Textbook Solutions: Working of the Constitution | History and Political Science Class 10 (Maharashtra Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


Working Of the Constitution 
Exercise 
Q. 1 A 
Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the sentences. 
 
In Maharashtra ............ seats are reserved for women in local self-governing 
institutions. 
A. 25% 
B. 30% 
C. 40% 
D. 50% 
Answer : Note: In Maharashtra 50% seats are reserved for women in local self-
governing institutions. 
Q. 1. B. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
Which of the following laws created a favourable environment for women to 
secure freedom and self-development? 
A. Right to Information Act 
 
B. Dowry Prohibition Act 
C. Food Security Act 
D. None of the above 
Answer : Note: The Dowry Prohibition Act 
Law has created a favourable environment for women to secure freedom and self-
development. 
Q. 1. C. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
The essence of democracy is .......... 
A. universal adult franchise. 
 
B. decentralisation of power. 
C. policy of reservation of seats. 
D. judicial decisions. 
Answer : Note: The essence of democracy is universal adult franchise. 
Page 2


Working Of the Constitution 
Exercise 
Q. 1 A 
Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the sentences. 
 
In Maharashtra ............ seats are reserved for women in local self-governing 
institutions. 
A. 25% 
B. 30% 
C. 40% 
D. 50% 
Answer : Note: In Maharashtra 50% seats are reserved for women in local self-
governing institutions. 
Q. 1. B. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
Which of the following laws created a favourable environment for women to 
secure freedom and self-development? 
A. Right to Information Act 
 
B. Dowry Prohibition Act 
C. Food Security Act 
D. None of the above 
Answer : Note: The Dowry Prohibition Act 
Law has created a favourable environment for women to secure freedom and self-
development. 
Q. 1. C. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
The essence of democracy is .......... 
A. universal adult franchise. 
 
B. decentralisation of power. 
C. policy of reservation of seats. 
D. judicial decisions. 
Answer : Note: The essence of democracy is universal adult franchise. 
Q. 2. A. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
Indian democracy is considered the largest democracy in the world. 
Answer : True 
Reason: Indian democracy is considered the largest democracy in the world because of 
political maturity. It’s the world’s second largest country in terms of population, people 
have direct representation in the legislative processes through regular elections and the 
right to adult suffrage. 
Q. 2. B. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
Secrecy in the working of Government has increased due to the Right to 
Information. 
Answer : False 
Reason: Secrecy in the working of Government has decreased due to the Right to 
Information (Act 2005). Since 2000, the democratic reforms has been approached as 
‘rights’ of citizen which has made governance more transparent and the government 
more accountable. 
Q. 2. C. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
The nature of Constitution is seen as a living document. 
Answer : True. 
Reason: The Constitution is seen as a living document owing to its dynamic nature. It 
has to change according to changing conditions of the society and the Parliament has 
been entrusted with that responsibility. 
Q. 3. A. Write short notes. 
 
Provisions regarding minorities. 
Answer : The constitution has made several provisions for the protection of minorities 
in the country. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, race, language 
and region. Comprehensive provisions in the Fundamental Rights protect their right to 
equality, right against exploitation, and their cultural and educational rights. 
Page 3


Working Of the Constitution 
Exercise 
Q. 1 A 
Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the sentences. 
 
In Maharashtra ............ seats are reserved for women in local self-governing 
institutions. 
A. 25% 
B. 30% 
C. 40% 
D. 50% 
Answer : Note: In Maharashtra 50% seats are reserved for women in local self-
governing institutions. 
Q. 1. B. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
Which of the following laws created a favourable environment for women to 
secure freedom and self-development? 
A. Right to Information Act 
 
B. Dowry Prohibition Act 
C. Food Security Act 
D. None of the above 
Answer : Note: The Dowry Prohibition Act 
Law has created a favourable environment for women to secure freedom and self-
development. 
Q. 1. C. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
The essence of democracy is .......... 
A. universal adult franchise. 
 
B. decentralisation of power. 
C. policy of reservation of seats. 
D. judicial decisions. 
Answer : Note: The essence of democracy is universal adult franchise. 
Q. 2. A. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
Indian democracy is considered the largest democracy in the world. 
Answer : True 
Reason: Indian democracy is considered the largest democracy in the world because of 
political maturity. It’s the world’s second largest country in terms of population, people 
have direct representation in the legislative processes through regular elections and the 
right to adult suffrage. 
Q. 2. B. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
Secrecy in the working of Government has increased due to the Right to 
Information. 
Answer : False 
Reason: Secrecy in the working of Government has decreased due to the Right to 
Information (Act 2005). Since 2000, the democratic reforms has been approached as 
‘rights’ of citizen which has made governance more transparent and the government 
more accountable. 
Q. 2. C. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
The nature of Constitution is seen as a living document. 
Answer : True. 
Reason: The Constitution is seen as a living document owing to its dynamic nature. It 
has to change according to changing conditions of the society and the Parliament has 
been entrusted with that responsibility. 
Q. 3. A. Write short notes. 
 
Provisions regarding minorities. 
Answer : The constitution has made several provisions for the protection of minorities 
in the country. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, race, language 
and region. Comprehensive provisions in the Fundamental Rights protect their right to 
equality, right against exploitation, and their cultural and educational rights. 
Q. 3. B. Write short notes. 
 
Policy of reservation of seats. 
Answer : Policy of reservation of seats is meant for the weaker section of the society 
who have been deprived of equal opportunity to education and employment for years. 
The Constitution accordingly mandates reservation of seats for scheduled caste, 
scheduled tribes and other backward classes in educational institutions and government 
services. 
Q. 3. C. Write short notes. 
 
Women representation in the Lok Sabha. 
Answer : Since independence, steps have been to address the issue of inadequate 
representation of women in political institutions. Under the 73
rd
 and 74
th
amendment to 
the Constitution, 33% of seats in the local self- governing institutions are reserved for 
women. The representation of women in Lok Sabha has also seen a significant 
improvement with appointment of 12.15% women MPs in 2014 General elections. 
Q. 4. A. Explain the following concepts. 
 
Right based approach 
Answer : Since 2000, the approach towards democratic reform has evolved to be right 
based. Democratic reforms are necessitated as the ‘rights’ of the citizen, instead of 
approached as a part of the Directive principle of State policy. Citizens can take the 
government to the court in case their ‘rights’ are not met and thus, this change in 
approach has strengthened our democracy and made the govt. more accountable to the 
public. People now have the Right to Information, Right to Food, Right to Education and 
thus are more participative in the democratic processes. 
Q. 4. B. Explain the following concepts. 
 
Right to information 
Answer : Right to information was enacted in 2005 to empower the citizen with vital 
information about the working and decision making process of the state. It makes the 
govt. more accountable and transparent, with increasing communication between the 
state and the citizen, hence building trust. It has reduced the element of secrecy in the 
working of government. The movement for RTI was first started in the state of 
Maharashtra in 2000 under the leadership of Anna Hazare. After the success of the 
state level efforts, the movement acquired national importance later in 2005. 
Page 4


Working Of the Constitution 
Exercise 
Q. 1 A 
Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the sentences. 
 
In Maharashtra ............ seats are reserved for women in local self-governing 
institutions. 
A. 25% 
B. 30% 
C. 40% 
D. 50% 
Answer : Note: In Maharashtra 50% seats are reserved for women in local self-
governing institutions. 
Q. 1. B. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
Which of the following laws created a favourable environment for women to 
secure freedom and self-development? 
A. Right to Information Act 
 
B. Dowry Prohibition Act 
C. Food Security Act 
D. None of the above 
Answer : Note: The Dowry Prohibition Act 
Law has created a favourable environment for women to secure freedom and self-
development. 
Q. 1. C. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
The essence of democracy is .......... 
A. universal adult franchise. 
 
B. decentralisation of power. 
C. policy of reservation of seats. 
D. judicial decisions. 
Answer : Note: The essence of democracy is universal adult franchise. 
Q. 2. A. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
Indian democracy is considered the largest democracy in the world. 
Answer : True 
Reason: Indian democracy is considered the largest democracy in the world because of 
political maturity. It’s the world’s second largest country in terms of population, people 
have direct representation in the legislative processes through regular elections and the 
right to adult suffrage. 
Q. 2. B. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
Secrecy in the working of Government has increased due to the Right to 
Information. 
Answer : False 
Reason: Secrecy in the working of Government has decreased due to the Right to 
Information (Act 2005). Since 2000, the democratic reforms has been approached as 
‘rights’ of citizen which has made governance more transparent and the government 
more accountable. 
Q. 2. C. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
The nature of Constitution is seen as a living document. 
Answer : True. 
Reason: The Constitution is seen as a living document owing to its dynamic nature. It 
has to change according to changing conditions of the society and the Parliament has 
been entrusted with that responsibility. 
Q. 3. A. Write short notes. 
 
Provisions regarding minorities. 
Answer : The constitution has made several provisions for the protection of minorities 
in the country. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, race, language 
and region. Comprehensive provisions in the Fundamental Rights protect their right to 
equality, right against exploitation, and their cultural and educational rights. 
Q. 3. B. Write short notes. 
 
Policy of reservation of seats. 
Answer : Policy of reservation of seats is meant for the weaker section of the society 
who have been deprived of equal opportunity to education and employment for years. 
The Constitution accordingly mandates reservation of seats for scheduled caste, 
scheduled tribes and other backward classes in educational institutions and government 
services. 
Q. 3. C. Write short notes. 
 
Women representation in the Lok Sabha. 
Answer : Since independence, steps have been to address the issue of inadequate 
representation of women in political institutions. Under the 73
rd
 and 74
th
amendment to 
the Constitution, 33% of seats in the local self- governing institutions are reserved for 
women. The representation of women in Lok Sabha has also seen a significant 
improvement with appointment of 12.15% women MPs in 2014 General elections. 
Q. 4. A. Explain the following concepts. 
 
Right based approach 
Answer : Since 2000, the approach towards democratic reform has evolved to be right 
based. Democratic reforms are necessitated as the ‘rights’ of the citizen, instead of 
approached as a part of the Directive principle of State policy. Citizens can take the 
government to the court in case their ‘rights’ are not met and thus, this change in 
approach has strengthened our democracy and made the govt. more accountable to the 
public. People now have the Right to Information, Right to Food, Right to Education and 
thus are more participative in the democratic processes. 
Q. 4. B. Explain the following concepts. 
 
Right to information 
Answer : Right to information was enacted in 2005 to empower the citizen with vital 
information about the working and decision making process of the state. It makes the 
govt. more accountable and transparent, with increasing communication between the 
state and the citizen, hence building trust. It has reduced the element of secrecy in the 
working of government. The movement for RTI was first started in the state of 
Maharashtra in 2000 under the leadership of Anna Hazare. After the success of the 
state level efforts, the movement acquired national importance later in 2005. 
Q. 5. A. Answer the following questions. 
 
What are the effects of reducing the voting age from 21 years to 18 years? 
Answer : The effects of reducing the voting age from 21 years to 18 years are: 
1. Increased participation in the political processes. India has the largest number of 
voters compared to any other democratic country. 
2. It encourages youth participation in public life, giving the younger generation an 
opportunity to be the change makers. 
3. The change is not just quantitative but qualitative as well since new parties are 
emerging with the active support of the young voters. 
4. It reflects the political maturity of India that empowers and actively working towards 
helping its citizens exercise their Right to vote. 
5. Such provisions have made India the largest democracy in the world. 
Q. 5. B. Answer the following questions. 
 
What is meant by establishment of social justice? 
Answer : Social justice and equality are important objectives of our Constitutions. It 
means establishing and ensuring a fair environment for the growth of every individual 
without any form of discrimination. Various provisions have been made to establish 
social justice in our society, some of these are: 
1. Policy of Reservation 
Seats are reserved for the weaker section of the society to enable them equal and fair 
opportunities of education and government services. 
2. Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. 
It prevents any act of injustice and atrocities committed against the people belonging to 
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 
3. Provisions for Minority 
There is a comprehensive provision in the Constitution that protects the fundamental 
rights of the minority to equality, freedom, education, right against exploitation and right 
to preserve their culture. 
4. Laws for Women 
Page 5


Working Of the Constitution 
Exercise 
Q. 1 A 
Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the sentences. 
 
In Maharashtra ............ seats are reserved for women in local self-governing 
institutions. 
A. 25% 
B. 30% 
C. 40% 
D. 50% 
Answer : Note: In Maharashtra 50% seats are reserved for women in local self-
governing institutions. 
Q. 1. B. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
Which of the following laws created a favourable environment for women to 
secure freedom and self-development? 
A. Right to Information Act 
 
B. Dowry Prohibition Act 
C. Food Security Act 
D. None of the above 
Answer : Note: The Dowry Prohibition Act 
Law has created a favourable environment for women to secure freedom and self-
development. 
Q. 1. C. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the 
sentences. 
 
The essence of democracy is .......... 
A. universal adult franchise. 
 
B. decentralisation of power. 
C. policy of reservation of seats. 
D. judicial decisions. 
Answer : Note: The essence of democracy is universal adult franchise. 
Q. 2. A. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
Indian democracy is considered the largest democracy in the world. 
Answer : True 
Reason: Indian democracy is considered the largest democracy in the world because of 
political maturity. It’s the world’s second largest country in terms of population, people 
have direct representation in the legislative processes through regular elections and the 
right to adult suffrage. 
Q. 2. B. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
Secrecy in the working of Government has increased due to the Right to 
Information. 
Answer : False 
Reason: Secrecy in the working of Government has decreased due to the Right to 
Information (Act 2005). Since 2000, the democratic reforms has been approached as 
‘rights’ of citizen which has made governance more transparent and the government 
more accountable. 
Q. 2. C. State whether following statements are true or false. Give reasons for 
your answer. 
 
The nature of Constitution is seen as a living document. 
Answer : True. 
Reason: The Constitution is seen as a living document owing to its dynamic nature. It 
has to change according to changing conditions of the society and the Parliament has 
been entrusted with that responsibility. 
Q. 3. A. Write short notes. 
 
Provisions regarding minorities. 
Answer : The constitution has made several provisions for the protection of minorities 
in the country. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, race, language 
and region. Comprehensive provisions in the Fundamental Rights protect their right to 
equality, right against exploitation, and their cultural and educational rights. 
Q. 3. B. Write short notes. 
 
Policy of reservation of seats. 
Answer : Policy of reservation of seats is meant for the weaker section of the society 
who have been deprived of equal opportunity to education and employment for years. 
The Constitution accordingly mandates reservation of seats for scheduled caste, 
scheduled tribes and other backward classes in educational institutions and government 
services. 
Q. 3. C. Write short notes. 
 
Women representation in the Lok Sabha. 
Answer : Since independence, steps have been to address the issue of inadequate 
representation of women in political institutions. Under the 73
rd
 and 74
th
amendment to 
the Constitution, 33% of seats in the local self- governing institutions are reserved for 
women. The representation of women in Lok Sabha has also seen a significant 
improvement with appointment of 12.15% women MPs in 2014 General elections. 
Q. 4. A. Explain the following concepts. 
 
Right based approach 
Answer : Since 2000, the approach towards democratic reform has evolved to be right 
based. Democratic reforms are necessitated as the ‘rights’ of the citizen, instead of 
approached as a part of the Directive principle of State policy. Citizens can take the 
government to the court in case their ‘rights’ are not met and thus, this change in 
approach has strengthened our democracy and made the govt. more accountable to the 
public. People now have the Right to Information, Right to Food, Right to Education and 
thus are more participative in the democratic processes. 
Q. 4. B. Explain the following concepts. 
 
Right to information 
Answer : Right to information was enacted in 2005 to empower the citizen with vital 
information about the working and decision making process of the state. It makes the 
govt. more accountable and transparent, with increasing communication between the 
state and the citizen, hence building trust. It has reduced the element of secrecy in the 
working of government. The movement for RTI was first started in the state of 
Maharashtra in 2000 under the leadership of Anna Hazare. After the success of the 
state level efforts, the movement acquired national importance later in 2005. 
Q. 5. A. Answer the following questions. 
 
What are the effects of reducing the voting age from 21 years to 18 years? 
Answer : The effects of reducing the voting age from 21 years to 18 years are: 
1. Increased participation in the political processes. India has the largest number of 
voters compared to any other democratic country. 
2. It encourages youth participation in public life, giving the younger generation an 
opportunity to be the change makers. 
3. The change is not just quantitative but qualitative as well since new parties are 
emerging with the active support of the young voters. 
4. It reflects the political maturity of India that empowers and actively working towards 
helping its citizens exercise their Right to vote. 
5. Such provisions have made India the largest democracy in the world. 
Q. 5. B. Answer the following questions. 
 
What is meant by establishment of social justice? 
Answer : Social justice and equality are important objectives of our Constitutions. It 
means establishing and ensuring a fair environment for the growth of every individual 
without any form of discrimination. Various provisions have been made to establish 
social justice in our society, some of these are: 
1. Policy of Reservation 
Seats are reserved for the weaker section of the society to enable them equal and fair 
opportunities of education and government services. 
2. Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. 
It prevents any act of injustice and atrocities committed against the people belonging to 
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 
3. Provisions for Minority 
There is a comprehensive provision in the Constitution that protects the fundamental 
rights of the minority to equality, freedom, education, right against exploitation and right 
to preserve their culture. 
4. Laws for Women 
Taking into account the problems of women, various policies have been formulated to 
remove illiteracy among women and avail them equal opportunity for their development. 
Right to have equal share in the property of their father and husband, Dowry Prohibition 
Act, Domestic Violence Prohibition Act etc. have been conceptualized to create a 
favourable environment for women. 
Q. 5. C. Answer the following questions. 
 
Which decision of the Court has resulted in protection of honour and dignity of 
women? 
Answer : The decision of the court in the cases of domestic violence, sexual 
harassment in work place etc. has resulted in protection of honour and dignity of 
women. 
The most recent case in news had been the matter of Triple Talaq, where the practice 
was declared as unconstitutional as per the decision of the Supreme Court. It was an 
unfair practice subjected against Muslim women where divorce was pronounced with 
mere utterance of the word ‘Talaq’ trice on most trivial of issues with no formal legal 
proceedings, thus undermining various fundamental rights of women. It violated their 
dignity and fundamental right against discrimination on the basis of religion and gender. 
Supreme Court as the apex judicial body is responsible for ensuring the preservation of 
the fundamental rights. Important judgments by the judiciary on various subjects have 
made the fundamental rights in the constitution more meaningful. 
 
Project 
Q. 1. Which information can be secured with the help of right to information? Find 
out with the help of your teachers. 
Answer : Under the provisions of the Act, Right to Information (RTI) is an act of the 
Parliament of India any citizen of India may ask for information from a "public authority" 
(a body of Government or "instrumentality of State") which is necessary to reply 
immediately or within thirty days. 
The Right to information in India is governed by two major bodies: 
• Central Information Commission (CIC) 
• State Information Commissions 
The information which can be collected are: 
1) Information from a public authority