0 ratings 0% found this document useful (0 votes) 27 views 15 pages ch1 Constitution Why and How
The Indian Constitution, framed by the Constituent Assembly in 1946, serves as the supreme law of the country, establishing a framework for governance and defining the relationship between the government and its citizens. It incorporates a blend of flexibility and rigidity, ensuring a federal structure while safeguarding fundamental rights and aspirations of the people. The Constitution has been influenced by various international models and emphasizes the importance of checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power.
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Save ch1 constitution why and how For Later Part A: Indian Constitution at Work
Constitution:
Why and How?
FACTS THAT MATTER
1.
Aconstitution is a written set of laws and fundamental principles to develop a relationship
between the people and the government which comprises a number of articles about the
state.
We need a constitution:
(@ To provide a set of basic rules to allow minimal coordination amongst the members
of a society.
(b) To specify how the government would be constituted and who has power to make
decisions in the society.
(©) To lay some limitations on government's power by guaranteeing rights to the citizens.
(d) To enable the government to fulfill aspirations of a society and create conditions for
a just society.
(e) To express the fundamental identity of people.
The Constitution of India was framed by the Constituent Assembly in 1946 under the
Cabinet Mission Plan.
The Constituent Assembly spent 2 years 11 months and 18 days to prepare the constitution
to be adopted on November 26, 1949 and came into force on 26 January, 1950.
‘The Constitution of India is the Supreme Law to be accepted and respected by all the
citizens as well as institutions of the country.
‘The Constitution of India is a blend of flexibility and rigidity as it is federal in form but
unitary in spirit.
‘The main federal features of the Indian Constitution are written and flexible constitution,
distribution of powers between the centre and the states, supremacy of judiciary and
existence of bi-cameral legislature.
‘The framers of Indian Constitution have borrowed a number of provisions as per the
suitability of the nation from different countries, iteb the British Constitution, the
American Constitution, the Constitution of Canada, the Constitution of Ireland, the
French Constitution, etc. alongwith the Government of India Act, 1935.WORDS THAT MATTER
1
2
3.
4,
5.
8.
Qu.
Qs.
Ans.
Qa.
@® Porrticar Science-Xi
Promulgation: To announce publically at the starting of a law,
Deliberation: Considerations during the framing of Constitution
Disparity: A lack of equality and similarity in a war that is not fair
Suppressed: To prevent to express the feelings of someone.
Sects: Different groups within a community.
. Laws: A set of rules governing the administration of country to be enforced by
YY Political
authority,
. Integration: A harmonious relation with the feelings of brotherhood,
Objective Resolution: Resolution to define aims of Assembly,
NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
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,
(c) It ensures that good people come to power.
Which of the following is a good reason to conclude that the authority ofthe 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.
(©) The constitution specifies how parliament is to be formed and what are its powers.
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.
(¢) Constitution is a legal document that does not deal with ideals and values.
(d) A constitution gives its citizens a new identity.
(a)False (6) False (c) False (d) True
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. 1
(b) Constitution making did not involve any major decision since there was & 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.Ans. (a) peated to say that Constituent Assembly did not represent Indian people
(@ Although the members of Constituent Assembly were not elected by Universal
ae but there was a serious attempt to make the Assembly a representative
(G) The Constituent Assembly represented the members of all religions, social and
_, Sconomic groups to accommodate all shades of opinion within it.
iii) The Assembly had 26 members even from scheduled castes.
(6) It is correct to say because:
@ Objective the Resolution containing principles was moved by Nehru in 1946
brought by the nationalist movement.
(i) Constituent Assembly could not have functioned without any background
consensus on main principles.
Gii) Our constitution does not have only rules and procedures but a moral commitment
also to establish a government to fulfill the promises made to peoples.
(c) It is incorrect to say because:
(@ Though they borrowed a number of provisions from Constitutions of different
countries but it was not based upon slavish imitations.
(ii) Each provision before it was included, well considered by the members of
Constituent Assembly.
(ii) Long debates and discussions also took place to examine the suitability to the
conditions prevailing in India alongwith problems and aspirations of the people.
Q5. Give two examples each to support the following conchisions ahout the Indian Constitution:
(a) The Constitution was made by credible leaders who commanded people's respect.
(b) The Constitution has distributed power in such a way as to make it difficult to
subvert it.
(©) The Constitution is the locus of people’s hopes and aspirations.
Ans. (a) The following two factors are responsibl
(@ The members of Constituent Assembly were elected by indirect election by
the members of Provincial Legislative Assemblies to be established in 1935.
Assembly reflected each of the communities, provinces, princely states through
an appropriate formula. Even 28 members belonged to scheduled castes.
(ii) The members of Constituent Assembly went through long debates and discussions
for 166 days spread over two years eleven months.
(b) The following two factors can be summed up for the same:
( Our Constitution has made institutional arrangements of government on the
basis of check and balance approach. If one of the institutions goes beyond its
limitations, the other checks it.
(i) The procedure for amendments is well elaborated for different articles of the
Constitution.
(©) The following factors are responsible for the same because:
(@ The Constitution has provided some Fundamental Rights alongwith protected
provisions,dilzbthe judiciary has powers to protect them.
(ii) The Constitution of India has incorporated some ‘Directive Principles of State
Policy’ which are not justiciable but a moral duty of government. The government
Constitution: WHY AND How? >has also given some effects to these in the form of fixed
as
j Institutions, employment guaran ™Y™ wages
ion of Panchayati Raj Institutions, employment guarantee ae”
aarigy weal oeisues cee take the hopes ais aspirations ofthe peop’
ecessi f d
isi fora country tohave a clear demarcation of powers and.
2 ke conatotion? What would happen inthe absence af such vtec
, .
‘Ans. It is necessary for a country to have a clear demarcation of powers and Tesponsiiliteg
in the constitution because: :
(a) To ensure that no single institution acquires monopoly of power,
() Incase of transgressions, it may be checked by one of the institutions
(©)To specify who plays important role in decision-making powers
(d) It shows how government would be constituted.
(e)It ays down some limits on the government and citizens both which are fundamental
in nature which should not tobe trespassed by government and ete”
(9 The Constitution shows how organs of government are interrelated slongyith
demarcation of powers of institutions like legislature, executive ed judiciary ae
well as statutory bodies, ilebBlection Commission of India, ote
(©) Te judiciary has been given a specific place to declare any law unconstitutional
not at par the provisions of Constitution.
In the absence of such a demarcation:
(a) The federal set up would get strained and there would be crisis in centre as well as
states,
(6) There would be a problem to the citizens and laws will be Proved to be unjust and
unfair.
°Sponsibilitieg
‘ation?
Qi. Why is it necessary for a constitution to place limitations
constitution that gives no Power at all to the citizens?
* It is nevessary for a constitution to place limitations on the rulers:
¥- These units are fundamental in the sense that the rulers may not trespass them,
2. Citizens have been specified certain fundamental rights in Constitution to limit
powers of rulers.
3. Citizens have been granted some basic rights of liberties also, ilebright to freedom
of speech and expressions, freedom to for
‘m trade union and associations, ete. which
cannot be checked by the government
4. Only during the nati
withdrawn during some specific periods,
5: It is necessary for a constitution to place limitations on the rulers otherwise they
may turn to be a dictator and
may overlook the people's interest constitution guards
and controls the rulers,
No, there can be no constitution that gives no power to its people:
(a) In a Constitutional monarchy, monarch decides the powers of people.
(6) Ina dictatorship, the ruler is Supposed to get the support of people to cling to the power,
ibPakistan’s General Musharraf also conducted periodic referendum to hold power
(c) In a democratic institut
ions/Constitution; the people are the real source of power
where public mandate j
's required to enact the policies for rulers.
(d) These can’t be a Constitution
that gives no power at all to the citizens. It is always
for the welfare of the citizens of the countey
on the rulers? Can there be a
ional emergency or in national interest, these rights may be
GD rotten sceceQs.
Ans.
Qs.
Ans.
Qo.
on paaaeee senatitution was made when the US occupation army was still in control
have had any provisig sain the Second World War. The Japanese constitution could not
this way of pas ee that the US government did not like. Do you see any Ltr in
ene fe constitution? In which way was the Indian experience differe
re yee Constitution could not have had any provision that the US government
nov Like, after the defeat of Japan in Second World War (1939-1945), due to fact that
Constitution seeks to perform the functions and look after the interest of the rulers or
authorities in the country who has occupied it
But, in a democratic country, a constitution expresses the fundamental identity of people
as in India.
Indian experience was different from the experience of Japan in the following manner:
1. The Indian Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly which was elected
to aspire India to be a society free of any sort of discrimination among people.
2. The framers of Indian Constitution worked for leading a life of social dignity and
social respect alongwith minimum material well-being and education to an individual.
3. Indian Constitution enabled the government to fulfill the aspirations of society, to
make it more better.
4, Indian Constitution has inculcated the federal spirit with the distribution of powers
between the different levels of government as well as bicameral legislatures and
independent judiciary have also been set up.
5. The Constituent Assembly framed Constitution after a long debates and discussions
to provide political, social and legal equalities to the people.
Rajat asked his teacher this question: “The constitution is a fifty year old and therefore
outdated book. No onc 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?
Had I been the teacher I would answer Raj
1. Indian Constitution is a blend of flexibility and rigidity. Hence, despite being fifty
years old, it is not outdated as it has been amended a number of times whenever
required to be modified from time to time.
2. The Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly of an elected
representatives from every section of society.
3. Though Constituent Assembly was dominated by Congress which occupied 82%
of the seats in Assembly, but it has representation from every class, religion and
communities, regions to accommodate all shades of opinion within it.
4, Though it is not possible to consult each and every individual in framing of
Constitution, hence, the provisions were made to elect representatives from every
section to reflect the people from all these.
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?
Constitution: WHY AND How? >Ans.
in the above mentioned conversation of three people focused whether the working of oy.
in the al
itution is fruitful or not:
Constitution is fruitful or nc _
(@) (i) Indian Constitution is a document consisting the supreme and fundamental lag
of country about powers, functions and ed of the government.
; i shows that how the organs of government are interrelated w
es sper as wel ae the relationship between the government and its cat
(iii) In the Preamble of Constitution, India has been declared A Sovereign, Socialist,
Secular, Democratic Republic to provide social, economic and political justice to
sil the citizens alongwith introduction of universal adult franchise also,
But in practice Indian democracy is suffering from various social and economic evils
which have proved a curse. ,
“&) () Equality and freedom of citizens is disturbed on the basis of some unconstitutional
activities.
(i) Though the provisions for free and fair elections have been made even then
money and muscle power is prevailing everywhere.
(iii) Sometimes political leaders are found to belong to criminal background and some
play the polities of vote bank.
(iv) The judiciary has to interfere in the functioning of executive and legislatures.
(v) Various problems are still being faced by country, ib terrorism, naxalism,
communal riots, ete.
Hence, we agree with the position of Neha that the goals which were supposed to be
achieved through Constitution, has not still been achieved due to above mentioned facts,
s0 we can say that the Constitution has failed to fulfil the needs of the individuals.
(©) @) We have failed the Constitution because we have not applied our sincere efforts
towards citizens’ welfare properly.
(ii) Corruption has taken place in public and private sector both, this is not only
due to representatives but the citizens are not vigilant and dutiful also.
(iii) The citizens are also supposed to be active in public affairs and to support other
citizens in the exercise of the rights and discharge of obligations.
(iv) The citizens should get themselves educated to curb social and economic
inequality to implement the Constitution.
Henee, it can be concluded that Constitution has not failed us but we have failed the
Constitution due to our negligence towards our rights and duties.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
I. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS {1 Mark]
QL. What is Constitution?
Ans.
@® Pourticar Science-x!
Constitution of a country is a written document which prescribes it to be a supreme law
of the country to decide the structure of the government alongwith rights and duties of
citizens. The Constitution speaks of who would play a vital role in decision-making powers
Q2. What are the features of Constitution?
Ans.
( It is the Supreme Law of Country.
(i) It maintains a relationship between the government and the citizens of country:
(iii) It constitutes the structure of the government
(iv) It tells who would play an important role in decision-making powersLer) e, he 2
Ww | b bn
LY 8. What is the nature of India as per the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
Ans. India is a Sovereign, Secular, Socialist, Democratic and Republic state(; 2
Q4. Mention the function of Constitution which set some limits on our government but on
the other hand it favours the citizens,
Ans. ne Constitution sets some limits on what a government can impose on its citizens. These
limits are fundamental in the sense that government may never trespass them.
Il, VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS [2 Marks]
Q1. What is the need and importance of a Constitution?
Ans. () The Constitution provides a framework within which a government has to work.
(Gd It minimises the chances of disputes among the various organs of the government
as it clearly defines their powers and functions separately.
Laid Tt also controls the misuse of power by the government.
(iv) It safeguards the fundamental rights of the citizens
2, What do you mean by Democratic’ with special reference to India?
Ans, 1. Democratic denotes to choose democracy as a way of life and run the administration
through democratic institutions like legislatures, executive, free and fair judiciary, ete.
2. ‘Democratic’ word in Preamble refers to social and economic democracy except political
democracy.
[ 934 What do the political and economic justice stand for? OS
Ans/ Political Justice: Political justice refers to equal political rights to be enjoyed by all
the citizens of country where every citizen has right to elect the representatives as well
as the right to be elected as representatives.
Economic Justice: It refers to every citizen to get the equal opportunities to earn one’s
livelihood as well as equal payment for equal work.
Q4. What is Preamble to the Constitution?
Ans. Preamble to the Constitution is an introductory part of Constitution which enables the
people to assess and evaluate the performance of government in the light of objectives
laid down into the Preamble.
Q5. Mention the four main features of Indian Constitution
Ans. (i) It establishes a Sovereign, democratie republic in India.
i) It establishes India as a secular state.
(iii) It has provisions of fundamental rights as well as fundamental duties to the citizens
of India.
(iv) It establishes a parliamentary form of government in India.
Q6. “India is a secular state”. Justify the statement.
Ans. (i) The word ‘Secular’ was put in the Preamble to Constitution through the 42nd
Amendment.
(i) Secular’ refers that the state has no religion of its own but shows due respect to all
religions.
(iii) The state observes complete neutrality in religious matters.
(iv) The 45th Amendment carries equal respect and recognition to all religions.
(v) No discrimination in India has ever been made against any individual belonging to
different communities, religions, castes, etc
CoNsTITUTION: WHY AND How? >i,
df rs
Q7. What do you understand by the terms liberty, equality and fraternity in the Preamble
to Constitution?
‘Ans. Liberty: It is stated in the Preamble as a goal that the people should have jj
i ef and faith, ilebthe state should remove the obs
ee an ees oaeone of thought, expression, belief, faith and ie
Equality: The Preamble to the Constitution always emphasises to remove a,
of discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, colour, caste, etc. by ma
provisions:
( Article 14— Equality of Justice
(ii) Article 15—Social equality
(ii) Article 16—Equality to achieve administrative services
(iv) Article 17—Untouchability is removed (Social inequality)
(v) Article 18—All the designations except academic and military were finished.
Fraternity: Fraternity refers to brotherhood means equality of all citizens and their
integrity. Everybody in society should be provided with the basic right to food, house
and clothing without any discrimination. Every citizen of the state is to be regarded as
the part of decision-making process.
QS. What is the main difference between the position of the head of state in India and that
of the USA?
les for the
AY sort
king the
Or
bHow can you justify that India is a Republic?
Ans. India is a Republic because the head of the state is the President who is elected by the
Electoral College of the Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly for a fixed period
of five years.
The difference between the position of the President of India and the USA is that in
the USA, the President is the head of the presidential form of democratic government
(real head of executive) whereas in India, President is the head of the parliamentary
government, ilgbPrime Minister and his Cabinet is real executive and the President is
the nominal head of the state.
Ill, SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS [4 Marks]
Q1.\ What is a Constitution? How can we say that Constitution is a living document?
Ans, * Constitution is a written set of rules and regulations to run the government of a country.
(it also defines the positions of three organs of the Government, ifebthe executive, the
legislature and the judiciary alongwith to maintain relations between the Government
and the citizens,
A Constitution is a living document because:
@ It contains provisions to resolve socio-cconomie problems.
(i) To update at par the provisions of constitution, the amendments are made.
(dii) Judicial interpretations, executive orders, customs also support to the growth of
(/ constitution.
(iv) A Constitution is capable to adopt the new conditions as they arise.
Q2. Why should we respect our Constitution?
Ans. We should respect our Constitution because:
B® Pouricat Science-xi
@ A Constitution is a supreme and fundamental law of country.
iGd A Constitution distributes the powers and functions among the three organs of
__,, Bovernment, i.e, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
(iid) The Government of India is composed of principles laid down in a Constitution.
(iv) A Constitution maintains relations between the government and the citizens.
QS. “India is a Sovereign, Democratic, Republic”. Justify the statement.
Ans. India as a Sovereign State:
(@) India has attained a full status of independent statehood.
(ai India is no longer under subjugation of any foreign power.
(iii) India is free to conduct her internal and external affairs as she deems desirable.
India as a Democratic State:
( The ultimate source of political and constitutional authority in India is vested with
the people.
(i) Elections are held on regular intervals on the basis of adult franchise.
ii) Equality is the basic principle of a democratic form of government.
(iv) Citizens of India enjoy the justifiable fundamental rights.
(v) Rule of Law is an essential feature of Indian Democratic State.
India as a Republic:
(@) The head of the state is the President of India.
(ii) He is elected by the electoral college of parliament and state assemblies after every
five years.
Q4. Indian Constitution contains some provisions for social justice. Examine.
Ans. In India, social justice is lacking due to the fact that persons who enjoy greater wealth
and property, have power and others are deprived.
Provisions made in Indian Constitution to end social injustice in India:
(@ The Indian Constitution has declared the practice of untouchability, a punishable
offence.
(ii) The state will provide equal opportunities to all citizens of India.
(iii) No one can be discriminated from using public facilities on the ground of caste,
religion, language, etc.
(iv) India works on welfare state’s philosophy to the welfare of people and upliftment of
weaker sections.
(v) Constitution has given special privileges to SCs, STs, OBCs and even to women and
minorities.
Q5. Write a note on Constituent Assembly.
Ans. (i) The Indian Constitution was made by Constituent Assembly.
(ii) It held its first sittings on 9 December 1946 and reassembled on 14 August 1947 by
the elected members of Provisional Legislative Assemblies through an election.
(iii) Tt was composed roughly along the lines suggested by Cabinet Mission and on 26
November 1949, 284 actual members appended their signature to the Constitution.
(iv) Constituent Assembly was made seriously a representative body in which the
representation from all section of society was made and accommodated all shades
of opinion.
(v) The Assembly took 166 days spread over two years, eleven months and eighteen
days to frame the Constitution finally adopted.
Constitution: WHY AND How? a7)( Q6) What is the philosophy of Indian Constitution? Discuss.
al °
6. (i) Framers of Constitution expressed ther vision for a new society and polity
(i) Despite the differences of opinion the framers reached a consensus to be Teleteg
in the Constitution.
(ii) Indian Constitution was attempted to reach a goal of building a new social order
the basis of democracy, equality and justice. on
(Go) It also projected fundamental rights and civil liberties of Indian citizens alongwith
fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy.
(0) Indian Constitution is based on liberal-welfare-democratic society to be reflecteg
in the Preamble.
(vi) Thus the philosophy of Constitution finds its expression in the Preamble of Indian
Constitution.
IV. PASSAGE BASED QUESTIONS 15 Mari
1. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 18) given below carefully and answer the
questions that follow:
{have realised as nobody else could have, with what zeal and devotion the member of
the Drafting Committee and especially its Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar in spite of hie indifferent
health, have worked. We could never make a decision which was or could be ever ss right
8s when we put him on the Drafting Committee and made him its Chairman, He heat
coly justified his selection but has added lustre to the work which he has done. Inthe
Gaunection jt would be invidious to make any distinction as among the other members of the
Committee, I know they have all worked with the same zeal and devotion as its Chairman,
and they deserve the thanks of the country.”
Questions
1. Who was the Chairman of Drafting Committee?
2. What made the Constituent Assembly of India unique?
3. How long the Constitution of India took in framing?
4, Who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly?
Answers
1, Dr. BR. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
2. Constituent Assembly of India included the members from all shades of opinion who did
not simply advance their interest but Gave principled reasons to other members.
3. It took 2 years 18 months,
4. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly
»
. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 21) given below carefully and answer the
questions that follow:
“One likes to ask whether there can be anything new in a Constitution framed at this hour
in the history of the world... The only new things, if there can be any, in a Constitution
framed so late in the day are the variations made to remove the faults and to accommodate
it to the needs of the country,”
BB Pouricat Scence— XI AAA
ooQuestions
1, Whose words have been referred to here?
‘2, What was the main new thing according to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the process of
framing the Indian Constitution?
Answers
1, Here, the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar have been referred to.
2. According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar the only new thing in the new Constitution framed so
late in the day are the variations made to remove the failures and accommodate it to the
needs of India.
V. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS [6 Marks}
Ql. Write the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.
Ans. The Preamble: We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India
into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC, REPUBLIC and to secure
to all its citizens: justice, social, economic and political, liberty of thought, expression,
belief, faith and worship.
Equality of status and of opportunity, and to promote among them all:
Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.
In our Constituent Assembly, this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do hereby adopt,
enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.
Q2. What was ‘Objectives Resolution” Explai
Ans. The best summary of the principles that the nationalist movement brought to the
Constituent Assembly is the Objectives Resolution that defines the aims of the Assembly,
moved by Nehru in 1946. It encapsulated the aspirations and values behind the
Constitution:
(i) India is an independent, sovereign, republic;
(i) India shall be a Union of erstwhile British Indian territories, Indian States and
other parts outside British India and Indian States as are willing to be a part of
the Union.
(iii) Territories forming the Union shall be autonomous units and exercise all powers
and functions of the Government and administration, except those assigned to or
vested in the Union;
(iv) All people of India shall be guaranteed and secured social, economic and political
justice. Equality of status and opportunities and equality before law and fundamental-
freedom of speech, expression, belief, faith, worship, association and action-subject
to law and public morality.
(v) The minorities, backward and tribal areas, depressed and other backward classes
shall be provided adequate safeguards.
(vi) The land would make full and willing contribution to the promotion of world peace
and welfare of mankind;
(vii) All powers and authority of sovereign and independent India and its constitution
shall flow from the people;
(viii) The territorial integrity of the Republic and its sovereign rights on land, sea and
air shall be maintained according to justice and law of civilized nations.
TTT § CONSTITUTION: WHY AND HOW? SEDi,
it is the lengyp:
and a bookc of nest
QS. What are the unique features of Indian Constitution?
Ans. The unique features of Indian Constitution are as follows:
(i) Indian Constitution is written set of rules and regulations and
Constitution in the world containing 395 articles, 12 schedules
than 250 pages.
(i) Indian Constitution has provided to Indian citizens fundamental rights a
establish a welfare state, directive principles of state policy have also best weneraie
iii) By the 42nd Amendment in 1976, some (ten) fundamental duties have alee been
added up in the Constitution.
(iv) Indian Constitution is federal in structure but unitary in spirit,
(v) The Indian Constitution is a blend of flexibility and rigidity, i. some of the Artic
in Constitution can be amended by simple-majority but so: les
me require 2/3 mas
of the parliament and voting in each house as well as to be ratified by at lov"
least
of the state legislatures. t half
Q4. Mention the sources of Indian Consti
sources.
Ans. (i) The Government of India Act, 1935:
About two thirds of Indian Constitution is derived from the Government of India
Act, 1935—
@ Provincial autonomy
(®) Parliamentary system
(©) Federal court
@) Federal system
(ii) British Constitution:
(@) Parliamentary form of government
(6) The idea of the rule of law
(©) Institution of the speaker and his role
(@) Law-making procedure
(©) Single citizenship
(P Single integrated judiciary
(iii) United States Constitution:
(a) Charter of Fundamental Rights
(b) Power of judicial review and independence of the judiciary
(©) Preamble to Constitution
(iv) Irish Constitution:
(a) Provided for the guidelines to the state
(6) Included directive principles of state policy
(v) French Constitutio:
(@) Principles of liberty
(6) Principles of equality and fraternity
(vi) Canadian Constitution:
(a) A quasi-federal form of government (a federal system with a strong central
government).
(6) The idea of residual powers,
BP Pourticat Science-X!
aa —
tion alongwith the feature taken from these
Saensnneenanee ee(vii) German Constitution:
(a) Emergency provisions
(6) Indian President's powers to impose external or internal emergencies.
VI. PICTURE-BASED QUESTIONS [5 Marks]
1, Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 5) given below and answer the questions that follow:
‘Countries ofthe European Union tried to create a European
Constitution. The attempt failed. Here is @ cartoonist’s
impression of this attempt
Question
1. Does this always happen in any constitution making?
Answer
1. No, this does not happen in all Constitution making if the representatives in Constituent
Assembly are elected either directly or indirectly from all sections of society, the attempt
of framing Constitution would be suecessful.
2. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 7) given below and answer the questions that follow:
‘The Constitution makers have to address themselves to very different
aspirations. Here is Nehru trying to balance between different visions
and ideologies.
Constitution: WHY AND How? >Questions
1, (i) Can you
wu identify what these different groups stand for?
i) Who do you think prevailed in thi
s balancing act?
— : —
= (i The cartoon refers to different religions, cultures, castes and regions having differen
ie liberal nationalists and radical nationalists.
a a capa,
" heritage. The first is our national anthem and the second is our national song. al)
the Indians show respect and sing both the songs. Despite so many diversitics of
languages customs, cultures festivals the whole country has the same respect for
national song and the tricolour. They balance the diversity of India,
3. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 9) given below and answer the questions that follow:
(7% The writing ofthe new fag constitution ae the eolase of Saddam
\% Husain regi sw alot of conflict between diferent etic groups in
Vv the country, What these diferent people stand er? Compare he confit
depicted here wit tat depicted in carer eaoos forthe European Union
and
Questions
1. (@) What do these different people stand for?
(ii) Compare the conflict depicted here with that depicted in earlier cartoons for the
European Union and India,
Answers
1, (@ The cartoon refers to three different ethnie groups in Iraq, ie. Shiites, Sunnis, Kurdis.
‘The above groups stand for their own philosophies, ideologies and interests
Gi) (a) The Iraqi people expect to frame a new Constitution, and to be accepted by all
ethnic groups of Iraq.
(6)In the European Union the attempt ofthe people failed but in India, the 54°
attempt got success,
OD coc ccc
-4, Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 14) given below and answer the questions that follow:
[ |
Questions
1, (i) Why does the cartoonist describe the new Iraqi Constitution as the castle of cards?
(ii) Would this description apply to the Indian Constitution?
Answers
1. (Because it is being prepared by pro-US. The people as well as the Constituent
Assembly of Iraq is not representing the all ethnic groups of the country. Hence, the
Constitution is imposed and will be scattered as a castle of cards
(ii) This description does not apply to Indian Constitution because:
(a) Indian Constitution is not imposed on Indians, but it was framed from among
different shades of opinion after a long discussions and debates.
(0)It was adopted by people wilfully.
(c) It is a living document to be amended from time to time at par aspirations of
people.
000
__L—T,RdGo — Constitution: WHY AND How? D>