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Glossary and Important Information - Constitutional Design | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Glossary

  • Constitution: The foundational legal document governing a country's government, encompassing basic laws, defining organ functions, jurisdiction, and citizens' fundamental rights.
  • Cabinet Mission: In February 1946, the British government sent the cabinet mission to India. It proposed the formation of a federation, with a union government and three types of states and also proposed the formation of a Constituent Assembly and an interim government.
  • Objective Resolution: On December 13, 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru moved a resolution in the Constituents Assembly proposing the main objectives or aims of the new constitution to be made for free India. It is known as the Objective Resolution.
  • Drafting Committee: A committee set up to draft a constitution.
  • Amendment: The term means to change or modify. It is used in connection with changes made in the constitution of a country. The procedure of amendment of the Indian constitution is given in Article 368 of the constitution itself.
  • Democracy: A form of government that is chosen by the people to work for their welfare and can be changed by them.
  • Preamble: It is an introduction to the constitution that explains the aims and objectives of the constitution.
  • Republic: A country in which the head of the state is elected and not hereditary.
  • Secularism: It implies religious freedom. The state does not have any official religion of its own. Everyone has the right to preach, practice & profess any religion.
  • Universal Adult suffrage: It refers to the right to vote for all the adult citizens of a country without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, color, sex, or education. It is based on the principle of one person one vote.
  • Apartheid: A system of reaggregation of whites from blacks on the basis of race. Each group had to live in separate areas, and go to separate schools and non-whites had no voting rights.
  • Constituent Assembly: An assembly of people’s representatives that writes a constitution for a country.
  • Philosophy: The most fundamental principles underlying one’s thoughts and actions.
  • Treason: The offense of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance.
  • Tryst: A meeting or meeting place that has been agreed upon.

Important Information

Introduction

In a democracy, rulers and citizens are bound by fundamental rules, collectively known as the constitution. The Constitution dictates citizen rights, government powers, and operational protocols. It serves as the supreme law determining relationships among citizens, governments, and operational guidelines. 

Democratic Constitution in South Africa 

Apartheid Definition: Policy of discrimination based on race in South Africa.

Features of Apartheid

  • Racial classification and separation.
  • Separate living areas, schools, universities, and facilities.
  • Criminal offense for interracial marriage.
  • Restrictions on movement.
  • Non-whites were denied voting rights and governance participation.

End of Apartheid

  • African National Congress (ANC) was formed in 1910 for a non-racial democratic South Africa.
  • Intensified movement in the 1950s, ANC was banned in the 1960s.
  • UN condemnation and international sanctions in the 1980s.
  • Negotiations for a new constitution in the 1990s.
  • In elections in April 1994, the ANC won, forming a non-racial democratic government.

Towards a New Constitution


  • Formation of a common constitution by oppressive and freedom-struggling parties.
  • South African constitution provides extensive rights and inclusivity.
  • Upholds the principle that nobody should be excluded from problem-solving.

Glossary and Important Information - Constitutional Design | Social Studies (SST) Class 9

Nelson Mandela - Gandhi of South Africa

  • Nelson Mandela, an efficient leader of ANC, played a crucial role against apartheid.
  • Imprisoned in 1964, released in 1990.
  • First democratic elections in 1999, Mandela elected President.
  • Symbolizes the transformation from an isolated regime to a model of democracy.

Why do we need a Constitution?


A constitution is a set of written rules accepted by citizens, determining relationships and governance.

Functions of a constitution

  • Generates trust and coordination among diverse people.
  • Specifies government composition and decision-making powers.
  • Sets limits on government powers and outlines citizen rights.
  • Expresses people's aspirations for a good society.

Making of the Indian Constitution

  • Challenges during the making of the Indian Constitution.
  • Born through partition in 1947, with challenges of merging princely states.
  • Constitution drafted under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.
  • Institutional design influenced by colonial rule, French Revolution ideals, and global democratic practices.
  • Inspired by Motilal Nehru's constitution (1928) and Karachi session resolution (1931).

Glossary and Important Information - Constitutional Design | Social Studies (SST) Class 9

Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution

Values embedded in the Preamble:

  • We, the People of India.
  • Sovereign.
  • Socialist.
  • Secular.
  • Democratic.
  • Republic.
  • Justice.
  • Liberty.
  • Equality.
  • Fraternity.

Reflects the dreams of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar.

Institutional Design

  • The constitution is not static but designed to accommodate changes.
  • Provisions for constitutional amendments (104 to date) reflect changing aspirations and societal dynamics.
  • Three categories of amendments based on majority requirements.
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FAQs on Glossary and Important Information - Constitutional Design - Social Studies (SST) Class 9

1. What is constitutional design?
Ans. Constitutional design refers to the process of creating and establishing a constitution for a country or organization. It involves designing the structure, principles, and functions of the constitution, including the division of powers, rights and duties of citizens, and the mechanisms for governance and decision-making.
2. Why is constitutional design important?
Ans. Constitutional design is important because it lays the foundation for the functioning of a country or organization. It determines the distribution of power, protects the rights of individuals, and establishes the framework for governance. A well-designed constitution ensures stability, accountability, and inclusiveness in the political system, and provides a basis for resolving conflicts and promoting democratic values.
3. What are some key elements of constitutional design?
Ans. Some key elements of constitutional design include the separation of powers, checks and balances, fundamental rights and freedoms, representation and electoral systems, federal or unitary structure, and mechanisms for amending the constitution. These elements are designed to ensure a balance of power, protect individual liberties, promote democratic decision-making, and accommodate diverse interests within a country or organization.
4. How does constitutional design impact democracy?
Ans. Constitutional design has a significant impact on democracy. A well-designed constitution provides a framework for democratic governance, ensuring that power is distributed among different institutions and individuals. It establishes mechanisms for citizens to participate in decision-making and protects their fundamental rights and freedoms. Additionally, constitutional design can also influence the inclusiveness, accountability, and stability of a democratic system.
5. Can constitutional design be changed or amended?
Ans. Yes, constitutional design can be changed or amended. Most constitutions include provisions for their own amendment, allowing for modifications to be made as per the evolving needs and aspirations of a society. However, the process of amending a constitution is usually more stringent than ordinary legislation, to safeguard the stability and integrity of the constitutional framework. Constitutional amendments often require a special majority or a specific procedure to ensure that changes are not made arbitrarily or without due consideration.
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