Short and Long Answer Questions: The Philosophy of Constitution | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is the significance of studying the philosophy of the Constitution?

Ans: Studying the philosophy of the Constitution helps us understand the moral values and vision embedded in it, guiding our society and polity. It allows us to evaluate its claims and arbitrate between different interpretations of core values.

Q2: Why is the Indian Constitution considered to be based on a certain moral vision?

Ans: The Indian Constitution is seen as based on a moral vision because it reflects a set of values and ideals that aim to promote equality, justice, freedom, and social harmony among all citizens.

Q3: How does the Indian Constitution address the issue of individual freedom?

Ans: The Indian Constitution emphasizes individual freedom by guaranteeing rights such as freedom of expression, freedom from arbitrary arrest, and freedom of conscience, aligning with liberal ideologies.

Q4: What role does the Constitution play in fostering social justice?

Ans: The Constitution promotes social justice by introducing measures like reservations for marginalized communities, recognizing the need for affirmative action to address historical injustices and ensure equal opportunities.

Q5: How does the Indian Constitution approach the rights of religious communities?

Ans: The Indian Constitution respects the rights of religious communities by allowing them to establish and run their educational institutions, acknowledging the importance of community-based rights alongside individual freedoms.

Q6: What is the concept of secularism as reflected in the Indian Constitution?

Ans: The Indian Constitution practices a form of secularism that recognizes and respects all religions, aiming for a principled distance between the state and religious institutions to safeguard individual freedoms and prevent religious dominance in public affairs.

Q7: How does the Indian Constitution promote the idea of universal franchise?

Ans: The Indian Constitution upholds universal franchise, allowing every citizen the right to vote and participate in shaping the nation's political landscape, reflecting a commitment to democratic principles.

Q8: What is the concept of federalism as outlined in the Indian Constitution?

Ans: The Indian Constitution features a form of federalism that acknowledges the diverse needs of different regions and communities, providing for asymmetric federalism to accommodate special status and rights for certain sub-units within the federation.

Q9: How does the Indian Constitution balance national identity with regional diversities?

Ans: The Indian Constitution strives to maintain a common national identity while respecting and recognizing regional identities and cultural diversities, promoting unity alongside the preservation of distinct linguistic and cultural heritages.

Q10: What are some criticisms and limitations of the Indian Constitution?

Ans: The Indian Constitution faces criticisms for being perceived as unwieldy, unrepresentative in its formation, and somewhat disconnected from indigenous cultural values. Limitations include a centralized idea of national unity, gaps in gender justice, and relegation of certain socio-economic rights to Directive Principles rather than fundamental rights.