Worksheet Solutions: Rights in the Indian Constitution | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The list of rights protected by the Indian Constitution is known as the ___________.
Ans:  Fundamental Rights
The Indian Constitution does not use the term Bill of Rights; instead, it guarantees a set of rights under Part III (Articles 12–35), which are called Fundamental Rights.

Q2: Fundamental Rights are listed in ___________ of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Articles 12-35
The specified articles detail the various Fundamental Rights granted to Indian citizens.

Q3: The Indian Constitution grants the right to equality in ___________.
Ans: Articles 14-18
These articles outline the provisions related to the right to equality.

Q4: The Constitution of India ensures that Fundamental Rights are not violated by the ___________.
Ans: government
Fundamental Rights are protected mainly against the State, but in some cases (e.g., Art. 17, Art. 23) also against private individuals

Q5: The judiciary has the power to protect Fundamental Rights from violations by the ___________.
Ans: government actions
The judiciary can intervene and declare government actions that violate Fundamental Rights as illegal.

Q6: Fundamental Rights may only be changed by ___________.
Ans: amending the Constitution itself
Altering or amending Fundamental Rights requires a constitutional amendment, highlighting their importance and permanence.

Q7: Article 21 of the Constitution provides protection of ___________.
Ans: life and personal liberty
Article 21 safeguards an individual's right to life and personal liberty, and it applies to both citizens and non-citizens.

Q8: Right against exploitation is covered under ___________ of the Constitution.
Ans: Articles 23 & 24
Articles 23 and 24 address issues related to exploitation and forced labor.

Q9: Cultural and Educational Rights are mentioned in Articles ___________.
Ans: Articles 29 & 30
Articles 29 and 30 pertain to the protection of cultural and educational rights, particularly for minorities.

Q10: The right to move to the court to enforce Fundamental Rights is granted by ___________.
Ans: Article 32
Article 32 empowers individuals to approach the courts to seek enforcement of their Fundamental Rights.

Match the Column 

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

Ans: 1 - E (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth)
Article 15 ensures equality and prohibits discrimination based on various factors.
2 - B (Freedom of speech and expression)
Article 19 guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
3 - F (Abolition of titles)
Article 18 pertains to the abolition of titles.
4 - H (Protection against forced labor)
Article 23 addresses the prohibition of forced labor.
5 - D (Abolition of untouchability)
Article 17 deals with the abolition of untouchability.
6 - J (Right to move to the court for the enforcement of rights)
Article 32 grants the right to move to the court for enforcing Fundamental Rights.
7 - G (Protection of minorities' educational institutions)
Article 30 safeguards the rights of minorities to establish and manage educational institutions.
8 - I (Protection of language and culture)
Article 29 ensures the protection of language, culture, and script of minorities.
9 - C (Equality of opportunity in public employment)
Article 16 guarantees equal opportunity in public employment.
10 - A (Protection against self-incrimination)
Article 20 provides protection against self-incrimination.

Assertion and Reason Based 

Q1: Assertion: Fundamental Rights can be changed by ordinary lawmaking.
Reason: Fundamental Rights are protected and guaranteed by the Constitution.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (d)

• The Assertion is false because Fundamental Rights cannot be changed or taken away by ordinary laws passed in Parliament. Any change requires a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
• The Reason is true because Fundamental Rights are specially protected and guaranteed by the Constitution itself, making them superior to ordinary laws.

Hence, the correct answer is Option D.

Q2: Assertion: Cultural and Educational Rights protect the right of minorities to establish educational institutions.
Reason: Cultural and Educational Rights are listed in Articles 29 and 30 of the Indian Constitution.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Cultural and Educational Rights protect the rights of minorities to establish educational institutions, and these rights are indeed found in Articles 29 and 30.

Q3: Assertion: Preventive detention allows the government to arrest a person without any reason.
Reason: Preventive detention can be up to three months.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Preventive detention allows the government to detain a person on the apprehension that they might engage in unlawful activity. This detention can last up to three months.

Q4: Assertion: Freedom of religion includes the right to forcibly convert others to one's own religion.
Reason: Freedom of religion allows individuals to spread information about their religion.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (d)
Freedom of religion does not include the right to forcibly convert others. It allows the dissemination of religious information, but it does not permit forced conversions.

Q5: Assertion: The NHRC has prosecution powers to punish violators of human rights.
Reason: The NHRC can issue recommendations to the government or courts based on its inquiries.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (d)

• Assertion: "The NHRC has prosecution powers to punish violators of human rights" → False, because the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a recommendatory body. It cannot directly punish or prosecute violators.
• Reason: "The NHRC can issue recommendations to the government or courts based on its inquiries" → True, since the NHRC investigates complaints and recommends action, but the implementation depends on the government or concerned authorities.

Hence, the correct answer is Option D.

Q6: Assertion: The 44th Amendment in 1978 reclassified the right to property from a Fundamental Right to a Legal right
Reason: It was necessary to make the right to property a legal right so that the government could implement land reforms without being challenged under Fundamental Rights. 
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)

• Before the 44th Amendment, the Right to Property was a Fundamental Right under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31.
• The amendment removed it from Part III and made it a legal right under Article 300A.
• This change allowed the government to carry out land reforms and property acquisition more effectively, which directly explains why the reclassification was done.

Hence, the correct answer is Option A.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. What is Habeas corpus?
Ans: A writ of habeas corpus is a legal order that requires a court to bring an arrested person before it. This writ serves two main purposes:

• The court can ensure that the arrested individual is presented before it.
• If the arrest is found to be unlawful or unjustified, the court can order the release of the person.

Q2: Where are Fundamental Rights listed in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: Fundamental Rights are listed in Articles 12-35 of the Indian Constitution.

Q3: Give one example of a Fundamental Right related to equality.
Ans: An example of a Fundamental Right related to equality is the right to equality before the law and equal protection of laws, as guaranteed by Article 14.

Q4: Who has the power to protect Fundamental Rights from violations?
Ans: The judiciary has the power to protect Fundamental Rights from violations by the government and legislative actions.

Q5: Can Fundamental Rights be changed by ordinary lawmaking?
Ans: Fundamental Rights can only be changed by amending the Constitution itself, not by ordinary lawmaking.

Q6: What does Article 21 of the Constitution protect?
Ans: Article 21 of the Constitution protects an individual's right to life and personal liberty.

Q7: Which articles in the Constitution cover the right against exploitation?
Ans: Articles 23 and 24 in the Constitution cover the right against exploitation, prohibiting forced labor and trafficking in human beings.

Q8: What does Cultural and Educational Rights protect?
Ans: Cultural and Educational Rights protect the rights of minorities to establish and manage their own educational institutions.

Q9: How can citizens enforce their Fundamental Rights?
Ans: Citizens can enforce their Fundamental Rights by approaching the courts, specifically under Article 32, which grants the right to move to the court for the enforcement of rights.

Q10: What is the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?
Ans: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) investigates human rights violations, issues recommendations, and promotes human rights research, but it lacks prosecution powers.

Short Answers Type Questions

Q1: Explain the difference between Fundamental Rights and Cultural and Educational Rights in the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Fundamental Rights are the basic human rights guaranteed to Indian citizens by the Constitution, while Cultural and Educational Rights protect minorities' rights to preserve their culture and establish educational institutions. Fundamental Rights are enforceable by the courts, whereas Cultural and Educational Rights pertain to educational and cultural autonomy.

Q2: Discuss the concept of preventive detention and its purpose.
Ans: Preventive detention allows the government to arrest a person based on the apprehension of their involvement in unlawful activity, and the detention can last up to three months. It is a preventive measure to maintain law and order.

Q3: Describe the rights of the accused to ensure a fair trial in courts.
Ans: The rights of the accused include protection against double jeopardy, protection against retroactive laws, and the right against self-incrimination. These rights ensure a fair trial in courts.

Q4: Explain the limitations on the freedom of religion as mentioned in the Constitution.
Ans: The freedom of religion includes the right to choose, practice, and propagate one's religion, but it is subject to restrictions to protect public order, morality, and health. The Constitution does not allow forced conversions.

Q5: How do Cultural and Educational Rights protect minorities' educational institutions?
Ans: Cultural and Educational Rights protect the rights of minorities, both religious and linguistic, to establish and administer educational institutions. The government must not discriminate against these institutions while granting aid.

Q6: Why is the right to constitutional remedies considered the "heart and soul of the constitution"?
Ans: Dr. Ambedkar considered the right to constitutional remedies as the "heart and soul of the constitution" because it empowers citizens to approach the courts to have their Fundamental Rights restored if violated. It ensures the enforceability of Fundamental Rights.

Q7: Explain the historical context and significance of the 44th amendment regarding the right to property.
Ans: The 44th amendment in 1978 eliminated the right to property as a Fundamental Right and reclassified it as a simple legal right under Article 300A. This amendment was necessary to address certain economic and social issues.

Q8: What is the Directive Principles of State Policy, and how do they differ from Fundamental Rights?
Ans: Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights are two distinct components of the Indian Constitution. While Fundamental Rights are enforceable by the courts and focus on individual rights, Directive Principles are guidelines for the government's policies to promote the welfare of society.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1.  From where our constitution makers took the Fundamental Rights and with what difference?
Ans: During the freedom struggle, Indian leaders recognised the importance of Fundamental Rights and demanded that the British rulers respect the rights of the people. The need for these rights was first articulated in the Nehru Report of 1928. Thus, when India gained independence, it was essential to include and protect Fundamental Rights in the Constitution. The Constitution of India lists seven Fundamental Rights, which are safeguarded through judicial intervention. While the basic idea was inspired by the U.S.A. and its Bill of Rights, there are notable differences:

• The Fundamental Rights in the U.S.A. are scattered throughout the Constitution, whereas in India, they are compiled in one chapter, from Article 13 to Article 35.
• In India, these rights are not absolute; they can be suspended or amended. In contrast, the rights in the U.S.A. are considered absolute and cannot be easily altered.

Q2: Explain the role and functions of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India.
Ans: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) plays a crucial role in investigating human rights violations in India. It can initiate investigations independently or based on victims' complaints, inspect jails to assess inmates' conditions, and promote human rights research. While the NHRC lacks prosecution powers, it can issue recommendations to the government or courts based on its inquiries, contributing to the protection of human rights.

Q3: Analyze the relationship between Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and Fundamental Rights are two vital components of the Indian Constitution. While Fundamental Rights are enforceable by the courts and primarily focus on individual rights, DPSP offers guidelines for government policies aimed at promoting societal well-being. Fundamental Rights place restrictions on the government, preventing specific actions, while DPSP encourage government action to achieve social goals.

Q4: Trace the evolution of the right to property in the Indian Constitution, from its original status as a Fundamental Right to its reclassification.
Ans: The right to property was initially a Fundamental Right in the Indian Constitution. However, the 44th amendment in 1978 eliminated it as a Fundamental Right and reclassified it as a simple legal right under Article 300A. This change aimed to address economic and social issues and allowed the government to acquire property for public welfare without violating a Fundamental Right. The amendment reflects the evolving priorities of the Indian government in balancing individual rights and the common good.