Important Questions (2 marks): Constitutional Design - Class 9 MCQ

Anti-apartheid activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of sabotaging and planning a violent revolution against the apartheid government in the famous Rivonia Trial.

Apartheid was a political and social system in South Africa during the era of White minority rule.Under the system, the people of South Africa were divided by their race and the different races were forced to live separately from each other. There were laws in place to ensure that segregation was abided by.

During apartheid, people were divided into four racial groups and separated by law. The system was used to deny many basic rights to non-White people, mainly Black people who lived in South Africa. The law allowed white people to be in certain areas. Black people had to carry special passes or have permission to travel outside their designated area, or work in particular areas reserved for Whites. The government separated mixed communities and forcibly moved many black people off their land (From 1960 to 1983 the Bantustan Policy was enforced to forcibly move South African blacks out of the areas designated for 'whites'). Many other laws were made, for example: interracial marriage was outlawed; Black people could not own land in White areas or vote.

The struggle against the oppressive apartheid regime was led by the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC organised protests and strikes to voice their disgust of the apartheid system. 

Why did the white regime decide to change its policies?
The white regime in question refers to a government or ruling body that implemented policies that discriminated against or oppressed the black population. The decision to change these policies can be attributed to several factors.
1. Increase in protests and struggles:
- The white regime may have witnessed a significant rise in protests, demonstrations, and resistance from the black population.
- These acts of resistance would have put pressure on the regime to reconsider its discriminatory policies.
- The regime may have realized that continuing repression would only fuel more protests and potentially destabilize the country.
2. Government realized that repression was becoming difficult:
- The white regime might have come to the realization that maintaining a repressive system was becoming increasingly challenging.
- Repression requires significant resources, manpower, and surveillance, which could strain the regime's capacity and finances.
- The regime may have recognized that it was not sustainable in the long run and that a change in policies was necessary to maintain stability.
3. Rise of sympathetic attitude in government for the blacks:
- There could have been a shift in the attitudes of some members of the white regime towards the black population.
- Government officials or influential individuals within the regime may have developed a sympathetic attitude towards the plight of the blacks.
- This change in attitude could have influenced the decision to alter policies and promote greater equality and fairness.
4. Both (a) and (b):
- It is possible that a combination of the above factors led to the white regime's decision to change its policies.
- The increase in protests and struggles may have highlighted the difficulties of continued repression, prompting the regime to reconsider its approach.
In conclusion, the decision of the white regime to change its policies can be attributed to a combination of factors such as the increase in protests and struggles, the realization that repression was becoming difficult, and the rise of sympathetic attitudes towards the black population. These factors likely prompted the regime to reassess its discriminatory policies and strive for greater equality and fairness.

In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the "first" "black president" of South Africa". During his tenure, Mandela also worked to protect South Africa 's economy against collapse. There was also a immediate necessity to address apartheid, impoverishment, inequalities, unfair access to infrastructure and services, and an economy in crisis almost twenty years ago.
As president of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, Mandela set up a series of programs aimed at improving the quality of life of the black people of South Africa to probe violations of human rights. In 1996, he chaired the implementation of a new constitution for South Africa.

South Africa became a democratic country in the year 1994 on 27th April.

It was on this day that South Africa that the legal citizens of the country were given the opportunity to cast their own votes and choose their own leader.

It was an end to the apartheid rule in the country.

May 9, 1994, Nelson Mandela was unanimously elected president by the National Assembly, with Thabo Mbeki, deputy leader of the ANC and F.W. de Klerk as deputy presidents.

Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiography written by South African President Nelson Mandela, and first published in 1994 by Little Brown & Co. The book profiles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison.

The Black Population's Demands in the New Constitution:
- Substantial social and economic rights: The black population wanted the new constitution to address and ensure their social and economic rights. This included equal access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, and opportunities for economic advancement.
- Equal political representation: The black population sought fair and equal representation in the political system. They wanted to have a voice in decision-making processes and to be included in all levels of government.
- End to racial discrimination: The black population demanded the elimination of racial discrimination in all aspects of society. They wanted equal treatment under the law and an end to discriminatory practices such as segregation and racial profiling.
- Land redistribution: Many black individuals and communities were dispossessed of their land during colonization and apartheid. The black population wanted the new constitution to address land reform and ensure equitable land redistribution to rectify historical injustices.
- Reconciliation and healing: The black population emphasized the need for reconciliation and healing in the aftermath of apartheid. They wanted the new constitution to promote unity, understanding, and forgiveness among all racial and ethnic groups in the country.
- Protection of human rights: The black population sought the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of race. They wanted the new constitution to enshrine basic human rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, and to establish mechanisms to hold accountable those who violated these rights.
Overall, the black population's demands in the new constitution focused on achieving equality, justice, and empowerment for all individuals, particularly those who had been historically marginalized and oppressed. They sought to create a society that recognized and celebrated the diversity of its people while ensuring equal opportunities and rights for everyone.

What did the white minority want from the new Constitution? 

• Protect its privileges and property: The white minority wanted the new Constitution to safeguard their existing privileges and property rights.


• A separate country for themselves: Some members of the white minority desired a separate country exclusively for themselves, where they could maintain control and dominance.


• Reservation in legislature: The white minority sought reservations in the legislature to ensure their representation and influence in the political decision-making process.


• Some special rights: The white minority also aimed to secure certain special rights that would preserve their social, economic, and political dominance over other racial groups.

 

Overall, the white minority's primary objective was to protect their privileges, property, and dominance in the new Constitution. They sought to maintain their position of power and control, either through reservations, special rights, or even the creation of a separate country.

 

After two years of discussion and debate they came out with one of the finest constitutions the world has ever had. This constitution gave to its citizens the most extensive rights available in any country. Together, they decided that in the search for a solution to the problems, nobody should be excluded, no one should be treated as a demon.

It is not necessary that all countries that have c... moreonstitution are democratic. For ex. in french revolution, France was declared a constitutional monarchy but not democratic.

Motilal Nehru's Draft Constitution for India
Motilal Nehru, the prominent Indian leader and lawyer, played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. He was also a member of the Indian National Congress and served as its president. In addition to his political activism, Nehru made important contributions to the constitutional development of India.
When did Motilal Nehru draft a Constitution for India?
Motilal Nehru drafted a Constitution for India in 1928. This document is commonly known as the Nehru Report and was prepared by a committee headed by Motilal Nehru himself.
Key Points:
- The Nehru Report was a response to the Simon Commission, a British initiative to assess the progress of constitutional reforms in India.
- The report was a comprehensive document that outlined the proposed structure and principles of the future Indian constitution.
- It called for a dominion status for India within the British Empire, with a parliamentary system of government and a federal structure.
- The report also emphasized the protection of fundamental rights, religious and cultural freedom, and the representation of minorities.
- The Nehru Report received significant attention and contributed to the discussions and debates surrounding constitutional reforms in India.
- Ultimately, the Nehru Report served as a foundation for future constitutional developments, including the Government of India Act 1935 and the Constitution of India adopted in 1950.
In conclusion, Motilal Nehru drafted a Constitution for India in 1928, which is commonly known as the Nehru Report. This document played a significant role in shaping the constitutional development of India and contributed to the eventual adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.

Answer:
The 1931 session of the Indian National Congress was held in Karachi. Here is a detailed explanation:
- The Indian National Congress is a political party in India that played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence from British rule.
- The party holds annual sessions to discuss and plan its strategies and policies.
- In 1931, the Congress session was held in Karachi, which was then a part of undivided India.
- The session was significant as it marked the adoption of the historic "Poorna Swaraj" (Complete Independence) resolution by the Congress.
- The resolution declared the objective of the Indian National Congress to be the attainment of Purna Swaraj by the Indian people.
- The session was attended by prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
- The Karachi session set the stage for the civil disobedience movement and other non-violent protests that followed in the struggle for independence.
Conclusion:
The 1931 session of the Indian National Congress was held in Karachi, where the historic "Poorna Swaraj" resolution was adopted, marking a significant moment in India's fight for independence.

Features accepted by all the Indian leaders much before they sat down to make the Constitution:
- Universal adult franchise:
- All the Indian leaders unanimously accepted the idea of universal adult franchise, which means every adult citizen of the country, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, or social status, has the right to vote in elections.
- This feature was seen as an essential aspect of democracy and was aimed at ensuring equal political rights for all citizens.
- Right to freedom:
- The concept of fundamental rights, including the right to freedom, was widely accepted by Indian leaders even before the Constitution was drafted.
- The right to freedom encompasses various freedoms such as freedom of speech and expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of movement, among others.
- Indian leaders believed in the importance of safeguarding these fundamental rights to protect individual liberties and promote a democratic society.
- Protection of the rights of minorities:
- Indian leaders recognized the significance of protecting the rights of minorities in a diverse country like India, where people from different religions, languages, and cultures coexist.
- They understood the need to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their minority status.
- This commitment to protect the rights of minorities was reflected in the Constitution through provisions such as the right to cultural and educational rights for minorities.
Conclusion:
All the Indian leaders unanimously accepted the features of universal adult franchise, right to freedom, and protection of the rights of minorities much before they sat down to make the Constitution. These features were seen as essential principles to establish a democratic and inclusive society in India.

According to which Act were the elections held to provincial legislatures in India in 1937?

The elections to provincial legislatures in India in 1937 were held according to the Government of India Act, 1935.

Explanation:

Here is a detailed explanation of the answer:

1. Government of India Act, 1935:




• The Government of India Act, 1935 was an important constitutional document that defined the powers and responsibilities of the government in British India.


• It provided for the establishment of provincial legislatures with elected members.


• The Act introduced a system of dyarchy, where certain subjects were under the control of elected Indian ministers, while others remained under the control of British-appointed governors.


• The Act also expanded the electorate and introduced separate electorates for different communities.


• The first elections to the provincial legislatures under the Government of India Act, 1935 were held in 1937.

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Government of India Act, 1935.

Leaders inspired by French Revolution, British parliamentary system and the Bill of Rights of the US. They also learnt what the British were denying Indian citizens.

During that time Lenin introduced the idea of a socialist, cooperative economy and emphasized collectivisation .Hence, these values inspired Indians to set up a socialist economy.