Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 HOTS Questions - Democratic Politics - I

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Q116. What was 'Constituent Assembly'?
Ans: The Constituent Assembly was an assembly of elected representatives responsible for drafting the country's constitution. Key details include:

• Elections were held in July 1946.
• The first meeting took place in December 1946.
• Following the partition, it was divided into the Assemblies for India and Pakistan.
• The Indian Constituent Assembly had 299 members.
• The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950.
• This day is celebrated as Republic Day each year.

Q117. How was Constituent Assembly formed?
Ans: Elections for the Constituent Assembly took place in July 1946. The first meeting was held in December 1946. Following the partition of the country into India and Pakistan, the Assembly was divided into two separate bodies:

• The Constituent Assembly of India
• The Constituent Assembly of Pakistan

The Indian Constituent Assembly comprised 299 members and adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949. It came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day each year.

Q118. How many members did the Constituent Assembly have?
Ans: The Constituent Assembly that drafted the Indian Constitution comprised 299 members.

Q119. When was the Constitution work completed and when did it come into effect?
Ans: The Constitution was adopted by the Assembly on 26th November 1949. It officially came into effect on 26th January 1950. This date is celebrated annually as Republic Day in India.

Q120. Why did the Constitution come into effect on 26th January 1950?
Ans: The Constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950 for several important reasons:

• The date 26th January was significant as it marked the day when Jawaharlal Nehru declared India's independence in 1931.
• This choice aimed to honour the historical importance of the date in India's struggle for freedom.
• It symbolised the transition from colonial rule to a sovereign nation.

Q121. What is the unusual achievement of our Constitution?
Ans: No large social group or political party has ever questioned the legitimacy of the Constitution itself. This is an unusual achievement for any constitution.

Q122. In which manner Constituent Assembly worked?
Ans: The Constituent Assembly operated in a systematic, open, and consensual manner. Key aspects of its functioning include:

• Initial agreement on basic principles.
• Formation of a Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to create the draft constitution.
• Extensive discussions on the draft, examining it clause by clause.
• Consideration of over two thousand amendments.
• Deliberations lasted for 114 days over three years.
• All proceedings and discussions were documented, known as the 'Constituent Assembly Debates'.

Q123. Why was a drafting committee formulated? Who was its Chairman?
Ans: The Drafting Committee was established to create a draft of the Constitution for further discussion. Its Chairman was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Q124. Who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.

Q125. How many amendments were considered on the draft?
Ans: More than two thousand amendments were considered by the drafting Committee.

Q126. How much time it took to form the Constitution of India?
Ans: It took about 114 days over three years to document the Indian Constitution.

Q127. What are 'Constituent Assembly Debates'?
Ans: Constituent Assembly Debates refer to the recorded discussions and documents from the Constituent Assembly, which was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India. Key points include:

• Every word spoken and document presented during the Assembly's sessions has been preserved.
• These records are known as the Constituent Assembly Debates.
• When printed, they comprise 12 volumes, detailing the rationale behind each provision of the Constitution.
• The debates serve as a crucial resource for interpreting the Constitution's meaning.

Q128. How these Constituent Assembly Debates are used?
Ans: Constituent Assembly Debates serve as a crucial resource for understanding the Indian Constitution. They are used for the following purposes:

• Provide the rationale behind each provision of the Constitution.
• Assist in interpreting the meaning of the Constitution.
• Document the discussions and decisions made during the drafting process.

These debates are essential for grasping the context and intent of the Constitution's framers.

Q129. What features formed the foundation for India's democracy?
Ans: Values that inspired and guided the freedom struggle formed the foundation for India's democracy. These values include:

• Universal adult franchise: Ensuring every citizen has the right to vote.
• Right to freedom: Protecting individual liberties.
• Equality: Guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens.
• Minority rights: Safeguarding the interests of minority groups.

These principles were embedded in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and continue to guide the nation.

Q130. What is Preamble?
Ans: The Preamble serves as the introduction to the Indian Constitution, summarising its core principles. It is often described as the soul of the Constitution, as it:

• Outlines the fundamental values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Sets the tone for the laws and actions of the government.
• Acts as a guiding framework for evaluating legislation.

Overall, the Preamble encapsulates the essence of India's democratic ideals.

Q131. What does 'Sovereign' mean?
Ans: The term sovereign refers to the idea that the people possess the highest authority to make decisions regarding both internal and external matters. This means:

• People have the supreme right to govern themselves.
• No outside power can dictate the actions of the government of India.
• The constitution is created by the people through their representatives, not imposed by any external authority.

Q132. What does 'Socialist' in a democratic Constitution mean?
Ans: The term Socialist in a democratic Constitution signifies that:

• Wealth is created collectively and should be shared fairly among all members of society.
• The government aims to reduce socio-economic inequalities.
• It regulates the ownership of land and industry to promote equity.

Q133. What is the meaning of the form 'Secular'?
Ans: Secular refers to a system where:

• Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion.
• There is no official religion endorsed by the state.
• The government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect.

Q134. What does 'democratic' mean?
Ans: Democratic refers to a type of government where:

• People have equal political rights.
• Citizens can elect their leaders.
• Leaders are held accountable for their actions.
• The government operates based on established rules.

Q135. What does 'Republic' mean?
Ans: A republic is a form of government where:

• The head of the state is an elected official.
• This position is not inherited, meaning it is not hereditary.

In a republic, the authority lies with the people, who choose their leaders through elections.

Q136. Why is the term 'Justice' included in our Preamble?
Ans: Justice is included in the Preamble to ensure that:

• All citizens are treated equally, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
• Social inequalities are addressed and reduced.
• The government is responsible for the welfare of all, especially the disadvantaged.

Q137. What kind of liberty is given in the Preamble?
Ans: The Preamble guarantees liberty to citizens in several ways:

• It ensures there are no unreasonable restrictions on what individuals can think.
• Citizens have the freedom to express their thoughts as they wish.
• People can act on their thoughts without facing undue limitations.

Q138. What does 'Equality' term mean in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: Equality

• Everyone is equal before the law.
• Traditional social inequalities must be eliminated.
• The government should provide equal opportunities for all.

Q139. What does the term 'Fraternity' signify in the Preamble?
Ans: Fraternity signifies the idea that:

• We should act as if we are part of the same family.
• No one should treat a fellow citizen as inferior.

Q140. What are 'Constitutional Amendments'?
Ans: Constitutional Amendments are changes made to the constitution to keep it relevant and aligned with the evolving needs of society.

• They allow for updates and modifications to the legal framework.
• These amendments reflect the aspirations of the people.
• They ensure the constitution remains a living document, not a static one.

Q141. Why do we need to make amendments in our constitution?
Ans: Our Constitution is a lengthy and detailed document. It requires regular amendments to ensure it remains relevant and reflects current societal needs.

• Amendments help keep the Constitution aligned with people's aspirations.
• They allow for adjustments in response to changes in society.
• The Constitution is not seen as a fixed law; it is designed to evolve.

Q142. Name some of the members of the Constituent Assembly?
Ans:

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1884-1963) - Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, lawyer, and later the first President of India.
• Jaipal Singh (1903-1970) - A sportsman and educationist, he was the captain of India's first national hockey team.
• Baldev Singh (1901-1961) - An entrepreneur and leader of the Panthic Akali Party, he served as Defence Minister.
• B.R. Ambedkar (1891-1956) - Chairman of the Drafting Committee and a social revolutionary, later became the Law Minister.
• Jawaharlal Nehru - Prime Minister of the Interim Government and a key figure in India's independence.
• Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949) - A poet, writer, and political activist, she played a significant role in the freedom struggle.
• Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (1901-1953) - An educationist and lawyer, he was influential in Indian politics.

Q143. What do you know about Nelson Mandela?
Ans: Nelson Mandela was a prominent South African leader known for his fight against the oppressive apartheid regime. Key points about his life include:

• In 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for opposing the apartheid government.
• Mandela spent 27 years in Robben Island, a notorious prison.
• He was released in 1990, after which South Africa began its transition to democracy.
• On 26 April 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, and Mandela became the country's first black President.

Q144. What do you understand by the term 'apartheid'?
Ans: Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination in South Africa, enforced by the white government from 1948 to 1989. Key features include:

• Official policy of racial separation and discrimination.
• Black South Africans, who made up about three-fourths of the population, faced severe oppression.
• Non-whites were denied voting rights and access to many public facilities.
• Blacks could only live and work in designated areas with special permits.

This system led to widespread protests and resistance, ultimately contributing to its dismantling.

Q145. What basic rules are followed to form a Constitution?
Ans: The basic rules for forming a Constitution include:

• Establishing trust: A constitution creates a framework that helps different groups coexist peacefully.
• Defining government structure: It outlines how the government is formed and who holds decision-making power.
• Limiting government power: It sets boundaries on what the government can do and clarifies the rights of citizens.
• Reflecting societal values: It expresses the aspirations of the people for a just and equitable society.

These rules ensure that all citizens have a say in governance and that their rights are protected.

Q146. What documents were taken by the Constituent Assembly to form the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The documents used to create the Indian Constitution included:

• Motilal Nehru and eight other leaders drafted a constitution in 1928.
• A resolution from the Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress in 1931 outlined the desired features of an independent India's constitution.

Both documents emphasised:

• Inclusion of universal adult franchise.
• Rights to freedom and equality.
• Protection of minority rights.

Q147. Indian leaders were inspired by which countries to frame the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The countries that inspired the Indian Constitution include:

• France: The ideals of the French Revolution, particularly liberty, equality, and fraternity, influenced Indian leaders.
• Britain: The practice of Parliamentary democracy in Britain served as a model.
• United States: The Bill of Rights was a significant source of inspiration.
• Russia: The socialist revolution prompted thoughts on social and economic equality.

Q148. How was the Constituent Assembly formed?
Ans: The drafting of the Constitution was carried out by an assembly of elected representatives known as the Constituent Assembly.

• Elections for the Constituent Assembly took place in July 1946.
• The first meeting was convened in December 1946.
• After the partition, the assembly was split into the Constituent Assemblies of India and Pakistan.
• The Indian Constituent Assembly had 299 members and adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949.
• The Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day each year.

Q149. When was the Constitution completed and why was it imposed on 26 January 1950?
Ans: The Constitution of India was completed by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. However, it came into effect on 26 January 1950 for the following reasons:

• This date was chosen to honour the significance of 26 January, which was already celebrated as Independence Day in 1930.
• To commemorate this day, we celebrate it annually as Republic Day.

Q150. Give reasons for accepting the Constitution made by the Constituent Assembly more than 50 years ago.
Ans: Several reasons support the continued acceptance of the Constitution established by the Constituent Assembly over 50 years ago:

• Broad Consensus: The Constitution reflects a wide agreement of its time, not just the views of its members.
• Representation: The Constituent Assembly represented the people of India, despite the absence of universal adult franchise. It was elected mainly by members of Provincial Legislatures, ensuring fair regional representation.
• Systematic Approach: The Assembly operated in a systematic, open, and consensual manner. Basic principles were agreed upon first, followed by detailed discussions on the draft constitution, which included over two thousand amendments.

Q151. What was the 'Drafting Committee'?
Ans: The Drafting Committee was responsible for creating the initial draft of the Constitution. Key points include:

• It was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
• Members engaged in detailed discussions on the draft, examining it clause by clause.
• The committee worked for 114 days over a span of three years.
• After completion, the draft was presented to the public for feedback.

Q152. What are 'Constituent Assembly Debates'?
Ans: Every document presented and every word spoken in the Constituent Assembly has been recorded and preserved. These records are known as the Constituent Assembly Debates. They serve several important purposes:

• They provide the rationale behind every provision of the Constitution.
• They are used to interpret the meaning of the Constitution.
• When printed, these debates fill 12 bulky volumes.

Q153. In which two ways can the philosophy of the Indian Constitution be understood?
Ans: The philosophy of the Indian Constitution can be understood in two main ways:

• Historical Context: It reflects the values that inspired the freedom struggle, which are embedded in the Preamble. These values guide the principles of democracy in India.
• Institutional Framework: The Constitution outlines the structure of government, defining powers and responsibilities while ensuring the protection of citizens' rights.

Q154. What is the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in making the Constitution?
Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution. His contributions included:

• Advocating for political equality while emphasising the need to address social and economic inequalities.
• Believing that true equality must extend beyond politics to all aspects of life.
• Critiquing existing social structures that perpetuated inequality.

Ambedkar's vision was crucial in shaping a Constitution that aimed to eliminate discrimination and promote justice for all.

Q155. How did the blacks of South Africa fight against the practice of apartheid?
Ans: Since 1950, black, coloured, and Indian South Africans have actively fought against the apartheid system. Their efforts included:

• Organising protest marches and strikes.
• Forming the African National Congress (ANC), which led the struggle against segregation policies.
• Collaborating with various workers' unions and the Communist Party.
• Receiving support from sensitive white individuals who joined the ANC to oppose apartheid.

Additionally, many countries condemned apartheid as unjust and racist, although the white government continued to enforce its oppressive policies through violence.

Q156. What kind of inspiration do we get from South Africa?
Ans: The South African Constitution serves as a powerful source of inspiration for democrats worldwide. Once regarded as one of the most undemocratic states, South Africa has transformed into a model of democracy since 1994. This remarkable change was driven by the people's determination to:

• Work together to overcome past struggles.
• Transform painful experiences into a unifying force for a rainbow nation.

Nelson Mandela highlighted that the Constitution is a commitment to never repeat the racism and repression of the past. It aims to create a society that truly belongs to all South Africans, regardless of race or gender.

Q157. What were Nelson Mandela's views on the South African constitution?
Ans: Nelson Mandela's views on the South African constitution highlight its significance in both historical and future contexts:

• The Constitution serves as a solemn pact among South Africans, ensuring that the racist and brutal past is never repeated.
• It acts as a charter for transformation, aiming to create a nation that is genuinely shared by all its people.
• This includes everyone—black and white, women and men—in a country that belongs to all.

Mandela emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in building a rainbow nation from their shared experiences.

Q158. What compromises were made by both ethnic groups of South Africa for their constitution?
Ans: The whites made several concessions:

• Accepted the principle of majority rule and one person, one vote.
• Agreed to recognise some basic rights for the poor and workers.

The blacks also made important compromises:

• Agreed that majority rule would not be absolute.
• Accepted that the majority would not confiscate the property of the white minority.

This compromise was significant, as it aimed to balance the interests of both groups in a new democratic South Africa.

Q159. Why are rules formed in the constitutions of countries?
Ans: The rules in a country's constitution serve several important purposes:

• They outline how leaders are selected in the future.
• They define the powers and limitations of elected governments.
• They establish the rights of citizens.

These fundamental rules are essential for maintaining order and trust within a society.

Q160. Which basic values were accepted by all leaders before the Constituent Assembly met to form the constitution?
Ans: Basic values accepted by leaders before the Constituent Assembly met:

• Universal Adult Franchise: All citizens of India should have the right to vote and stand for elections.
• Right to Freedom and Equality: Essential for a diverse country like India, ensuring everyone is treated equally.
• Protection of Minority Rights: Safeguarding the rights of minorities in the constitution of independent India.

Q161. Who was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar? How did he play a key role in the making of Indian constitution?
Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.

• He was a social revolutionary and a thinker who fought against caste divisions and inequalities.
• Ambedkar played a crucial role in shaping the Constitution, advocating for the removal of inequalities.
• He had a different perspective on achieving equality compared to others, notably Mahatma Gandhi, whom he often criticised.

Q162. How values of freedom struggle were embedded in the Preamble of the Indian constitution?
Ans: Values that inspired and guided the freedom struggle form the basis of India's democracy, as reflected in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Key points include:

• The Preamble outlines the basic values of the Constitution.
• It serves as a guiding principle for all articles within the Constitution.
• These values include justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• The Preamble acts as the soul of the Constitution, helping to evaluate laws and government actions.

Q163. What does the Indian Preamble on the constitution contain?
Ans: The Preamble of the Constitution serves as a guiding light for India's democracy. It encapsulates the core philosophy upon which the entire Constitution is founded. Key points include:

• It acts as a standard for assessing laws and government actions.
• It reflects the essence and values of the Indian Constitution.
• It emphasises the importance of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity among citizens.

In essence, the Preamble is the soul of the Indian Constitution, guiding the nation towards its democratic ideals.