NCERT Questions & Answers
Q1. Here are some false statements. Identify the mistake in each case and rewrite correctly.
a) Leaders of the freedom movement had an open mind about democracy.
→ Mistake: They were committed to democracy.
Correct: Leaders were committed to making India a democracy.
b) Members of the Constituent Assembly held the same views.
→ Mistake: They had diverse opinions.
Correct: Members had many different views but reached consensus.
c) A country that has a constitution must be a democracy.
→ Mistake: Some non-democracies also have constitutions.
Correct: All democracies have constitutions, but not all countries with constitutions are democratic.
d) Constitution cannot be amended.
→ Mistake: It can be amended.
Correct: Constitution can be amended to suit changing needs.
Q2. Most salient conflict in South Africa’s constitution-making?
→ Conflict between the white minority and the black majority.
Q3. Which provision is not found in a democratic constitution?
→ (d) Name of the country.
Q4. Match the leaders:
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Motilal Nehru → (iv) Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928
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B.R. Ambedkar → (iii) Chairman of the Drafting Committee
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Rajendra Prasad → (i) President of the Constituent Assembly
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Sarojini Naidu → (ii) Member of the Constituent Assembly
Q5. Read Nehru’s speech ‘Tryst with Destiny’ and answer:
a) Why “not wholly or in full measure”?
→ Because India had achieved independence, but social and economic challenges remained.
b) What pledge?
→ To dedicate themselves to service of India, end poverty, ignorance, and inequality.
c) “The greatest man of our generation”?
→ Mahatma Gandhi.
Q6. Guiding values – Match:
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Sovereign → (ii) People have supreme right to make decisions.
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Republic → (iii) Head of state is elected.
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Fraternity → (iv) People should live like brothers and sisters.
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Secular → (i) Government does not favour any religion.
Q7. Constitution Day celebration report (example):
On 26 November, our school organised a special assembly. Students read the Preamble aloud. Teachers explained its meaning. Poster-making and essay competitions were held. We pledged to follow constitutional values.
Q8. Opinions about India’s democracy:
a) Gift of British → Limited importance, since democracy in India was shaped by freedom struggle.
b) Freedom struggle → Very important, it rooted democracy in Indian soil.
c) Leadership → Equally important, as leaders ensured democratic principles.
Q9. Extract about women (1912 conduct book). Does it reflect constitutional values?
→ No. It goes against constitutional values of equality, dignity, and gender justice.
Q10. Statements about constitution – True or Not True:
a) Authority same as other laws → ❌ Not true, Constitution is supreme.
b) Constitution lays down government organs → ✅ True.
c) Rights of citizens and limits on power in Constitution → ✅ True.
d) Constitution is about institutions, not values → ❌ Not true, it is about both.
Long Answer Questions
Q1. Why do we need a Constitution?
Answer: A constitution provides basic rules for governance. It establishes trust among diverse groups, specifies how governments are formed, limits powers of rulers, and guarantees rights of citizens. It also reflects aspirations of people for justice, equality, and liberty. Without a constitution, democracy cannot function smoothly.
Q2. Explain the circumstances in which the Indian Constitution was made.
Answer: India’s Constitution was drafted under difficult conditions:
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Partition violence killed lakhs.
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Over 500 princely states had to be integrated.
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Citizens were moving from being subjects to citizens.
Yet leaders had the advantage of shared ideals from the freedom struggle and prior experience of legislatures under colonial rule. They drew inspiration from global democratic ideals but adapted them to Indian needs.
Q3. Describe the role of the Constituent Assembly.
Answer: The Constituent Assembly of India, elected in 1946, had 299 members. It represented diverse social groups, regions, and ideologies. It functioned in a democratic, open, and consensual way. Under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, it debated for 3 years, considered over 2000 amendments, and finally adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949. This ensured its legitimacy.
Q4. Discuss the guiding values of the Indian Constitution as reflected in the Preamble.
Answer: The Preamble expresses foundational values:
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Sovereign – India is free from external control.
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Socialist – Aim of reducing inequality.
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Secular – Equal respect to all religions.
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Democratic – Rule by elected representatives.
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Republic – Head of state is elected.
It also ensures justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. These values guide governance and serve as a standard to judge laws.
Q5. How did South Africa achieve its democratic constitution?
Answer: South Africa suffered under apartheid, where the black majority was oppressed. Nelson Mandela and the ANC led protests. Finally, the white regime agreed to majority rule, while blacks assured whites of property rights. A new constitution (1994) granted equal rights to all, ending apartheid. This constitution became a global model of reconciliation, justice, and democracy.
MCQs
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The supreme law of a country is called:
(a) Legislature (b) Constitution (c) Preamble (d) Parliament
Answer: (b) -
Apartheid was practiced in:
(a) India (b) USA (c) South Africa (d) China
Answer: (c) -
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for:
(a) 15 years (b) 27 years (c) 20 years (d) 30 years
Answer: (b) -
Which party led the anti-apartheid struggle?
(a) African Unity Party (b) ANC (c) Communist Party of India (d) PAC
Answer: (b) -
The Indian Constitution came into effect on:
(a) 15 August 1947 (b) 26 January 1950 (c) 26 November 1949 (d) 2 October 1950
Answer: (b) -
Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee?
(a) Rajendra Prasad (b) B.R. Ambedkar (c) Nehru (d) Patel
Answer: (b) -
President of the Constituent Assembly was:
(a) Nehru (b) Rajendra Prasad (c) Patel (d) Ambedkar
Answer: (b) -
Universal adult franchise means:
(a) Only men vote (b) Only rich vote (c) All adults vote equally (d) Only educated vote
Answer: (c) -
Indian Constitution was influenced by:
(a) French Revolution (b) US Bill of Rights (c) British Parliament (d) All of these
Answer: (d) -
India celebrates Republic Day on:
(a) 15 Aug (b) 26 Jan (c) 2 Oct (d) 14 Nov
Answer: (b) -
Constitution can be changed by:
(a) Prime Minister (b) Judiciary (c) Parliament through amendments (d) President
Answer: (c) -
Preamble reflects:
(a) Philosophy of Constitution (b) Rules of election (c) Economic policy (d) Budget
Answer: (a) -
“Tryst with Destiny” speech was given by:
(a) Ambedkar (b) Nehru (c) Rajendra Prasad (d) Patel
Answer: (b) -
Which value was added by 42nd Amendment?
(a) Socialist & Secular (b) Democratic & Republic (c) Sovereign & Equality (d) Justice & Liberty
Answer: (a) -
How many amendments were discussed in Constituent Assembly?
(a) 500 (b) 1000 (c) 2000+ (d) 100
Answer: (c) -
Constitution was adopted on:
(a) 15 Aug 1947 (b) 26 Nov 1949 (c) 26 Jan 1950 (d) 2 Oct 1947
Answer: (b) -
Who gave the slogan to wipe every tear from every eye?
(a) Gandhi (b) Nehru (c) Patel (d) Ambedkar
Answer: (b) -
Which right was emphasised in South Africa’s constitution?
(a) Racial privilege (b) Equal rights for all (c) Dictatorship (d) Censorship
Answer: (b) -
“We, the People of India…” appears in:
(a) Directive Principles (b) Fundamental Rights (c) Preamble (d) Schedule
Answer: (c) -
Number of members in Indian Constituent Assembly?
(a) 500 (b) 299 (c) 450 (d) 350
Answer: (b)
Fill in the Blanks
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Apartheid was the system of racial segregation in South Africa.
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The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.
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It came into effect on 26 January 1950.
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The Constituent Assembly had 299 members.
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Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
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Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly.
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Preamble is called the soul of the Constitution.
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The South African struggle was led by the African National Congress.
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Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic are key words of the Preamble.
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India celebrates Republic Day on 26 January every year.