Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1: Constitution: Why and How?
Welcome to HSLC Guru. On this page you will find complete ASSEB Class 11 Political Science question answers for Part A: Indian Constitution at Work, Chapter 1 – Constitution: Why and How? The notes below cover the entire NCERT-aligned syllabus prescribed for the Higher Secondary First Year (HS 1st Year) Political Science course conducted by ASSEB. We have included the textbook exercises, additional short and long answer questions, multiple choice questions (MCQs), a glossary of key terms, and a quick-reference table of important dates so that students preparing for the ASSEB Higher Secondary examination can revise the chapter from a single resource.
This chapter introduces the very idea of a constitution – what it is, why every modern country needs one, what authority a constitution carries, and how the Indian Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly between December 1946 and November 1949. The chapter also explains the role of the Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Objectives Resolution moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and the major sources from which our Constitution borrowed its features.
Summary
A constitution is the supreme written law of a country. It is a body of fundamental principles and established precedents that defines the political community, allocates power among the various organs of government, lays down the relationship between the state and its citizens, and limits what the rulers may do. Every modern democratic state needs a constitution because (i) it provides a set of basic rules that allow minimal coordination among members of a society; (ii) it specifies who has the power to make decisions and how the decisions are to be taken; (iii) it places limits on the power of the government so that it cannot violate the rights of citizens; (iv) it expresses the aspirations of a people about creating a good society; and (v) it gives a fundamental identity to the nation.
The Indian Constitution was framed by a Constituent Assembly that was set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. The Assembly held its first meeting on 9 December 1946 with Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha as its temporary President; Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected its permanent President on 11 December 1946. On 13 December 1946, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru moved the historic Objectives Resolution, which laid down the broad ideals (sovereignty, democracy, social, economic and political justice, liberty, equality, fraternity) that became the foundation of the Preamble. The Drafting Committee, formed on 29 August 1947 under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, prepared the draft text. After 11 sessions, 165 days of sittings, and the consideration of nearly 2,473 amendments, the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and brought into force on 26 January 1950, a date now celebrated as Republic Day.
The Constitution makers borrowed liberally from the experiences of other constitutions while remaining sensitive to Indian conditions. Parliamentary government, the office of the Speaker and the rule of law were borrowed from the United Kingdom; the Fundamental Rights, judicial review, an independent judiciary and the office of the Vice-President from the United States of America; the Directive Principles of State Policy and the method of election of the President from Ireland; the federal system with a strong centre, residuary powers and appointment of state governors from Canada; the concurrent list and trade-and-commerce provisions from Australia; emergency provisions from the Weimar Constitution of Germany; the Fundamental Duties and the ideals of justice in the Preamble from the USSR; the Procedure Established by Law from Japan; the amendment procedure and election of Rajya Sabha members from South Africa; and most of the administrative scaffolding from the Government of India Act, 1935.
The leaders who steered the work of the Assembly included Dr. Rajendra Prasad (President), Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Acharya J.B. Kripalani, Sarojini Naidu, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, K.M. Munshi, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, B.N. Rau (Constitutional Adviser) and others. Their effort produced the world’s longest written constitution – originally containing 395 Articles, 22 Parts and 8 Schedules – and a document that has guided Indian democracy for more than seven decades.
সাৰাংশ (Assamese Summary)
সংবিধান হৈছে এখন দেশৰ সৰ্বোচ্চ লিখিত আইন। এই দস্তাবেজখনে চৰকাৰৰ বিভিন্ন অংগৰ ক্ষমতাৰ বিভাজন কৰে, ৰাষ্ট্ৰ আৰু নাগৰিকৰ সম্পৰ্ক নিৰ্ধাৰণ কৰে, নাগৰিকৰ মৌলিক অধিকাৰৰ সুৰক্ষা দিয়ে আৰু চৰকাৰৰ ক্ষমতাৰ ওপৰত সীমা আৰোপ কৰে। এখন গণতান্ত্ৰিক ৰাষ্ট্ৰৰ বাবে সংবিধান প্ৰয়োজন কাৰণ ই সমাজত মূলাধাৰ সমন্বয় ৰক্ষা কৰে, ক্ষমতাৰ অপব্যৱহাৰ ৰোধ কৰে, এক ভাল সমাজ গঢ়াৰ আকাংক্ষা প্ৰকাশ কৰে আৰু জাতিৰ মৌলিক পৰিচয় প্ৰদান কৰে।
ভাৰতৰ সংবিধান ১৯৪৬ চনৰ কেবিনেট মিচন পৰিকল্পনাৰ অধীনত গঠিত গণপৰিষদে (Constituent Assembly) ৰচনা কৰিছিল। এই সভাৰ প্ৰথম অধিৱেশন ১৯৪৬ চনৰ ৯ ডিচেম্বৰত অনুষ্ঠিত হৈছিল আৰু ড° ৰাজেন্দ্ৰ প্ৰসাদ ইয়াৰ স্থায়ী সভাপতি নিৰ্বাচিত হৈছিল। ১৩ ডিচেম্বৰ ১৯৪৬ত পণ্ডিত জৱাহৰলাল নেহৰুৱে উদ্দেশ্যাৱলী প্ৰস্তাৱ (Objectives Resolution) উত্থাপন কৰে, যিয়ে সংবিধানৰ মূল আদৰ্শসমূহ – সাৰ্বভৌমত্ব, গণতন্ত্ৰ, ন্যায়, স্বাধীনতা, সমতা আৰু ভ্ৰাতৃত্ব – নিৰ্দিষ্ট কৰিছিল। ড° বি.আৰ. আম্বেদকৰৰ অধ্যক্ষতাত গঠিত খচৰা সমিতিয়ে (Drafting Committee) সংবিধানৰ খচৰা প্ৰস্তুত কৰিছিল।
প্ৰায় দুবছৰ এঘাৰ মাহ আঠাৰ দিনৰ অশেষ পৰিশ্ৰমৰ পিছত ১৯৪৯ চনৰ ২৬ নৱেম্বৰ তাৰিখে সংবিধান গৃহীত হয় আৰু ১৯৫০ চনৰ ২৬ জানুৱাৰী তাৰিখে কাৰ্যকৰী হয়। সংবিধানৰ বহু বৈশিষ্ট্য বিদেশী সংবিধানৰ পৰা গ্ৰহণ কৰা হৈছিল – ব্ৰিটেইনৰ পৰা সংসদীয় শাসন, আমেৰিকাৰ পৰা মৌলিক অধিকাৰ, আয়াৰলেণ্ডৰ পৰা ৰাজ্যনীতিৰ নিৰ্দেশক নীতি, কানাডাৰ পৰা সংঘীয় ব্যৱস্থা ইত্যাদি – আৰু ভাৰতৰ ১৯৩৫ চনৰ চৰকাৰী আইনৰ পৰা প্ৰশাসনিক কাঠামো। এই কাৰণে ভাৰতৰ সংবিধান বিশ্বৰ আটাইতকৈ দীঘল লিখিত সংবিধান। প্ৰাৰম্ভিক ৰূপত ইয়াত আছিল ৩৯৫টা অনুচ্ছেদ, ২২টা ভাগ আৰু ৮টা অনুসূচী।
NCERT Textbook Q&A
Q1. Which of these is not a function of the Constitution?
(a) It gives a guarantee of the rights of the citizen.
(b) It marks out different spheres of power for different branches of government.
(c) It ensures that good people come to power.
(d) It gives expression to some shared values.
Answer: (c) It ensures that good people come to power. A constitution lays down rules and processes; it cannot guarantee the moral character of those who win elections.
Q2. Which of the following objectives is not mentioned in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
(a) Equality
(b) Socialism
(c) Democracy
(d) World peace
Answer: (d) World peace. World peace is part of India’s foreign-policy goals (Article 51) but is not declared as an objective in the Preamble. Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy and Republic are all mentioned in the Preamble.
Q3. Match the following:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| (a) Indians had no role in framing the Constitution | (i) Wrong, the Indian people were the makers of the Constitution through their representatives |
| (b) The Constitution only reflects views of the members of the Constituent Assembly | (ii) Wrong, it represents the broad consensus of opinion of the time |
| (c) Constitution is unable to meet aspirations of citizens | (iii) Wrong, it has the ability to respond to challenges – it has been amended over a hundred times |
| (d) Constitution is a static and inflexible document | (iv) Wrong, it is a living document |
Q4. What were the main considerations the Constitution framers had to keep in mind when they were framing the Constitution?
Answer: The framers of our Constitution were guided by several considerations:
- The Constitution should be based on the broad consensus of the people, reflecting their aspirations and ideals shaped by the freedom struggle.
- It should establish a representative form of government that allowed for periodic, free and fair elections based on universal adult franchise.
- It should provide for a federal arrangement that gave due autonomy to states while maintaining a strong Union to preserve unity and integrity.
- It had to balance the goals of social and economic justice with individual liberty and political freedom.
- It must accommodate the diversity of religion, caste, language, region and culture, ensuring secularism and the protection of minorities.
- It must enshrine fundamental rights and rule of law to safeguard citizens against state arbitrariness.
- It needed an independent judiciary capable of interpreting the Constitution and protecting citizens’ rights.
- It should keep in mind the special problems of social inequality, poverty and the legacy of colonial administration.
Q5. Why do we need a Constitution? What would happen if there were no Constitution?
Answer: A constitution is necessary for several reasons:
- Coordination and assurance: A constitution provides a set of basic rules that allow people with diverse interests to coexist. It assures every person that the rules will be applied uniformly.
- Allocation of decision-making power: It specifies who will make laws, who will execute them and who will adjudicate disputes – preventing chaos.
- Limitation on government: It places limits on the powers of the government so that fundamental rights of citizens are not violated.
- Expression of aspirations: It expresses the dream of a good society – justice, liberty, equality and fraternity in our case.
- Identity of the nation: It gives political identity – India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
If there were no constitution, there would be no agreed-upon rules. Power would belong to the strongest; rights would be insecure; there would be no recognised procedure for changing governments and citizens would have no recourse against injustice. Society would lapse into anarchy or autocracy.
Q6. Discuss the different ways in which a constitution helps in the integration of a diverse society.
Answer: A diverse society like India is integrated through several constitutional devices:
- Single citizenship for the entire country – every Indian is a citizen of India, not of any state.
- Federal arrangement with division of powers between the Union and States, accommodating regional diversity.
- Fundamental Rights guaranteed equally to all without discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Articles 14–18, 25–28).
- Secularism – the State has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
- Linguistic protection – Eighth Schedule recognises 22 languages; minorities are given the right to conserve their script and culture (Articles 29 and 30).
- Universal adult franchise – every citizen above 18 has equal voting rights.
- Reservation and special provisions for SCs, STs and other weaker sections.
- Independent judiciary as protector and interpreter of these rights.
Q7. Make a list of the various ways in which Constitutions are made.
Answer: Constitutions are made in different ways across the world:
- By a Constituent Assembly – a specially elected body draws up the constitution. India, the United States, South Africa and France followed this route.
- By a king or sovereign authority – a ruler grants a constitution. Example: the Charter granted by Louis XVIII in France in 1814.
- Through long evolution and convention – the United Kingdom has no single written document; its constitution evolved through statutes, judicial decisions and conventions.
- By a body of legislators – an existing legislature converts itself into a constitution-making body, as happened in some countries after independence.
- Through revolution or war – constitutions imposed after a revolution or war (e.g., post-war Japan in 1947).
- Through negotiated settlement – constitutions framed through a process of negotiation among different groups, as in South Africa post-apartheid.
Q8. The Constitution is a living document. Discuss.
Answer: The Indian Constitution is described as a living document because it can grow, adapt and respond to the changing needs of the country. The framers wisely included an amendment procedure (Article 368) that allowed the document to be modified by Parliament. Since 1950, the Constitution has been amended more than one hundred times to add new rights (right to education, right to property removed from fundamental rights, etc.), to address language and territorial issues, and to adjust to evolving circumstances. The Supreme Court too has interpreted the Constitution dynamically through doctrines like the Basic Structure Doctrine (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973) and the expanded reading of Article 21. Therefore, instead of being a static museum piece, the Constitution responds to social, political, economic and technological change while preserving its core values.
Q9. Rajat asked his teacher this question: “The Constitution is a fifty-year-old and therefore outdated book. No one took my consent for implementing it. It is written in such tough language that I cannot understand it.” How should you answer Rajat?
Answer: Rajat is mistaken on three counts:
- Not outdated: Although the Constitution was adopted in 1949, it has been amended more than 100 times to keep pace with new realities. Through judicial interpretation, the meaning of articles has also evolved. It is therefore a “living document,” not an obsolete one.
- Consent of the people: It is not practically possible to take the personal consent of every citizen. The Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly, whose members represented all major communities, classes, regions and political opinions of India. Thus the people, through their representatives, did consent to the Constitution. The very preamble begins with the words “We, the people of India”.
- Language: A constitution by its nature uses precise legal terminology. While this can appear difficult, simplified versions, school textbooks and translations into all official languages make it accessible. Citizens can study its values and rights without mastering every technical phrase.
Q10. Discuss in brief: Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as objectives of the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
- Justice – social, economic and political. Social justice means absence of socially privileged classes and no discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, colour, religion, sex or place of birth. Economic justice means no discrimination based on income or wealth and equitable distribution of resources. Political justice means equal political rights – universal franchise, equal eligibility for public office and equal participation in political processes.
- Liberty – the Preamble lists liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. The grant of Fundamental Rights (Part III) including the right to freedom secures this objective. Liberty is a vital necessity for the fullest development of the individual.
- Equality – includes (i) equality of status (every citizen is equal before law) and (ii) equality of opportunity (adequate opportunities for everyone). Articles 14, 15 and 16 provide for these. Special protection is provided to women, children and weaker sections.
- Fraternity – a feeling of brotherhood among the people of India. The Preamble seeks to promote fraternity by assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. Single citizenship, fundamental duties and secularism reinforce fraternity.
Q11. Discuss the salient features of the Constitution of India.
Answer: The chief features of the Indian Constitution are:
- Lengthy written constitution: Originally 395 Articles, 22 Parts and 8 Schedules; now over 470 Articles and 12 Schedules after amendments.
- Drawn from various sources: Borrowed features from constitutions of UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, Australia, USSR, Germany, Japan and the Government of India Act, 1935.
- Rigid as well as flexible: Some provisions can be amended by simple majority, others require a two-thirds majority, and a few require ratification by half the state legislatures (Article 368).
- Federal in form, unitary in spirit: India is described as a “Union of States.” It has features of a federation (division of powers, written constitution, independent judiciary) but also strong unitary features (single citizenship, single Constitution, emergency provisions).
- Parliamentary form of government: Both at the Centre and in the States.
- Fundamental Rights and Duties: Six justiciable rights in Part III; ten Fundamental Duties in Part IVA (added by 42nd Amendment).
- Directive Principles of State Policy: Non-justiciable guidelines in Part IV.
- Independent judiciary: An integrated court system headed by the Supreme Court.
- Secular state: No state religion; equality of all religions.
- Universal adult franchise: Every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote.
- Single citizenship: Only one citizenship – of India.
- Bicameral legislature at the Centre: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Q12. Discuss the composition and working of the Constituent Assembly.
Answer: The Constituent Assembly was set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. As originally planned it had 389 members – 296 from British Indian provinces and 93 from princely states. Provincial members were elected indirectly by Provincial Legislative Assemblies through a system of proportional representation by single transferable vote. Three communities – General, Muslim and Sikh – were given separate electorates. After Partition the Assembly was reduced to 299 members.
The first meeting was held on 9 December 1946. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the temporary Chairman. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected the permanent President on 11 December 1946. On 13 December 1946 Pandit Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution, later adopted as the Preamble. The Assembly worked through several committees – the Drafting Committee under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar being the most important. Other members of the Drafting Committee were N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, K.M. Munshi, Syed Mohammad Saadulla, B.L. Mitter (later replaced by N. Madhava Rau) and D.P. Khaitan (later replaced by T.T. Krishnamachari). B.N. Rau served as the Constitutional Adviser.
The Assembly held 11 sessions over 165 days in a span of 2 years 11 months and 18 days. About 2,473 amendments were considered. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
Q13. Identify the different aspects of authority of the Constitution. Why is it important to have authority?
Answer: A constitution must possess three kinds of authority:
- Effective authority over those who hold power: Government officials, judges and even ordinary citizens must follow it. People must be willing to obey it.
- Substantive authority of the values it expresses: The values and principles enshrined must reflect the considered judgment of the people about a good political order.
- Authority due to the procedures of its making: The body that makes the constitution must enjoy public confidence – it must be representative and credible.
Authority is important because without it the constitution would merely be a piece of paper. Authority allows the constitution to perform its functions of allocating power, restricting power, and giving identity to the political community.
Additional Short Answer Questions
Q1. Define a constitution.
Answer: A constitution is the body of fundamental principles and laws by which a state is governed. It is the supreme document that defines the structure of government, distributes powers, lists the rights of citizens and establishes the relationship between the rulers and the ruled.
Q2. What is meant by Constitutionalism?
Answer: Constitutionalism refers to the idea that government authority is derived from – and should be limited by – a body of fundamental laws. It implies a government bound by rules; a state where rule of law replaces rule by individuals.
Q3. When did the Constituent Assembly hold its first meeting?
Answer: 9 December 1946.
Q4. Who was the first President of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer: Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the temporary Chairman of the first sitting. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected the permanent President on 11 December 1946.
Q5. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee?
Answer: Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
Q6. Who moved the Objectives Resolution and when?
Answer: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution on 13 December 1946. It was adopted by the Assembly on 22 January 1947.
Q7. When was the Indian Constitution adopted? When did it come into force?
Answer: The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949. It came into force on 26 January 1950, observed every year as Republic Day.
Q8. Who was the Constitutional Adviser to the Constituent Assembly?
Answer: Sir B.N. Rau (Benegal Narsing Rau), a distinguished jurist.
Q9. From which constitution have the Fundamental Rights been borrowed?
Answer: From the Constitution of the United States of America.
Q10. From which country’s Constitution have the Directive Principles of State Policy been borrowed?
Answer: From the Constitution of Ireland.
Q11. What does the Preamble describe India as?
Answer: A Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
Q12. How many Articles, Parts and Schedules did the original Constitution have?
Answer: Originally 395 Articles, 22 Parts and 8 Schedules.
Q13. What is the meaning of “Sovereign”?
Answer: “Sovereign” means India is independent in both internal and external affairs and is not subject to the control of any foreign power.
Q14. What is the meaning of “Republic”?
Answer: A “Republic” is a state where the head of state is elected by the people for a fixed term, not a hereditary monarch. The President of India is elected indirectly by an Electoral College.
Q15. What does “Secular” mean in the context of the Indian state?
Answer: A “Secular” state has no official religion. The State treats all religions equally and grants the right to profess, practise and propagate any religion. Articles 25–28 protect religious freedom.
Q16. By which amendment were the words “Socialist” and “Secular” added to the Preamble?
Answer: By the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
Q17. Mention any two functions of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: (i) It provides the basic framework of governance and distributes powers among different organs. (ii) It guarantees fundamental rights to citizens and limits the powers of the state.
Q18. From which Act has the Indian Constitution borrowed most of its administrative provisions?
Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935.
Q19. Why is India called a Union of States and not a Federation?
Answer: Article 1 declares India as a “Union of States.” Dr. Ambedkar explained that this term was deliberately chosen because (i) the Indian Federation is not the result of an agreement among states; (ii) no state has the right to secede from the Union; and (iii) the Union is indestructible while states can be reorganised by Parliament.
Q20. What is meant by “Universal Adult Franchise”?
Answer: Universal Adult Franchise means every citizen above 18 years of age, regardless of caste, religion, sex, race, education, or property, has the right to vote in elections (Article 326).
Long Answer Questions
Q1. Discuss the various functions performed by a constitution.
Answer: A constitution performs the following key functions in a modern state:
- Provides basic rules of coordination: A constitution sets out a fundamental framework that allows people in a society to co-exist with minimal conflict. It enables members of society to coordinate their behaviour because everyone knows the rules.
- Specifies decision-making power: It tells us who has the authority to make laws – Parliament, state legislatures, the executive, courts, and what procedures must be followed. Without this, decisions would lack legitimacy.
- Limits powers of government: By establishing fundamental rights, separation of powers, and rule of law, it places constitutional limits on what the government can do, protecting citizens from tyranny.
- Enables government to fulfil aspirations of citizens: A constitution enables the government to act in ways that promote a just society. The Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution are an example.
- Provides identity to the people: A constitution gives a fundamental political identity – Indians are constituted as citizens of a sovereign, secular, democratic republic. Constitutional identity transcends regional or religious identities.
- Reconciles diversity: Through provisions for federalism, secularism, minority rights and special provisions, the constitution helps integrate diverse societies.
Q2. Describe the composition and working of the Constituent Assembly of India.
Answer: The Constituent Assembly of India was set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of May 1946. The plan provided for an Assembly of 389 members – 296 from British Indian provinces (elected by provincial assemblies) and 93 nominated by princely states. Elections to the Assembly were held in July 1946, and the Indian National Congress won an overwhelming majority. After Partition in August 1947, the Assembly was reduced to 299 members.
The Assembly first met on 9 December 1946 with Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha as its temporary Chairman. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected its permanent President on 11 December 1946. On 13 December 1946, Pandit Nehru introduced the celebrated Objectives Resolution, which laid down the basic principles of the Constitution and was adopted on 22 January 1947. After India became independent on 15 August 1947, the Assembly also functioned as the provisional Parliament for the country.
The Assembly worked through about 13 committees. The most important was the Drafting Committee, set up on 29 August 1947 under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Other members were N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, K.M. Munshi, Syed Mohammad Saadulla, B.L. Mitter (later replaced by N. Madhava Rao) and D.P. Khaitan (later replaced by T.T. Krishnamachari). The Constitutional Adviser was Sir B.N. Rau.
The Assembly held 11 sessions, sat for 165 days, considered about 2,473 amendments over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 with the signatures of 284 members and came into force on 26 January 1950.
Q3. What is the Objectives Resolution? Discuss its importance.
Answer: The Objectives Resolution was a historic resolution moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on 13 December 1946. It was adopted unanimously on 22 January 1947 and laid down the philosophical foundations of the Indian Constitution. Its main propositions were:
- India should be declared an independent sovereign republic.
- The component parts of India would be a Union of territories that were once provinces of British India and the Indian States.
- All powers of government and authority would derive from the people.
- All people of India would be guaranteed justice (social, economic and political), equality (of status, opportunity and before the law), liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association and action) and fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual.
- Adequate safeguards would be provided to minorities, backward and tribal areas, depressed and other backward classes.
- The territorial integrity of India and its sovereign rights on land, sea and air would be maintained according to justice and law of civilised nations.
- India would make full and willing contribution to the promotion of world peace and welfare of mankind.
Importance: The Objectives Resolution served as a “guiding light” for the Constituent Assembly. It became the philosophical basis of the Preamble. It declared the sovereignty of the people, set out the goals of the new republic, and offered a vision of a democratic, just and inclusive India.
Q4. Discuss the major sources of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: The framers of the Indian Constitution borrowed several features from the constitutions of other countries to suit Indian conditions. The major external and internal sources are presented below:
| Source / Country | Features Borrowed |
|---|---|
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Federal scheme, office of governor, judiciary, public service commissions, emergency provisions, administrative details |
| United Kingdom (Britain) | Parliamentary government, rule of law, legislative procedure, single citizenship, cabinet system, prerogative writs, parliamentary privileges, bicameralism, office of Speaker |
| United States of America | Fundamental Rights, independence of judiciary, judicial review, impeachment of the President, removal of Supreme Court and High Court judges, post of Vice-President, written constitution |
| Ireland | Directive Principles of State Policy, nomination of members to Rajya Sabha, method of election of the President |
| Canada | Federation with a strong centre, vesting of residuary powers in the centre, appointment of state governors by the centre, advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court |
| Australia | Concurrent List, freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse, joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament |
| Weimar Constitution of Germany | Suspension of Fundamental Rights during emergency |
| USSR (former Soviet Union) | Fundamental Duties, ideals of justice (social, economic and political) in the Preamble, planning |
| France | Republic, ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity in the Preamble |
| South Africa | Procedure for amendment of the Constitution, election of members of the Rajya Sabha |
| Japan | Procedure established by law (Article 21) |
Other internal sources include the ideals of the freedom movement, the recommendations of various committees of the Indian National Congress (e.g., Nehru Report 1928), and the records of the Constituent Assembly debates themselves.
Q5. Explain the salient features of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: The Indian Constitution has several distinctive features:
- Lengthiest written Constitution: The longest written national constitution in the world. Originally 395 Articles, 22 Parts and 8 Schedules; now over 470 Articles and 12 Schedules.
- Drawn from various sources: Borrowed liberally from constitutions of UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, USSR, Germany, Japan and South Africa, and the Government of India Act, 1935.
- Combination of rigidity and flexibility: Some provisions can be amended by simple majority, others by special majority, and a few require ratification by half the states (Article 368).
- Federal system with unitary bias: Has features of both federal (written constitution, supremacy of constitution, division of powers, independent judiciary) and unitary (single citizenship, single constitution, emergency provisions, all-India services) governments.
- Parliamentary form of government: Both at the Centre and the States.
- Synthesis of parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy: Parliament makes law within the framework of the Constitution; courts can review laws on constitutional grounds.
- Rule of law: Equality before law and equal protection of the laws (Article 14).
- Integrated and independent judiciary: A single judicial system with the Supreme Court at the apex.
- Fundamental Rights: Six basic rights guaranteed to citizens (Articles 12–35).
- Directive Principles of State Policy: Non-justiciable guidelines (Articles 36–51).
- Fundamental Duties: Eleven duties (originally 10) in Article 51A.
- Secular state: No state religion; equality of all faiths.
- Universal adult franchise: Voting age 18 (Article 326).
- Single citizenship: Only of India.
- Independent bodies: Election Commission, CAG, UPSC, etc.
- Emergency provisions: Three types of emergencies (Articles 352, 356, 360).
- Three-tier government: Centre, State and local self-government (added by 73rd and 74th Amendments).
Q6. Explain the role played by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the framing of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956), India’s foremost jurist and the architect of the Indian Constitution, played the most decisive role in the framing of the document. As Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he supervised the writing of every article. His role can be summarised as follows:
- He led the seven-member Drafting Committee that prepared the draft text on the basis of the Objectives Resolution and earlier reports.
- He defended every clause through painstaking debates in the Assembly. His clarity, scholarship and persuasive arguments shaped the final text.
- He pressed for strong central government, fundamental rights, abolition of untouchability (Article 17), and special safeguards for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities.
- He insisted on procedural safeguards, separation of powers, judicial review, and the supremacy of constitutional law.
- He gave the famous concluding speech of 25 November 1949 reminding the Assembly that “however good a constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it happen to be a bad lot.” This speech still serves as a guiding ideal.
For these reasons Dr. Ambedkar is universally honoured as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.”
Q7. What is meant by the Preamble of the Constitution? Discuss its importance.
Answer: The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Constitution that proclaims the source of the Constitution, declares the nature of the Indian state, identifies the objectives of the Constitution and gives its date of adoption. The text of the Preamble (after 42nd Amendment) reads:
“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”
Importance: The Preamble is the soul, identity card and key to the Constitution. Although not enforceable in a court of law, the Supreme Court has held (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973) that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and helps in its interpretation. It (i) declares the source of authority – “We the People”; (ii) states the nature of the Indian polity; (iii) lists the objectives; and (iv) gives the date of adoption.
Q8. “The Indian Constitution is a living document.” Discuss this statement.
Answer: The Indian Constitution is described as a “living document” because it has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and ability to grow with the changing needs of Indian society. Key reasons:
- Amendment procedure: Article 368 allows Parliament to amend the Constitution. More than 100 amendments have been made since 1950, addressing language, federal relations, fundamental rights, panchayats, GST, and many other issues.
- Judicial interpretation: Courts, especially the Supreme Court, have evolved doctrines like the Basic Structure Doctrine (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973), expanded the meaning of Article 21 to include privacy, environment, food, shelter, etc.
- Statutory and conventional changes: Many practices like coalition governments, the office of the Leader of the Opposition, and conventions of the President have evolved without formal amendment.
- Inclusion of new rights: Right to Education (Article 21A) added in 2002. Right to Privacy recognised as fundamental right in 2017.
Therefore, the Constitution has not become outdated; rather, it has continuously responded to new challenges while preserving its core values, justifying its description as a living document.
Q9. Discuss the criticisms of the Indian Constitution along with their refutation.
Answer: Several criticisms have been made of the Indian Constitution since its adoption:
- Borrowed Constitution: Critics say it is a patchwork of foreign provisions. Refutation: The framers borrowed selectively and modified provisions to suit Indian conditions. Borrowing wisely is a strength, not a weakness.
- Carbon copy of the 1935 Act: Some say it copied much from the Government of India Act, 1935. Refutation: Continuity in administrative structures was necessary; the Act provided ready-made machinery, but the philosophical foundations and rights chapters are wholly new.
- Un-Indian or anti-Indian: Some critics complain that the Constitution does not reflect Indian political traditions. Refutation: The Constitution is firmly rooted in Indian conditions – federalism for Indian diversity, Directive Principles for Indian welfare needs, special provisions for SCs/STs.
- Anti-democratic features: The Emergency provisions and the strong centre are sometimes called anti-democratic. Refutation: Emergency provisions are essential safeguards; they have been substantially curtailed by the 44th Amendment.
- Lengthy and complicated: The Constitution is criticised for being too long. Refutation: The size is necessary because of India’s vast diversity, federal structure, and the need to address multiple administrative concerns.
Despite these criticisms, the Constitution has successfully guided Indian democracy for over seven decades and remains the supreme law of the land.
Q10. Explain how the Constitution provides for a balance between rights of citizens and powers of government.
Answer: The Indian Constitution carefully balances individual rights and state authority through several mechanisms:
- Fundamental Rights (Part III): Six rights are guaranteed against state action, including the right to constitutional remedies (Article 32) which Dr. Ambedkar called the “heart and soul” of the Constitution.
- Reasonable restrictions: The state can place reasonable restrictions on rights for the larger interest of public order, morality, security and integrity of the nation.
- Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): These guide the state in policy making for social and economic justice, but are non-justiciable.
- Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A): Citizens are also expected to fulfil duties towards the country.
- Separation of powers: Functions are distributed among legislature, executive and judiciary, preventing concentration of power.
- Independent judiciary: Acts as protector of rights and arbiter between citizens and state.
- Emergency provisions with safeguards: Even during emergency, certain rights (like Article 20 and 21) cannot be suspended.
This delicate balance ensures both citizens’ freedoms and an effective state, embodying the constitutional dream of “limited yet effective government.”
MCQs
1. The Constituent Assembly of India was set up under the:
(a) Government of India Act, 1935
(b) Cripps Proposal, 1942
(c) Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946
(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer: (c) Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946.
2. The Constituent Assembly held its first meeting on:
(a) 9 December 1946
(b) 26 November 1949
(c) 26 January 1950
(d) 15 August 1947
Answer: (a) 9 December 1946.
3. The temporary Chairman of the Constituent Assembly was:
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(d) Pandit Nehru
Answer: (b) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha.
4. The permanent President of the Constituent Assembly was:
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Pandit Nehru
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(d) Sardar Patel
Answer: (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
5. The Chairman of the Drafting Committee was:
(a) Pandit Nehru
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(c) Sardar Patel
(d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: (d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
6. The Objectives Resolution was moved by:
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(d) Sardar Patel
Answer: (b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
7. The Indian Constitution was adopted on:
(a) 26 January 1950
(b) 26 November 1949
(c) 15 August 1947
(d) 9 December 1946
Answer: (b) 26 November 1949.
8. The Constitution of India came into force on:
(a) 26 January 1950
(b) 26 November 1949
(c) 15 August 1947
(d) 26 January 1949
Answer: (a) 26 January 1950.
9. The Indian Constitution originally had:
(a) 395 Articles, 22 Parts, 8 Schedules
(b) 470 Articles, 25 Parts, 12 Schedules
(c) 295 Articles, 18 Parts, 6 Schedules
(d) 350 Articles, 20 Parts, 10 Schedules
Answer: (a) 395 Articles, 22 Parts, 8 Schedules.
10. The Fundamental Rights have been borrowed from the Constitution of:
(a) United Kingdom
(b) Canada
(c) United States of America
(d) Australia
Answer: (c) United States of America.
11. The Directive Principles of State Policy have been borrowed from:
(a) USA
(b) Canada
(c) Ireland
(d) UK
Answer: (c) Ireland.
12. The parliamentary form of government has been borrowed from:
(a) USA
(b) UK
(c) Canada
(d) USSR
Answer: (b) UK.
13. The federal system with a strong centre has been borrowed from:
(a) USA
(b) Canada
(c) Australia
(d) Germany
Answer: (b) Canada.
14. Emergency provisions have been borrowed from:
(a) USA
(b) UK
(c) Weimar Constitution of Germany
(d) Canada
Answer: (c) Weimar Constitution of Germany.
15. The Fundamental Duties were inspired by the Constitution of:
(a) UK
(b) USA
(c) USSR
(d) Japan
Answer: (c) USSR.
16. The Concurrent List was borrowed from the Constitution of:
(a) Canada
(b) Australia
(c) USA
(d) UK
Answer: (b) Australia.
17. The Constitutional Adviser to the Constituent Assembly was:
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(b) B.N. Rau
(c) K.M. Munshi
(d) T.T. Krishnamachari
Answer: (b) B.N. Rau.
18. The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were added to the Preamble by which amendment?
(a) 24th Amendment
(b) 42nd Amendment
(c) 44th Amendment
(d) 73rd Amendment
Answer: (b) 42nd Amendment, 1976.
19. Article 1 of the Constitution declares India as:
(a) A federation
(b) A unitary state
(c) A Union of States
(d) A confederation
Answer: (c) A Union of States.
20. The Objectives Resolution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:
(a) 13 December 1946
(b) 22 January 1947
(c) 26 November 1949
(d) 26 January 1950
Answer: (b) 22 January 1947.
21. The total time taken by the Constituent Assembly to draft the Constitution was approximately:
(a) 1 year
(b) 2 years 11 months 18 days
(c) 3 years
(d) 5 years
Answer: (b) 2 years 11 months 18 days.
22. Which one of the following is NOT a function of a constitution?
(a) Distribution of power
(b) Limiting government
(c) Guaranteeing election victory of good people
(d) Expressing shared values
Answer: (c) Guaranteeing election victory of good people.
23. The number of members in the Constituent Assembly after Partition was:
(a) 389
(b) 299
(c) 296
(d) 250
Answer: (b) 299.
24. The Drafting Committee was set up on:
(a) 9 December 1946
(b) 13 December 1946
(c) 29 August 1947
(d) 26 November 1949
Answer: (c) 29 August 1947.
25. Who is regarded as the “Father of the Indian Constitution”?
(a) Pandit Nehru
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(d) Sardar Patel
Answer: (c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Key Terms / Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Constitution | The supreme written law of a country that establishes the structure of government, distributes powers and enshrines the rights of citizens. |
| Constitutionalism | The doctrine that government authority is limited by a body of fundamental laws – rule of law, not rule by individuals. |
| Preamble | The introductory statement of the Constitution that proclaims its source, nature, objectives and date of adoption. |
| Constituent Assembly | A body specially constituted to frame a country’s constitution. The Indian Constituent Assembly was set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. |
| Sovereign | Independent in internal and external affairs and not subject to control by any foreign power. |
| Socialist | Implies a society based on social and economic equality, where wealth and resources are equitably distributed. |
| Secular | The state has no official religion and treats all religions equally; citizens have freedom to follow any religion. |
| Democratic | Government chosen by the people through periodic free and fair elections based on universal adult franchise. |
| Republic | A state in which the head of state is elected and not a hereditary monarch. |
| Drafting Committee | The seven-member committee, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, that prepared the draft Constitution. |
| Objectives Resolution | The historic resolution moved by Pandit Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on 13 December 1946 that laid the philosophical foundation of the Constitution. |
| Cabinet Mission Plan | The 1946 plan sent by the British government that proposed the formation of a Constituent Assembly to draft the Indian Constitution. |
| Fundamental Rights | The justiciable rights of citizens listed in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12–35). |
| Directive Principles of State Policy | Non-justiciable principles in Part IV (Articles 36–51) meant to guide the state in policy-making. |
| Rule of Law | The principle that all persons and authorities are equal before the law and bound by it. |
| Universal Adult Franchise | The right to vote for every citizen above 18 years irrespective of caste, religion, sex, education, etc. |
| Single Citizenship | India provides only one citizenship – of India – not separate state citizenship. |
| Federalism | A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units (states). |
| Bicameral Legislature | A legislature consisting of two houses; the Indian Parliament has Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. |
| Living Document | A constitution capable of being amended and reinterpreted to suit the changing needs of society. |
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 16 May 1946 | Cabinet Mission Plan announced; provided for the formation of a Constituent Assembly. |
| July 1946 | Elections to the Constituent Assembly held in the provinces. |
| 9 December 1946 | First meeting of the Constituent Assembly held in New Delhi; Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha presided as temporary Chairman. |
| 11 December 1946 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad elected the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly. |
| 13 December 1946 | Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution in the Assembly. |
| 22 January 1947 | Objectives Resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly. |
| 15 August 1947 | India achieved independence; Constituent Assembly also began functioning as the provisional Parliament. |
| 29 August 1947 | Drafting Committee constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. |
| 4 November 1948 | Dr. Ambedkar introduced the Draft Constitution in the Assembly. |
| 26 November 1949 | Constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly; this date is observed every year as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas). |
| 24 January 1950 | Final meeting of the Constituent Assembly; members signed the Constitution. |
| 26 January 1950 | Constitution came into force; India became a Republic – Republic Day. |
This concludes the comprehensive notes for ASSEB Class 11 Political Science, Part A: Indian Constitution at Work, Chapter 1 – Constitution: Why and How? Continue your preparation with HSLC Guru for chapter-wise notes, model question answers and revision material for all subjects of the ASSEB Higher Secondary First Year examination.