
Answer
- The Indian Constitution guarantees the protection of minority rights through provisions like the Right to Equality and the Right to Freedom of Religion.
- It ensures that no individual or community is discriminated against based on religion, caste, or language.
- Additionally, the Constitution encourages the protection of minority languages and cultures, promoting an inclusive society.
Long Answer Questions
Question 1. Evaluate why the Constitution’s ability to be amended keeps it relevant today.
Answer
The Constitution remains relevant today due to its ability to be amended as society evolves. Here are some key reasons:
- Adaptability: The Constitution can be updated to reflect changing societal values and needs, ensuring it stays relevant.
- Rigorous Process: Amendments are thoroughly debated in Parliament and sometimes in legislative assemblies, ensuring that changes are well-considered.
- Public Involvement: The government often seeks opinions from the public, allowing citizens to have a say in changes that affect them.
- Historical Context: Amendments, such as the addition of 'Fundamental Duties' in 1976, show how the Constitution has adapted to new circumstances.
- Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution, ensuring it aligns with contemporary values, as seen in cases like the right to fly the national flag.
Question 2. Analyze how the freedom struggle and global influences shaped the Constitution’s principles.
Answer
The Constitution of India was significantly shaped by the freedom struggle and various global influences. Key aspects include:
- Influence of the Freedom Movement: The ideals of the freedom struggle, such as equality, justice, and fraternity, were foundational in the Constitution. Leaders from the movement contributed directly to its formation.
- Civilisational Heritage: India's rich cultural history informed many principles, including the emphasis on fundamental duties and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
- Global Inspirations: The Constitution makers studied various international constitutions, adopting concepts like liberty and equality from France, and the Directive Principles from Ireland, to create a framework suitable for India.
These influences ensured that the Constitution not only reflected India's aspirations for a democratic society but also incorporated lessons from global practices, making it a comprehensive guide for governance.
Question 3. Match the Column A with the correct option in Column B.
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
(a) First President of the Constituent Assembly |
|
2. Fundamental Rights |
(b) The principle that all the religions are treated equally |
|
3. Preamble |
(c) Protects citizen’s rights like equality and freedom |
|
4.Secularism |
(d) Architect of the Indian Constitution |
|
5. Dr. Sachidananda Sinha |
(e) Introduction to the Constitution |
Answer
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
(d) Architect of the Indian Constitution |
|
2. Fundamental Rights |
(c) Protects citizen’s rights like equality and freedom |
|
3. Preamble |
(e) Introduction to the Constitution |
|
4.Secularism |
(b) The principle that all the religions are treated equally |
|
5. Dr. Sachidananda Sinha |
(a) First President of the Constituent Assembly |
Explanations:
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Architect of the Indian Constitution.
- Fundamental Rights protect citizens' rights such as equality and freedom.
- The Preamble introduces the Constitution and outlines its values.
- Secularism means that all religions are treated equally.
- Dr. Sachidananda Sinha was the first President of the Constituent Assembly.
Question 4. How did the diversity of the Constituent Assembly strengthen the Constitution?
Answer
The diversity of the Constituent Assembly played a crucial role in strengthening the Constitution of India in several ways:
- Representation: Members from various regions, professions, and social groups ensured that different perspectives were included.
- Inclusivity: The assembly's diverse backgrounds helped address the needs and rights of all citizens, promoting equality.
- Rich Ideas: Experiences from the freedom struggle enriched the discussions, leading to a more robust framework for governance.
This diversity ultimately contributed to a Constitution that reflects the values and aspirations of a wide range of Indian society.
Question 5. Explain the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
Answer
Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are two important components of the Indian Constitution, each serving distinct purposes:
- Fundamental Rights are legal guarantees that protect individual freedoms and ensure equality. They are enforceable by the courts, meaning citizens can seek justice if these rights are violated.
- Directive Principles serve as guidelines for the government to promote social and economic welfare. They are not legally enforceable, which means citizens cannot approach the courts if these principles are not implemented.
- The framers of the Constitution intended for Fundamental Rights to be immediately actionable, while Directive Principles represent broader goals that may take time to achieve.
Question 6. How did India’s civilisational heritage influence the Constitution’s values?
Answer
The influence of India's civilisational heritage on the Constitution's values is significant and multifaceted:
- Fundamental Duties: The Constitution incorporates ideas from India's heritage, emphasising the responsibilities of citizens in governance.
- Inclusivity: The principle of vasudhaiva kutumbakam ("the world is one family") reflects the cultural acceptance of diverse viewpoints.
- Learning from Others: The Constitution makers studied global examples, adopting ideals such as liberty, equality, and fraternity from the French Constitution and the concept of an independent judiciary from the American Constitution.
- Historical Context: The rich traditions of India, including respect for nature and the pursuit of knowledge, are embedded in the Constitution, shaping its core values.
Overall, the Constitution serves as a bridge between India's ancient values and modern governance.