Unit Test (Solutions): The Indian Constitution | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M.: 30

Attempt all questions.
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 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Which key feature of the Indian Constitution ensures that power is divided among different branches of government? (1 Mark)
(i) Federalism
(ii) Separation of Powers
(iii) Secularism
(iv) Fundamental Rights

Ans: (ii) 
The concept of Separation of Powers in the Indian Constitution divides the government into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. This division is crucial to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful, as each branch has its distinct powers and responsibilities. It also allows each branch to act as a check on the others.

Q2: What is the significance of Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution? (1 Mark)
(i) They establish a single religious law for the country.
(ii) They protect citizens from the arbitrary exercise of power by the State.
(iii) They give the government unlimited power.
(iv) They ensure that the monarchy retains control.

Ans: (ii) 
Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution are meant to protect individuals against the arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the State. These rights ensure that citizens have protections against discrimination, exploitation, and the violation of their freedoms.

Q3: The Indian Constitution establishes a __________ form of government where representatives are elected by the people. (1 Mark)
(i) Monarchical
(ii) Parliamentary
(iii) Federal
(iv) Unitary

Ans: (ii) 
India follows a Parliamentary form of government where representatives are elected by the people through elections. These representatives form the legislature, which is responsible for making laws, and the executive, which enforces these laws. This system ensures that the government remains accountable to the people.

Q4: The Indian Constitution's principle of __________ ensures that no religion is given special treatment by the State. (1 Mark)
(i) Sovereignty
(ii) Federalism
(iii) Secularism
(iv) Democracy

Ans: (iii) 
Secularism in the Indian Constitution means that the State does not favour any particular religion. This principle ensures that all religions are treated equally and that the government does not interfere in religious matters, thus maintaining religious neutrality.

Q5: The right to move the court if any of the Fundamental Rights are violated is guaranteed by the __________. (1 Mark)
(i) Right to Equality
(ii) Right to Constitutional Remedies
(iii) Right to Freedom
(iv) Right against Exploitation

Ans: (ii) 
The Right to Constitutional Remedies allows citizens to approach the courts if they believe that any of their Fundamental Rights have been violated. This right is crucial because it ensures that the rights granted by the Constitution are enforceable and protected by the judiciary.

Q6: What does the term 'Federalism' mean in the context of the Indian Constitution? (2 Marks)
Ans:

• Federalism in India refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country, typically the central and state governments.
• Both levels of government derive their authority from the Constitution and have their own jurisdictions over specific matters.

Q7: Explain the importance of the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. (2 Marks)
Ans:

• Fundamental Rights protect citizens from the arbitrary exercise of power by the State and other individuals.
• They guarantee civil liberties such as the right to equality, freedom, and protection against exploitation, ensuring a just and fair society.

Q8: What is meant by the 'Right to Equality' as provided in the Indian Constitution? (2 Marks)
Ans:

• The Right to Equality ensures that all citizens are equal before the law and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• It also includes the abolition of untouchability and equality of opportunity in public employment.

Q9: Describe the role of the Constituent Assembly in the making of the Indian Constitution. (3 Marks)
Ans:

• The Constituent Assembly was tasked with drafting the Indian Constitution between December 1946 and November 1949.
• It was composed of around 300 members who debated and deliberated on the various provisions to ensure that the Constitution reflected the ideals of democracy, justice, and equality.
• The assembly's work resulted in the visionary document that established the framework for India's democracy.

Q10: Discuss the concept of Secularism as outlined in the Indian Constitution. (3 Marks)
Ans:

• Secularism in the Indian Constitution means that the State does not officially promote or favour any religion.
• It ensures that all religions are treated equally by the State, allowing individuals the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate the religion of their choice.
• The Indian model of secularism also provides for State intervention in religious practices that contradict the principles of equality and justice, such as the abolition of untouchability.

Q11: What is the significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution? (3 Marks)
Ans:

• The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the central and state governments to follow to establish social and economic democracy.
• They aim to reduce inequality, promote social welfare, and ensure that all citizens have access to basic resources like education, health, and employment.
• While not legally enforceable, these principles serve as a benchmark for evaluating the performance of the government in ensuring social justice.

Q12: Explain the key features of the Indian Constitution that reflect its commitment to democracy and social justice. (5 Marks)
Ans:

• The Indian Constitution includes several key features such as Federalism, which allows for a division of powers between the central and state governments, ensuring local representation.
• The Parliamentary form of government ensures that representatives are elected by the people, making the government accountable to the public.
• The Separation of Powers divides government responsibilities among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, preventing the concentration of power in any single branch.
• Fundamental Rights protect individual freedoms and rights against the arbitrary use of power by the State, while the Directive Principles of State Policy guide the government in promoting social and economic welfare.
• Secularism ensures that all religions are treated equally, preventing the State from favouring or discriminating against any religion.

Q13: Analyze the reasons why the Indian Constitution is considered a living document.  (5 Marks)
Ans:

• Flexibility and Adaptability:
  The Indian Constitution is often described as a living document because it is capable of evolving through amendments. This flexibility allows it to adapt to the changing needs and aspirations of the society. For example, the Constitution has been amended several times to address emerging issues, such as the inclusion of the Right to Education as a Fundamental Right through the 86th Amendment.

• Role of Judiciary:
  The Indian judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution. Through its judgments, the Court has expanded the scope of various constitutional provisions. The judiciary ensures that the Constitution remains relevant by interpreting it in the light of contemporary realities. An example of this is the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life) which includes the Right to Privacy.

• Democratic Nature:
  The Constitution lays down the framework for a democratic government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. This democratic nature ensures that the Constitution is not static but evolves with the participation of the citizens. The inclusion of universal adult suffrage and the periodic holding of elections are testaments to its living nature, reflecting the people's will.

• Incorporation of Social Reforms:
  The Constitution has been a vehicle for social change, incorporating various reforms to ensure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Over time, the Directive Principles of State Policy have guided governments in enacting laws aimed at reducing social inequalities and improving the welfare of all citizens, which showcases their ability to respond to social demands.

• Protection of Fundamental Rights:
  The Constitution’s provision of Fundamental Rights ensures that the rights of individuals are protected against any arbitrary action by the State. This dynamic aspect, where citizens can approach the judiciary for the enforcement of their rights, demonstrates the Constitution's ongoing relevance in protecting the rights of all citizens.

The Indian Constitution's ability to grow, adapt, and address new challenges while maintaining its core principles makes it a living document, one that continues to serve as the foundation of Indian democracy.