Q1: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
Apartheid was the system of racial discrimination imposed by the white rulers of South Africa. The native black population, who formed the majority, were denied basic rights and segregated from whites. They could not live in white areas, travel on the same buses, or attend the same schools. The African National Congress (ANC) led the struggle against apartheid, organizing protests, marches, and strikes. Nelson Mandela, a key leader of the ANC, was imprisoned for 27 years for his opposition to apartheid. After years of struggle, apartheid was abolished, and South Africa transitioned into a multi-racial democracy with a new constitution that guaranteed equality for all citizens.
i. What was apartheid, and how did it affect the black population of South Africa? (1 mark)
ii. What role did the African National Congress (ANC) play in the struggle against apartheid? (2 marks)
iii. How did South Africa transition from apartheid to democracy? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination in South Africa that segregated the black population and denied them basic rights.
ii. The ANC led protests, strikes, and movements against apartheid, uniting different communities to fight for equality and democracy.
iii. After years of protests and international pressure, apartheid was abolished, and South Africa adopted a new democratic constitution.
Q2: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
The Indian Constitution was drafted under difficult circumstances. India had just gained independence from British rule, but it was also dealing with the effects of Partition. The Constituent Assembly, consisting of 299 members, took nearly three years to draft the Constitution. The process involved extensive debates, discussions, and amendments to ensure that the document reflected the diverse needs of the country. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is now celebrated as Republic Day.
i. Why was the drafting of the Indian Constitution a challenging task? (1 mark)
ii. How was the Constituent Assembly structured, and what was its role in drafting the Constitution? (2 marks)
iii. When was the Indian Constitution adopted, and when did it come into effect? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. The drafting of the Indian Constitution was challenging due to the country’s diversity, recent independence, and the aftermath of Partition.
ii. The Constituent Assembly had 299 members who discussed, debated, and amended the Constitution over three years before finalizing it.
iii. The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950.
Q3: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
A constitution is necessary to establish rules for governance, define the powers of the government, and protect the rights of citizens. South Africa’s transition to democracy shows the importance of a constitution in ensuring peace among diverse groups. The Indian Constitution was drafted to reflect the aspirations of its people and to provide a framework for justice, equality, and liberty. It lays down the basic structure of government, ensures the protection of fundamental rights, and guarantees that laws are followed consistently.
i. Why is a constitution important for a country? (1 mark)
ii. How does a constitution help in maintaining stability in a diverse country like India? (2 marks)
iii. What are some key features of the Indian Constitution? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. A constitution provides rules for governance, defines government powers, and protects citizens’ rights.
ii. It ensures equality, justice, and democracy by setting clear rules that apply to all, preventing conflicts among diverse communities.
iii. The Indian Constitution includes fundamental rights, the separation of powers, and democratic governance.
Q4: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution outlines the fundamental values of the country. It declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic and ensures Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity among its citizens. These principles were inspired by the values of the freedom struggle and guide the laws and policies of the country. The Preamble also emphasizes that the Constitution is made by the people and for the people, ensuring that no external power controls India.
i. What does the term "Sovereign" in the Preamble signify? (1 mark)
ii. How does the Preamble reflect the values of the Indian freedom struggle? (2 marks)
iii. What is the significance of the phrase "We, the people of India" in the Preamble? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. "Sovereign" means that India is an independent nation and is free to make its own decisions.
ii. The Preamble reflects values like justice, liberty, and equality, which were central to the freedom movement and the struggle against colonial rule.
iii. The phrase "We, the people of India" signifies that the Constitution is made by and for the people, ensuring democracy.
Q5: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
The Indian Constitution is a dynamic document, allowing changes through constitutional amendments. The framers of the Constitution ensured that it could adapt to changing times while maintaining its core values. For instance, the 42nd Amendment (1976) added the words "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble. Amendments ensure that the Constitution remains relevant and reflects the needs of society. However, changes must follow a legal process, ensuring that amendments do not violate fundamental rights.
i. Why was it important to allow amendments in the Indian Constitution? (1 mark)
ii. What was the significance of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment of 1976? (2 marks)
iii. How do constitutional amendments help maintain the relevance of the Constitution? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. Amendments allow the Constitution to adapt to changing times while preserving fundamental principles.
ii. The 42nd Amendment (1976) added the words "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble, reinforcing India's commitment to equality and religious freedom.
iii. Amendments help update laws, address new challenges, and ensure that the Constitution reflects societal progress.
Q6: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
The drafting of the Indian Constitution was done by an elected body called the Constituent Assembly. Elections for this Assembly were held in July 1946, and the first meeting took place in December 1946. However, after Partition, the Constituent Assembly was divided into India and Pakistan's separate Assemblies. The Indian Constituent Assembly had 299 members who worked for nearly three years to frame the Constitution. The Assembly debated and refined the provisions before finally adopting the Constitution on 26 November 1949, which came into effect on 26 January 1950.
i. When was the first meeting of the Indian Constituent Assembly held? (1 mark)
ii. Why was the Constituent Assembly divided into two separate Assemblies? (2 marks)
iii. How long did it take to draft the Indian Constitution? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. The first meeting of the Indian Constituent Assembly was held in December 1946.
ii. The Constituent Assembly was divided because of Partition, which led to the creation of Pakistan as a separate nation, requiring a separate Constitution.
iii. It took nearly three years to draft the Indian Constitution.
Q7: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy was remarkable. After years of struggle, both the oppressors (white minority) and the oppressed (black majority) agreed to work together to build a democratic nation. Instead of seeking revenge, the leaders of the new South Africa, including Nelson Mandela, promoted forgiveness and inclusion. The new South African Constitution ensured equality, justice, and human rights for all, making it one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.
i. How did South Africa transition from apartheid to democracy? (1 mark)
ii. Why is the South African Constitution considered a model of reconciliation? (2 marks)
iii. What role did Nelson Mandela play in the transition to democracy? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. South Africa transitioned from apartheid to democracy through negotiations between black leaders and the white minority, leading to a new Constitution.
ii. The South African Constitution is a model of reconciliation because it promoted forgiveness instead of revenge and ensured equality for all citizens.
iii. Nelson Mandela led the freedom struggle, spent 27 years in prison, and later became the first black President of South Africa, advocating peace and democracy.
Q8: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
A democratic constitution is essential to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens. In India, the Constitution guarantees rights such as freedom of speech, equality before law, protection against discrimination, and the right to constitutional remedies. These rights ensure that no government can misuse its power to suppress the people. The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution and protects these fundamental rights.
i. What are fundamental rights, and why are they important in a democracy? (1 mark)
ii. How does the Indian Constitution protect citizens from government misuse of power? (2 marks)
iii. Which institution is responsible for protecting fundamental rights in India? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. Fundamental rights are basic freedoms that ensure justice, equality, and protection from government oppression.
ii. The Indian Constitution lays down laws that restrict government power and provides legal remedies if rights are violated.
iii. The Supreme Court is responsible for protecting fundamental rights in India.
Q9: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution highlights the core values on which India is built. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic. The Preamble also guarantees Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. These principles were inspired by the freedom struggle and guide the functioning of the government. The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added to the Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 to reinforce India's commitment to economic and religious equality.
i. What is the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution? (1 mark)
ii. What do the terms "Socialist" and "Secular" mean in the Preamble? (2 marks)
iii. When and through which amendment were the words "Socialist" and "Secular" added to the Preamble? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. The Preamble outlines the core values of the Constitution and serves as a guiding principle for governance.
ii. "Socialist" means economic equality, and "Secular" means equal treatment of all religions by the state.
iii. The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976.
Q10: Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he worked to ensure that the Constitution provided equal rights for all, particularly for marginalized communities. He strongly advocated for social justice, abolition of untouchability, and protection of fundamental rights. His vision was to create an India where every citizen, regardless of caste or background, had equal opportunities.
i. What was the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in drafting the Indian Constitution? (1 mark)
ii. How did Dr. Ambedkar contribute to ensuring social justice in the Constitution? (2 marks)
iii. What position did Dr. Ambedkar hold in the Constituent Assembly? (1 mark)
Ans:
i. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and played a key role in framing the Constitution.
ii. He worked to abolish untouchability, ensure fundamental rights, and promote equal opportunities for all citizens.
iii. He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.
