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

Q1: How did the white Europeans occupy South Africa and begin to rule by imposing apartheid on the country?
Ans: Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination specific to South Africa, imposed by white Europeans. This occupation began in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when European trading companies used force to take control of the land. Key points about apartheid:

• White settlers became the local rulers, significantly outnumbering the indigenous population.
• The system categorised people based on skin colour: blacks, coloured, and Indian migrants.
• Non-whites were treated as inferiors and denied basic rights, including voting.
• Blacks faced severe restrictions, such as being banned from living in white areas and needing permits to work there.
• Public facilities were segregated, with separate amenities for whites and non-whites.

Despite international condemnation, the apartheid regime continued to oppress the majority until the struggle for freedom led to significant changes.

Q2: How was the apartheid system particularly oppressive for the black population?
Ans: The apartheid system was extremely oppressive for the black population in South Africa. Key aspects of this oppression included:

• Segregation: Blacks were forbidden from living in white areas.
• Permits Required: They could only work in white areas if they had a special permit.
• Separate Facilities: There were distinct trains, buses, taxis, hotels, hospitals, schools, colleges, libraries, cinema halls, theatres, beaches, swimming pools, and public toilets for whites and blacks.
• Religious Restrictions: Blacks were not allowed to attend churches where whites worshipped.
• Prohibition on Protests: They could not form associations or protest against their treatment.

This system enforced a strict division and denied basic rights, reinforcing the idea that non-whites were inferior.

Q3: How did the people of South Africa fight against the oppressive system of apartheid?
Ans: The struggle against the apartheid system in South Africa was a collective effort by non-whites, including blacks, coloured individuals, and migrant Indians. This fight began in 1950and continued until the system was dismantled.

• Protests and strikes were launched to oppose the oppressive policies.
• The African National Congress (ANC) emerged as the main organisation leading the struggle against segregation.
• Many workers' unions and the Communist Party also played significant roles in the resistance.
• Support came from some white individuals who opposed apartheid.
• Numerous countries condemned the apartheid regime as unjust and racist.

• Despite international pressure, the white government maintained its segregation policies, often resorting to violence against those who protested.

Q4: What made the blacks and whites apprehensive at the time of Constitution making in South Africa?
Ans: The following factors made both ethnic groups apprehensive at the time of Constitution making in South Africa:

• The oppressor (whites) and the oppressed (blacks) in the new democracy were planning to live together as equals. It was not going to be easy for them to trust each other. They had their fears.
• Both groups wanted to safeguard their interests. The black majority was keen to ensure that the democratic principle of majority rule was not compromised. They wanted substantial social and economic rights.
• The white majority was keen to protect its privileges and property.

Q5: What was the attitude of the black leaders towards the whites after the emergence of the new democratic South Africa?
Ans: After the emergence of the new democratic South Africa, black leaders chose to refrain from seeking revenge against the whites for their past oppression. Instead, they adopted a forgiving and liberalstance.

• They encouraged fellow blacks to forgive the whites for the atrocities committed during their time in power.
• The leaders called for the creation of a new South Africa, founded on the principles of equality for all races and genders, as well as democratic values, social justice, and human rights.
• Both the party that had ruled through oppression and the party that led the freedom struggle collaborated to draft a common Constitution.

Q6: Why is a written Constitution needed in every country?
Ans: Every country consists of diverse groups of people, which can lead to differences in opinions and interests. To ensure peaceful coexistence, it is essential to have a set of basic rules known as a Constitution. These rules serve several important functions:

• Supremacy of Rules: The Constitution is the highest law and applies to everyone, including the government and citizens.
• Defining Relationships: It outlines how individuals relate to one another and to the government.
• Establishing Trust: By providing clear guidelines, it fosters trust and cooperation among different groups.
• Limiting Government Power: It specifies the powers of the government and protects citizens' rights.
• Reflecting Aspirations: The Constitution embodies the collective hopes of the people for a just society.

While not all countries with a Constitution are democratic, every democratic nation must have one to function effectively.

Q7:  Mention the role of the Constituent Assembly in the making of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Constituent Assemblywas a body of elected representatives responsible for drafting the Constitution of India. Here are key points about its role:

• The elections for the Constituent Assembly took place in July 1946, with its first meeting in December of the same year. Following the partition, the Assembly was divided into those for India and Pakistan, with the Indian Assembly comprising 299 members.
• It took the Assembly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Constitution, during which members deliberated for 114 days. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated annually as Republic Day.

Q8: What is the significance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The Preamble of the Constitution of India serves as a guiding light for the nation's governance and principles. It encapsulates the core values and philosophy upon which the entire Constitution is founded. Here are its key significances:

• The Preamble acts as the foundation of the Indian Constitution, reflecting its essence.
• It provides a benchmark to assess the legality and morality of laws and government actions.
• Key terms such as sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, and republic are embedded within it, forming the bedrock of India's democracy.

Q9: What compromises were made between the blacks and whites at the time of Constitution making in South Africa?
Ans: The process of creating a constitution in South Africa involved significant compromises between the black majority and the white minority. Key points of this agreement included:

• The black majority aimed to ensure that the principle of majority rule was upheld, along with substantial social and economic rights.
• The white minority sought to protect its privileges and property.
• After extensive negotiations, both sides reached a compromise:
  • The whites accepted the principle of one person, one vote.
  • They agreed to some basic rights for the poor and workers.
  • The blacks agreed that majority rule would not be absolute.
  • They consented that the majority could not take away the property of the white minority.
• This compromise was challenging to implement, raising concerns about trust and the potential for future conflicts.

Ultimately, the constitution aimed to create a framework for a new democratic society, ensuring that all voices were heard and respected.

Q10: How can you say that the Constituent Assembly was the representative body of the people of India?
Ans:

• The Constituent Assembly was a true representation of the people of India, comprising notable leaders such as Rajendra Prasad, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and others, who represented various sections of Indian society.
• Although there was no universal adult franchise at the time, the Assembly was elected mainly by members of the existing Provincial Legislatures, ensuring a fair geographical representation from all regions.
• Socially, the Assembly included members from diverse language groups, castes, classes, religions, and occupations, reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian society.

Q11:How did the white minority and the black majority agree to draw up a common Constitution for South Africa?
Ans:

• After the emergence of the new democratic South Africa, the two parties, the one that ruled through oppression and the other that led freedom struggle, sat together to draw up a common Constitution. After long negotiations both parties agreed to a compromise.
• The whites agreed to the principle of majority rule and that of one person are vote. They also agreed to accept some basic rights for the poor and the workers.
• The blacks agreed that the majority rule would not be absolute. They agreed that the majority would not take away the property of the white minority.

South Africa got independence from the apartheid government in 1994. Afterwards the process of Constitution making began. It took two years when South Africa got one of the finest constitutions of the world. In 1996, President Nelson Mandela promulgated it. Here are the major characteristics of this Constitution:

• The Constitution of South Africa is the highest law of the land. It is widely regarded as the most progressive Constitution in the world, with a Bill of Rights second to none.
• The new Constitution was written in consultation with the public as well as elected public representatives.
• The Constitution gives to its citizens the most extensive rights available in any country. It is based on equality of all races and men and women, on democratic values, social justice and human rights.
• Freedom of expression and association, political and property rights, housing, health care, education, access to information and access to courts have also been incorporated in the Constitution of South Africa.
• Speaking on the South African Constitution, Mandela said that the Constitution speaks of both the past and the future. On the one hand, it is a solemn pact in which all the citizens of South Africa declare to one another that they shall never permit a repetition of their racist, brutal and repressive past.

Thus, the South African Constitution inspires democrats all over the world. A state denounced by the entire world till recently as the most undemocratic one is now seen as a model of democracy.

Q12: Mention some of the major characteristics of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26 January 1950, has several key characteristics:

• Sovereign: The people have the supreme right to make decisions regarding internal and external matters.
• Socialist: Wealth should be shared equally, and the government regulates ownership to reduce socio-economic inequalities.
• Secular: The government treats all religions equally, with no official religion.
• Democratic: Citizens enjoy equal political rights, elect their leaders, and hold them accountable.
• Justice: Discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender is prohibited, and the government works for the welfare of all, especially disadvantaged groups.
• Liberty: Citizens have the freedom to think, express, and act without unreasonable restrictions.
• Equality: Everyone is equal before the law, and the government ensures equal opportunities for all.
• Fraternity: Promotes a sense of brotherhood and unity among all citizens.

These principles reflect the aspirations of the Indian people and guide the functioning of the government.

Q13: How can you say that the Indian Constitution is both rigid and flexible?
Ans: One of the key features of the Constitution of India is that it is both rigid and flexible.

• Rigid Aspects:
  • Provisions related to the basic structure of the Constitution, such as the division of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, cannot be altered by Parliament alone.
  • Any amendments require approval from both Houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority.
  • Additionally, the amendments must be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the states.
• Flexible Aspects:
  • The Constitution can be amended to meet the changing needs of society.
  • The framers did not view it as a static or unchangeable document.
  • Provisions exist to incorporate changes over time, known as constitutional amendments.

This dual nature allows the Constitution to adapt while maintaining its core principles, ensuring it remains relevant to the aspirations of the people.

Q14: Which values are embedded in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution? Explain.
Ans: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as a brief introduction to its core values, acting as the guiding principle for all its articles. It is often referred to as the soul of the Constitution. Key values embedded in the Preamble include:

• Sovereign: India has the ultimate authority to govern itself without external interference.
• Socialist: Wealth should be shared equitably among all citizens, with government regulation to reduce inequalities.
• Secular: The state treats all religions equally, ensuring freedom of belief and practice.
• Democratic: The government is elected by the people, ensuring political rights and accountability.
• Justice: All citizens are entitled to fair treatment, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
• Liberty: Citizens can express their thoughts freely without unreasonable restrictions.
• Equality: Everyone is equal before the law, with equal opportunities for all.
• Fraternity: Promotes a sense of brotherhood among citizens, ensuring dignity and unity.

These values reflect the aspirations of the Indian people and form the foundation of the nation’s democracy.

Q15: What is Constitution of a country? Why do we need it? Or, what is the importance of a Constitution in a country?
Ans: The Constitution of a country is a collection 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. The importance of a Constitution can be summarised as follows:

• Trust and Coordination: It fosters a sense of trust and cooperation necessary for diverse groups to coexist.
• Government Structure: It outlines how the government is formed and specifies who holds decision-making power.
• Limits on Power: It establishes limits on government authority and defines the rights of citizens.
• Aspirations of Society: It reflects the collective hopes of the people for a just and equitable society.

While not all countries with constitutions are democratic, every democratic nation has a constitution that guides its governance and protects citizens' rights.