Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 1 Practice Question Answers - The Indian Constitution

Q1: What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
(a) The opening lines of the Constitution that state its objectives and ideals.
(b) The conclusion of the Constitution that lists the fundamental rights of citizens.
(c) The provisions that outline the powers of the President of India.
(d) The chapter that deals with the organization of the judiciary.
Ans: (a)
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is a brief introductory statement that outlines the guiding principles and objectives of the Constitution. It highlights the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity among the people of India.

Q2: Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights?
(a) Part I
(b) Part II
(c) Part III
(d) Part IV
Ans: (C)
Part III of the Indian Constitution contains the Fundamental Rights that ensure basic freedoms and protections for all citizens of India.

Q3: Who is known as the "Father of the Indian Constitution"?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) B.R. Ambedkar
(d) Sardar Patel
Ans: (c)
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Constitution" because of his significant contributions as the chairman of the Drafting Committee to create the Constitution of India.

Q4: The Indian Constitution follows which type of governance?
(a) Monarchy
(b) Oligarchy
(c) Federalis
(d) Aristocracy
Ans: (c)
The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government, where there is a division of powers and responsibilities between the central government and the state governments.

Q5: Which amendment to the Indian Constitution lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years?
(a) 42nd Amendment
(b) 44th Amendment
(c) 61st Amendment
(d) 73rd Amendment
Ans: (c)
The 61st Amendment to the Indian Constitution, passed in 1988, lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years, enabling more young citizens to participate in the electoral process.

Q6: Briefly explain the concept of "Secularism" as mentioned in the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Secularism in the Indian Constitution refers to the principle of maintaining a separation between religion and state. It ensures that the government does not favor any particular religion and treats all religions equally. The state guarantees religious freedom to all citizens, allowing them to practice and promote their religion without interference from the government.

Q7: What is the significance of the Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: Fundamental Rights hold immense significance in the Indian Constitution as they provide citizens with essential liberties and protections against arbitrary actions of the state. These rights ensure individual freedom, dignity, and equality, allowing citizens to lead a life of dignity without discrimination. They are enforceable in courts, empowering citizens to challenge any violation of their rights.

Q8: Explain the role of the President of India in the Indian parliamentary system.
Ans: In the Indian parliamentary system, the President of India holds a constitutional position as the ceremonial head of the state. The President's role includes the following:

• Assent to Bills: The President gives assent to bills passed by the Parliament, which is necessary for them to become laws.
• Summoning Parliament: The President summons both Houses of Parliament and addresses them at the beginning of each session.
• Appointing Prime Minister: The President appoints the Prime Minister, usually the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha.
• Dissolution of Lok Sabha: The President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• Appointment of Judges: The President appoints judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts in consultation with the Chief Justice and other judges.

Q9: Describe the composition and functions of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian Parliament.
Ans: The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. It consists of members who are not directly elected by the people but are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies. The composition and functions of the Rajya Sabha are as follows:

• Composition: The Rajya Sabha consists of a maximum of 250 members. Out of these, 238 members are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies, and 12 members are nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
• Functions: The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in the legislative process. It reviews and suggests amendments to bills passed by the Lok Sabha, ensuring thorough scrutiny. It also represents the interests of states and provides a platform for discussing matters of national and international importance.

Q10: How does the Indian Constitution ensure the independence of the judiciary?
Ans: The Indian Constitution ensures the independence of the judiciary through several mechanisms:

• Separation of Powers: The Constitution provides for the separation of powers among the three branches of government: the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive. This separation prevents any undue influence of one branch over another.
• Appointment Process: Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Chief Justice and a collegium of senior judges. This process insulates judicial appointments from political interference.
• Security of Tenure: Once appointed, judges have a secure tenure until they retire. They can only be removed through a difficult impeachment process, ensuring their independence from external pressures.
• Salaries and Allowances: The salaries and allowances of judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, and they cannot be altered to their disadvantage during their term in office.
• Judicial Review: The power of judicial review allows the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, ensuring the government's adherence to the Constitution.

Q11: Explain the significance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution and discuss its key components.
Ans: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as its introductory statement and reflects its fundamental values and aspirations. It outlines the objectives of the Constitution, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It also mentions India's commitment to securing social, economic, and political rights for its citizens. The Preamble provides the spirit and guiding principles for the Constitution's interpretation and implementation, making it a vital part of our legal framework.

Q12: Describe the composition and functions of the Parliament of India.
Ans: The Parliament of India is a bicameral body consisting of two houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha represents the people and is directly elected by the citizens, while the Rajya Sabha represents the states and is indirectly elected. The Parliament's main functions include making laws, discussing national issues, and overseeing the government's functioning. It plays a crucial role in ensuring a democratic and accountable governance system.

Q13: Discuss the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and their importance in ensuring individual liberty.
Ans: The Indian Constitution enshrines fundamental rights to safeguard citizens' individual liberty and dignity. These rights include the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, right to life and personal liberty, and more. They ensure that citizens can live with dignity, free from discrimination and oppression. These rights empower individuals to voice their opinions, pursue their aspirations, and protect themselves from any form of injustice, making them the cornerstone of a democratic society.

Q14: Examine the concept of 'checks and balances' as implemented in the Indian political system.
Ans: The concept of 'checks and balances' in the Indian political system refers to the distribution of powers among different branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The three branches—executive, legislative, and judiciary—have distinct roles and can check each other's actions. For instance, the legislature makes laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary ensures their constitutionality. This system prevents the concentration of power, ensures accountability, and upholds the democratic principles of the Constitution.

Q15: Elaborate on the procedure for amending the Indian Constitution and discuss why it is considered a 'living document.'
Ans: Amending the Indian Constitution involves a two-step process: initiation (by the Parliament) and ratification (by the states). A proposed amendment requires a special majority in both houses of Parliament and ratification by at least half the state legislatures. The Constitution is considered a 'living document' because it can be adapted to changing times and needs through amendments. This flexibility ensures that the Constitution remains relevant and can accommodate societal progress while maintaining its core values and principles.