Selina Textbook Solutions: Our Constitution and Its Preamble | Civics Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Our Constitution and Its Preamble 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
What is meant by the term ‘Constitution’? 
Answer: 
‘Constitution’ is the body of rules and laws according to which a State is governed within 
the framework of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. 
Question 2. 
What is ‘Rule of Law’ ? 
Answer: 
‘Rule of Law’ means “the absence of arbitrary powers, equality before the law and 
freedom from illogical, unfair and unjust laws.” 
Question 3. 
Why is our Constitution known as the ‘Fundamental Law of the Land’? 
Answer: 
Being superior to the ordinary laws of the State, the Constitution of India is known as 
the “Fundamental Law of Land”. Every that law is redundant that violates any of the 
provisions of the Constitution. 
Question 4. 
Which body framed the Constitution of India? 
Answer: 
The ‘Constituent Assembly’ is the Constitution-making body that framed the Constitution 
of India. 
Question 5. 
Name three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly. 
Answer: 
The three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly were: 
1. Lord Pethic Lawrence 
2. Sir Stafford Cripps 
3. Mr. Alexander. 
Question 6. 
Who was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Page 2


Our Constitution and Its Preamble 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
What is meant by the term ‘Constitution’? 
Answer: 
‘Constitution’ is the body of rules and laws according to which a State is governed within 
the framework of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. 
Question 2. 
What is ‘Rule of Law’ ? 
Answer: 
‘Rule of Law’ means “the absence of arbitrary powers, equality before the law and 
freedom from illogical, unfair and unjust laws.” 
Question 3. 
Why is our Constitution known as the ‘Fundamental Law of the Land’? 
Answer: 
Being superior to the ordinary laws of the State, the Constitution of India is known as 
the “Fundamental Law of Land”. Every that law is redundant that violates any of the 
provisions of the Constitution. 
Question 4. 
Which body framed the Constitution of India? 
Answer: 
The ‘Constituent Assembly’ is the Constitution-making body that framed the Constitution 
of India. 
Question 5. 
Name three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly. 
Answer: 
The three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly were: 
1. Lord Pethic Lawrence 
2. Sir Stafford Cripps 
3. Mr. Alexander. 
Question 6. 
Who was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Question 7. 
Who was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Question 8. 
Who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee? 
Answer: 
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting 
Committee. 
Question 9. 
When was the Constitution of India enacted and adopted? 
Answer: 
On November 26, 1949 the Constitution of India was enacted and adopted. 
Question 10. 
When did the Constitution of India come into force? 
Answer: 
On January 26, 1950 the Constitution of India came into force. 
Question 11. 
What is the importance of January 26 in India’s struggle for Puma Swaraj (Complete 
Independence)? 
Answer: 
After a long trail of freedom-struggle and innumerable sacrifices, ultimately India 
succeeded in attaining the freedom from at the hands of ‘Union Jack’. It was\on the 26th 
of January, 1950 when India got Complete Independence or Puma Swaraj that was 
absolutely free from the influence of the British government. This very day embodied the 
dream of freedom of the great freedom-fighters and patriots. 
Question 12. 
Name any two prominent features of the Constitution of India. 
Answer: 
The two prominent features of the Constitution of India are: 
1. It is a Written Constitution 
2. It is the Lengthiest Constitution in the world. 
Question 13. 
What is meant by Universal Adult Franchise? 
Answer: 
Adult or Universal Franchise means, every such person whether male or female, is 
Page 3


Our Constitution and Its Preamble 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
What is meant by the term ‘Constitution’? 
Answer: 
‘Constitution’ is the body of rules and laws according to which a State is governed within 
the framework of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. 
Question 2. 
What is ‘Rule of Law’ ? 
Answer: 
‘Rule of Law’ means “the absence of arbitrary powers, equality before the law and 
freedom from illogical, unfair and unjust laws.” 
Question 3. 
Why is our Constitution known as the ‘Fundamental Law of the Land’? 
Answer: 
Being superior to the ordinary laws of the State, the Constitution of India is known as 
the “Fundamental Law of Land”. Every that law is redundant that violates any of the 
provisions of the Constitution. 
Question 4. 
Which body framed the Constitution of India? 
Answer: 
The ‘Constituent Assembly’ is the Constitution-making body that framed the Constitution 
of India. 
Question 5. 
Name three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly. 
Answer: 
The three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly were: 
1. Lord Pethic Lawrence 
2. Sir Stafford Cripps 
3. Mr. Alexander. 
Question 6. 
Who was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Question 7. 
Who was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Question 8. 
Who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee? 
Answer: 
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting 
Committee. 
Question 9. 
When was the Constitution of India enacted and adopted? 
Answer: 
On November 26, 1949 the Constitution of India was enacted and adopted. 
Question 10. 
When did the Constitution of India come into force? 
Answer: 
On January 26, 1950 the Constitution of India came into force. 
Question 11. 
What is the importance of January 26 in India’s struggle for Puma Swaraj (Complete 
Independence)? 
Answer: 
After a long trail of freedom-struggle and innumerable sacrifices, ultimately India 
succeeded in attaining the freedom from at the hands of ‘Union Jack’. It was\on the 26th 
of January, 1950 when India got Complete Independence or Puma Swaraj that was 
absolutely free from the influence of the British government. This very day embodied the 
dream of freedom of the great freedom-fighters and patriots. 
Question 12. 
Name any two prominent features of the Constitution of India. 
Answer: 
The two prominent features of the Constitution of India are: 
1. It is a Written Constitution 
2. It is the Lengthiest Constitution in the world. 
Question 13. 
What is meant by Universal Adult Franchise? 
Answer: 
Adult or Universal Franchise means, every such person whether male or female, is 
eligible to cast vote to elect the government, who is a citizen of India, is not less than 18 
years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under any law. 
Question 14. 
What argument was given for lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years in 1989 ? 
Answer: 
The argument given for lowering the voting age was that “enfranchisement of the youth 
shall make them more sensible and more creative.” 
Question 15. 
Define a Welfare State. 
Answer: 
A Welfare State is the one that provides for its citizens a wide range of social services 
such as education, medical care and monetary aid during old age, sickness or 
unemployment. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two implications of a Democratic Government, as established by the 
Constitution of India. 
Answer: 
Implications of a Democratic government, as promised by the Constitution of 
India is as: 
1. It implies that the formed government is the government made by the people, of 
the people and for the people. In other words, a democratic government is fully 
devoted to the citizens of the country. 
2. It promises the citizens provide them physical and social security. If the citizens of 
the country feel dissatisfied with the government, they can dissolve such 
government through franchise process. Thus, public welfare is the sole motive of a 
Democratic Government. 
Question 17. 
What is the opposite of a Secular State? Name any one State that is not Secular. 
Answer: 
The opposite of a Secular State is a Theocratic State. Pakistan is a Theocratic State. 
Question 18. 
Mention any two features illustrating the nature of Indian Polity or State. 
Answer: 
Two features illustrating the nature of Indian Polity or State are as follows: 
1. India is a Sovereign State: 
India is Independent both internally and externally. She can frame her own socio-
economic policies and develop her resources the way she likes. No foreign State 
Page 4


Our Constitution and Its Preamble 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
What is meant by the term ‘Constitution’? 
Answer: 
‘Constitution’ is the body of rules and laws according to which a State is governed within 
the framework of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. 
Question 2. 
What is ‘Rule of Law’ ? 
Answer: 
‘Rule of Law’ means “the absence of arbitrary powers, equality before the law and 
freedom from illogical, unfair and unjust laws.” 
Question 3. 
Why is our Constitution known as the ‘Fundamental Law of the Land’? 
Answer: 
Being superior to the ordinary laws of the State, the Constitution of India is known as 
the “Fundamental Law of Land”. Every that law is redundant that violates any of the 
provisions of the Constitution. 
Question 4. 
Which body framed the Constitution of India? 
Answer: 
The ‘Constituent Assembly’ is the Constitution-making body that framed the Constitution 
of India. 
Question 5. 
Name three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly. 
Answer: 
The three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly were: 
1. Lord Pethic Lawrence 
2. Sir Stafford Cripps 
3. Mr. Alexander. 
Question 6. 
Who was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Question 7. 
Who was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Question 8. 
Who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee? 
Answer: 
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting 
Committee. 
Question 9. 
When was the Constitution of India enacted and adopted? 
Answer: 
On November 26, 1949 the Constitution of India was enacted and adopted. 
Question 10. 
When did the Constitution of India come into force? 
Answer: 
On January 26, 1950 the Constitution of India came into force. 
Question 11. 
What is the importance of January 26 in India’s struggle for Puma Swaraj (Complete 
Independence)? 
Answer: 
After a long trail of freedom-struggle and innumerable sacrifices, ultimately India 
succeeded in attaining the freedom from at the hands of ‘Union Jack’. It was\on the 26th 
of January, 1950 when India got Complete Independence or Puma Swaraj that was 
absolutely free from the influence of the British government. This very day embodied the 
dream of freedom of the great freedom-fighters and patriots. 
Question 12. 
Name any two prominent features of the Constitution of India. 
Answer: 
The two prominent features of the Constitution of India are: 
1. It is a Written Constitution 
2. It is the Lengthiest Constitution in the world. 
Question 13. 
What is meant by Universal Adult Franchise? 
Answer: 
Adult or Universal Franchise means, every such person whether male or female, is 
eligible to cast vote to elect the government, who is a citizen of India, is not less than 18 
years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under any law. 
Question 14. 
What argument was given for lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years in 1989 ? 
Answer: 
The argument given for lowering the voting age was that “enfranchisement of the youth 
shall make them more sensible and more creative.” 
Question 15. 
Define a Welfare State. 
Answer: 
A Welfare State is the one that provides for its citizens a wide range of social services 
such as education, medical care and monetary aid during old age, sickness or 
unemployment. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two implications of a Democratic Government, as established by the 
Constitution of India. 
Answer: 
Implications of a Democratic government, as promised by the Constitution of 
India is as: 
1. It implies that the formed government is the government made by the people, of 
the people and for the people. In other words, a democratic government is fully 
devoted to the citizens of the country. 
2. It promises the citizens provide them physical and social security. If the citizens of 
the country feel dissatisfied with the government, they can dissolve such 
government through franchise process. Thus, public welfare is the sole motive of a 
Democratic Government. 
Question 17. 
What is the opposite of a Secular State? Name any one State that is not Secular. 
Answer: 
The opposite of a Secular State is a Theocratic State. Pakistan is a Theocratic State. 
Question 18. 
Mention any two features illustrating the nature of Indian Polity or State. 
Answer: 
Two features illustrating the nature of Indian Polity or State are as follows: 
1. India is a Sovereign State: 
India is Independent both internally and externally. She can frame her own socio-
economic policies and develop her resources the way she likes. No foreign State 
can claim her control over her. She is free to frame her foreign policies and 
choose her allies in peace and war alike. 
2. Socialist Order of Society: The word ‘Socialist’ was inserted in the Preamble by 
the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. Socialism guarantees “fair distribution of wealth” 
and “securing a decent standard of life to the people”. The Directive Principles laid 
down in view of State Policy ensure for its people adequate means of livelihood, 
fair distribution of wealth, equal pay for equal work for both men and women, 
protection of children and the working people against exploitation. The conditions 
of work in mines and factories are regulated by the Equal Remuneration Act and 
Workmen’s Compensation Act. The Minimum Wages Act provides for fixation and 
revision of wages from time to time. 
Question 19. 
Mention any two of the main objects (or ideals) of the Indian Republic as set forth in the 
Preamble to the Constitution. 
Answer: 
The two main objects (or ideals) of the Indian Republic as set forth in the 
Preamble to the Constitution, are as under: 
1. Justice —Social, Economic and Political: It is the fundamental right of every 
citizen in the society to seek justice whether it is associated with society, economy 
or politics. Justice ensures of protection of rights and interests of an individual and 
the society respectively. The constitution makes it possible to achieve such an 
object by securing to all citizens certain fundamental rights. It also lays down 
certain Directive Principles guiding the State to work efficiently. Social Justice in 
the sense, providing equal opportunities of education work and labour irrespective 
of religion, race, caste or sex. It also discourages social abuses like—
Untouchability and , religion fanaticism. It is liable to uplift the backward and 
downtroddens in the society. The directive Principles aim at making the sound 
economic position of all the citizens by allocating Economic Justice to all of them 
by means of equal distribution of wealth system. All the citizens have the right to 
participate in the political activities. They have right to cast their vote, they have 
right to contest the election as per the norms and conditions of the election 
commission. Thus, Political Justice is meant for all. 
2. Liberty of Thought, Expression, Belief, Faith and Worship: There is provision 
in the Constitution as the Preamble refers to i.e., every individual has the right to 
write, speak or express his thoughts, beliefs while keeping himself within the 
restrictions imposed on this right. Likewise, every person is free to follow any 
religion.He is free to have faith or belief in any God or Goddess. He can go to any 
Pilgrimage to worship in the country. 
Question 20. 
Mention what the Preamble says about ‘Equality’ 
Answer: 
While speaking in context of ‘Equality’, the distinction made in the Preamble goes on 
two levels. On one hand, Equality serves equality for all before law, status and 
Page 5


Our Constitution and Its Preamble 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
What is meant by the term ‘Constitution’? 
Answer: 
‘Constitution’ is the body of rules and laws according to which a State is governed within 
the framework of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. 
Question 2. 
What is ‘Rule of Law’ ? 
Answer: 
‘Rule of Law’ means “the absence of arbitrary powers, equality before the law and 
freedom from illogical, unfair and unjust laws.” 
Question 3. 
Why is our Constitution known as the ‘Fundamental Law of the Land’? 
Answer: 
Being superior to the ordinary laws of the State, the Constitution of India is known as 
the “Fundamental Law of Land”. Every that law is redundant that violates any of the 
provisions of the Constitution. 
Question 4. 
Which body framed the Constitution of India? 
Answer: 
The ‘Constituent Assembly’ is the Constitution-making body that framed the Constitution 
of India. 
Question 5. 
Name three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly. 
Answer: 
The three prominent members of the Constituent Assembly were: 
1. Lord Pethic Lawrence 
2. Sir Stafford Cripps 
3. Mr. Alexander. 
Question 6. 
Who was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as Interim President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Question 7. 
Who was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly? 
Answer: 
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly. 
Question 8. 
Who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee? 
Answer: 
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting 
Committee. 
Question 9. 
When was the Constitution of India enacted and adopted? 
Answer: 
On November 26, 1949 the Constitution of India was enacted and adopted. 
Question 10. 
When did the Constitution of India come into force? 
Answer: 
On January 26, 1950 the Constitution of India came into force. 
Question 11. 
What is the importance of January 26 in India’s struggle for Puma Swaraj (Complete 
Independence)? 
Answer: 
After a long trail of freedom-struggle and innumerable sacrifices, ultimately India 
succeeded in attaining the freedom from at the hands of ‘Union Jack’. It was\on the 26th 
of January, 1950 when India got Complete Independence or Puma Swaraj that was 
absolutely free from the influence of the British government. This very day embodied the 
dream of freedom of the great freedom-fighters and patriots. 
Question 12. 
Name any two prominent features of the Constitution of India. 
Answer: 
The two prominent features of the Constitution of India are: 
1. It is a Written Constitution 
2. It is the Lengthiest Constitution in the world. 
Question 13. 
What is meant by Universal Adult Franchise? 
Answer: 
Adult or Universal Franchise means, every such person whether male or female, is 
eligible to cast vote to elect the government, who is a citizen of India, is not less than 18 
years of age and is not otherwise disqualified under any law. 
Question 14. 
What argument was given for lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years in 1989 ? 
Answer: 
The argument given for lowering the voting age was that “enfranchisement of the youth 
shall make them more sensible and more creative.” 
Question 15. 
Define a Welfare State. 
Answer: 
A Welfare State is the one that provides for its citizens a wide range of social services 
such as education, medical care and monetary aid during old age, sickness or 
unemployment. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two implications of a Democratic Government, as established by the 
Constitution of India. 
Answer: 
Implications of a Democratic government, as promised by the Constitution of 
India is as: 
1. It implies that the formed government is the government made by the people, of 
the people and for the people. In other words, a democratic government is fully 
devoted to the citizens of the country. 
2. It promises the citizens provide them physical and social security. If the citizens of 
the country feel dissatisfied with the government, they can dissolve such 
government through franchise process. Thus, public welfare is the sole motive of a 
Democratic Government. 
Question 17. 
What is the opposite of a Secular State? Name any one State that is not Secular. 
Answer: 
The opposite of a Secular State is a Theocratic State. Pakistan is a Theocratic State. 
Question 18. 
Mention any two features illustrating the nature of Indian Polity or State. 
Answer: 
Two features illustrating the nature of Indian Polity or State are as follows: 
1. India is a Sovereign State: 
India is Independent both internally and externally. She can frame her own socio-
economic policies and develop her resources the way she likes. No foreign State 
can claim her control over her. She is free to frame her foreign policies and 
choose her allies in peace and war alike. 
2. Socialist Order of Society: The word ‘Socialist’ was inserted in the Preamble by 
the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. Socialism guarantees “fair distribution of wealth” 
and “securing a decent standard of life to the people”. The Directive Principles laid 
down in view of State Policy ensure for its people adequate means of livelihood, 
fair distribution of wealth, equal pay for equal work for both men and women, 
protection of children and the working people against exploitation. The conditions 
of work in mines and factories are regulated by the Equal Remuneration Act and 
Workmen’s Compensation Act. The Minimum Wages Act provides for fixation and 
revision of wages from time to time. 
Question 19. 
Mention any two of the main objects (or ideals) of the Indian Republic as set forth in the 
Preamble to the Constitution. 
Answer: 
The two main objects (or ideals) of the Indian Republic as set forth in the 
Preamble to the Constitution, are as under: 
1. Justice —Social, Economic and Political: It is the fundamental right of every 
citizen in the society to seek justice whether it is associated with society, economy 
or politics. Justice ensures of protection of rights and interests of an individual and 
the society respectively. The constitution makes it possible to achieve such an 
object by securing to all citizens certain fundamental rights. It also lays down 
certain Directive Principles guiding the State to work efficiently. Social Justice in 
the sense, providing equal opportunities of education work and labour irrespective 
of religion, race, caste or sex. It also discourages social abuses like—
Untouchability and , religion fanaticism. It is liable to uplift the backward and 
downtroddens in the society. The directive Principles aim at making the sound 
economic position of all the citizens by allocating Economic Justice to all of them 
by means of equal distribution of wealth system. All the citizens have the right to 
participate in the political activities. They have right to cast their vote, they have 
right to contest the election as per the norms and conditions of the election 
commission. Thus, Political Justice is meant for all. 
2. Liberty of Thought, Expression, Belief, Faith and Worship: There is provision 
in the Constitution as the Preamble refers to i.e., every individual has the right to 
write, speak or express his thoughts, beliefs while keeping himself within the 
restrictions imposed on this right. Likewise, every person is free to follow any 
religion.He is free to have faith or belief in any God or Goddess. He can go to any 
Pilgrimage to worship in the country. 
Question 20. 
Mention what the Preamble says about ‘Equality’ 
Answer: 
While speaking in context of ‘Equality’, the distinction made in the Preamble goes on 
two levels. On one hand, Equality serves equality for all before law, status and 
opportunity in matters of public employment, while on the other hand, equality always 
means “equality among equals”. There can be no equality between paupers and 
princes. To discriminate between them is not a violation of the Constitution. 
Consequently, the state can make special provision for women, children and the 
backward classes of citizens. 
Question 21. 
Mention w hat the Preamble states about ‘Fraternity’. 
Answer: 
‘Fraternity’ means spirit of brotherhood. As our society is divided by a number of classes 
castes, religions and languages, therefore it is very essential to establish harmony 
amongst them for that reason our constitution-makers added the word ‘fraternity’ in the 
Preamble. Thus, securing the Unity and Integrity of the Nation. 
Question 22. 
Mention the words introduced in the Preamble by the Constitution Forty-second 
Amendment Act, 1976. 
Answer: 
The words Socialist, Secular, Unity and Integrity of the Nation were added to the 
Preamble by the 42nd Constitution Amendment Act of 1976. It came into effect on 
January 3, 1977. 
Question 23. 
What is the significance of the Preamble to the Constitution ? 
Answer: 
The Preamble to the Constitution is significant in many ways. 
1. The Preamble declares that the source of the Constitution is the People of India. 
2. It indicates the secular, socialist and democratic basis of the .Constitution. 
3. It states the basic objects or ideals of the Indian Republic. It leads the law and 
makes it go in the fight direction while providing ‘Social Justice’, and protecting the 
interests of the weaker sections of the society. 
4. It includes basic features of the constitution viz., Supremacy of the Constitution, 
India has the Republican and Democratic form of government, the Constitution is 
that of secular character. Segregation of Powers between the Executive, 
Legislature and Judiciary, the Constitution is also of Federal character under 
certain circumstances. 
Question 24. 
Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution ? 
Answer: 
Yes, the Preamble is a part of the Constitution because it contains the basic structure or 
framework of the Constitution.