Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 HOTS Questions - Democratic Politics - I

Q164. How was 'apartheid' practised in South Africa?
Ans: The system of apartheid in South Africa enforced strict racial segregation and discrimination. Key aspects of its practice included:

• Racial Classification: People were categorised based on skin colour: 'Blacks' (native South Africans), 'Coloured' (mixed race), and 'Indians' (migrants from India).
• Voting Rights: Non-Whites were denied the right to vote, treating them as inferiors.
• Residential Restrictions: Non-Whites were prohibited from living in designated white areas.
• Employment Permits: Non-Whites could only work in white areas if they obtained a special permit.
• Segregation of Facilities: Public services, including transport, schools, and hospitals, were segregated by race.
• Religious Restrictions: Blacks were not allowed to attend churches where whites worshipped.

This oppressive system was met with resistance from the affected communities, leading to significant struggles for equality.

Q165. What efforts were made to form a new constitution after independence in South Africa?
Ans: After the emergence of the new democratic South Africa:

• Black leaders urged their communities to forgive whites for past atrocities.
• They aimed to create a new South Africa founded on equality for all races and genders, embracing democratic values, social justice, and human rights.
• The ruling party, known for oppression, and the party leading the freedom struggle collaborated to draft a shared constitution.
• After two years of discussions and debates, they produced one of the finest constitutions in the world.
• This constitution granted its citizens some of the most extensive rights available globally.

Q166. What are the main functions of a Constitution?
Ans: Main Functions of a Constitution

• Trust and Coordination: It fosters trust and cooperation among diverse groups, enabling them to coexist peacefully.
• Government Structure: It outlines how the government is formed and specifies who holds decision-making power.
• Limits on Power: It establishes boundaries for government authority and defines citizens' rights that must be respected.
• Aspirations of Society: It reflects the people's hopes for a just and equitable society.
• Supreme Law: It serves as the highest legal framework, governing relationships among citizens and between citizens and the government.

Q167. Give a brief description about any five members of the Constituent Assembly.
Ans: Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1884-1963)

• Born in Bihar.
• Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
• A lawyer known for his role in the Champaran Satyagraha.
• Served as President of the Indian National Congress three times.
• First President of India.

H.C. Mookherjee (1887-1956)

• Born in Bengal.
• Vice Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
• A respected author and educationist.
• Member of the All India Christian Council and Bengal Legislative Assembly.
• Later became Governor of West Bengal.

Baldev Singh (1901-1961)

• Born in Haryana.
• Nominee of the Congress in the Constituent Assembly.
• A successful entrepreneur.
• Leader of the Panthic Akali Party in the Punjab Assembly.
• Served as Defence Minister in the Union Cabinet.

Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)

• Born in Andhra Pradesh.
• Member of the Constituent Assembly.
• A poet, writer, and political activist.
• One of the leading women in the Congress.
• Later became Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)

• Born in Uttar Pradesh.
• Prime Minister of the interim government.
• A lawyer and prominent Congress leader.
• Advocate of socialism, democracy, and anti-imperialism.
• First Prime Minister of Independent India.

Q168. How was the institutional design formed for the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The institutional design of the Indian Constitution was shaped through several key principles:

• Values and Arrangements: A constitution embodies values into institutional arrangements.
• Length and Detail: The Indian Constitution is a lengthy document that requires regular amendments to stay relevant.
• Amendments: Provisions for constitutional amendments allow for necessary changes over time.
• Legal Framework: It outlines institutional arrangements using legal language, making it a complex but essential document.
• Governance Structure: The Constitution establishes procedures for selecting leaders and defines their powers.
• Limits on Power: It also sets limits on government actions by granting certain rights to citizens that must not be violated.

Overall, the Indian Constitution is designed to reflect the aspirations of its people and adapt to societal changes.

Q169. Write a short note on the main features of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Main Features of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution

• We the People of India: The Constitution is created by the people through their representatives, not imposed by a king or foreign powers.
• Sovereign: The people have the ultimate authority to make decisions on internal and external matters, free from external control.
• Socialist: Wealth should be shared fairly within society. The government regulates land and industry to minimise socio-economic inequalities.
• Secular: Citizens can follow any religion, with no official state religion. The government respects all beliefs equally.
• Democratic: A system where everyone has equal political rights, can elect leaders, and hold them accountable.
• Republic: The head of state is elected, not a hereditary position.
• Justice: No discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. The government aims to reduce social inequalities and support disadvantaged groups.
• Liberty: Citizens have the freedom to think, express their thoughts, and act without unreasonable restrictions.
• Equality: Everyone is equal before the law, and the government ensures equal opportunities for all.
• Fraternity: Citizens should treat each other as family, promoting respect and unity.

Q170. How did South Africa get Independence?
Ans: The struggle for independence in South Africa was a long and challenging journey, primarily against the system of apartheid, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination. Here are the key points regarding how South Africa achieved its independence:

• The African National Congress (ANC) led the fight against apartheid, advocating for the rights of black South Africans.
• Protests, strikes, and international condemnation of apartheid increased pressure on the government.
• In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years, symbolising hope for change.
• Negotiations began between the ANC and the apartheid government to end racial segregation.
• On 26 April 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, leading to the election of Nelson Mandela as the first black president.
• The new constitution, adopted in 1996, established a framework for a multi-racial democracy and guaranteed extensive rights for all citizens.

This transition was marked by a commitment to peace and reconciliation, as leaders sought to unite a divided nation.

Q171. How was a new constitution of South Africa formed?
Ans: After the emergence of the new democratic South Africa, black leaders urged their communities to forgive the whites for past atrocities. They envisioned building a new South Africa founded on:

• Equality of all races and genders
• Democratic values
• Social justice
• Human rights

The ruling party, which had enforced oppression, and the party that led the freedom struggle collaborated to create a shared constitution. After two years of discussions, they produced one of the finest constitutions in the world, granting citizens extensive rights. In their quest for solutions, they agreed that:

• No one should be excluded from the process.
• No individual should be demonised for their past actions.
• Everyone should contribute to the solution.

This spirit is encapsulated in the preamble of the South African Constitution, which inspires democrats globally. The transition from an undemocratic regime to a democratic government was marked by a commitment to work together, transforming painful experiences into a rainbow nation. Nelson Mandela, the first president of this new South Africa, emphasised the importance of mutual trust and the belief in the inherent goodness of people, which was crucial for this peaceful transition.

Q172. What problems were faced by the South Africans before the formation of the constitution?
Ans: The transition to a new democracy in South Africa posed significant challenges:

• The oppressor and the oppressed had to learn to coexist as equals.
• Trust was a major issue, with both sides harbouring fears about their future.
• The black majority sought to ensure that the principle of majority rule was upheld.
• They demanded substantial social and economic rights.
• The white minority aimed to protect its privileges and property.

These conflicting interests made the formation of a constitution a complex process, requiring careful negotiation and compromise.

Q173. Is it true that the constitution of India expresses a broad consensus of its time?
Ans: Many countries have had to rewrite their constitutions because the basic rules were not accepted by all major social groups or political parties. In some nations, constitutions exist as mere pieces of paper, with no one following them. However, the experience of the Indian Constitution is different:

• Over the last fifty years, various groups have questioned some provisions.
• No major social group or political party has challenged the legitimacy of the Constitution itself.
• This reflects a unique achievement for any constitution.

The Constituent Assembly also represented the people of India, despite the absence of universal adult franchise at that time. Although there were significant differences of opinion during the freedom struggle, some basic ideas were widely accepted:

• In 1928, Motilal Nehru and other leaders drafted a constitution.
• The 1931 Karachi session of the Indian National Congress outlined key principles, including:
  • Universal adult franchise
  • Rights to freedom and equality
  • Protection of minority rights

These foundational values were agreed upon long before the Constituent Assembly convened. The Constitution is not just a document of values; it embodies these values in institutional arrangements, making it a comprehensive and evolving framework.

Q174. What steps were taken by the Constituent Assembly to form the Indian Constitution? 
Ans: The Constituent Assembly followed a systematic and open approach to create the Indian Constitution. The key steps included:

• Agreement on basic principles that would guide the constitution.
• Formation of a Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare the initial draft.
• Extensive discussions on the draft, examining it clause by clause.
• Consideration of over 2000 amendments during the deliberations.
• Members met for 114 days over a span of three years.
• All proceedings and documents were meticulously recorded, resulting in 12 volumes of Constituent Assembly Debates.

The Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, which came into effect on 26 January 1950, now celebrated as Republic Day.

Q175. Nelson Mandela remained in prison for treason for about:
a) 25 years
b) 26 years
c) 28 years
d) 20 years
Ans: c) 28 years

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, from 1962 until his release in 1990. The closest option is 28 years, which accounts for the time he was in custody before the trial.

Q176. How many members were there in the Constituent Assembly that wrote the Indian Constitution?
a) 299 members
b) 101 members
c) 36 members
d) 206 members
Ans: a) 299 members

The Constituent Assembly of India had 299 members who were responsible for drafting the Constitution, making option a) the correct choice.

Q177. When was the Constitution of India completed or adopted?
a) 26 January, 1950
b) 26 November, 1949
c) 26 October, 1949
d) 17 December, 1947
Ans: c) 26 January, 1950

The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949, but it came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is why option a) is often highlighted as the date of adoption.

Q178. The Chairman of the drafting committee was:
a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
c) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
d) Mahatma Gandhi
Ans: b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, making option b) the correct answer.

Q179. A form of government where people enjoy equal political rights is:
a) Socialist
b) Dictatorial
c) Democratic
d) Autocratic
Ans: c) Democratic

A democratic government ensures that all citizens have equal political rights, distinguishing it from other forms of government like dictatorial or autocratic regimes.

Q180. What is a constitution? Why do we need a constitution for a country?
Ans: The constitution of a country is a set of written rules accepted by all its citizens. It serves as the supreme law that defines the relationships among people within a territory and between the people and their government. Reasons for needing a constitution include:

• Trust and Coordination: It fosters trust and cooperation among diverse groups, enabling them to live together harmoniously.
• Government Structure: It outlines how the government is formed and who has the authority to make decisions.
• Limits on Power: It sets boundaries on government powers and defines citizens' rights.
• Aspirations for Society: It reflects the people's hopes for building a just and equitable society.

While not all countries with constitutions are democratic, every democratic nation has one. A constitution ensures that the rules governing society are agreed upon and respected, maintaining order and protecting individual rights.

Q181. 'Most of the countries of the world keep changing their constitution as needed but Indian Constitutions is accepted even today.' Is it an unusual achievement for any constitution? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Ans: Most of the countries of the world keep changing their constitution as needed but Indian Constitution is accepted even today. The Indian Constitution is indeed an unusual achievement for several reasons:

• Broad Consensus: It reflects a wide agreement among various groups at the time of its creation, rather than just the views of its members.
• Stability: Many countries have had to rewrite their constitutions because their basic rules were not accepted by all major social groups or political parties. In contrast, India's Constitution has remained largely intact.
• Representation: The Constituent Assembly, which drafted the Constitution, represented diverse groups in India, including various languages, castes, and religions. Although there was no universal adult franchise at that time, the Assembly was elected by existing provincial legislatures, ensuring a fair geographical representation.
• Systematic Approach: The Assembly worked in a structured and open manner. They first established some basic principles, then a Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prepared a draft for discussion. This draft underwent extensive debates and amendments.
• Legitimacy: Over the decades, while some provisions have been questioned, no major social group or political party has ever challenged the Constitution's legitimacy itself. This is a significant achievement compared to other nations.

In summary, the Indian Constitution's ability to maintain its relevance and acceptance over time, despite challenges, marks it as a remarkable document in the world of governance.

Q182. Why Preamble is called the preface of the Indian constitution?
Ans: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is often referred to as its preface because it outlines the fundamental principles and values that guide the Constitution. Here are the key reasons for this designation:

• Introduction to Values: The Preamble introduces the core values of the Constitution, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which reflect the aspirations of the Indian people.
• Philosophical Foundation: It serves as a philosophical foundation, summarising the ideals that inspired the freedom struggle and the formation of a democratic nation.
• Guiding Principles: The Preamble acts as a guiding light for interpreting the Constitution, helping to evaluate laws and government actions against these foundational values.
• Symbol of Unity: It represents the unity of the nation, emphasising that the Constitution is created by the people of India for themselves.

Overall, the Preamble encapsulates the essence of the Constitution, making it a vital component that reflects the identity and values of the nation.

Q183. What are the exclusive features of the Indian constitution?
Ans: Exclusive features of the Indian Constitution:

• Length and Detail: The Indian Constitution is notably long and detailed, requiring regular amendments to stay relevant.
• Dynamic Nature: Its creators intended for it to reflect the aspirations of the people and adapt to societal changes, viewing it as a living document rather than a static law.
• Amendments: Provisions for incorporating changes, known as amendments, are included to ensure it evolves over time.
• Legal Language: The Constitution outlines institutional arrangements using formal legal terminology, which can be complex for first-time readers.
• Citizen Rights: It establishes limits on government power by guaranteeing certain rights to citizens that cannot be infringed upon.