Chapter: Constitutional Design - Questions and Answers

5-Mark Questions and Answers

Q1. Why do we need a Constitution in a democracy? Explain with examples.

A Constitution is essential in a democracy for the following reasons:

1. Lays down rules: It provides a set of fundamental rules to govern the country.

2. Defines the nature of a political system: It defines whether the country is a monarchy, democracy, republic,

etc.

3. Safeguards citizens' rights: It protects citizens from the misuse of power and ensures their fundamental

rights.

4. Limits the powers of the government: It prevents the concentration of power and ensures separation of

powers.

5. Sets ideals and goals: It reflects the aspirations of people and provides guidelines for nation-building.

Example: The Indian Constitution provides for equality, justice, and liberty, ensuring all citizens are treated

fairly regardless of caste, religion, or gender.

Q2. Describe the making of the Indian Constitution.

1. Adoption after independence: The Constitution was adopted after India gained independence from British

rule in 1947.

2. Constituent Assembly: It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, which was formed in 1946.

3. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and played a pivotal role.

4. Diverse inputs: The Assembly included members from various regions, communities, and backgrounds.

5. Time taken: It took nearly 3 years (from December 1946 to November 1949) to finalize the Constitution,

which was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950.

Q3. What was the apartheid system in South Africa? How did it come to an end?

Apartheid was a policy of racial discrimination in South Africa.

1. It separated people based on race and restricted non-whites from living in white areas, accessing quality

education, jobs, and healthcare.

2. Non-whites could not vote or participate in the political process.

3. Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) led the struggle against apartheid.
Chapter: Constitutional Design - Questions and Answers

4. After years of resistance, apartheid ended in 1994, and South Africa became a democratic nation.

5. A new Constitution was adopted that guaranteed equal rights to all, irrespective of race.

Q4. How was the Indian Constitution influenced by other countries?

The Indian Constitution borrowed features from many countries:

1. Britain: Parliamentary system and rule of law.

2. USA: Fundamental Rights and independence of judiciary.

3. Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy.

4. France: Ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

5. South Africa: Provision of social and economic rights, and the importance of reconciliation.

Q5. What role did the Indian National Movement play in the making of the Constitution?

1. Unity for independence: The movement brought people from different backgrounds together to fight

colonial rule.

2. Democratic values: It emphasized civil liberties, equality, and democratic governance.

3. Leaders' experience: Leaders like Nehru, Gandhi, Patel gained experience in mass mobilization and

governance.

4. Constitutional vision: They demanded elected assemblies and responsible government, which influenced

constitutional ideals.

5. Social reforms: The movement also focused on social justice and removing discrimination, reflected in the

Constitution.

3-Mark Questions and Answers

Q1. What is a Constitution?

A Constitution is a written document that lays down the fundamental principles, rules, and laws according to

which a country is governed. It:

- Sets out the structure and powers of the government.

- Defines the rights and duties of citizens.

- Provides a legal framework to maintain law and order.

Q2. Who was Nelson Mandela? Mention his contribution to South Africa.

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader.

- He spent 28 years in jail fighting against apartheid.

- He became the first black President of South Africa in 1994.

- He promoted equality, reconciliation, and democracy.

- He played a crucial role in framing a democratic Constitution for South Africa.

Q3. What do you mean by the Preamble of the Constitution?

The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Constitution.

- It states the values, objectives, and goals of the Constitution such as: Justice, Liberty, Equality, and

Fraternity.

- It declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic.

Q4. What are the main features of the Indian Constitution?

1. Lengthiest Constitution: It is one of the longest written Constitutions.

2. Federal structure: Powers are divided between the central and state governments.

3. Parliamentary democracy: It follows a system of government where the executive is responsible to the

legislature.

4. Fundamental Rights and Duties: Citizens are granted rights and expected to follow duties.

5. Secularism: No official religion and equal treatment of all religions.

Q5. What were the challenges faced by the Constituent Assembly?

1. Diversity: India had religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

2. Partition violence: The country was dealing with communal riots and refugee problems post-partition.

3. Economic inequality: Large sections of the population were poor and uneducated.

Despite these challenges, the Constituent Assembly succeeded in creating a comprehensive Constitution.