Our Constitution

Which word(s) was/were inserted in the Preamble of Indian Constitution in 1976?

1. Socialist
2. Secular
3. Both (1) and (2)
4. None of these

Answer

Both (1) and (2)

Reason — The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 inserted the words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' into the Preamble and added the word 'Integrity' in the phrase "unity and integrity of the Nation."

Which of the following personalities was not a member of the Constituent Assembly of India?

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
2. J.L. Nehru
3. Mahatma Gandhi
4. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Answer

Mahatma Gandhi

Reason — The Constituent Assembly comprised important personalities such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Mahatma Gandhi was not a member of the Constituent Assembly.

Which member represented the Anglo—Indian community in the Constituent Assembly?

1. H.P. Modi
2. Frank Anthony
3. H.C. Mukherjee
4. All of these

Answer

Frank Anthony

Reason — The Anglo-Indians were represented by Frank Anthony, the Parsis by Dr. H.P. Modi, and the Christians by Dr. H.C. Mukherjee, who was also the Chairman of the Minorities Committee.

When was the Constitution of India enforced?

1. 26 November, 1949
2. 26 December, 1949
3. 26 January, 1949
4. 26 January, 1950

Answer

26 January, 1950

Reason — The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, but it came into force on 26 January 1950. On this day India became a Republic, and the date is commemorated every year as Republic Day.

Consider the two statements given below and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (R).

Assertion (A): The word 'secular' was inserted in the preamble by 42nd Amendment.

Reason (R): Secular means only the majority religion is recognised by the state.

1. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
3. (A) is true but (R) is false
4. (A) is false but (R) is true

Answer

(A) is true but (R) is false

Explanation — The word "Secular" was inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. A secular state gives equal respect and recognition to all religions and does not establish any religion as the State religion.

Replace the underlined phrase with the correct option:

A Constitution is a degree of discrimination and disorder necessary for different kinds of people to live in chaos.

1. trust and coordination necessary for different kinds of people to live together.
2. inequality and freedom necessary for all kinds of communities to thrive.
3. autonomy and rivalry required for people to live peacefully.
4. rules and conflicts essential for maintaining governance.

Answer

trust and coordination necessary for different kinds of people to live together.

Reason — One of the chief reasons why we need a Constitution is that it generates a degree of trust and coordination necessary for different kinds of people to live together.

Identify the reason why is India called a sovereign state?

P : It is a supreme power in its internal matters.

Q : There is no foreign interference and its external policy is also guided by its own interests and not by any superpower.

R : India's membership of the UNO or NAM or G-20 compromises its sovereignty.

S : India's foreign policy is dictated by the interests of USA and Russia.

1. P and Q
2. Q and R
3. R and S
4. P and S

Answer

P and Q

Reason — A nation is sovereign when it is free to manage its internal matters without any foreign interference and its external policy is guided solely by its own interests, not influenced by any superpower. Hence P and Q are correct. R is wrong because India's membership of the United Nations or the Non-Aligned Movement puts no hindrance to its sovereignty, and S is wrong because India's foreign policy is dictated by its own interests, not by those of any other country.

Read the two statements given below about special significance of 26 January and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B).

(A) : It was then decided to celebrate 26 January as 'Independence Day' every year.

(B) : On December 31, 1929, the Congress had passed a resolution at Lahore, demanding 'Purna Swaraj' as its goal.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other

Answer

(B) is the reason for (A)

Explanation — At its Lahore session in 1929, the Congress passed a resolution declaring 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) as its goal. It was because of this resolution that it was then decided to celebrate 26th January as 'Independence Day' every year, the first being January 26, 1930. Thus, (B) is the reason for (A).

What do the broad structures of the Constitution show?

(i) Vision of our freedom fighters
(ii) Wisdom of our freedom fighters
(iii) Democracy of our freedom fighters

1. only (i)
2. only (ii)
3. only (iii)
4. both (i) and (ii)

Answer

both (i) and (ii)

Reason — The basic principles and broad structures of the Constitution show the vision and the wisdom of our freedom fighters.

It was decided to celebrate 26 January as 'Independence Day' every year. January 26, 1930, was fixed as the first Independence Day which was to be celebrated every year. Since then, the day was celebrated as Independence Day until 1947. How is 26 January celebrated now?

1. Independence Day
2. Samvidhan Divas
3. Republic Day
4. Constitutional Day

Answer

Republic Day

Reason — The Constitution came into force as a whole on 26th January, 1950. In order to commemorate this date, 26th January is now celebrated every year as Republic Day.

Consider the two statements given below and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (R).

Assertion (A): A republic is a nation where the head of the state is elected directly.

Reason (R): India is a republic because the President is elected indirectly by the people.

1. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
3. (A) is true but (R) is false
4. (A) is false but (R) is true

Answer

(A) is false but (R) is true

Explanation — A republic is a nation in which the Head of the State is an elected person and not a hereditary ruler. The Head of the State need not be elected directly by the people. Therefore, (A) is false. India is a republic because its President is elected indirectly by an electoral college comprising the elected members of Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies for a fixed term of five years. Hence, (R) is true.

"He has not only justified his selection but has added lustre to the work which he has done."

Who said this about Dr B.R. Ambedkar?

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
2. Mahatma Gandhi
3. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
4. Jawaharlal Nehru

Answer

Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Reason — These words were spoken by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of the Constituent Assembly, in praise of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who, in spite of his indifferent health, worked with great zeal and devotion as Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

When was the Constitution adopted?

1. 26 January, 1950
2. 26 January, 1949
3. 15 August, 1950
4. 26 November, 1949

Answer

26 November, 1949

Reason — The Constituent Assembly completed its work on 26 November 1949. On this day, the Constitution was adopted and enacted. It came into force on 26 January 1950.

What is the objective of the Preamble shown in the picture?

1. Socialist
2. Secular
3. Sovereign
4. Democratic

Answer

Democratic

Reason — The picture shows that the people elect their representatives, the representatives make the laws, the laws govern the people and the people obey the law. This illustrates the objective 'Democratic', which denotes that we have chosen democracy as our way of life and we govern ourselves through democratic institutions.

A college student named Aruna is doing a project on 'Making of the Constitution of India'. Who is Aruna most likely writing about?

1. Surendranath Banerjee
2. Jyotiba Phule
3. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
4. Sarojini Naidu

Answer

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Reason — The Drafting Committee, constituted on 29 August 1947, was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who played a leading role in drafting the Constitution of India. Hence, he is most closely associated with the making of the Constitution.

What is meant by the term 'Constitution' ?

Answer

A Constitution is a body of fundamental principles according to which a State is constituted or governed.

Why is Constitution important for a democratic country ? Give one reason.

Answer

The Constitution is important because it protects the rights and freedoms of citizens.

17th December, 2024, the India Today reported:

The Lok Sabha is set to convene today for a two-day debate marking 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

Name the body which drafted the Constitution of India.

Answer

The Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution of India under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Give the names of any five members of the Constituent Assembly.

Answer

Five members of Constituent Assembly are — Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

With reference to the picture given below, state how India functions as a secular state.

Answer

'Secular' means all religions command equal respect and recognition from the State, i.e. in India, no discrimination is made against any individual because of their religion.

Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee ?

Answer

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.

What do you understand by the term 'Preamble' in the Constitution ?

Answer

The Preamble is the introductory part of the Constitution. It states the ideals and objectives of the Constitution and describes the nature of the Indian State.

What are the main ideas contained in the Preamble to the Constitution ?

Answer

The main ideas contained in the Preamble to the Constitution are:

1. Sovereign
2. Socialist
3. Secular
4. Democratic
5. Republic
6. Justice
7. Liberty
8. Equality
9. Fraternity

Mention four basic objectives enshrined in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.

Answer

Four basic objectives enshrined in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are:

1. JUSTICE, social, economic and political.
2. LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.
3. EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all.
4. FRATERNITY, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.

The Constituent Assembly adequately represented all sections of the Indian Society. Mention ways in which the Constituent Assembly adhere to the given statement.

Answer

The Constituent Assembly adequately represented all sections of Indian society because it included members from different regions, religions, communities and political groups. It had representatives of the Congress, Scheduled Castes, Muslims, Sikhs, Anglo-Indians, Parsis, Christians and women. This ensured that diverse interests and opinions were represented while framing the Constitution.

The Preamble to the Constitution describes India as a Republic. What is the main feature of the Republican form of Government?

Answer

The most important feature of a Republic or the Republican form of Government is that its head is always an elected person with no hereditary rights.

Why is 26th January 1950 regarded as a red-letter day in the history of India ?

Answer

The 26th of January 1950 was a red-letter day in the history of India, as the Constitution came into force on this day and India became a Republic.

Why and when was the word 'Socialist' added to the Preamble to the Constitution of India?

Answer

The word "Socialist" was added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, to emphasise the goal of reducing inequalities and preventing exploitation by ensuring a more equitable distribution of wealth.

Give one reason why the makers of Constitution wanted India to be a Secular State.

Answer

The makers of the Constitution wanted India to be a Secular State to ensure equal respect for all religions and to prevent discrimination on the basis of faith, caste, colour, or creed.

Explain the term 'Republic'.

Answer

A republic is a nation which has an elected person as the Head of the State with no hereditary rights.

Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

India's commitment to the rule of law is grounded in the Constitution which establishes India as a 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic' with a Parliamentary form of Government. The Constitution of India is the supreme legal authority which binds the legislative, executive, and judicial organs of government.

(Source: https://www.sci.gov.in/constitution/)

(a) How does India function as a sovereign state?

(b) Highlight differences between democratic and republic.

Answer

(a) A nation is sovereign when it is free to manage its internal affairs without any foreign interference. Its external policy is guided by its own interests and not by any superpower. By declaring India sovereign, the makers of our Constitution emphasised that India had completely broken free from all forms of foreign dominance. It was no longer a colony of the British empire.

(b) The key differences between democratic and republic are:

The Constitution of India is introduced to us through a Preamble. In this connection explain the following :

(a) The meaning of Preamble.

(b) Its significance.

Answer

(a) The Preamble is the introductory part of the Constitution. It states the ideals and objectives of the Indian Republic.

(b) The Preamble has great importance because of the fact that it not only declares the form of the provisions but also the main objectives of the Indian Republic. The Preamble introduces us to the main ideas of the Constitution. They are — Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

With reference to the picture given below answer the following questions:

(a) Name the plan that proposed setting up the Constituent Assembly. How many members did it consist of after the partition of India?

(b) Who was elected as its permanent Chairman?

(c) How were its members elected?

Answer

(a) The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 proposed setting up the Constituent Assembly. It consisted of 299 members after the Partition of India.

(b) The permanent Chairman of the Constituent Assembly of India was Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

(c) The members of the Constituent Assembly were indirectly elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies of British India, while the princely states nominated their representatives.

With reference to the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, answer the following :

(a) What is the basis of its incorporation in the Constitution?

(b) What is the significance of 'We the People' in the Preamble?

(c) What are the objectives of our Constitution?

Answer

(a) The Preamble is based on the Objectives Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on 13 December 1946 and adopted on 22 January 1947.

(b) The words "We, the People of India" indicate that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India. It serves as a source of authority.

1. The words "We, the People" assert that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India, not from any external power or monarch. This emphasizes the sovereignty of the people in a democratic system.
2. It also implies that the people of India, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or region, are united in the common goal of nation-building.
3. It shows that the Constitution of India is an instrument of self-governance, freely adopted by the citizens of India.

(c) The objectives of our Constitution are:

1. Sovereign — India is free to manage its internal matters without any foreign interference. Its external policy is guided solely by its own interests, not influenced by any superpower.
2. Socialist — The word 'Socialist' emphasises the nation's commitment to equitable distribution of wealth and freedom from all forms of exploitation.
3. Secular — 'Secular' means all religions command equal respect and recognition from the State. Everyone is equal before law, and enjoys equal rights, no matter to which faith, caste, colour, or creed they belong.
4. Democratic — The people elect their representatives who govern according to the Constitution.
5. Republic — A republic is a nation which has an elected person as the Head of the State with no hereditary rights. Our President is elected indirectly.
6. Justice — Justice is the principle of treating everyone at par without any privilege or prejudice.
7. Liberty — The term 'liberty' means freedom — freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.
8. Equality — There can be no liberty without equality, so the Preamble of the Indian Constitution also lays emphasis on equality along with liberty.
9. Fraternity — Fraternity means a spirit of brotherhood which assures the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
10. Integrity — Integrity refers to the territorial unity of the country and the moral and ethical integrity of its citizens. No one should undermine the respect and honour of the country.