1. Here are some false statements. Identify the mistake in each case and rewrite these correctly based on what you have read in this chapter.
Leaders of the freedom movement had an open mind about whether the country should be democratic after independence.
Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held the same views on all provisions of the Constitution.
A country with a constitution must be a democracy.
The constitution cannot be amended because it is the supreme law of the country.
Ans:
False Statement: Leaders of the freedom movement had an open mind about whether the country should be democratic after independence.
Correction: Leaders of the freedom movement had a consensus that India would be a democratic nation after independence.
False Statement: Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held the same views on all provisions of the Constitution.
Correction: Members of the Constituent Assembly of India had differing views on various provisions but agreed on the fundamental principles of the Constitution.
False Statement: A country with a constitution must be a democracy.
Correction: A democratic country must have a constitution, but not all countries with constitutions are democracies.
False Statement: The constitution cannot be amended because it is the supreme law of the country.
Correction: The constitution can be amended to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the people.
2. Which of these was the most salient underlying conflict in the making of a democratic constitution in South Africa?
A. Between South Africa and its neighbours
B. Between men and women
C. Between the white majority and the black minority
D. Between the coloured minority and the black majority.
Ans:
D. Between the coloured minority and the black majority was the most significant conflict in the making of South Africa’s democratic constitution.
3. Which of these is a provision that a democratic constitution does not have?
A. Powers of the head of the state
B. Name of the head of the state
C. Powers of the legislature
D. Name of the country.
Ans:
B. Name of the head of the state is not included in a democratic constitution.
4. Match the following leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution:
Motilal Nehru
B.R. Ambedkar
Rajendra Prasad
Sarojini Naidu.
Ans:
Motilal Nehru: Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928
B.R. Ambedkar: Chairman of the Drafting Committee
Rajendra Prasad: President of the Constituent Assembly
Sarojini Naidu: Member of the Constituent Assembly
5. Read again the extracts from Nehru’s speech ‘Tryst with Destiny’ and answer the following:
Why did Nehru say “not wholly or in full measure”?
What pledge did he want the Constitution makers to take?
Who was referred to as “the greatest man of our generation”?
Ans:
“Not wholly or in full measure”: Nehru acknowledged that nation-building was a gradual process and could not be achieved immediately.
Pledge for Constitution makers: Nehru urged them to dedicate themselves to serving India and humanity.
“Greatest man of our generation”: Nehru referred to Mahatma Gandhi.
6. Guiding Values of the Constitution
Question:
Match the guiding values of the Constitution with their meanings:
Sovereign
Republic
Fraternity
Secular
Ans:
Sovereign: People have the supreme right to make decisions.
Republic: The head of state is an elected person.
Fraternity: People should live like brothers and sisters.
Secular: The government does not favour any religion.
7. Report on Constitution Day (November 26)
Question:
How did your school celebrate Constitution Day? Prepare a brief report.
Ans:
Students should write this based on their personal experiences.
8. Factors Making India a Democracy
Question:
How important are these factors in making India a democracy?
Training under British rule with representative institutions
Freedom struggle against colonial exploitation
Democratic convictions of leaders.
Ans:
Training under British rule: Important, as legislative experiences during British rule laid the groundwork for democratic practices.
Freedom struggle: Crucial, as it united Indians against colonial exploitation and emphasized consensus and inclusivity.
Democratic leaders: Vital, as their vision ensured India became and remained a democracy, unlike other nations.
9. Conduct Book for Women (1912)
Question:
Does the following excerpt reflect the values of India’s Constitution? Why or why not?
“God has made women delicate and incapable of self-defence. They must remain under male protection—father, husband, or son—and dedicate themselves to serving men.”
Ans:
This excerpt goes against the values of India’s Constitution, which guarantees equality irrespective of gender. It recognizes women as equal citizens with fundamental rights.
10. True or False: Statements about the Constitution
Question:
Assess the truth of these statements about a constitution and explain:
The authority of constitutional rules is the same as any other law.
The Constitution defines the formation of government organs.
Citizens’ rights and government limits are in the Constitution.
The Constitution is about institutions, not values.
Ans:
False: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, higher than ordinary laws.
True: It specifies how the legislature, executive, and judiciary are formed.
True: It enshrines citizens’ rights and sets limits on government power.
False: The Constitution embodies values such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.