Test: The Constitution of India — An Introduction - Class 7 MCQ

The primary purpose of a constitution is to outline the basic rules and laws that govern a country. It serves as a foundational legal document that:

• Defines the structure of government
• Establishes the rights of citizens
• Clarifies the responsibilities of various branches of government

A well-crafted constitution is essential for maintaining order and protecting individual rights.

The 73rd Amendment, enacted in 1992, introduced the Panchayati Raj System in India. This amendment aimed to:

• Enhance grassroots democracy.
• Establish a system of local self-governance in rural areas.
• Encourage greater participation of citizens in local decision-making.

By implementing this system, the amendment strengthened the role of local bodies in governance.

The Drafting Committee played a crucial role in shaping the Constitution of India. Here are some key points about its formation and significance:

• The Drafting Committee was established in 1947.
• It was chaired by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer.
• The committee was responsible for compiling the ideas and principles discussed in the Constituent Assembly.

The Right to Work in any field is not explicitly listed as a Fundamental Right in the Indian Constitution. While the Constitution guarantees several important rights, such as:

• Right to Freedom of Expression
• Right to Education
• Right to Equality

the right to work is classified as a directive principle. This aims to promote decent living standards and ensure employment opportunities, rather than being a Fundamental Right.

Clarification:

• He presided over the assembly at the start of its sessions in 1946.
• Later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and led the drafting process.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee, which prepared the Constitution’s text.

The Judiciary interprets laws and ensures they comply with the Constitution. Its key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the guardian of the Constitution
• Protecting citizens’ rights
• Resolving disputes between individuals and institutions
• Maintaining the rule of law and upholding justice

This role is essential for ensuring a fair and just society.

In 1976, significant changes were made to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

• The terms "Socialist" and "Secular" were included.
• This addition demonstrated India's commitment to:
• Equitable distribution of wealth.
• Equal respect for all religions.
• These changes aimed to strengthen the nation's democratic ideals.

The principle of universal adult franchise guarantees that every adult citizen in India has the right to vote, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. This principle is essential for the democratic process and allows all citizens to:

• Participate in elections
• Select their representatives
• Influence government policies

By ensuring that every eligible citizen can vote, the universal adult franchise strengthens democracy and promotes equality.

The initial membership of the Constituent Assembly of India was 389 members.
After the Partition of India, this number was reduced to 299. Here are some key details:

• The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946.
• It included 15 women among its members.
• The members represented various regions, professions, and social groups across India.

The Assembly played a crucial role in drafting the Constitution, which was completed in 1949 and adopted on 26 January 1950.

The Indian Constitution includes a system of checks and balances, which is essential for a fair government. This system ensures that the three branches of government—legislature, executive, and judiciary—are independent and can supervise each other’s powers. This separation is vital to:

• Prevent abuses of power
• Maintain fairness in governance
• Uphold the rule of law

By having this structure, the Indian Constitution promotes accountability and transparency within the government.

The Indian Constitution was significantly shaped by ideas from various countries. Key influences include:

• Liberty, equality, and fraternity: These principles were inspired by the French Constitution, which emerged from the French Revolution of 1789.
• Directive Principles of State Policy: This concept was drawn from the Irish Constitution, guiding the state in ensuring social and economic justice.
• Independent judiciary: The structure and function of an independent judiciary were influenced by the American Constitution.

These elements reflect a blend of global democratic ideals tailored to India's unique context.

The Indian Constitution does not support monarchical governance; instead, it establishes a democratic republic. Key features include:

• Fundamental Rights: Ensure individual freedoms and protect citizens from discrimination.
• Directive Principles of State Policy: Act as guidelines for the government to promote social and economic welfare.
• Fundamental Duties: Highlight the responsibilities of citizens towards the nation.

These elements together create a comprehensive approach to governance in India.

Clarification:

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad presided over the Constituent Assembly as Chairman.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, responsible for preparing the text of the Constitution.
• Dr. Sachidananda Sinha was the first President (initial presiding officer) of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over as Chairman.

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is an introduction that outlines its core values and guiding principles. It summarises the essence of the Constitution, highlighting key ideals such as:

• Justice
• Liberty
• Equality
• Fraternity

The Preamble is important as it reflects the aspirations of the people and sets the tone for the legal framework that follows. It is frequently referenced in legal contexts to interpret the intentions behind the Constitution.

The concept of separation of powers in the Indian Constitution divides government responsibilities among three distinct branches:

• Legislature
• Executive
• Judiciary

This separation is essential for maintaining checks and balances within the government, ensuring that no single branch can dominate the others. By allowing each branch to operate independently, the Constitution fosters fairness and accountability in governance. This principle is vital for upholding democratic values and the rule of law.