Unit Test (Solutions): The Constitution of India - An Introduction | Social Science Class 7 - New NCERT PDF Download

Attempt all questions. Time: 1 hour, M.M. 30

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question numbers 12 to 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: The Indian Constitution was adopted on __________. (1 mark)

Ans: 26 January 1950

The Indian Constitution was officially adopted on 26 January 1950, marking the day when India became a sovereign republic. This date is celebrated annually as Republic Day.

Q.2. Which Fundamental Right ensures equal treatment under the law? (1 mark)

a) Right to Education
b) Right to Equality
c) Right against Exploitation
d) Right to Freedom

Ans: b) Right to Equality

The Right to Equality (Article 14) guarantees that every individual is treated equally before the law, making it the correct answer. The other options represent different rights that do not specifically address equal treatment under the law.

Q.3. Which country’s revolution inspired the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity? (1 mark)

a) USA
b) Ireland
c) France
d) UK

Ans: c) France

The French Revolution was pivotal in promoting the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which influenced many democratic movements worldwide. The other countries had different revolutionary contexts that did not emphasize these specific ideals.

Q.4. The concept of vasudhaiva kutumbakam reflects the idea of __________.(1 mark)

Ans: global unity

The phrase vasudhaiva kutumbakam translates to 'the world is one family,' emphasizing the importance of global unity and interconnectedness among all people.

Q.5. The __________ Amendment added Fundamental Duties to the Constitution. (1mark)

Ans: 42nd

The 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, enacted in 1976, introduced the concept of Fundamental Duties for citizens, highlighting their responsibilities towards the nation.

Q6. How does a constitution act as a rulebook for a country’s governance? (2 marks)
Ans: The Constitution acts as a rulebook by defining the structure and powers of the government, outlining citizens' rights and duties, and providing the legal framework for law-making and governance. It ensures fair, accountable, and orderly functioning of the state.

Q7. How does the Constitution promote fraternity among India’s diverse communities? (2 marks )
Ans: The Constitution promotes fraternity by embedding values like vasudhaiva kutumbakam, fostering unity across diverse communities. It ensures equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, encouraging mutual respect and harmony through principles like equality and secularism. 

Q8. What does ‘republic’ signify in the Preamble of the Constitution? (2 marks)
Ans: ‘Republic’ in the Preamble of the Constitution signifies:

• The head of the state is an elected individual, not someone who inherits the position.
• This ensures that the government is accountable to the people.
• It promotes the idea of citizen participation in governance.

Q9. How did the diversity of the Constituent Assembly strengthen the Constitution? (3 marks)
Ans: The diversity of the Constituent Assembly played a crucial role in strengthening the Constitution of India in several ways:

• Representation: Members from various regions, professions, and social groups ensured that different perspectives were included.
• Inclusivity: The assembly's diverse backgrounds helped address the needs and rights of all citizens, promoting equality.
• Rich Ideas: Experiences from the freedom struggle enriched the discussions, leading to a more robust framework for governance.

This diversity ultimately contributed to a Constitution that reflects the values and aspirations of a wide range of Indian society.

Q10. Explain the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. (3 marks)
Ans: Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are two important components of the Indian Constitution, each serving distinct purposes:

• Fundamental Rights are legal guarantees that protect individual freedoms and ensure equality. They are enforceable by the courts, meaning citizens can seek justice if these rights are violated.
• Directive Principles serve as guidelines for the government to promote social and economic welfare. They are not legally enforceable, which means citizens cannot approach the courts if these principles are not implemented.
• The framers of the Constitution intended for Fundamental Rights to be immediately actionable, while Directive Principles represent broader goals that may take time to achieve.

Q11. How did India’s civilisational heritage influence the Constitution’s values? (3 marks)
Ans: The influence of India's civilisational heritage on the Constitution's values is significant and multifaceted:

• Fundamental Duties: The Constitution incorporates ideas from India's heritage, emphasising the responsibilities of citizens in governance.
• Inclusivity: The principle of vasudhaiva kutumbakam ("the world is one family") reflects the cultural acceptance of diverse viewpoints.
• Learning from Others: The Constitution makers studied global examples, adopting ideals such as liberty, equality, and fraternity from the French Constitution and the concept of an independent judiciary from the American Constitution.
• Historical Context: The rich traditions of India, including respect for nature and the pursuit of knowledge, are embedded in the Constitution, shaping its core values.

Overall, the Constitution serves as a bridge between India's ancient values and modern governance.

Q12. Analyze how the freedom struggle and global influences shaped the Constitution’s principles. (5 marks)
Ans: The Constitution of India was significantly shaped by the freedom struggle and various global influences. Key aspects include:

• Influence of the Freedom Movement: The ideals of the freedom struggle, such as equality, justice, and fraternity, were foundational in the Constitution. Leaders from the movement contributed directly to its formation.
• Civilisational Heritage: India's rich cultural history informed many principles, including the emphasis on fundamental duties and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
• Global Inspirations: The Constitution makers studied various international constitutions, adopting concepts like liberty and equality from France, and the Directive Principles from Ireland, to create a framework suitable for India.

These influences ensured that the Constitution not only reflected India's aspirations for a democratic society but also incorporated lessons from global practices, making it a comprehensive guide for governance.

Q13. Evaluate why the Constitution’s ability to be amended keeps it relevant today. (5 marks)
Ans: The Constitution remains relevant today due to its ability to be amended as society evolves. Here are some key reasons:

• Adaptability: The Constitution can be updated to reflect changing societal values and needs, ensuring it stays relevant.
• Rigorous Process: Amendments are thoroughly debated in Parliament and sometimes in legislative assemblies, ensuring that changes are well-considered.
• Public Involvement: The government often seeks opinions from the public, allowing citizens to have a say in changes that affect them.
• Historical Context: Amendments, such as the addition of 'Fundamental Duties' in 1976, show how the Constitution has adapted to new circumstances.
• Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution, ensuring it aligns with contemporary values, as seen in cases like the right to fly the national flag.