Chapter 1 The Indian Constitution mcqs & important questions | class 8th civics

The Indian Constitution MCQ Questions Class 8 Social Science with Answers

Question. A constitution which can be amended easily is called :-
(A) Rigid constitution
(B) Flexible constitution
(C) Unwritten constitution
(D) None of these

Answer : B

Question. The words added to the preamble of Indian constitution by the 42nd amendment were :-
(A) Socialist and secular
(B) Democratic and Republic
(C) Secular
(D) Socialist

Answer : A

Question. The Constitution of India grants
(A) dual citizenship
(B) single citizenship
(C) both single and dual citizenship
(D) international and national citizenship.

Answer : B

Question. Fundamental Rights are
(A) basic rights for economic equality
(B) basic rights that are necessary for human happiness
(C) basic rights to keep people united
(D) basic rights which enable each individual to realise his best

Answer : D

Question. Fundamental Rights are given to citizens so that they
(A) get full opportunity for growth and development
(B) can be free from exploitation
(C) can gain social and economic equality
(D) can move anywhere they want.

Answer : A

Question. In parliamentary government the real power is exercised by :-
(A) The President
(B) The council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister
(C) Both of them
(D) None of these

Answer : B

Question. In a secular country :-
(A) All religious receive due protection and respect
(B) The country puts ban on religion
(C) There is one state religion
(D) None of these.

Answer : A

Question. The constitution of a country is a –
(A) collection of rules and laws.
(B) historical document of laws.
(C) system of fundamental laws adopted by the people according to which the country is governed.
(D) system of government according to which the country is governed.

Answer : C

Question. On which date did the Constituent Assembly meet for the first time?
(A) 9 August 1942
(B) 15 August 1942
(C) 9 December 1946
(D) 26 January 1950

Answer : C

Question. The Constituent Assembly that drafted our Constitution was elected on the recommendation of
(A) the Cripps proposals
(B) the Cabinet Mission
(C) the Indian Independence Act
(D) the Wavell Plan.

Answer : B

Question. The first President of the Constituent Assembly was
(A) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(B) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(C) Shri K.M. Munshi
(D) Dr. Sachidanand Sinha.

Answer : D

Question. When was the Indian Constitution adopted or passed?
(A) 15 August 1947
(B) 9 December 1946
(C) 26 November 1949
(D) 26 January 1950

Answer : C

Question. The Constitution of India came into force from
(A) 15 August 1947
(B) 26 November 1949
(C) 26 January 1949
(D) 26 January 1950

Answer : D

Question. Which of the following served as the background for the Indian Constitution?
(A) The Government of India Act, 1935
(B) Constitution of USA
(C) Proposals of Cabinet Mission in 1946
(D) Bill of Indian Independence of 1947

Answer : A

Question. The Preamble to the Constitution is
(A) a description of the Constitution
(B) a summary of the Constitution
(C) an introduction that gives the aims and objectives of the Constitution
(D) a directive to the Government

Answer : C

Question. If the Preamble to the Indian Constitution is violated,
(A) no remedy is available
(B) one can file a writ of habeas corpus
(C) only the Supreme Court can help
(D) the Supreme Court and the High Courts can help.

Answer : A

Question. The Indian Constitution describes India as a
(A) Federal State
(B) Unitary State
(C) quasi Federal State
(D) Union of States.

Answer : D

Question. Which one of the following statements about the Indian Constitution is not correct?
(A) It is partly federal and partly unitary.
(B) It is neither rigid nor too flexible.
(C) It is written and lengthy.
(D) Parliament can amend any of its parts.

Answer : D

Question. The Indian Constitution ensures a stronger Centre because
(A) the Centre can raise more financial resources
(B) the Centre has more subjects in its list
(C) residuary powers of legislation are with the central legislature or Parliament
(D) defence is the responsibility of the Centre.

Answer : C

Question. Which of the following statements is wrong?
(A) The Indian Constitution envisages Parliamentary form of government.
(B) The Indian Constitution is federal in character.
(C) The Indian Constitution favours presidential government.
(D) The Indian Constitution envisages an independent judiciary.

Answer : C

Question. The Indian Constitution is
(A) flexible
(B) rigid
(C) partly flexible, partly rigid
(D) quasi rigid.

Answer : C

Question. The Indian Constitution is secular because
(A) the Government cannot formulate any policies that discriminate between different religions
(B) the makers of the Constitution were from all religions
(C) all are given equal rights
(D) there is no state religion.

Answer : A

Question. Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution have been taken from the constitutions of
(A) Ireland and USA
(B) Spain and Ireland
(C) UK and USA
(D) Canada and USA.

Answer : B

Question. Which one of the following Directive Principles does not form a part of Gandhian philosophy?
(A) Prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs
(B) Establishment of village panchayats
(C) Separating judiciary from the executive
(D) Setting up and promoting cottage industries

Answer : C

Question. Which one of the following is enforceable in a court of law?
(A) Directive Principles
(B) Fundamental Rights
(C) Fundamental Duties
(D) Preamble

Answer : B

Question. Which one of the following is not an essential feature of the parliamentary form of government?
(A) It has an independent judiciary.
(B) It has the supreme power of making laws.
(C) The executive is responsible to the Parliament or the elected representatives of people.
(D) It has two chambers.

Answer : D

Question. The Federal system adopted by our Constitution is working successfully because
(A) the judiciary is independent
(B) there is a clear division of power between the Centre and the units or the states.
(C) the Press is free to criticise violation of Constitutional provisions.
(D) there is a division of power between the legislature and the executive.

Answer : B

Question. The Indian Constitution can be amended by
(A) A majority vote in each House of Parliament
(B) At least two thirds majority of the members present and voting in each House of Parliament
(C) At least two thirds majority of the members present and voting in each House of Parliament and ratified by at least half of the legislatures of the states.
(D) special majority in Parliament.

Answer : C

Question. Which of these statements is not correct? In a parliamentary form of government,
(A) Members of Parliament are responsible to the Prime Minister
(B) the Council of Ministers or the executive has collective responsibility
(C) Ministers are selected by the Prime Minister
(D) the President is indirectly elected by the people.

Answer : A

Question. In a parliamentary form of government, the executive can remain in office only if
(A) it enjoys the confidence of the ruling party
(B) it pleases the head of the state
(C) it has the confidence of the legislature and pleases the head of the state
(D) it enjoys the confidence of the people.

Answer : C

Question. A minister or member of Cabinet in a democracy is not supposed to
(A) disagree with other members in the Cabinet
(B) question the major policy decisions of the government
(C) defend his colleagues in Parliament
(D) compromise his views in the Cabinet meetings.

Answer : B

Question. Which of the following statements is not correct? A minister in a parliamentary form of government must
(A) Be a member of any of the two houses of Parliament
(B) Have the confidence of the Prime Minister
(C) Share collective responsibility
(D) Have basic knowledge of law.

Answer : D

Question. Majority of Rajya Sabha members are
(A) elected by the people
(B) elected by the state legislatures
(C) appointed by the President
(D) elected by Lok Sabha

Answer : B

Question. The term of a member of Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of Parliament is
(A) five years
(B) six years
(C) two years
(D) four years.

Answer : B

Question. The Indian Constitution provides
(A) only one constitution for all the states and the Centre
(B) a separate constitution for each state
(C) one constitution for the Centre and union territories
(D) choice of a constitution to the states.

Answer : A

Question. The Indian Constitution has divided the subjects between Centre and the states by providing
(A) three different lists
(B) powers to the courts to decide the subjects
(C) Parliament with the power to allot some subjects to the states
(D) powers to the courts to divide the subjects between the states.

Answer : A

Question. If there is a conflict between Centre and state laws, the Constitution says
(A) laws of the Centre will be valid
(B) the state has option to continue with its laws or use central laws
(C) the court decides which law will be enforced
(D) both laws will be declared valid. ‘.

Answer : A

Question. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution declares India to be a
(A) Sovereign Democratic Republic
(B) Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic
(C) Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic
(D) Sovereign Socialist Democratic Federal Republic.

Answer : C

Question. With the preamble of which country’s constitution does our Preamble closely resemble?
(A) UK
(B) USA
(C) Ireland
(D) France

Answer : B

Question. Which new words were added to the Preamble to the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act?
(A) Sovereign, Democratic and Republic
(B) Secular and socialist
(C) Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
(D) Justice, social, economic and political

Answer : B

Question. In the case of subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists, the power to enact laws rests with
(A) the Centre
(B) the states
(C) both Centre and states
(D) the Courts.

Answer : A

Question. Indian Constitution is federal because
(A) it is a written Constitution
(B) the states are autonomous
(C) the judiciary safeguards the Constitution and protects the rights of the states and the Centre
(D) the states are responsible for law and order.

Answer : C

Question. Which of the following features of the Indian Constitution can make the Constitution more unitary in nature?
(A) A strong Centre
(B) All India services
(C) Emergency powers of the President
(D) Centre’s responsibility of defence

Answer : C

Question. The President of India can declare a state of Emergency
(A) whenever he wants
(B) in case of external aggression or internal disturbances
(C) in case of conflict between him and Parliament
(D) when he does not agree with the Prime Minister.

Answer : B

Question. Which of the following statements is wrong?
(A) In the Indian Constitution, the judiciary is independent
(B) The High Court and Supreme Court Judges are elected by Parliament.
(C) In case of constitutional disputes the Supreme Court decides the case.
(D) The verdict of the Supreme Court is [mal.

Answer : B

Question. In the Indian Constitution the judiciary is independent because
(A) it can act independently
(B) it cannot be influenced by the party in power
(C) it enjoys security of tenure and cannot be removed except by a special procedure
(D) Judges are not members of any political party.

Answer : C

Question. The difference between Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights is
(A) they are written separately
(B) the former cannot be enforced by law while the latter are enforceable by law
(C) Directive Principles of State Policy come under the jurisdiction of state governments while Fundamental Rights are the responsibility of the Centre
(D) Directive Principles cannot be changed with times while Fundamental Rights can be changed.

Answer : B

Question. Who played a major role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution?
(A) Jawaharlal Nehru
(B). Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(C) . Dr. Bhimrao Ainbedkar
(D) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Answer : C

Question. In a Republic the Government derives its powers from
(A) the people
(B) the Constitution
(C) the Judiciary
(D) the President.

Answer : A

Question. Which one of the following countries is a democratic republic?
(A) India
(B) Japan
(C) UK
(D) Sweden

Answer : A

Question. Which of the following statements is correct?
(A) The President is a mere ceremonial head and has no powers.
(B) The Supreme Court can make or enact laws.
(C) Parliament has control over the Council of Ministers.
(D) The President can reject a bill passed by Parliament.

Answer : C

Question. One of the following is not a feature of the Indian Constitution. Which one is it?
(A) Federal government
(B) Parliamentary form of government
(C) Independent judiciary
(D) Presidential government

Answer : D

Question. Directive Principles of State Policy are there
(A) to keep the Government within its limits
(B) to protect the rights of ordinary people
(C) to safeguard the interests of state Governments
(D) to direct the Government to adopt policies which will help establish a just society.

Answer : D

Question. Which one of the following is not a necessary attribute of the citizen of a country?
(A) He has to inhabit that country.
(B) He participates in the process of government of that country.
(C) He has political rights in that country and abides by its laws.
(D) He should be in a democratic state.

Answer : A

Question. What should a good citizen not do?
(A) Participate in the process of government
(B) Abide by the laws of the country
(C) Perform his duties
(D) Demand his rights even at the cost of others

Answer : D

Question. Indian Citizenship Act of 1955 does not give Indian citizenship to
(A) children born of Indian citizens abroad
(B) children of diplomatic personnel born in India on or after 26 January 1950
(C) women who are or have been married to citizens of India
(D) persons of Indian origin who ordinarily reside in any country or place outside divided India.

Answer : B

Question. A citizen of any country should be loyal to
(A) the community
(B) the state
(C) the caste
(D) his religion.

Answer : B

Question. Among the following subjects there is one subject which falls under concurrent list.
(A) Public health
(B) Railways
(C) Trade and Commerce
(D) Education

Answer : D

Question. On the subjects under the concurrent list, a law can be enacted by
(A) the Union government
(B) state governments
(C) both Central and state governments.
(D) both President and state governors.

Answer : C

Question. Which one of the following does not come under the jurisdiction of the Central government?
(A) Defence
(B) Law and order
(C) Post and telegraph
(D) Foreign affairs

Answer : B

Question. Which of these statements is not correct?
(A) Fundamental Rights are guaranteed in the Constitution.
(B) Fundamental Rights cannot be violated by any government
(C) Fundamental Rights are enforced through courts.
(D) Fundamental Rights mean freedom to do anything one wants.

Answer : D

Question. Under which Fundamental Right is the practice of untouchability made punishable by law?
(A) Right to equality
(B) Right to freedom
(C) Right against exploitation
(D) Right to freedom of religion

Answer : A

Question. In the Indian Constitution developing of the scientific temper and attitude of humanism forms part of the
(A) Preamble
(B) Fundamental Rights
(C) Directive principles of State Policy
(D) Fundamental Duties.

Answer : D

Question. Which one of the following does not form a part of the right to freedom?
(A) Freedom of speech and expression
(B) Freedom to form unions and associations
(C) Freedom to turn out people speaking languages other than the one spoken by the majority in that particular region
(D) Freedom to practise any profession or occupation

Answer : C

Question. Which of the following statements is not correct about the right against exploitation?
(A) Children of poor parents can be employed in any trade.
(B) ‘Begar’ or work without wages will not be allowed.
(C) The State can organise compulsory service for public purposes.
(D) Children below the age of fourteen should not be employed in any dangerous jobs.

Answer : A

Question. Freedom of religion means
(A) All citizens are free to practise their religion
(B) the State is free to sponsor any religion
(C) religious education can be given by the State under the Constitution
(D) the government is free to make appointments on the basis of religion.

Answer : A

Question. Right to conserve and develop one’s language and script is guaranteed by the
(A) right to equality
(B) right to freedom
(C) cultural and educational right
(D) right against exploitation.

Answer : C

Question. Right to vote is a
(A) Fundamental Right
(B) Fundamental Duty
(C) part of Directive Principles
(D) legal right only.

Answer : A

Question. Right against exploitation comes under
(A) Fundamental Rights
(B) Directive Principles of State Policy
(C) Fundamental Duties
(D) non-fundamental rights such as the right to property.

Answer : A

Question. Which one of the following is not a Fundamental Right according to the Indian Constitution?
(A) Right to have judicial remedy
(B) Right to property
(C) Right to assembly
(D) Right to equality

Answer : B

Question. Which constitutional right is violated by discrimination against women?
(A) Right to freedom
(B) Right against exploitation
(C) Right to equality
(D) Right to constitutional remedy

Answer : C

Question. Equal pay for equal work for both men and women is a part of
(A) Fundamental Right to equality
(B) Fundamental Right against exploitation
(C) Directive Principles of the State Policy
(D) Fundamental Duties.

Answer : A

Question. Right to work is a part of
(A) Fundamental Rights
(B) Preamble
(C) Directive Principles
(D) Fundamental Duties.

Answer : C

Question. Which of the following is guaranteed by Article 17 of the Indian Constitution?
(A) Protection of individual freedom
(B) Right to equality
(C) Abolition of untouchability
(D) Right to constitutional remedies

Answer : C

Question. Right to property was omitted by
(A) 42nd Amendment Act of 1976
(B) 25th Amendment Act of 1971
(C) 44th Amendment Act of 1978
(D) 4th Amendment Act of 1955.

Answer : C

Question. When Fundamental Rights are violated, a citizen
(A) can approach the Supreme Court for a remedy
(B) can approach both the Supreme Court and the High Courts
(C) may mobilise public .opinion
(D) acquires the right to violate fundamental duties.

Answer : B

Question. Fundamental Duties were incorporated in the Constitution
(A) in place of Fundamental Rights
(B) in place of Directive Principles
(C) a separate entity
(D) as an integral part of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.

Answer : C

Question. Which of the following is not a Fundamental Duty?
(A) To abide by the Constitution
(B) To develop scientific temper, humanism and tolerance
(C) To defend the country
(D) To amass property

Answer : D

Question. Fundamental Duties are provided
(A) by laws of the Supreme Court
(B) by a law passed by the Parliament
(C) by the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act
(D) by the convention evolved over the years by the citizens themselves.

Answer : C

Question. Which one of the following is not correct?
(A) Rights and duties are complementary to each other.
(B) Rights are demanded from the government by the citizens whereas duties are demanded by the government from its citizens.
(C) Rights are an integral part of the Constitution while duties are directives.
(D) No right can be enjoyed without performing duties.

Answer : B

Question. Directive Principles of State Policy were incorporated in the Constitution
(A) to establish a socialistic welfare state
(B) to ensure freedom to the citizens from an excess of governance
(C) to make India a secular and democratic state
(D) to give directions to the citizens in performing their duties.

Answer : A

Question. What are the objectives for implementing the fundamental rights according to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
(a) To ensure every citizen is benefited
(b) To ensure every citizen is rich
(c) To ensure every citizen has ration card
(d) None of these

Answer : A

Question. What do you mean by Right to equality?
(a) Rich people are higher than poorer
(b) All are equal before law
(c) Government officer are superior
(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question. Where the Hindu worship their God?
(a) Temple
(b) Masjid
(c) Both (a) & (b)
(d) None of these

Answer : A

Question. The Constituent of India was enacted by a Constituent Assembly set up:
(a) By the Indian National Congress
(b) Through a resolution of the provisional government
(c) Under the Indian Independence Act, 1947
(d) Under the Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946

Answer : D

Question. When did the Maoists join other political parties in Nepal to sign a 12-point agreement?
(a) April 2006
(b) October 2007
(c) Nov, 2005
(d) Feb 2005

Answer : C

Question. Who was the first governor general of independent India?
(a) Dr. Rajender Parsad
(b) Dr. S. Radhskishna
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Mount Batan

Answer : D

Question. Which forms defines the Rule of people by the people?
(a) Preamble
(b) Democracy
(c) Constitution
(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question. After 42th amendment the first line of Indian preamble is ”we people of India _______
(a) Sovereign
(b) Secularism
(c) Democratic
(d) All of these

Answer : D

Question. What is the name of the Kingship or rule of a king?
(a) Democracy
(b) Constitution
(c) Monarchy
(d) None of these

Answer : C

Question. In which country Non-Muslim are not allowed?
(a) USA
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) India
(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question. Which of the following are included in right to freedom of religion?
(a) Right to freedom of conscience
(b) Freedom against forced religious instructions
(c) Practice & propagation of religion
(d) All of these

Answer : D

Question. What refers to a goal or a principle in its most excellent or perfect form?
(a) Arbitrary
(b) Ideal
(c) Polity
(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question. What kind of role citizens of India play in electing representatives?
(a) Indirect
(b) No Role
(c) Directcorrect
(d) Submissive

Answer : C

Question. Separation of same religion from the state in democratic societies is because of-
(a) To interrupt religious teaching
(b) To protect the freedom of individual exit from their religion
(c) Both (1) & (2)
(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question. Jurisdiction of which among the following high courts covers the Union Territory of Lakshadweep ?
(a) Tamil Nadu High Court
(b) Kerala High Court
(c) Calcutta High Court
(d) Bombay High Court

Answer : B

Question. Panchayati Raj is the tier of which government?
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) Fourth

Answer : C

Question. What type of government India practiced?
(a) Monarchy
(b) Democracy
(c) Anarchy
(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question. The Indian Constitution was enforced on :
(a) 15th Aug, 1947
(b) 26th Nov, 1949
(c) 26th Jan, 1950
(d) 30th Jan, 1950

Answer : C

Question. The members of the Constituent Assembly were :
(a) Elected by Provincial Assemblies
(b) Only representatives of the princely states.
(c) Elected directly by people.
(d) Nominated by the government.

Answer : A

Question. Buying and selling of human beings include in which right?
(a) Right to Equality
(b) Right to Freedom
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) None of these

Answer : C

Question. Shri Jagjivan Ram was the first _____ minister of India.
(a) labour
(b) health
(c) Parliamentary Affairs
(d) Home

Answer : A

Question. The elected representatives in India are part of ____.
(a) Judiciary
(b) Legislature
(c) Executive
(d) Cabinet

Answer : B

Question. The system of courts in the country is collectively referred as ______.
(a) Judiciary
(b) Congress
(c) Ministers
(d) Executive

Answer : A

Question. Which of the following are Fundamental Rights?
(a) Right to equality
(b) Right to freedom
(c) Right against exploitation
(d) All of these

Answer : D

Question. What refers to a goal or a principle in its most excellent or perfect form?
(a) Arbitrary
(b) Idealcorrect
(c) Polity
(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question. What refers to independent people in a democratic form of government?
(a) Sovereign
(b) Ideal
(c) Polity
(d) Trafficking

Answer : A

Question. The father of Indian Constitution is ____.
(a) B R Ambedkar
(b) Liaquat Ali Khan
(c) Rajendra Prasad
(d) S C Sinha

Answer : A

Question. Define the term Sovereign as referred to in Indian Constitution.
(a) Equal opportunities to every one in the country
(b) People of India govern themselves through their elected representatives
(c) No discrimination on the basis of religion
(d) An independent India, no longer governed by any external authority

Answer : D

Question. Bi-Hinduism started in the year
(a) 1870
(b) 1878
(c) 1865
(d) 1861

Answer : B

Question. Separation of religion from the state means
(a) Socialism
(b) Democracy
(c) Secularism
(d) All of these

Answer : C

Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 The Indian Constitution Important Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1: In politics, what is a constitution?
Answer: In Politics a Constitution can be described as a document outlining the basic laws or principles by which a country is to be governed.

2: In Nepal, when did the Interim Constitution come into effect?
Answer: In Nepal, the Interim Constitution came into effect from January 15, 2007.

3: What are the negative points of a democratic society?
Answer: In a democratic society Power can be misused. Sometimes the Majority can undermine the minority. The citizens need certain rules to save themselves from folly.

4. What do you mean by federalism?
Answer: The term federalism refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country.

5. What is Right to Equality? [V. Imp.]
Answer: Right to Equality means that all persons are equal before the law.

6. What is Right against Exploitation?
Answer: Under this Right the Constitution prohibits trafficking, forced labour and children working under 14 years of age.

7. How has the section on Fundamental Rights often been referred to?
Answer: It has often been referred to as the conscience of the Indian Constitution.

8. How are Fundamental Rights important? Give one point.
Answer: Fundamental Rights protect citizens against the arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the state.

9. What does the word ‘State’ refer to? [Imp.]
Answer: The word ‘State’ refers to a political institution that represents a sovereign people who occupy a definite territory. For example, the Indian State.

10. What caused fear among the members of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer: They feared that the executive might become too strong and ignore its responsibility to the legislature.

11. What did the members of the Constituent Assembly do to come out of their fear?
Answer: They included several provisions in the Constitution to limit and control the actions taken by the executive branch of government as a whole.

12. What do you mean by a secular state? [V. Imp.]
Answer: A secular state does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.

13. Why do the people of Nepal not want to adhere to their previous Constitution.
Answer: The previous Constitution does not reflect the ideals of the country that want Nepal to be, and that they have fought for.

14: What is secularism?
Answer: Secularism is the right of the citizens to practice any religion. A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.

Short Answer Type Questions

1: How can a leader misuse power in a democratic country?

Answer: A leader misusing his power may send his security guards to beat up his neighbours for a personal reason or ask the police not to take action against a relative who has committed a crime.

2: Differentiate between a monarchy and a democracy? 

Answer: A country which is governed by a king or a queen is called a monarchy.  While Democracy is forms of government where people can vote to select their respective representative well govern the state on their behalf. 

3: How does the Indian Constitution safe guard the minorities of the country?

Answer: The Indian constitution ensures that the dominant group does not use its power against other, less powerful people or groups.
The Constitution contains rules that ensure that minorities are not excluded from anything that is routinely available to the majority. It also prevents the domination of the majority over the minority.

4: What will happen if there is no restriction to the powers of elected representatives? 

Answer: If there would have been no restrictions to powers of elected representatives, they may have misuse their powers. They could have used their powers in doing wrong deeds. They could even have supported a single religion. 

5: What is universal adult franchise?

Answer: Universal adult franchise is every adult citizen having a right to vote irrespective of sex, caste, creed, education and financial status.

6: What do you mean by the legislature, the executive and the judiciary?

Answer: The legislature refers to our elected representatives.
The executive is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the government.
The judiciary refers to the system of courts in this country.

7: Mention the key features of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The key features of the Indian constitution are:

• Federalism
• Parliamentary Form of Government
• Separation of Powers
• Fundamental Rights
• Secularism

8: What are the factors the drafting committee had to take into consideration while drafting the constitution?

Answer: The committee had to keep in mind that India was a land of many communities, languages and many religions. India was a land of diverse cultures and the Princely states in India had to be considered. The partition of the country into India and Pakistan was about to happen and the drafting committee had to bear this in mind. Finally, the biggest consideration was the socio-economic condition of a majority of Indians which was in a bad state.

9: What are the key components of fundamental rights?

Answer: The key components of Fundamental rights are:

• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom
• Right against Exploitation
• Right to Freedom of Religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies

10: Explain the functions of organs of government. 

Answer: According to the constitution, there are three organs of the state. These are the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. 

• The legislature refers to our elected representatives. 
• The executive is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the government. 
• The judiciary, refer to the system of courts in this country. 

11: What do you mean by tyranny of majority? 

Answer: Every society is prone to the tyranny of the majority. The constitution usually contains rules that ensure that minorities are not excluded from anything that is routinely available to the majority. The constitution is precise to prevent this tyranny or domination by the majority of a minority.  

Long Answer Type Questions

1. What is a Constitution? What purposes does it serve? [Imp.]

Answer: A Constitution is a written document containing certain rules. It serves several purposes. It tells us what the fundamental nature of our society is. A country is usually made up of different communities of people who share certain beliefs but they may not necessarily agree on all issues. A Constitution helps serve as a set of rules and principles that all persons in a country can agree upon as the basis of the way in which they want the country to be governed.
The second important purpose of a Constitution is to define the nature of a country’s political system. In countries that have adopted a democratic form of government, the Constitution lays out certain important guidelines that govern decision-making within these societies.

2. Why did Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar urge Scheduled Castes to join the government as well as the civil services? [V. Imp.]

Answer: Dr. Ambedkar was an important member of the Constituent Assembly. He believed that his participation in the Assembly helped the Scheduled Castes get some safeguards in the draft Constitution. But he also stated that although the laws might exist, scheduled castes still had reason to fear because the administration of these laws were in the hands of upper caste Hindu officers. Therefore, he urged scheduled castes to join the government as well as the civil services. It would give them a chance to play their role in law-making.

3. What were the challenges before the members of the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: The following were the challenges before the members of the Constituent Assembly: (a) The country was made up of several different communities who spoke different languages, practised different religions and had distinct cultures. (b) At the time the Constitution was being written, the country was going through considerable turmoil. The partition of the country was imminent, some of the Princely States remained undivided about their future.(c) The socio-economic condition of the vast mass of people appeared dismal. (d) Poverty was another major challenge.

4. Who do you mean by federal form of government? Why is it important?

Answer: Our Constitution provides for a federal form of government. This means that the responsibility of governing our country has been divided into the central government and the state governments. Panchayati Raj is the third tier of government.
India is a vast country. Different communities of people live here. Hence, a system of government needed to be devised that did not involve only persons silting in the capital city of New Delhi and making decisions for everyone. Instead, it was necessary to have another level of government in the states so that decisions could be made for that particular area. In this way, it will be easier to make positive efforts for the development of the country as well as the states.

5. Explain Right to Equality in detail.

Answer: Our Constitution states that all persons are equal before the law. This means that all persons shall be equally protected by the laws of the country. The Constitution also states that no citizen can be discriminated against on the basis of their religion, caste or sex. Every person has an access to all public places such as hotels, playgrounds, shops, etc. The state cannot discriminate against anyone in matters of employment.

6: Write a brief note on the making of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The Indian Constitutional Assembly was convened in December 1946. The members of this Assembly were only Indians. This Assembly started drafting the Constitution for Independent India. Dr. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Constitution drafting committee.
The constitution declares India to be a sovereign, democratic republic and establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties, of the government and duties of citizens.
The 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on the January 24, 1950. Two days later, on January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India became the law of all the Indian lands.

7: Write a brief note on the struggle for freedom in Nepal.

Answer: In Nepal, there was a people’s struggle for freedom in 1990. Democracy was established and it lasted for 12 years until 2002.
In October 2002, King Gyanendra began taking over the government with the assistance of the army. In 2005 King Gyanendra took over as the head of the government.
In 2006, people’s movement for democracy began gaining immense force. In April 2006 the King restored the Third Parliament and asked the political parties to form a government. In 2007, Nepal adopted an Interim Constitution and Nepal gained political freedom.

8: What is a constitutional monarchy? Give an example.

Answer: In constitutional monarchy, a country is ruled by a king or a queen but the country has a constitution which the king follows. 

Example: – Until quite recently, Nepal was monarchy. The previous constitution of Nepal, which had been adopted in 1990, reflected the fact that the final authority rested with the king. A people’s movement in Nepal fought for several decades to establish democracy and in 2006 they finally succeeded in putting an end to the powers of the king. Now the people have to write a new constitution to establish Nepal as a democracy. The reason that they do not want to continue with the previous constitution is because it does not reflect the ideals of the country that they want Nepal to be, and that they have fought for.

9: Explain how the constitution of India gets made? 

Answer: The long experience of authoritarian rule under the colonial state convinced Indians that free India should be a democracy in which everyone should be treated equally and be allowed to participate in government.  This was not done by one person but by a group of around 300 people who become members of the constituent assembly had a huge task before them.

The country was made up of several different communities who spoke different languages, belonged to different religions, and had district culture. Also, when the constitution was being written, India was going through considerable turmoil. 

10: What is the importance of constitution? 

Answer: The constitution plays an important role in laying out certain guidelines that govern decision making within the society. 
1. It lays down rules that guard against the misuse of power by our political leaders. 
2. It also contains rules to prevent tyranny. 
3. It also helps to protect us against certain adverse effect on the larger principal that the country believes in. 

11. Describe the key features of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The key features of the Indian Constitution are given below:

(a) Federalism. Our Constitution has provided for a federal form of government. This means that we have government at the state level and at the centre. Panchayati Raj is the third tier of government. India is a large  country with a vast number of communities living together in it. Hence, a system needed to be devised that did not involve only persons sitting in the capital city of New Delhi and making decisions for everyone. Instead, it was important to have another level of government in states so that decisions could be made for that particular area. While each state in India enjoys autonomy in exercising powers on certain issues, subjects on national concern require that all of these states follow the laws of the central government. Under federalism, the states are agents of the federal government and they draw their authority from the Constitution.

(b) Parliamentary form of Government. The different tiers of government consists of representatives who are elected by the people. The Constitution of India guarantees universal adult franchise for all citizens. This means that people of India have a direct role in electing their representatives. At the same time, every citizen of the country, irrespective of his/ her social background, can also contest in elections. These representatives are accountable to the people.

(c) Separation of Powers. There are three organs of the state— the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. In order to prevent the misuse of power by any one branch of the state, the Constitution says that each of these organs should exercise different powers. In this way, each organ acts as a check on the other organs of the state and this establishes a balance of power between the three.

(d) Fundamental Rights. Fundamental Rights are called the conscience of the Indian Constitution. These Rights protect against the absolute exercise of power by the state. The Constitution thus guarantees the rights of individuals against the state as well as against other individuals.

(e) Secularism. It is an important feature of our Constitution. A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.

12. Describe all the Fundamental Rights mentioned in the Constitution. [V.Imp.]

Answer: The Constitution of India guarantees certain basic rights to all its citizens. These rights are called Fundamental Rights. There are altogether six Fundamental Rights:

(a) Right to Equality. All persons are equal before the law. It means that all persons shall be equally protected by the laws of the country. It also states that no citzen can be discriminated against on the basics of their religion, caste or sex. Every person has access to all public places such as restaurants, parks, etc. The state cannot discriminate against anyone on matters of employment.

(b) Right to Freedom. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech and expressions, the right to move freely and reside in any part of the country and the right to practise any profession, occupation or business.

(c) Right against Exploitation. The Indian Constitution prohibits trafficking, child labour and children working under 14 years of age.

(d) Right to Freedom of Religion. Everyone has the right to enjoy religious freedom. It means that everyone has the right to practise, profess and propagate the religion of their choice.

(e) Cultural and Educational Rights. Our Constitution states that all minorities, religious or linguistic, can set up their own educational institutions in order to preserve and develop their own culture.

(f) Right to Constitutional Remedies. A person has the right to go to the court for justice if he/she feels that his/her Fundamental Rights are being violated.

12: Describe in detail the various features of Indian constitution. 

Answer: FEDERALISM: This refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country. In India, we have governments at the state level and at the center. Panchayati Raj is the third tier of government. 

The vast number of communities in India meant that a system of government needed to be devised that did not involve only persons sitting in the capital city of New Delhi and making decisions for everyone. Instead, it was important to have another level of government in the states so that   decision could be made for that particular area. While each state in India enjoys autonomy in exercising powers on certain issues, subjects of national concern require that all of these states follow the laws of the central government. 

The constitution contains lists that detail the issues that each tier of government can make laws on. In addition, the constitution also specifies where each tier of government can get the money from for work that it does. Under federalism, the states are not merely agents of the federal government but draw their authority from the constitution as well. All persons in India are governed by laws and policies made by each of these levels of government. 

PARLIAMENTARY FORM OF GOVERNMENT: The different tiers of government consist of representative who are elected by the people. The constitution of Indian guarantees universal adult   suffrage for all citizens. When they were making the constitution, the members of the constituent assembly felt that the freedom struggle had prepared the masses for universal adult suffrage and that this would help encourage a democratic mindset and break the clutches of traditional caste, class and gender hierarchies. This means that the people of India have a direct role in electing their representatives. Also, every citizen of the country, irrespective of his/ her social background, can also contest in elections. These representatives are accountable to the people. 

SEPARATION OF POWERS: According to the Constitution, there are three organs of the state. These are the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The legislature refers to our elected representatives. The executive is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the government. The judiciary refers to the system of courts in this country. In order to prevent the misuse of power by any one branch of the state, the constitution says that each of these organs should exercise different powers. 

Through this, each organ acts as a check on the other organs of the state and this ensures the balance of power between all three. 

• Central government
• State government
• Panchayati raj

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS: The section on Fundamental Right has often been referred to as the ‘conscience’ of the Indian Constitution. Colonial rule had created a certain suspicion of the state in the minds of the nationalists and they wanted to ensure that a set of written rights would guard against the misuse of state powers in independent India. Fundamental Right, therefore protects citizens against the arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the state. The constitution, thus, guarantees the rights of individuals against the state as well as against other individuals.

In addition to fundamental right, the constitution also has a section called directive principles of state policy. This section was designed by the members of the constituent assembly to ensure greater social and economic reform and to serve as a guide to the independent Indian. State to institute laws and policies that help to reduce the poverty of the masses. 

SECULARISM: A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.