Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Democratic Politics - I

Q1. Regarding the constitution-making, what compromise was reached between the blacks and whites?

Ans: The constitution of South Africa was created through negotiations between the white ruling party and the black leaders of the freedom struggle. This constitution is known for granting extensive rights to its citizens.

After lengthy discussions, both sides reached a compromise:

• The whites accepted the principle of majority rule and the concept of one person, one vote.
• They also agreed to recognise basic rights for the poor and workers.
• The blacks accepted that majority rule would not be absolute.
• They agreed that the majority would not be allowed to take away the property of the white minority.

This compromise was challenging, as both parties needed to trust each other to ensure its successful implementation.

Q2. What does the constitution effectively do that makes a country a democratic one?

Ans: A constitution plays a vital role in establishing a democratic country by:

• Building trust: It fosters trust and cooperation among diverse groups of people.
• Defining government structure: It outlines how the government is formed and who holds decision-making power.
• Limiting government power: It sets boundaries on governmental authority and defines citizens' rights.
• Reflecting aspirations: It conveys the people's goals for a just and equitable society.

While not all countries with constitutions are democratic, every democratic nation has a constitution.

Q3. Why did the makers of the Indian constitution have anxieties about the present and the future of the country?

Ans: The makers of the Indian constitution had several anxieties regarding the country's future:

• The constitution was created for a large and diverse nation, which posed significant challenges.
• India's birth involved a traumatic partition based on religious differences, leading to violence that claimed at least one million lives on both sides of the border.
• The British left the rulers of the princely states with the choice to join either India or Pakistan, or remain independent, creating uncertainty.
• As the constitution was being drafted, the future of the country appeared unstable and insecure.

These factors contributed to the makers' concerns about the present and future of India.

Q4. Describe how the Constituent Assembly worked to prepare the constitution for India.

Ans: The Constituent Assembly worked systematically and openly to prepare the Constitution for India. Key steps included:

• Establishing and agreeing on basic principles for the Constitution.
• Forming a Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to create the initial draft.
• Conducting several rounds of detailed discussions on the draft, examining it clause by clause.
• Considering over 2000 amendments during the deliberations.
• Holding discussions for a total of 114 days over three years.
• Recording and preserving every document and word spoken, known as the 'Constituent Assembly Debates'.

The Assembly, which had 299 members, adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, and it came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated annually as Republic Day.

Q5. In his speech ‘Tryst with Destiny’, Nehru said, ‘Freedom and power bring responsibility.' Explain what he meant by this.

Ans: By stating that freedom and power bring responsibility, Nehru emphasised that Indians must not become complacent after gaining independence. Instead, they should:

• Continuously strive to fulfill their commitments.
• Serve the millions who continue to suffer.
• Work towards ending poverty, ignorance, disease, and inequality of opportunity.

Nehru believed that true service to India involves addressing the needs of the less fortunate and striving for a better future for all.

Q6. What is the preamble of the Constitution? What is the significance of 'We the people of India' and 'secular' in the preamble?

Ans: The Preamble of the Constitution serves as its introductory part and outlines its fundamental principles. It is often referred to as the key to understanding the Constitution.

• We the people of India signify that the Constitution is created and enacted by the citizens through their representatives.
• Secular indicates that all citizens have the freedom to practice any religion, with no official state religion.

Overall, the Preamble encapsulates the essence of the Indian Constitution, guiding its interpretation and application.

Q7. Describe any three features of the Indian constitution.

Ans: Three features of the Indian Constitution:

• Sovereign, Democratic Republic: The Constitution establishes India as a sovereign state, meaning that the people have the ultimate authority to make decisions regarding both internal and external matters. It ensures that no external power can influence the Indian government.
• Secular State: India is a secular nation, allowing citizens the freedom to practice any religion. The government treats all religions with equal respect and does not endorse any official religion.
• Fundamental Rights and Duties: The Constitution guarantees citizens various rights, including social, economic, and political justice. It promotes liberty of thought, expression, and worship, while ensuring equality of status and opportunity for all individuals.

Q8. What is a constitution? Why do we need a constitution?

Ans: A constitution is a collection of written rules accepted by all citizens of a country. It serves as the supreme law that governs relationships among citizens and between the citizens and the government. The key functions of a constitution include:

• Establishing trust and coordination among diverse groups.
• Defining how the government is formed and who holds decision-making power.
• Limiting government powers and outlining citizens' rights.
• Expressing the aspirations of the people for a better society.

While not all countries with constitutions are democratic, every democratic nation has a constitution. It is essential for maintaining order and protecting individual rights.

Q9. The Indian constitution is both rigid and flexible. Explain.

Ans: The Indian Constitution is a blend of rigid and flexible elements. It is not entirely one or the other, but rather a combination of both.

• Some articles can be amended with a simple majority in Parliament. Examples include:
  • Changing the names of states
  • Altering state boundaries
  • Matters related to citizenship
• Other articles require a two-thirds majority for amendments, such as:
  • The election process of the President of India
• Any proposed change must first be approved by a majority in both houses of Parliament.

This structure allows the Constitution to adapt to societal changes while maintaining essential legal frameworks.

Q10. Mention the landmark years in the making of the Indian constitution.

Ans: Several key years were significant in the development of the Indian Constitution:

• 1928: Motilal Nehru and eight Congress leaders drafted a constitution for India.
• 1931: The Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress discussed the future constitution.
• 1937: Elections were held for provincial legislatures, providing valuable experience for Indians.
• 1946: Elections for the Constituent Assembly took place in July, with its first meeting in December.
• 1949: The Constitution was adopted on 26 November.
• 1950: The Constitution came into effect on 26 January, celebrated as Republic Day.

The Indian Constitution incorporated many elements from colonial laws, such as the Government of India Act 1935, reflecting the experiences gained during British rule.

Q11. What is the aim of a socialist state? How can that be achieved?

Ans: A socialist state aims to:

• Ensure that wealth is generated socially and shared equally.
• Regulate the ownership of land and industry to reduce socioeconomic inequalities.
• Work towards the welfare of all citizens, especially the disadvantaged.

To achieve these aims, the government should:

• Implement policies that promote equality and social justice.
• Provide support and resources to those in need.
• Encourage community involvement in decision-making.

Q12. What was the African Policy of Apartheid? How could that come to an end?

Ans: Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination specific to South Africa, imposed by white Europeans. Key points about apartheid include:

• The native population, primarily black, made up about three-quarters of the population.
• Non-whites, including blacks, coloreds, and Indians, were treated as inferiors and denied voting rights.
• Blacks were prohibited from living in white areas and required permits to work there.
• Public services such as transportation, schools, and hospitals were segregated.
• The resistance included protests, marches, and strikes led by groups like the African National Congress (ANC).
• Despite international condemnation, the apartheid government continued to oppress non-whites.

Apartheid officially ended on 26 April 1994, with the establishment of the Republic of South Africa, marking the transition to a multi-racial government.

Q13. Define the following terms mentioned in the Preamble to the Constitution of India.

Ans: Sovereign: This term means that the people have the supreme right to make decisions regarding both internal and external matters. No outside power can dictate the Government of India.

Socialist: Socialism implies that wealth is generated collectively and should be shared fairly among all members of society. The government should regulate land and industry ownership to help reduce socio-economic inequalities.

Secular: In a secular state, citizens enjoy complete freedom to follow any religion. There is no official religion, and the government treats all religious beliefs with equal respect.

Republic: A republic is a form of government where the head of state is an elected person, rather than someone who inherits the position.

Q14. What is the Preamble? Explain any three guiding principles explained in the Preamble.

Ans: The Preamble is a brief introduction that outlines the fundamental values of a constitution. Inspired by the American model, many countries, including India, have adopted a preamble. The Indian Constitution's preamble serves as a poetic expression of democracy and encapsulates the core philosophy behind the entire document.

• Democratic – It establishes a government where all people enjoy equal rights.
• Equality – It ensures that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
• Fraternity – It promotes the idea that everyone should act as if they are part of the same family.

Q15. Why do we need a constitution? Give any four points.

Ans: Every country consists of diverse groups of people with different opinions and interests. To ensure harmony, a set of rules is essential. A constitution serves as a written agreement that outlines these rules, accepted by all citizens. Its key purposes include:

• Generates trust and coordination among citizens.
• Specifies the structure of government and decision-making authority.
• Lays down limits on government powers and defines citizens' rights.
• Expresses the aspirations of the people for a better society.