Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Democratic Politics - I

Q1. In which way was the system of ‘apartheid’ oppressive? [Important]

Ans: The apartheid system was highly oppressive for black South Africans. Key aspects of this oppression included:

• Blacks were forbidden from living in white areas.
• They could only work in white areas with a permit.
• Public services such as trains, buses, and hospitals were segregated.
• Blacks were not allowed to visit white churches.

Q2. What was the appeal made by the black leaders to the fellow blacks after the emergence of the new democratic South Africa?

Ans: After the emergence of the new democratic South Africa, black leaders made a heartfelt appeal to their fellow blacks:

• They urged forgiveness towards the whites for the past atrocities committed during apartheid.
• They called for the creation of a new South Africa founded on equality for all races and genders.
• The focus was on embracing democratic values, social justice, and human rights.

Q3. What is meant by the term ‘Constitution’? [Important]

Ans: The constitution of a country is a collection of written rules accepted by its citizens. It serves as the supreme law that governs the relationships among people and between the people and the government.

• It defines how the government is structured.
• It outlines who has the power to make decisions.
• It sets limits on government authority.
• It protects the rights of citizens.

Q4. Describe the advantages that Indians had when they participated in the legislatures that were set up as a result of the elections of 1937.

Ans: Participation in the legislatures established after the 1937 elections offered several advantages for Indians:

• The experience gained in legislative institutions was valuable for future governance.
• It helped in the development of India's own political framework and institutions.
• Indian leaders learned from various global democratic practices, including the French Revolution and British parliamentary democracy.
• This experience fostered confidence and inspired thoughts of a system based on social equality.

Q5. Give a description of the composition of the Constituent Assembly. [Important]

Ans: The Constituent Assembly was primarily elected by members of the existing Provincial Legislatures, ensuring a fair representation from all regions of the country. Key points about its composition include:

• The Assembly was dominated by the Indian National Congress, which included various political groups and opinions.
• It represented diverse members from different languages, castes, religions, classes, and occupations.

The Assembly worked systematically and openly, with a Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar preparing the constitution after extensive discussions. Over 114 days across three years, more than two thousand amendments were considered, and all proceedings were recorded in the 'Constituent Assembly Debates'.

Q6. What did Ambedkar mean by ‘Contradiction’ in his concluding speech to the Constituent Assembly?

Ans: In his concluding speech to the Constituent Assembly, Dr. Ambedkar highlighted that India was entering a life of contradictions on 26th January 1950. He expressed that:

• In politics, there would be equality, with the principle of one man, one vote.
• However, in social and economic life, there would be inequality.
• The principle of one man, one value would be denied in social and economic contexts.

Q7. Why was a constitution necessary for a country like South Africa?

Ans: The need for a constitution in South Africa arose from the complex relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed. Key reasons include:

• The whites and blacks aimed to coexist as equals, which required mutual trust.
• Both groups wanted to protect their interests and ensure their voices were heard.
• A written set of rules was essential to establish and maintain this trust.
• The constitution served as a framework for governance, outlining how leaders are chosen and the rights of citizens.

Q8. What do you understand by secularism? Why is India called a secular country?

Ans: Secularism refers to the principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions. In a secular state, the government treats all religions equally and does not favour one over another.

India is considered a secular country because:

• It is home to many religions and respects all beliefs.
• No religion is designated as the state religion.
• All citizens have the freedom to practice any religion.
• The government treats all religious practices with equal respect.

Q9. What are Constitutional Amendments? State its significance in a democratic country like India. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: Constitutional Amendments are changes made to a country's constitution by its supreme legislative body.

In India, the constitution is a lengthy and detailed document, which requires regular updates to reflect:

• People's aspirations: Amendments ensure the constitution aligns with the evolving needs of society.
• Legal clarity: They help clarify legal provisions and institutional arrangements.
• Democratic values: Amendments support the principles of democracy by adapting to changing political contexts.

Q10. What were the difficulties faced during the making of Indian constitution? [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: The Indian Constitution was created under difficult circumstances. Key challenges included:

• The country was formed through partition, leading to significant violence and trauma.
• Over a million people lost their lives during the partition-related violence.
• The British left the decision of the princely states' merger to their rulers, creating uncertainty.
• At the time, the future of India seemed insecure, with many anxieties about governance.

Q11. State the steps involved in the framing of the Indian constitution. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: The framing of the Indian Constitution involved several key steps:

• Elections for the Constituent Assembly were held in July 1946.
• The first meeting of the Assembly took place in December 1946.
• The Assembly had 299 members representing various sections of society.
• After extensive discussions, the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.

Q12. The Preamble of our Constitution is a short statement of values. Which country has inspired India to incorporate the Preamble? Why does it start with ‘‘We The People of India?’’ [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution draws inspiration from the American model. It emphasizes the importance of the people in creating and enacting the Constitution. 

• It starts with “We The People of India” to highlight that the Constitution is a collective decision made by the citizens.
• This phrasing signifies that the Constitution was not imposed by a monarch or foreign power.
• It reflects the democratic principle that the authority of the government comes from the people.