Important Questions (1 mark): Constitutional Design - Class 9 MCQ

A constitution is the supreme law of the country that determines the rights of citizens, the powers of the government, and how the government should function.

The term "Secular" in the Indian Constitution underscores the principle of treating all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect, ensuring that the government does not favor any specific religion. This principle promotes religious harmony and freedom of faith within the nation.

The drafting of the document called the constitution was done by an assembly of elected representatives called the Constituent Assembly.

Answer:
The correct answer is Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent member of the Constituent Assembly, expressed his anxiety about the Constitution of India in the following manner:
- Quote: "On the 26th of January 1950, we are going to enter a life of contradictions. In politics, we will have equality and in social and economic life, we will have inequality."
Here's a breakdown of the options and why Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is the correct answer:
A. Mr. Somnath Lahiri: There is no evidence or information to suggest that Mr. Somnath Lahiri expressed the given anxiety about the Constitution of India.
B. Smt. Sarojini Naidu: There is no evidence or information to suggest that Smt. Sarojini Naidu expressed the given anxiety about the Constitution of India.
C. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, made this statement during the Constituent Assembly debates. He highlighted the contradiction between political equality and social/economic inequality that India would face.
D. Mr. K.M. Munshi: There is no evidence or information to suggest that Mr. K.M. Munshi expressed the given anxiety about the Constitution of India.
Therefore, the correct answer is Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

• Statements (i), (ii), and (iv) are correct. The South African Constitution indeed gave its citizens the most extensive rights available in any country (i).
• It was created after two years of discussion and debate between the oppressed and the oppressors (ii).
• It is also regarded as one of the finest constitutions in the world (iv).
• However, statement (iii) is incorrect because the constitution was a result of a compromise between both black and white communities, not primarily designed by the white minority.

Answer:
Background:
Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. He gave his famous speech, "Tryst with Destiny," on the eve of India's independence.

Jawaharlal Nehru gave his famous speech, "Tryst with Destiny," on 15th August 1947, at midnight.
Explanation:
The correct answer is option C - 15 August 1947 midnight. Here's a detailed explanation:
- Jawaharlal Nehru gave his famous speech, "Tryst with Destiny," on the night of India's independence.
- The speech was delivered on 15th August 1947, when India gained independence from British rule.
- The speech marked the beginning of a new era for India and outlined the vision for the nation's future.
- Nehru emphasized the ideals of freedom, democracy, and equality for all citizens of India.
- The speech is considered one of the most significant speeches in Indian history and is often referred to as the "Tryst with Destiny" speech.
- Nehru's speech highlighted the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for India as a newly independent nation.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C - 15 August 1947 midnight.

Explanation:
The correct statement regarding the meaning of the Preamble of the Constitution is:
A: A short statement of Constitution's basic values
Here is a detailed explanation of why this statement is correct:
- The Preamble of the Constitution is an introductory statement that sets forth the goals and purposes of the Constitution.
- It is a concise summary of the fundamental principles and values that the Constitution aims to uphold.
- The Preamble declares the intentions of the framers of the Constitution and serves as a guiding principle for the interpretation and application of the Constitution.
- It outlines the objectives of the Constitution, such as establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty.
- The Preamble is not a legally enforceable provision but provides a broad framework for the interpretation of the Constitution.
- It serves as a statement of the fundamental values and aspirations of the nation.
- It reflects the ideals of the framers of the Constitution and their vision for a just and democratic society.
In conclusion, the Preamble of the Constitution is a short statement that encapsulates the basic values and principles of the Constitution and sets the tone for the rest of the document.

Charge on which Nelson Mandela was tried:
- Treason
Explanation:
- Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader.
- He was a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC) and was actively involved in the struggle against apartheid.
- In 1963, Mandela and several other leaders of the ANC were arrested and charged with various offenses.
- Mandela was charged with treason, along with 10 others, for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government through violent means.
- The trial, known as the Rivonia Trial, lasted for several months and attracted international attention.
- Mandela and his co-accused used the trial as a platform to advocate for their cause and expose the injustices of apartheid.
- In the end, Mandela and seven others were found guilty of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government.
- Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment and spent 27 years behind bars before being released in 1990.
- His trial and imprisonment made him a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement, and he went on to become the first black president of South Africa in 1994.
Therefore, Nelson Mandela was tried on the charge of treason.

Answer:
The correct combination regarding the ideals of our Constitution is option C: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. Let's break down each ideal:
Sovereign:
- The Constitution declares India as a sovereign nation, which means it is independent and not under the control of any external authority.
- India has the authority to govern itself and make decisions without interference from other countries.
Socialist:
- The Constitution aims to establish a socialist society in India.
- This means promoting social and economic equality, reducing inequalities in income and wealth, and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
Secular:
- India is a secular nation, which means it does not promote any specific religion or give preferential treatment to any particular religion.
- The State maintains an equal distance from all religions and treats all citizens equally, irrespective of their religion.
Democratic Republic:
- India is a democratic republic, where the power to govern is vested in the hands of the people.
- The citizens have the right to elect their representatives through free and fair elections, and these representatives make decisions on their behalf.
- The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
In summary, the correct combination of ideals of our Constitution is C: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.

The white regime likely decided to change its policies in response to the growing protests and struggles against their discriminatory practices. The pressure from these movements would have forced them to reconsider their approach.

Most Important Feature of the South Africa Constitution: Preamble
The most important feature of the South Africa Constitution is the Preamble. Here is a detailed explanation of why the Preamble is considered the most important feature:
1. Introduction and Purpose:
- The Preamble provides an introduction to the Constitution and serves as the opening statement.
- It outlines the purpose, values, and principles upon which the Constitution is based.
2. Reflects the Aspirations of the Nation:
- The Preamble reflects the aspirations and ideals of the people of South Africa.
- It acknowledges the injustices of the past and declares the commitment to build a democratic and equitable society.
3. Foundation for a Just Society:
- The Preamble establishes the foundation for a just society by emphasizing the values of human dignity, equality, and freedom.
- It sets the tone for the entire Constitution and guides the interpretation of its provisions.
4. Constitutional Values:
- The Preamble enumerates the constitutional values, including non-racialism, non-sexism, and the advancement of human rights and freedoms.
- These values form the basis for the protection and promotion of individual and collective rights.
5. Social Cohesion and Nation-Building:
- The Preamble promotes social cohesion and nation-building by recognizing the diversity of South African society.
- It encourages the pursuit of unity, reconciliation, and the establishment of a common citizenship.
6. Legal Status:
- The Preamble has legal significance and is considered an integral part of the Constitution.
- It has been relied upon by the courts to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution.
Therefore, the Preamble stands out as the most important feature of the South Africa Constitution as it sets the tone, values, and principles for the entire constitutional framework, reflecting the aspirations of the nation and promoting social cohesion and nation-building.

The autobiography of Nelson Mandela is titled "The Long Walk to Freedom."
Some key points to support this answer are:
- Nelson Mandela's autobiography is widely known and acclaimed as "The Long Walk to Freedom."
- The book was first published in 1994, shortly after Mandela became the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
- "The Long Walk to Freedom" chronicles Mandela's life, starting from his childhood and early activism, to his political involvement, imprisonment, and eventual release.
- Mandela's autobiography provides a firsthand account of his experiences as a leader in the anti-apartheid movement and his fight against institutionalized racial segregation in South Africa.
- The book received critical acclaim and has been translated into numerous languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
- "The Long Walk to Freedom" is considered an important historical document, shedding light on the struggle for equality and justice in South Africa and Mandela's role in bringing about change.
- Nelson Mandela's autobiography continues to be widely read and studied, serving as an inspiration to individuals fighting for freedom and human rights around the world.

In a republic, the head of the state is an elected person and not a hereditary position, meaning their position is not passed down through family lineage but determined through a democratic process.

• H. C. Mookherjee was indeed the Vice-Chairman of the Constituent Assembly. The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:
• Motilal Nehru, along with eight other Congress leaders, drafted a constitution for India in 1928, but he was not associated with the Karachi Session Resolution which took place in 1931.
• Abul Kalam Azad was an educationist, author, and theologian who later became the Education Minister in the first union cabinet, not the Founder President of Bharatiya Jansangh.
• T.T. Krishnamachari was a member of the Drafting Committee and later served as Finance Minister in the Union Cabinet, not the Education Minister.

Answer:
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution starts with the words "We, the people of India."
Explanation:
The Preamble is an introductory statement that outlines the ideals and objectives of the Constitution. It reflects the aspirations and values of the people of India. The opening words of the Preamble, "We, the people of India," signify the collective will and sovereignty of the Indian citizens.
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. It also highlights the commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Preamble serves as a guiding principle for the interpretation and implementation of the Constitution.
The other options mentioned, such as "We the Indians," "We the citizens of India," and "We the members of the Constituent Assembly," are not the correct starting words of the Preamble.
Overall, the Preamble of the Indian Constitution begins with the words "We, the people of India," reflecting the inclusive and democratic nature of the Constitution.

Resolution for the Indian Constitution by Indian National Congress:
The Indian National Congress, one of the major political organizations in India during the colonial period, played a significant role in the struggle for independence. The resolution for the Indian Constitution was adopted by the Indian National Congress in 1931, at the Karachi session. Here is a detailed explanation:
Background:
- The demand for a separate constitution for India had been growing since the early 1920s.
- The Simon Commission, appointed by the British government, had proposed certain constitutional reforms, but it was met with strong opposition as it did not include Indian representation.
Adoption of Resolution:
- The Indian National Congress held its session in Karachi in 1931.
- During this session, the resolution for the Indian Constitution was adopted.
- The resolution aimed to outline the principles and aspirations for an independent India and its constitution.
Key Points of the Resolution:
- The resolution demanded that the constitution of India should be framed by a representative body elected on the basis of adult franchise.
- It emphasized the importance of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, expression, and religion.
- The resolution called for the abolition of untouchability and equal rights for all citizens.
- It also advocated for the establishment of a decentralized federal structure, with autonomous provinces enjoying self-governance.
Significance:
- The adoption of the resolution was an important step towards the framing of a constitution for independent India.
- It provided a clear vision and direction for the future constitutional development of the country.
- The resolution reflected the aspirations of the Indian National Congress and the Indian people for a democratic and inclusive constitution.
In conclusion, the Indian National Congress adopted the resolution for the Indian Constitution in 1931 at the Karachi session. This resolution laid the foundation for the constitutional development of independent India and emphasized principles such as adult franchise, fundamental rights, and a decentralized federal structure.

A constitution is the supreme law of a country and holds higher authority than ordinary laws. It establishes the fundamental principles and rights that govern the nation, and changes to it are typically made through special procedures.

A constitution generally provides the framework for how different organs of the government will be formed, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It establishes the basic principles and structure for governance.

The 42nd Amendment, enacted in 1976, added the terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, reflecting the commitment to socio-economic equality and religious freedom.

The South African example is used to illustrate the need for a constitution, showing how the oppressor and the oppressed negotiated to live together as equals by agreeing on basic rules that became the foundation of their new democracy.