Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Democratic Politics - I

Q.1. In which way was the system of ‘apartheid’ oppressive? [Important]
Ans. The apartheid system was particularly oppressive for the blacks. They were forbidden from living in white areas. They could work in white areas only if they had a permit. Trains, buses, taxis, hotels, hospitals, schools and colleges, swimming pools, public toilets etc. were all separate for the whites and blacks. They could not even visit the churches where the whites worshipped. Blacks could not form associations or protest against the terrible treatment.

Q.2. What was the appeal made by the black leaders to the fellow blacks after the emergence of the new democratic South Africa?
Ans. After the emergence of the new democratic South Africa, black leaders appealed to fellow blacks to forgive the whites for the atrocities they had committed while in power. They urged the people to build a new South Africa based on equality of all races, and of men and women, on democratic values, social justice and human rights.

Q.3. What is meant by the term ‘Constitution’? [Important]
Ans. The constitution of a country is a set of written rules that are accepted by all people living in that country. It is the supreme law that determines the relationship among the people living in a territory (called citizens) and also the relationship between the people and government. It specifies how the government will be constituted and who will have the power to take different decisions. It sets limits on government authority. It protects the rights of citizens.

Q.4. Describe the advantages that Indians had when they participated in the legislatures which were set up as a result of the elections of 1937.
Ans. Although the legislatures set up in India as a result of elections of 1937 were not fully democratic, the experience gained by Indians in the working of the legislative institutions proved to be very useful for the country in setting up its own institutions and working in them.

Q.5. Give a description of the composition of the Constituent Assembly. [Important]
Ans. The Constituent Assembly was elected mainly by the members of the existing Provincial Legislatures. This ensured a fair geographical share of members from all the regions of the country. Congress, which was the dominant party in the Assembly, itself included a variety of political groups and opinions. It represented members from different languages, castes, religions, classes and occupations. The Assembly worked systematically and openly, with a Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar preparing the constitution after extensive discussions. 

Q.6. What did Ambedkar mean by ‘Contradiction’ in his concluding speech to the Constituent Assembly?
Ans. In his concluding speech to the Constituent Assembly Dr. Ambedkar said that India was entering a life of ‘contradictions’ on 26th Jan 1950. By this he meant that in politics Indians would have equality but in social and economic life, there would be inequality. In politics India would be recognising the principle of one man one vote, with one value, but in social and economic life, the principle of one man one value would be denied.

Q.7. Why was a constitution necessary for a country like South Africa? [CBSE 2010]
Ans. The oppressor and the oppressed, i.e. the whites and the blacks were planning to live together, as equals. It was not going to be easy for them to trust each other. They wanted to safeguard their interests. The only way to build and maintain trust was to write down some rules. This set of basic rules was the constitution needed for South Africa.

Q.8. What do you understand by secularism? Why is India called a secular country? [CBSE 2010]
Ans. Secularism refers to the principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions. In a secular state, the government treats all religions equally and does not favour one over another. India is considered a secular country because:

• It is home to many religions and respects all beliefs.
• No religion is designated as the state religion.
• All citizens have the freedom to practice any religion.
• The government treats all religious practices with equal respect.

Q.9. What are Constitutional Amendments? State its significance in a democratic country like India. [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. Constitutional Amendments are changes in the constitution made by the Supreme Legislative body in a country. The constitution of India is a very long and detailed document. Therefore it needs to be amended quite regularly to keep it updated. Amendments ensure the constitution aligns with the evolving needs of society. They help clarify legal provisions and institutional arrangements. Amendments support the principles of democracy by adapting to changing political contexts.

Q.10. What were the difficulties faced during the making of Indian constitution? [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. The Indian Constitution was created under difficult circumstances. The country was formed through partition, leading to significant violence and trauma. Over a million people lost their lives during the partition-related violence. The British left the decision of the princely states' merger to their rulers, creating uncertainty. At the time, the future of India seemed insecure, with many anxieties about governance.

Q.11. State the steps involved in the framing of Indian constitution. [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. The drafting of the document called the constitution was done by an assembly of elected representatives called the Constituent assembly Elections to the Constituent Assembly were held in July 1946. Its first meeting was held in December 1946. It had 299 members. The assembly adopted the constitution on 26 November 1949 and it came into force on 26 January 1950.

Q.12. The Preamble of our constitution is a short statement of values. Which country has inspired India to incorporate the Preamble? Why does it start with ‘‘We The People of India?’’ [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution draws inspiration from the American model. It emphasizes the importance of the people in creating and enacting the Constitution. It starts with “We The People of India” to highlight that the Constitution is a collective decision made by the citizens. This phrasing signifies that the Constitution was not imposed by a monarch or foreign power. It reflects the democratic principle that the authority of the government comes from the people.