Class 8 Social Science Political Science Chapter 1 Question Answer | The Indian Constitution | English Medium

Class 8 Social Science Political Science Chapter 1 Question Answer | The Indian Constitution | English Medium | ASSEB

The Indian Constitution

Welcome to HSLC Guru. On this page you will find a complete English-medium study guide for Class 8 Social Science (Political Science) Chapter 1 — The Indian Constitution, prepared strictly according to the ASSEB (Assam State School Education Board) syllabus. The guide includes a clear summary, all textbook questions and answers grouped by marks, additional MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false statements, and a glossary of key terms to help you score full marks in your examinations.

Chapter Summary

A constitution is the supreme law of a country. It is a written document that lays down the basic rules and principles according to which a government works. Every modern country needs a constitution because it defines the relationship between the government and the people, distributes power between different organs of the state, protects the fundamental rights of citizens, and provides a framework for peace, justice, and orderly progress. Without a constitution, there would be no clear rules to limit the power of rulers or to protect ordinary people from misuse of authority. India, being a vast country with great diversity of language, religion, and culture, especially needed a constitution to bind its people together and ensure equal treatment for all.

The Indian Constitution was framed by a body called the Constituent Assembly. The Assembly held its first sitting on 9 December 1946 in the Constitution Hall (now Central Hall of Parliament) in New Delhi. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was elected as the temporary chairman, and later Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President of the Assembly. To prepare the actual text of the Constitution, the Assembly set up a Drafting Committee on 29 August 1947, which was chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Because of his outstanding role in shaping the document, Dr. Ambedkar is honoured as the “Father of the Indian Constitution”.

After nearly three years of hard work, debates, and discussions, the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949. This day is celebrated every year as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas). The Constitution finally came into force on 26 January 1950, and that historic day is remembered as Republic Day. The date 26 January was specially chosen because on the same date in 1930 the Indian National Congress had declared “Purna Swaraj” or complete independence as its goal.

The Indian Constitution has many important features. It establishes a federal system with a strong Centre, a parliamentary form of government based on the British model, a clear separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and an independent judiciary that protects the law. It guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens such as the right to equality, freedom, and protection against exploitation. It also makes India a secular state, meaning the government does not favour any religion. The Preamble of the Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic and promises to secure for all its citizens justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These values are the soul of our Constitution and form the foundation of Indian democracy.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1-Mark Questions

Q1. What is a Constitution?

Answer: A Constitution is the supreme law of a country which contains the basic rules and principles according to which the government of that country is organised and run.

Q2. When did the Constituent Assembly hold its first sitting?

Answer: The Constituent Assembly held its first sitting on 9 December 1946.

Q3. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?

Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.

Q4. When was the Indian Constitution adopted?

Answer: The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.

Q5. When did the Indian Constitution come into force?

Answer: The Indian Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.

Q6. Why is 26 January celebrated as Republic Day?

Answer: 26 January is celebrated as Republic Day because the Indian Constitution came into force on this day in 1950, making India a Republic.

Q7. What is the Preamble?

Answer: The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Constitution which declares the ideals, objectives, and basic values on which the Constitution is based.

Q8. Who is known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution”?

Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution”.

Q9. What does the word “Secular” in the Preamble mean?

Answer: “Secular” means that the State does not favour any particular religion and treats all religions equally.

Q10. Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly.

2-3 Mark Questions

Q1. Why does a country need a Constitution?

Answer: A country needs a Constitution for the following reasons:

(i) It lays down the basic rules according to which the government works.

(ii) It defines the powers of different organs of government and prevents misuse of power.

(iii) It protects the fundamental rights of citizens and ensures justice and equality for all.

(iv) It provides a sense of unity in a country with diverse people, languages, and religions.

Q2. What is the Constituent Assembly? Mention any two of its important members.

Answer: The Constituent Assembly was the body of elected representatives that was formed to frame the Constitution of independent India. It held its first sitting on 9 December 1946. Two important members were Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Chairman of the Drafting Committee) and Dr. Rajendra Prasad (President of the Assembly). Other notable members included Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Q3. Mention any three key features of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: Three key features of the Indian Constitution are:

(i) Federalism — Power is divided between the Central government and the State governments.

(ii) Parliamentary form of government — The real executive power lies with the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, who is responsible to Parliament.

(iii) Fundamental Rights — The Constitution guarantees basic rights to all citizens, such as the right to equality, freedom, and freedom of religion.

Q4. What do you mean by “Separation of Powers”?

Answer: Separation of Powers means that the three main organs of the government — the Legislature (which makes laws), the Executive (which enforces laws), and the Judiciary (which interprets laws and delivers justice) — work independently of one another. This system prevents the concentration of power in one hand and protects the rights of citizens from misuse of authority.

Q5. What is meant by a “Sovereign” and “Republic” state as mentioned in the Preamble?

Answer: “Sovereign” means that India is a fully independent country and is free to take its own decisions in internal as well as external matters without any interference from outside. “Republic” means that the head of the state, i.e., the President of India, is elected by the people and is not a hereditary ruler like a king or queen.

Q6. Why is the Preamble called the “soul of the Constitution”?

Answer: The Preamble is called the “soul of the Constitution” because it expresses in short the basic ideals, objectives, and philosophy on which the entire Constitution is based. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic and promises justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to all its citizens. These values guide every article and provision in the Constitution.

5-6 Mark Questions

Q1. Explain the importance of the Constitution for a country like India.

Answer: The Indian Constitution is of great importance for the following reasons:

(i) Supreme law of the land — It is the highest law in India, and all other laws must be in agreement with it.

(ii) Framework of government — It explains how the government will be formed and how it will function at the Centre, State, and local levels.

(iii) Protection of rights — It guarantees fundamental rights to every citizen, regardless of caste, religion, language, or sex.

(iv) Unity in diversity — In a country with so many religions, languages, and cultures, the Constitution acts as a strong bond that holds the people together.

(v) Limit on government power — It prevents rulers from becoming dictators by clearly defining and limiting their powers.

(vi) Ideals and goals — Through the Preamble and Directive Principles, it sets high ideals like justice, liberty, equality, and welfare of the people.

Q2. Describe the role of the Constituent Assembly and the Drafting Committee in the making of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to draft the Constitution of free India. Its first sitting was held on 9 December 1946 with Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha as the temporary Chairman, and later Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President. The Assembly had eminent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, and many others.

To prepare the actual text of the Constitution, the Assembly formed a Drafting Committee on 29 August 1947 under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The Committee studied the constitutions of many countries, debated each provision, and prepared the draft. After nearly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days of hard work, the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950. Because of his leading role, Dr. Ambedkar is rightly called the “Father of the Indian Constitution”.

Q3. Explain the main features of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The main features of the Indian Constitution are:

(i) Lengthiest written Constitution — It is one of the longest and most detailed written constitutions in the world.

(ii) Federal system with a strong Centre — Powers are divided between the Union and the States, but the Centre has more powers.

(iii) Parliamentary form of government — The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister is responsible to the Lok Sabha.

(iv) Separation of Powers — The legislature, executive, and judiciary work in their own spheres.

(v) Fundamental Rights and Duties — Basic rights are guaranteed to citizens, and certain duties are also expected from them.

(vi) Directive Principles of State Policy — Guidelines are given to the government for the welfare of the people.

(vii) Secularism — The State treats all religions equally.

(viii) Independent Judiciary — The Supreme Court and High Courts function independently to protect the Constitution.

Q4. Explain the values mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution mentions the following important values:

(i) Sovereign — India is a free and independent country, free to take its own decisions.

(ii) Socialist — The State works for the welfare of all and tries to reduce inequalities of wealth and income.

(iii) Secular — All religions are treated equally, and the State has no official religion.

(iv) Democratic — The government is elected by the people through free and fair elections.

(v) Republic — The Head of the State, the President, is elected and not hereditary.

The Preamble also promises to secure for all citizens:

(a) Justice — social, economic, and political.

(b) Liberty — of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.

(d) Fraternity — assuring the dignity of every individual and the unity of the nation.

Q5. Why is Dr. B. R. Ambedkar called the “Father of the Indian Constitution”? Discuss his contribution.

Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is called the “Father of the Indian Constitution” because of his outstanding contribution in framing the Constitution. His contributions include:

(i) He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, the most important committee of the Constituent Assembly.

(ii) He led the discussions and answered every question raised in the Assembly with deep knowledge of law and constitutions of other countries.

(iii) He worked hard to include provisions for the protection of the weaker sections, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and minorities.

(iv) He played a major role in shaping the Fundamental Rights, the Directive Principles, and the principle of equality before the law.

(v) Through his efforts, the Constitution became a powerful instrument for social justice, liberty, and democracy in India.

For these reasons, the Indian people honour him as the chief architect and “Father of the Indian Constitution”.

Additional Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. The Indian Constitution came into force on:

(a) 15 August 1947

(b) 26 November 1949

(d) 2 October 1950

Answer: (c) 26 January 1950

Q2. The Constituent Assembly held its first sitting on:

(a) 9 December 1946

(b) 26 November 1949

(d) 26 January 1950

Answer: (a) 9 December 1946

Q3. The Chairman of the Drafting Committee was:

(a) Jawaharlal Nehru

(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

(d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Answer: (c) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Q4. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a:

(a) Hindu State

(b) Socialist Monarchy

(d) Communist Republic

Answer: (c) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic

Q5. The President of the Constituent Assembly was:

(a) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

(d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

Answer: (b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Q6. The word “Secular” means:

(a) Following only one religion

(b) Equal respect for all religions

(d) Banning all religions

Answer: (b) Equal respect for all religions

Q7. Constitution Day in India is celebrated on:

(a) 26 January

(b) 15 August

(d) 2 October

Answer: (c) 26 November

Q8. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution?

(a) Federalism

(b) Parliamentary form of government

(d) Fundamental Rights

Answer: (c) Hereditary monarchy

Q9. The three organs of the government are:

(a) Legislature, Executive, Judiciary

(b) Centre, State, Local

(d) President, Prime Minister, Governor

Answer: (a) Legislature, Executive, Judiciary

Q10. “Father of the Indian Constitution” is:

(a) Mahatma Gandhi

(b) Jawaharlal Nehru

(d) Sardar Patel

Answer: (c) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Fill in the Blanks

Q1. The Indian Constitution was adopted on ____________.

Answer: 26 November 1949

Q2. The Drafting Committee was chaired by ____________.

Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Q3. The Indian Constitution came into force on ____________.

Answer: 26 January 1950

Q4. The ____________ is called the soul of the Constitution.

Answer: Preamble

Q5. India is a ____________, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.

Answer: Sovereign

True or False

Q1. The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the country.

Answer: True

Q2. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

Answer: False (He was the President of the Constituent Assembly. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.)

Q3. 26 January is celebrated as Republic Day in India.

Answer: True

Q4. The Indian Constitution does not guarantee any rights to its citizens.

Answer: False (It guarantees several Fundamental Rights to all citizens.)

Q5. India follows a parliamentary form of government.

Answer: True

Q6. The Constitution of India is the longest written Constitution in the world.

Answer: True

Q7. The Preamble forms the introductory part of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: True

Important Points to Remember

A Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to draft the Indian Constitution.
First sitting of the Constituent Assembly: 9 December 1946.
Drafting Committee chairman: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
Constitution adopted: 26 November 1949 (Constitution Day).
Constitution came into force: 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).
The Preamble declares India a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
Core values: Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
Three organs of government: Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
Time taken to frame the Constitution: 2 years, 11 months and 18 days.

Glossary

Term	Meaning
Constitution	The supreme written law of a country containing the basic rules and principles of governance.
Constituent Assembly	The body of representatives that framed the Constitution of India between 1946 and 1949.
Drafting Committee	The committee chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar that prepared the draft of the Indian Constitution.
Preamble	The introductory statement of the Constitution that lays down its ideals and objectives.
Sovereign	Fully independent and free from outside control.
Socialist	A system that aims at the welfare of all and reduction of social and economic inequalities.
Secular	Equal respect and treatment for all religions by the State.
Democratic	A system in which the government is elected by the people.
Republic	A state in which the head is an elected person and not a hereditary king or queen.
Federalism	Division of powers between the Central and State governments.
Parliamentary Government	A form of government in which the executive is responsible to the legislature.
Separation of Powers	The principle that the legislature, executive, and judiciary work in their own spheres.
Fundamental Rights	Basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution to every citizen of India.
Republic Day	26 January, the day on which the Indian Constitution came into force in 1950.
Constitution Day	26 November, the day on which the Indian Constitution was adopted in 1949.