Worksheet Solutions: Test Yourself | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: One feature distinguishing the Rajya Sabha from the Vidhan Parishad is
(a) Power of impeachment
(b) Indirect election
(c) Nomination of members
(d) Tenure of membership

Ans: (b)
Explanation: Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Parliament of India, and its members are indirectly elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. On the other hand, Vidhan Parishad is the Upper House of the State Legislature in certain states of India, and its members are also indirectly elected.

Q2: Who among the following is directly responsible to Parliament for all matters concerning the Defence Services of India?
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Defence Minister
(d) Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs

Ans: (c)
Explanation: The Defence Minister of India is directly responsible to Parliament for all matters concerning the Defence Services of India. The Defence Minister is a part of the Union Council of Ministers and is accountable to both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha.

Q3: Chief Ministers of all the states are ex-officio members of the
(a) Planning Commission
(b) National Development Council
(c) Inter State Council
(d) Finance Commission

Ans: (c)
Explanation: Chief Ministers of all the states are ex-officio members of the Inter State Council. The Inter State Council is a constitutional body that facilitates coordination and cooperation between states and the Union government in matters of mutual interest.

Q4: The Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to
(a) Rajya Sabha
(b) President
(c) House of the People
(d) Prime Minister

Ans: (c)
Explanation: The Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (House of the People). It means that the Council of Ministers is accountable to the lower house of Parliament for all its actions and decisions.

Q5: If in a country there happens to be the office of monarchy as well as a Parliamentary form of government this monarch will be called
(a) Head of the State
(b) Head of the Cabinet
(c) Head of the government
(d) Both Head of the government and State

Ans: (a)
Explanation: In a country where there is both a monarchy and a Parliamentary form of government, the monarch will be called the "Head of the State." The monarch's role will be mainly ceremonial and symbolic, with the real executive powers vested in the government and its elected representatives.

Section B: Fill in the blanks

Q1: The Indian Constitution was adopted on ____________________1950.

Ans: 26th January
Explanation: 26th January 1950 is celebrated as Republic Day in India because on this day, the Indian Constitution came into effect and India became a republic nation, marking the end of British colonial rule.

Q2: In India, the __________________ is the supreme document of law.

Ans: Constitution
Explanation: The Constitution of India is the highest and supreme law of the country. It serves as the foundation for the functioning of the Indian government and outlines the fundamental rights, directive principles, structure of the government, and the distribution of powers between different institutions.

Q3: __________________________ was the chairperson of the drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly.

Ans: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Explanation: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, an eminent jurist, social reformer, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, chaired the drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly. He played a crucial role in shaping the Constitution and ensuring its inclusivity and adherence to democratic principles.

Q4: In a democratic country like India, _____ gives its rights to its citizens.

Ans: sovereignty
Explanation: In a democratic nation, such as India, sovereignty resides with the people. This means that the ultimate power and authority lie with the citizens of the country. They elect representatives to the government through free and fair elections, and these representatives are accountable to the people. The citizens have the right to participate in the governance process, express their opinions, and enjoy fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Q5: The Constitution of India emphasis ideals such as __________________, __________________, _____________________ etc.

Ans:  justice (social, economic, and political), liberty, equality, and fraternity
Explanation: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution outlines the ideals that the nation seeks to achieve. These ideals are:

• Justice: The Constitution aims to establish social, economic, and political justice to ensure fairness and equality for all citizens.
• Liberty: It guarantees freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, allowing individuals to live their lives with dignity and without unnecessary interference from the state.
• Equality: The Constitution ensures equality of status and opportunity to all citizens, irrespective of their caste, creed, gender, or religion.
• Fraternity: The Constitution promotes the spirit of brotherhood among all citizens, fostering unity and a sense of common purpose in the diverse society of India.

These ideals reflect the core values and aspirations of the Indian Constitution, guiding the nation towards a just, inclusive, and progressive society.

Section C: Write answers to the following

Q1: Mention the key features of the Constitution of India.

Ans: Key features of the Constitution of India:

• Lengthy and detailed document
• Federal system with a strong center
• Parliamentary form of government
• Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy
• Independent judiciary
• Single citizenship
• Secular state
• Universal adult franchise
• Rigidity and flexibility (amendable but with some provisions)

Q2: What are the three organs of the state?

Ans: The three organs of the state are:

• Executive: Responsible for implementing laws and running the government. It includes the President, Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers.
• Legislature: Responsible for making laws. In India, it is the Parliament, which consists of the President and two houses - the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
• Judiciary: Responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality. It includes the Supreme Court and various other courts at different levels.

Q3: What is the work of a Cultural Historian?

Ans: The work of a Cultural Historian is to study and analyze the historical development, evolution, and impact of culture and its various aspects, such as art, literature, religion, customs, traditions, and societal norms. They research and interpret cultural artifacts, texts, and practices to understand how culture shapes societies and individuals over time.

Q4: What are the Fundamental Rights of the Indian citizens? Explain any three in detail.

Ans: Fundamental Rights of Indian citizens:

• Right to Equality: This includes equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
• Right to Freedom: This includes freedom of speech and expression, freedom of assembly, freedom to form associations and unions, freedom of movement throughout the territory of India, and the right to practice any profession, occupation, or trade.
• Right against Exploitation: This includes the prohibition of forced labor and child labor. It also prohibits human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

Section D: True or False

Q1: All the Fundamental Rights are available to both, the citizens as well as non-citizens.

Ans: False
Explanation: All Fundamental Rights are not available to both citizens and non-citizens. Fundamental Rights in India are primarily available only to citizens. Some rights, such as the Right to Equality (Article 14 to 18) and Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21), are available to both citizens and non-citizens, while others like the Right to Vote (Article 326) are exclusively reserved for Indian citizens.

Q2: The practice of untouchability has been made illegal.

Ans: True
Explanation: The practice of untouchability has been made illegal in India. Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability in any form. It states that the practice is forbidden and punishable by law.

Q3: Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression does not mean that we can say whatever we like.

Ans: False
Explanation: The Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, as guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, allows citizens to express their thoughts and opinions freely. However, this right is not absolute. There are reasonable restrictions imposed under Article 19(2) to ensure public order, decency, morality, and the sovereignty and integrity of India. Therefore, it doesn't mean that people can say whatever they like without any consequences.

Q4: Each citizen of India has the freedom to practice and spread his religion.

Ans: True
Explanation: Each citizen of India has the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate their religion under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. This fundamental right allows individuals the freedom of conscience and the right to freely practice and profess the religion of their choice. However, it is subject to certain restrictions for public order, morality, and health, as specified in Article 25 itself.