Important Questions: Constitution: Why and How? | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Why certain rules are necessary for society?Ans: Certain rules and understandings are very necessary for observance by the members of society so that their relationship is properly maintained. These rules will help in maintaining the discipline and realizing the objectives of the society.

Q2: Why is the Constitution needed?
Ans: The Constitution serves as the fundamental framework of rules, regulations, and common understanding that define the relationship between citizens and various organs of the government. It ensures clarity and stability in governance while also acting as a check on rulers. A Constitution can be either written or unwritten, but its primary role remains to establish order and regulate power within a state.

Q3: What is Constituent Assembly?
Ans: A constituent assembly is a body of renowned persons who are engaged in discussion debate and decision-making process and then drafting the Constitution. Most of the constitutions of world countries are written by the Constituent Assemblies.

Q4: What are the main functions of the Constitution?
Ans: The Constitution serves several key functions:

• It defines the jurisdiction of government organs.
• It outlines the composition of the government.
• It establishes the relationship between the state and its citizens.
• It limits the powers of the government.

Q5: Name main countries from where institutions and features are taken for the Indian Constitution.
Ans: It is said that the Indian Constitution is a borrowed bag because this Constitution has many foreign sources. Britain has the maximum impact on the Indian Constitution. Besides Britain, the USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa are the countries that have influenced the Indian constitution. It is rightly said that the Indian Constitution is a borrowed bag.

Q6: What is the Preamble of the Constitution?
Ans: A preamble is the introductory part of the Constitution which gives the idea of forms of government, values, philosophy, and commitment of the Constitution. Preamble helps in the interpretation of the Constitution.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q7. Discuss the importance of a written constitution.
Ans: The importance of a written constitution lies in its ability to clearly outline the structure of government and the rules for governance. While many countries have a written constitution, some, like the United Kingdom, rely on an unwritten constitution based on traditions and conventions. Key points about written constitutions include:

• A written constitution clearly defines the powers of different government branches.
• It reduces ambiguity, making it easier to interpret laws.
• Typically created through extensive debate and discussion, it reflects the will of the people.
• It is often seen as more legitimate and is widely accepted.

Therefore, a written constitution is essential for clarity, legitimacy, and the protection of citizens' rights.

Q8. Write four important functions of the Constitution.
Ans: The Constitution serves as a framework for government and reflects the values and commitments of the people. Its key functions include:

• Basic Rules: It establishes essential rules for coordination among society members, granting the government authority to create and enforce regulations for maintaining order.
• Framework of Government: It outlines the structure of government and defines the roles and responsibilities of different branches, determining how decisions affecting citizens are made.
• Limits on Government Power: The Constitution sets boundaries on what the government can impose on its citizens. It guarantees fundamental rights that cannot be infringed upon by the government.
• Fulfillment of Aspirations: It aims to meet the aspirations of the people and create conditions for a fair and just society.

Q9. How Parliament is subordinate to that of the Constitution in India?
Ans: In India, Parliament is subordinate to the Constitution for several reasons:

• The Constitution establishes the composition and jurisdiction of Parliament.
• It ensures the supremacy of the Constitution over Parliament.
• Parliament can only legislate on matters assigned by the Constitution.
• Its laws are subject to judicial review, ensuring they comply with constitutional provisions.
• Any amendments to the Constitution can only be made by the Constituent Assembly.

Thus, Parliament operates within the framework set by the Constitution, highlighting its subordinate role.

Q10. On which philosophy our Constitution is based?
Ans: The preamble of the Indian Constitution outlines its philosophical foundation, which is based on three key principles:

• Socialism: Aims to create a society where everyone's basic needs are met, reducing disparities among people. It promotes the idea of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs," striving for an egalitarian society.
• Secularism: Ensures freedom of religion for all citizens. It advocates for no official state religion, recognising that religion is a personal matter.
• Democracy: Encourages full participation of the people in governance and decision-making processes.

These principles collectively guide the Indian Constitution in its mission to foster a just and equitable society.

Q11. How the Constitution make the people one collective entity?
Ans: A constitution expresses the fundamental identity of a people, forming a collective entity through shared norms about governance. Key points include:

• The constitution establishes a collective identity by agreeing on basic principles of governance.
• Individuals have various identities based on factors like race and language, but the constitution helps define their political identity.
• It provides a framework for pursuing personal goals and freedoms, setting limits on actions and defining core values.
• Institutions such as the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary derive their authority from the constitution.
• The Judiciary interprets the constitution and ensures that no one is above it.
• Parliament can make laws within the limits set by the constitution, which cannot be altered by Parliament alone.
• The constitution's supremacy ensures that all individuals and institutions must adhere to its principles.

Therefore, the constitution not only shapes a nation's identity but also governs the relationship between individuals and the state, ensuring that everyone's rights and freedoms are respected.

Q12. How we can ensure the success of a Constitution?
Ans: To ensure the success and adherence to a constitution, several key mechanisms must be in place:

• Separation of Powers: A constitution should prevent any group or government body from becoming too powerful. For instance, the American Constitution employs a system of separation of powers with checks and balances, ensuring that no single organ can dominate.
• Fragmentation of Power: Similar to the American model, the Indian Constitution distributes power among various institutions, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary, as well as independent bodies like the Election Commission. This fragmentation helps to prevent any one institution from undermining the constitution.
• Public Support: A constitution must resonate with the people by balancing values, norms, and procedures. It should be authoritative yet flexible enough to adapt to changing societal needs.
• Core Values: Successful constitutions maintain a balance between preserving essential values and adapting to new circumstances. This adaptability ensures that the constitution remains relevant and respected.

Ultimately, a constitution that safeguards the freedom and equality of its members is more likely to succeed.

Q13. What features we have borrowed from the USA and Britain for our constitution.
Ans: The Indian Constitution is often described as a borrowed document, drawing features from various countries. Here are the key features adopted from the USA and Britain:
From the USA:

• Written Constitution
• The Preamble
• Fundamental Rights
• Post of Vice-President
• Judicial Review

From Britain:

• Single Citizenship
• Bureaucracy
• Parliamentary System of Government
• Rule of Law
• Integrated Judiciary
• Bicameral Legislature

Long Answer Type Questions

Q14. Giving a brief history of the demand of the Constituent Assembly, explain the theoretical and constitutional framework of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: During the national movement, there was a strong demand for a Constituent Assembly. This demand was first raised in the Nehru Report of 1928. After the Second World War, the British government proposed cooperation through various plans, including the August Offer (1940), Cripps Mission (1942), and Wavel Plan (1945). Each time, the Indian National Congress insisted on establishing a Constituent Assembly. Ultimately, this demand was accepted through the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. Mahatma Gandhi strongly advocated for the Constituent Assembly, emphasizing that true Swaraj (self-rule) would reflect the wishes of the people through their chosen representatives. The idea of a Constituent Assembly gained widespread support among politically aware groups in India. The Constituent Assembly was formed through indirect elections, aiming to represent the diverse population of India. It took nearly three years to draft the Constitution, which was completed on 26th November 1949 and adopted on 26th January 1950, a date now celebrated as Republic Day. This Constitution established the position of an elected President, replacing the earlier role of a nominated Governor-General.

• The Assembly was composed of members elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies under the Government of India Act of 1935.
• Seats were allocated to provinces and princely states based on their populations.
• Despite not being elected by universal suffrage, efforts were made to ensure representation for all communities, including twenty-eight members from the Scheduled Castes.
• The Indian National Congress held a dominant position, securing about eighty-two per cent of the seats after the Partition.

The Objective Resolution, introduced by Nehru in 1946, summarised the aspirations of the nationalist movement and laid the foundation for the Constitution, which embodies principles of equality, liberty, and democracy.

Q15. Write the composition of the Constituent Assembly of India.
Ans: The Indian Constitution was drafted by a specially formed Constituent Assembly. This Assembly had a total of 389 members, composed as follows:

• 292 members from British-ruled states
• 93 members from Princely states
• 4 members representing minorities, such as Sikhs and Anglo-Indians

The members were indirectly elected by the state Assemblies, which were established through elections in 1946 based on the Government of India Act 1935. The Assembly was formed following the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, which aimed to create a new government in India. The drafting process took two years, eleven months, and eighteen days, culminating in the adoption of the Constitution on 26 November 1949. The idea of a Constituent Assembly was widely accepted among the politically aware classes in India.

Q16. How the powers are demarcated in Indian Constitution?
Ans: The effectiveness of a constitution relies heavily on a balanced distribution of powers and responsibilities among government institutions. 
Key points include:

• The government must be democratic and focused on the welfare of the people.
• The Constitution establishes a balance among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
• It adopts a parliamentary form of government and a federal structure between the central and state governments.

Powers are divided into three lists:

• Union List: 96 subjects
• State List: 66 subjects
• Concurrent List: 47 subjects

The residual powers remain with the central government, ensuring a clear demarcation of responsibilities.

Q17. How far you agree that the Indian Constituent Assembly was a representative body?
Ans: Although the members of the Constituent Assembly were not directly elected by the people, there was a strong effort to make it a representative body. Key points include:

• The concept of adult franchise was not in place at the time, making direct elections impractical.
• Members were elected by the legislative assemblies of the states.
• Efforts were made to ensure representation of various opinions through nominations.
• Members from all religions received representation, including twenty-eight members from the Scheduled Castes.
• The Congress party dominated the Assembly, holding around eighty-two percent of the seats after the Partition.
• The Congress was a diverse party, accommodating many sections of society.

In conclusion, despite the lack of direct elections, the Constituent Assembly was designed to be a representative body, reflecting a wide range of views and interests.

Q18. What goals are set in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The Indian Constitution sets several goals to address the historical inequalities, discrimination, illiteracy, and injustices inherited from British rule. After independence, the people of India had high aspirations, and the Constitution was framed to fulfill these expectations through governance. These objectives are enshrined in the Preamble, which outlines key values:

• Justice – Social, economic, and political justice to eliminate disparities.
• Equality – Equal opportunities and rights for all citizens.
• Liberty – Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
• Fraternity – Promoting a sense of brotherhood and national unity.
• Dignity of the Individual – Ensuring that every citizen can lead a life of self-respect and material well-being.

One of the foremost goals is to establish an egalitarian society, ensuring fairness and reducing socio-economic inequalities. To achieve this, the Constitution provides for democratic governance, fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and affirmative actions. Additionally, national integration and unity are emphasized to foster harmony among diverse communities. The Constitution aims to create an inclusive society where every individual enjoys fundamental freedoms while contributing to the nation’s development.

Q19. How our constitution is an instrument of socio-economic change?
Ans: The Indian Constitution serves as a crucial instrument for socio-economic change. It was designed to address the inequalities inherited from the British Raj by establishing clear objectives in its Preamble and incorporating chapters on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy. Key impacts of the Constitution on socio-economic conditions include:

• Democratic values have become widespread, fostering a culture of participation.
• Literacy rates have significantly improved, enhancing education access.
• There have been notable advancements in health, housing, and access to clean drinking water.
• The overall quality of life has improved for many citizens.
• Social issues, such as untouchability, are gradually diminishing.
• Per capita income has risen, leading to increased employment opportunities.

These changes reflect the Constitution's role in promoting a more equitable society, demonstrating its effectiveness in fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

Q20. Write important features of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Important Features of Indian Constitution are as follows:

• Written Constitution – The Indian Constitution is a comprehensive, documented set of laws.
• Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility – Some provisions can be amended easily, while others require a special procedure.
• Preamble – The introductory statement defines the guiding principles of the Constitution.
• Liberal Constitution – It upholds individual freedoms and fundamental rights.
• Parliamentary Government – The executive is accountable to the legislature, ensuring democratic governance.
• Federal System – Power is divided between the central and state governments with a clear distribution of responsibilities.
• Republican System – The head of state (President) is elected, not a hereditary monarch.
• Fundamental Rights – Citizens are granted basic rights such as equality, freedom, and protection against exploitation.
• Fundamental Duties – Citizens have responsibilities towards the nation, such as respecting the Constitution and national symbols.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Guidelines for the government to promote social, economic, and political justice.
• Secularism – The state treats all religions equally, ensuring religious freedom for all.
• Bicameral Legislature – The Parliament consists of two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• Universal Adult Franchise – Every adult citizen has the right to vote, regardless of caste, gender, or religion.
• Multi-Party System – Encourages political competition and democratic participation.
• Judicial Review – The Supreme Court and High Courts can review and strike down unconstitutional laws.
• Mixed Economy – The Indian economy incorporates both public and private sectors.
• Single Citizenship – Unlike some federal nations, India provides a single citizenship to all its citizens.
• Supremacy of the Constitution – The Constitution is the highest law of the land, and all laws must conform to it.