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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 - The Indian Constitution

Q1: Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Ans: 
A democratic country need a Constitution because:

  • It lays out the important guidelines that govern decision making within the various societies of the country.
  • It lays down the ideals that form the basis of the kind of country that its citizens aspire to live in.
  • It serves as asset of rules and principles as the basis by which the country has to be governed.
  • It provides rules to safeguard the interests of minorities and prevent any kind of domination by the majority on minorities.
  • It lays down rules that guard against the misuse of power by any politician leader.
  • It also provides rights to its citizens and protects their freedom.

Consititution of IndiaConsititution of India

Q2: Look at the wordings of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal Constitution. The second column is from the more recent Constitution of Nepal.

1990 Constitution of Nepal

Part 7: Executive

 2015 Constitution of Nepal 

 Part 7: Federal Executive

Article 35: Executive Power: The executive power of the Kingdom of Nepal shall be vested in His Majesty and the Council of Ministers.

Article 75: Executive Power: The Executive Power of Nepal shall, pursuant to this Constitution and law, be vested in the Council of Ministers.


What is the difference in who exercises ‘Executive Power’ in the above two Constitutions of Nepal
Ans: In Article 35 of the 1990 Constitution of Nepal, the powers to rule the country, to set rules and to manage the country are all vested in the King of the country and the Ministers appointed under him.
However, Article 75 of the 2015 Constitution of Nepal states that the rules, governance and management of the country will be based on the laws mentioned in the Constitution of the country under the supervision of the Ministers.


Q3: What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
Ans: 
If there are no restrictions on the power of the elected representatives the leaders might misuse the powers given to them. The Constitution provides safeguards against this misuse of power by our political leaders.


Q4: In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is important to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.
(a) In a school with 30 teachers, 20 of them are male.
(b) In a city, 5 percent of the population are Buddhists.
(c) In a factory mess for all employees, 80 percent are vegetarians. 
(d) In a class of 50 students, 40 belong to more well-off families.
Ans: 

(a) Female teachers are in minority. The female teachers must be allowed space to voice their opinion so that their efforts at teaching are not hindered by their minority status.
(b) Buddhists are in minority. Every individual has the right to follow the religion of his/her choice. People of other faiths must respect the religion other than their own.
(c) Non-vegetarians are in minority. Food choice is personal wish so he/she should have the freedom to eat what he/she wants.
(d) Under privileged are in minority. Citizens can not be discriminated by their birth so their views have to be respected.


Q5: The column on the left lists some of the key features of the Indian Constitution. In the other column write two sentences, in your own words, on why you think this feature is important:

 Key Feature Significance
 Federalism
 Separation of Powers
 Fundamental Rights
 Parliamentary Form of Government

Ans: 

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 - The Indian Constitution


Q6: Write down the names of the Indian States, which share borders with the following neighbouring nations:
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Bhutan
(c) Nepal

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 - The Indian ConstitutionAns:
(a) States which share borders with Bangladesh are:

  • West Bengal
  • Assam
  • Meghalaya
  • Tripura
  • Mizoram

(b) States which share borders with Bhutan are:

  • Sikkim
  • Assam
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • West Bengal

(c) States which share borders with Nepal are:

  • Uttarakhand
  • Sikkim
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Bihar
  • West Bengal
The document NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 - The Indian Constitution is a part of the Class 8 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 8.
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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 - The Indian Constitution

1. What is the significance of the Indian Constitution?
Ans. The Indian Constitution is of great significance as it provides the framework for the governance and functioning of India as a democratic republic. It outlines the fundamental rights, duties, and principles of the citizens, as well as the powers and responsibilities of the government. The Constitution also establishes the structure of the government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary, and ensures a system of checks and balances. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of the people and promoting social justice.
2. How was the Indian Constitution drafted?
Ans. The Indian Constitution was drafted by a Constituent Assembly, which was formed in 1946 and consisted of representatives from across the country. The drafting process took almost three years, from 1947 to 1950. The Assembly, under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, debated and discussed various provisions and principles to be included in the Constitution. They also drew inspiration from various sources, including the constitutions of other countries and the Government of India Act, 1935. The final draft was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950.
3. What are the fundamental rights provided by the Indian Constitution?
Ans. The Indian Constitution guarantees several fundamental rights to its citizens. These include the right to equality, right to freedom of speech and expression, right to protection of life and personal liberty, right against discrimination, right to freedom of religion, right to constitutional remedies, etc. These rights ensure that every individual is treated with dignity and has the freedom to express themselves, practice their religion, and seek justice. The Constitution also prohibits untouchability and provides safeguards for minorities and marginalized sections of society.
4. How can the Indian Constitution be amended?
Ans. The Indian Constitution can be amended through a formal process laid out in Article 368. There are two types of amendments: simple majority amendments and special majority amendments. Simple majority amendments require a majority of the members present and voting in each house of Parliament. On the other hand, special majority amendments require a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in each house, as well as the ratification by at least half of the state legislatures. However, certain provisions, known as "basic structure doctrine," cannot be amended, as they form the core principles of the Constitution.
5. What is the role of the judiciary in upholding the Indian Constitution?
Ans. The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the Indian Constitution. It acts as the guardian of the Constitution and ensures that the rights and principles enshrined in it are upheld. The judiciary has the power of judicial review, which means it can examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions. It protects the fundamental rights of the citizens and provides a mechanism for redressal through writs. The Supreme Court, as the highest judicial authority, has the power to interpret the Constitution and make judgments that have a profound impact on the governance and functioning of the country.
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