Worksheet Solutions: Constitution: Why and How? | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks 

Q1: A Constitution is a set of fundamental ____________ that govern a country.
Ans: rules and principles
A constitution comprises fundamental rules and principles that define the structure of government and the rights and duties of citizens.

Q2: The Indian Constitution is often referred to as a "____________ Document."
Ans: Living Document
The Indian Constitution is called a "Living Document" because it can be amended and changed to adapt to evolving circumstances.

Q3: The authority of a Constitution derives from its recognition as the highest legal ____________ in a country.
Ans: authority
A constitution serves as the highest legal authority in a nation, and its provisions are legally binding.

Q4: The Indian Constitution was adopted on ____________ January 1950.
Ans: 26th
January 26, 1950, is the date on which the Indian Constitution was formally adopted, marking the transition to a republic.

Q5: The Constituent Assembly took approximately ____________ years to draft the Indian Constitution.
Ans: two
The Constituent Assembly of India worked for about two years to draft the Indian Constitution.

Q6: The fundamental commitments of the Indian Constitution include equality, liberty, democracy, sovereignty, and a cosmopolitan ____________.
Ans: cosmopolitan identity
The Indian Constitution upholds fundamental commitments such as equality, liberty, democracy, sovereignty, and a cosmopolitan identity, which means a commitment to diverse and inclusive principles.

Q7: The Indian Constitution is the world's largest ____________ constitution.
Ans: written
The Indian Constitution is the world's largest written constitution, meaning it is recorded in a formal document.
 
Q8: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution begins with "We the ____________."
Ans: People
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution starts with the phrase "We the People," indicating that the authority of the Constitution emanates from the citizens.

Q9: The concept of suspension of fundamental rights during an emergency rule was borrowed from the ____________ Constitution.
Ans: Weimar
The Indian Constitution borrowed the concept of suspending fundamental rights during emergencies from the Weimar Constitution of Germany.

Q10: The original copies of the Indian Constitution are kept in special helium-filled cases in the Library of the Parliament of ____________.
Ans: India
The original copies of the Indian Constitution are preserved in helium-filled cases in the Library of the Parliament of India to prevent deterioration.

Match the Column

Q1: Match the terms on the left with their corresponding descriptions on the right.

Ans:

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The Indian Constitution is often referred to as a "Living Document."
Reason: It can be changed easily without any restrictions.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (b)
The Indian Constitution is called a "Living Document" because it can be changed, but the reason provided is not accurate. Changes to the Constitution are subject to specific procedures and safeguards, and it is not changed without restrictions.

Q2: Assertion: The Indian Constitution draws its authority from the fact that members of the Constituent Assembly engaged in public reason.
Reason: The Constituent Assembly debated every clause of the Constitution extensively.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (a)
This assertion and reason are both true. The Indian Constitution derives its authority from the fact that the Constituent Assembly engaged in extensive debates, demonstrating public reason.

Q3: Assertion: The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th January 1950 to commemorate Purna Swaraj.
Reason: Purna Swaraj was officially demanded by Congress in Lahore session 1929.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion and reason are both true. The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th January 1950 to commemorate Purna Swaraj, which was officially demanded by Congress during its Lahore session in 1929.

Q4: Assertion: The Indian Constitution is a "borrowed bag."
Reason: It has borrowed provisions from the constitutions of various other countries.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion and reason are both true. The Indian Constitution is often referred to as a "borrowed bag" because it has indeed borrowed provisions from the constitutions of various other countries, but it is not a mere copy and has been adapted to suit Indian needs.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What are the fundamental commitments of the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The fundamental commitments of the Indian Constitution include equality, liberty, democracy, sovereignty, and a cosmopolitan identity.

Q2: Why is the Indian Constitution often referred to as a "Living Document"?
Ans: The Indian Constitution is called a "Living Document" because it can be amended and changed to adapt to evolving circumstances.

Q3: Who was the first President of the Constituent Assembly of India?
Ans: Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the first President (temporary Chairman) of the Constituent Assembly when it met on 9 December 1946.

Q4: What is the significance of 26th January 1950 in the context of the Indian Constitution?
Ans: January 26, 1950, is the date on which the Indian Constitution was formally adopted, marking the transition to a republic.

Q5: What is the role of the Preamble in a constitution?
Ans: The Preamble of a constitution provides an introduction and sets out the guiding values and objectives of the constitution.

Q6: Which country's constitution had a significant influence on the concept of "procedure established by law" in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The concept of "procedure established by law" in the Indian Constitution was influenced by the Constitution of Japan.

Q7: How long did the Constituent Assembly of India take to complete the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The Constituent Assembly of India worked for approximately two years, eleven months, and eighteen days to complete the Indian Constitution.

Q8: What is the purpose of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution outlines the guiding principles, objectives, and values of the Constitution, providing the context for the entire document.

Q9: Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
Ans: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar served as the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, which was responsible for preparing the draft of the Constitution.

Q10: What is the total number of articles in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The Indian Constitution originally had 395 articles, which have been amended over time. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were 470 articles.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as a guiding light for the interpretation and implementation of the Constitution. It declares the aims and aspirations of the people of India and the principles that the Constitution seeks to uphold, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It sets the tone for the entire Constitution and provides a broad framework for governance.

Q2: Discuss the role of the Constituent Assembly in the making of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Constituent Assembly of India played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution. It was a body of representatives from diverse backgrounds and regions who engaged in intense debates and discussions to frame the Constitution. The Constituent Assembly deliberated on various aspects of the Constitution, including fundamental rights, the division of powers, the Preamble, and more. Its debates, discussions, and consensus-building processes contributed to the creation of a comprehensive and inclusive Constitution.

Q3: How does the Indian Constitution strike a balance between preserving core values and adapting to new circumstances?
Ans: The Indian Constitution strikes a balance between preserving core values and adapting to new circumstances through the process of constitutional amendments. While fundamental values and principles, as enshrined in the Preamble and fundamental rights, remain consistent, the Constitution allows for amendments to adapt to changing needs. However, amendments must adhere to specific procedures and safeguards, ensuring that the core values and basic structure of the Constitution are not easily altered.

Q4: Why is the Indian Constitution often referred to as a "Living Document"?
Ans: The Indian Constitution is called a "Living Document" because it is designed to be adaptable and amendable. It can be modified to address new challenges and evolving societal needs. This adaptability is seen as a sign of the Constitution's resilience and responsiveness to change, while still preserving its core values and principles.

Q5: Describe the major influences on the Indian Constitution from other countries.
Ans: The Indian Constitution drew influences from several sources, including:

• The Government of India Act 1935: This law provided the basic framework for India's constitutional structure.
• The U.S. Constitution: Influence is seen in the fundamental rights, federal structure, and the idea of judicial review.
• The British Constitution: Elements such as parliamentary government and the rule of law.
• The French Revolution: Ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Other foreign constitutions, including the Irish, Canadian, and Australian constitutions, also had some influence.

Q6: What are the fundamental commitments of the Indian Constitution, as outlined in the Objective Resolution?
Ans: The Objective Resolution, moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947, set out the fundamental commitments and goals of the Indian Constitution. It included the commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These commitments later became integral to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

Q7: Explain the concept of "public reason" in the context of the Constituent Assembly's deliberations.
Ans: "Public reason" in the context of the Constituent Assembly's deliberations refers to the idea that the discussions and debates within the Assembly were based on reasoned arguments and not on personal or sectarian interests. Members of the Assembly engaged in public reasoning, deliberating on the provisions of the Constitution with the broader interests of the nation and its citizens in mind. This approach ensured that the Constitution was created through a rational, collective, and inclusive process.

Q8: What is the significance of 26th January 1950 in the context of the Indian Constitution and the declaration of Purna Swaraj?
Ans: January 26, 1950, holds dual significance in the context of the Indian Constitution. It is the date on which the Indian Constitution came into force, marking India's transition from a dominion to a republic. Additionally, it was chosen as the date for the adoption of the Constitution to commemorate the declaration of Purna Swaraj. Purna Swaraj, or complete independence, was officially demanded by the Indian National Congress during its Lahore session in 1929, and it symbolized India's desire for full self-governance.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the process of making the Indian Constitution, including the role of the Constituent Assembly and the major committees involved.
Ans: The process of making the Indian Constitution was a complex and comprehensive undertaking. It involved the following steps:

• Formation of the Constituent Assembly: The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946, with members representing various regions and communities.
• Drafting the Constitution: The drafting process included the appointment of several committees, the most notable being the Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
• Debates and discussions: The Assembly engaged in extensive debates and discussions on various provisions of the Constitution.
• Adoption and enforcement: The Indian Constitution was adopted on January 26, 1950, marking the official commencement of the Republic of India.

Q2: Discuss the effectiveness of a constitution, highlighting the three key factors that determine its effectiveness.
Ans: The effectiveness of a constitution is determined by various factors.
Three key factors include:

• Clarity and specificity of provisions: The constitution's provisions should be clear, specific, and unambiguous to avoid confusion and disputes.
• Protection of fundamental rights: Effective constitutions protect the fundamental rights of citizens, ensuring their liberties and equal treatment under the law.
• Mechanisms for change and adaptation: A constitution should have provisions for amendments and mechanisms to adapt to changing circumstances without compromising its core values.

Q3: Explain the concept of a "borrowed bag" regarding the Indian Constitution, providing examples of provisions borrowed from other countries.
Ans: The term "borrowed bag" is used to describe the Indian Constitution's practice of drawing inspiration from various sources.
Examples of borrowed provisions include:

• Parliamentary system from the United Kingdom.
• Fundamental rights and judicial review from the United States.
• Directive Principles of State Policy from the Irish Constitution.
• Emergency provisions from the Weimar Constitution of Germany.
• Federal structure with a strong center, inspired by the Government of India Act 1935. These provisions were adapted to suit the Indian context.

Q4: Explore the role of the nationalist movement in shaping the principles and objectives of the Indian Constitution, with a focus on the Objective Resolution.
Ans: The nationalist movement played a vital role in shaping the principles and objectives of the Indian Constitution. The Objective Resolution, moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on January 22, 1947, set out key commitments that became integral to the Constitution. It emphasized justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, aligning with the ideals of the freedom struggle. The nationalist movement's focus on independence, democratic governance, and social justice greatly influenced the framing of the Constitution, reflecting the aspirations of the Indian people.