GSEB Class 9 Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Framing of Constitution and its Features

Answer the Following Questions Briefly:

 

Question 1. Which ideals are stated in the Preamble of Indian Constitution?
Answer: The following ideas are expressed in the Preamble:
1. Sovereign
2. Socialist
3. Secular
4. Democratic
5. Republic
6. Justice
7. Liberty
8. Fraternity
9. Equality.
In simple words: The Preamble outlines the core principles and values that guide the Indian Constitution, acting as its introductory statement.

Exam Tip: Memorize the key ideals listed in the Preamble as they are fundamental concepts in Indian civics.

 

Question 2. What is Adult Suffrage?
Answer: Adult Suffrage means that any citizen who is 18 years of age or older has the right to vote in elections for Parliament, Legislative Assemblies, or Local Self-Government Bodies. This right is given without any discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or financial status.
In simple words: Adult Suffrage gives every person over 18 the right to vote, no matter their background.

Exam Tip: Remember the two key elements of adult suffrage: age (18 years and above) and the absence of discrimination.

 

Question 3. Indian Constitution is federal. Discuss.
Answer:
1. The Indian constitution possesses certain federal qualities. This includes a dual system of government, with a Union Government and State Governments.
2. The Constitution clearly defines the operational areas for both types of governments. It also marks a clear division of powers, categorizing them into the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
3. Essential components of a federal constitution involve a mandatory written document, a rigid process for amendments, the sharing of powers between state and center, and the supremacy of the judiciary.
4. Consequently, since the Indian Constitution incorporates all these characteristics, it is considered federal.

Exam Tip: When discussing the federal nature of the Indian Constitution, highlight the division of powers, written constitution, and independent judiciary as key points.

 

Question 4. State the characteristics of Parliamentary Government.
Answer:
1. India operates under a Parliamentary system of government.
2. In this system, Parliament acts as the supreme authority, representing the people.
3. The country's highest law-making body at the Union level is known as the Parliament.
4. The Parliament is bicameral, meaning it has two houses: the Upper House and the Lower House.
5. The Upper House is called the Rajya Sabha, and the Lower House is known as the Lok Sabha.
6. As per the Constitution, governance is carried out in the name of the President at the Union level and the Governor in the States.
7. However, in reality, the actual administration at the Union level is managed by the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister. At the State level, it is managed by the Council of Ministers and the Chief Minister of the State.
8. The Council of Ministers is accountable and answerable to the legislature, which is formed by the people's representatives.
9. The Rajya Sabha comprises 250 members, with 12 nominated by the President from fields such as art, science, and literature.
10. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and cannot be fully dissolved. Its members are chosen for a six-year term, with one-third of them retiring every two years.
11. The Lok Sabha has more members than the Rajya Sabha and holds more power, making it superior and decisive.

Exam Tip: To score well, describe the structure (bicameral), the role of the President/Governor, the accountability of the Council of Ministers, and the composition of both Houses.

 

Question 5. What is Unified Judicial System?
Answer:
1. A unified judicial system is one in which all courts across a country follow a single set of common court laws and procedures. India has such a system.
2. The Supreme Court of India serves as the highest court in our judicial system and is therefore also known as the Apex Court.
3. The Supreme Court oversees the High Courts in various states, as well as all other lower courts.
4. The Indian judiciary functions independently of the Executive and Legislature, and it also acts as the protector and guardian of the Constitution.

Exam Tip: When defining a unified judicial system, focus on the common laws, consistent procedures, and the hierarchical structure with the Supreme Court at its peak.

 

Question 6. Explain the provisions for Constitutional Amendments.
Answer: Constitutional provisions can be changed in three ways:
1. Amendments can be made with a simple majority of members present and voting in Parliament.
2. Some amendments require a special majority, which means a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
3. For changes concerning Union-State relations, a special majority along with the agreement of at least 50% of the state Legislatures is needed.

Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate between the three methods of amendment (simple majority, special majority, and special majority with state ratification) and provide a concise explanation for each.

 

Question 7. Political equality is incomplete without social and economic equality. Why
Answer:
1. Political equality signifies that everyone receives the same treatment in the political sphere.
2. This implies that every citizen is considered equal under the law, and each citizen possesses the right to vote, contest elections, and seek justice.
3. However, if citizens are not treated equally regardless of their caste, religion, financial status, education, and gender, they cannot be considered socially equal.
4. Moreover, every citizen should have an equal opportunity to work and share the nation's resources. This is what economic equality refers to.
5. Thus, we can say that true political equality can only be achieved when individuals also experience social and economic equality.

Exam Tip: Emphasize how political rights lose their full meaning if individuals face social or economic barriers, making equality a holistic concept.

 

Explain the statements:

 

Question 1. Preamble is an extract of Indian Constitution.
Answer:
1. The Preamble is considered the soul of the Indian Constitution.
2. It serves as a vital key to understanding the Indian Constitution.
3. The Preamble articulates the fundamental goals of the Constitution.
4. The aims, ideas, and principles within the Preamble provide a clear understanding of the 'Rule of Welfare'.
5. The ideals of justice, equality, liberty, fraternity, individual dignity, and national unity and integrity are all expressed in the Preamble.
6. Therefore, it is accurate to say that the Preamble is an extract, or a summary, of the Indian Constitution.

Exam Tip: Highlight the Preamble's role as a guide to the Constitution's spirit and objectives, summarizing its core values.

 

Question 2. Preamble is the key to understanding of the amendments of the Constitution.
Answer:
1. The Preamble serves as the introduction to our Constitution.
2. It is a central and significant part of the Constitution.
3. It highlights the core essence of the Constitution.
4. Whenever changes are made to the Constitution, they can be referenced in the Preamble. Sometimes, based on these amendments, even the Preamble itself is modified.
5. For example, in 1976, the terms 'Socialist', 'Secular', 'Unity', and 'Integrity of the Nation' were added to the Preamble.
6. Thus, the Preamble is crucial for understanding the amendments made to the Constitution.

Exam Tip: Explain how the Preamble reflects the foundational philosophy of the Constitution, guiding and reflecting any subsequent amendments.

 

Question 3. Preamble serves as compass.

We the People of India having Solemnly resolved To Constitute India Into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to Secure to all It's Citizen
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 Individual and The Unity and Integrity of The Nation.
In Our Constituent Assembly The Twenty-Sixth Day of November, 1949, do. Hereby Adopt, Enact and Give To Ourselves This Constitution

Answer:
1. The Preamble functions as an introduction.
2. There is an introduction, or Preamble, at the beginning of our Constitution.
3. The Preamble is a core and essential part of the Constitution.
4. The phrases written in the Preamble emphasize the spirit of the Constitution.
5. The Preamble contains clear ideas about the Constitution's aims and goals.
6. Therefore, it offers a clear insight into the 'Rule of Welfare'.
7. It illustrates the thoughts and objectives of the Constitution's framers.
8. Thus, by reading and studying the Preamble, one can get a clear understanding of India's Constitution.
9. Hence, the Preamble truly acts as a compass.

Exam Tip: To explain why the Preamble is a compass, describe its role in guiding interpretation, outlining objectives, and revealing the intent of the Constitution's creators.

 

Question 4. Indian Constitution is the inclusion of federal unitary.
Answer:
1. India's constitution includes elements of both federal and unitary structures.
2. The unitary aspect of the Indian constitution can be seen through various facts. For instance, state governments are primarily guided by the central government when it comes to power derivation.
3. States do not possess their own separate constitutions.
4. State governors are appointed by the President.
5. Union law takes precedence in situations of conflict. A single judiciary system exists in India, with the supreme court holding the highest power.
6. The Indian constitution also displays federal qualities. The dual system of government and the division of powers represent a federal characteristic.
7. Thus, the Indian constitution incorporates both federal and unitary features, making it quasi-federal. This design aims to achieve the common goal of creating fair governance.

Exam Tip: When discussing the "federal unitary" nature, provide examples of both federal (division of powers, dual government) and unitary (single constitution, strong center) characteristics.

 

Question 5. India is a secular country.
Answer:
1. India is a secular nation. It can never become a country of one specific religion, as per the Constitution's provisions.
2. India cannot link any secular activity with religious activity.
3. Citizens of the country have the freedom to choose their religion.
4. The country cannot discriminate against citizens based on religion.
5. Equal job opportunities and political rights are given to citizens without any religious discrimination.

Exam Tip: Define secularism in the Indian context by explaining the state's neutrality towards all religions and the freedom of religion for its citizens.

 

Question 6. India is a democratic republic country.
Answer:
1. In a democratic country, national power does not rest with a select group of people but with the entire population of the country.
2. Thus, democracy means government by the people, for the people, and of the people.
3. According to the Indian Constitution, ultimate sovereignty resides with its people.
4. Citizens elect their chosen representatives, who then manage India's administration. This signifies that India is a republic country.
5. The country does not operate under the rule of any single person but functions according to the will of the people.
6. Indian administration is truly democratic, meaning that irrespective of a person's social, economic, or political standing, they are treated equally under the law.
7. Moreover, every citizen enjoys an equal right to participate in the country's activities.
8. In India, the Constitution empowers its people to cast their votes according to their free will, thereby strengthening their belief in the Constitution.
9. Additionally, provisions such as the Parliamentary system, the right to hold elections, the selection of assembly members, an independent and fair judiciary, and the existence of the Election Commission truly make our country a democratic and a republic.

Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between 'democratic' (power to the people) and 'republic' (elected head of state, not hereditary), and provide supporting examples for each from the Indian context.

 

Question 7. India is a integral and indivisible federation.
Answer:
1. A federal system of government is one where several states form a unity while retaining independence in their internal affairs.
2. India is a Union of states. The term 'Federal' is not explicitly present anywhere in our Constitution. Instead, India refers to itself as a 'Union of States'.
3. India is a Union of States, and no state has the right to separate from the union. This indicates that India's states are not divisible or separable from the main country.
4. Although India is a Union of States, it also possesses some federal government elements. For example, in the Indian federation, there are two sets of governments - the Union Government and the State Governments.
5. Every state and union territory has its own autonomy to accept or reject policies. Hence, India is also described as a country with an integral and indivisible federal structure.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that "Union of States" means states cannot secede, indicating the integral and indivisible nature of the Indian federation despite its federal features.

 

Question 8. Constitution of India is the most extensive and detailed written document in the world.
Answer:
1. Members of the Assembly thoroughly discussed every detail of its provisions, considering the Constitutions of different countries.
2. The Constitution was initially drafted with 395 Articles and 8 Appendices, with amendments leading to 295 Articles and 8 Appendices (this seems to be an OCR error, should be 395 Articles and 9 Appendices).
3. The Constitution includes provisions for citizenship, citizens' rights and duties, directive principles of state policy, Union-State relations, elections, and emergency provisions.
4. Thus, the Constitution of India is recognized as the most detailed and extensive national document.

Exam Tip: To justify the Constitution's extensive nature, cite the vast number of articles, appendices, and the wide range of subjects it covers.

 

Explain the Below-Given Terminology of Words:

 

Question 1. Dual Citizenship:
Answer: Dual citizenship refers to a person's citizenship status where they are considered a citizen of more than one state under those states' laws, for example, the USA.
In India, there is only single citizenship, regardless of the region or state. Historically, only citizens of Jammu and Kashmir had dual citizenship - one for India and another for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Exam Tip: Clearly define dual citizenship and then contrast it with India's general policy of single citizenship.

 

Question 2. Parliamentary system:
Answer: In a parliamentary system, the Parliament is the supreme authority representing the people. In India, the Union Legislature is the Parliament. It is a system of democratic governance where the executive gains its democratic legitimacy from its ability to maintain the legislature's confidence, usually a parliament, and is also held accountable to that Parliament. In a parliamentary system, the head of state is usually a different person from the head of government.

Exam Tip: Key points for a parliamentary system include the Parliament's supremacy, executive accountability to the legislature, and the distinct roles of head of state and head of government.

 

Question 3. Responsible Government
Answer: It refers to a government that is accountable to the people. It is a parliamentary form of government where the executive is answerable to the legislature for its policies and actions. For example, the Council of Ministers in India is responsible to the Legislature for its policies and actions. Ultimately, it is accountable to the people because the Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that in a responsible government, the executive branch is directly answerable to the elected legislative branch, and through it, to the people.

 

Question 4. Union List
Answer: It is a list that includes subjects of national importance, such as the country's defense, foreign affairs, and banking. It comprises 100 subjects (originally 97 subjects).

Exam Tip: When defining the Union List, mention its focus on national importance and cite a few key examples of subjects included.

 

Question 5. State List
Answer: It contains subjects of state and local importance. It includes 61 items or subjects (originally 66 subjects), such as law and order, state government institutions, agriculture, irrigation, health, and land.

Exam Tip: Remember that the State List covers subjects of regional or local concern and provide examples like law and order or agriculture.

 

Question 6. Concurrent List:
Answer: The Constitution of India provides for a third list called the Concurrent List. It contains 52 subjects (originally 47 subjects) that are of common concern to both the central and state governments. Both the center and the state can enact laws on these subjects. The list includes topics like criminal and civil procedure, marriage and divorce, education, economic planning, and trade unions.

Exam Tip: Explain the Concurrent List as an area of shared legislative power, emphasizing that both central and state governments can make laws on these subjects.

 

Question 7. Residuary Power:
Answer: The subjects that are not specifically assigned to the Union or State are included under Residuary Power. The central government is given the authority to legislate on these residuary subjects. The financial distribution of resources between the Union Government and State Governments is also included.

Exam Tip: Define Residuary Powers as topics not mentioned in any of the three lists, with legislative authority resting solely with the central government.

 

Question 8. Socilist:
Answer: The Indian Constitution added the term 'Socialist' by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The principle of a socialistic pattern aims to ensure social, economic, and political equality for citizens, as outlined in the Preamble. It is considered a primary feature of the state.

Exam Tip: Remember to mention the 42nd Amendment of 1976 and link 'Socialist' to the goals of social, economic, and political equality.

 

Question 9. Judicial Review:
Answer: It is a primary characteristic of the constitution. Judicial review oversees the functioning of the Union and State within their jurisdiction. Without disregarding the parliament's powers, the constitution has worked to align the principles of Judicial Review. Parliamentary amendments, external orders, ordinances, or judicial judgments are subject to judicial review.

Exam Tip: Define judicial review as the power of the courts to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, crucial for maintaining constitutional supremacy.

 

Question 10. Democracy
Answer: The term democracy comes from the Greek words 'Demos,' meaning people, and 'Kratos,' meaning power. It signifies people's power. In other words, democracy is a system in which the government of a country is chosen by the people. Democracy is an arrangement that ensures equal justice for people in social, economic, and political aspects, and provides equal rights to participate.

Exam Tip: When defining democracy, emphasize its etymology (Demos + Kratos) and its core principle of government by the people, ensuring equal rights and justice.

 

Choose the Correct Option from the Given Below:

 

Question 1. When was the Indian constitution framework completed?
(a) In the year 1948
(b) In the year 1949
(c) In the year 1950
(d) In the year 1947
Answer: (b) In the year 1949
In simple words: The framework of India's constitution was completed in the year 1949, marking a significant step in the nation's history.

Exam Tip: Remember the exact year the constitution was completed, as this is a direct factual question.

 

Question 2. How many subjects are there in Central List?
(a) 66
(b) 47
(c) 97
(d) 87
Answer: (c) 97
In simple words: The Central List originally included 97 subjects that the Union Government had power over.

Exam Tip: Be mindful of the original number of subjects; sometimes, questions might refer to current numbers (100) or original numbers (97).

 

Question 3. How many Articles and Appendices are there in Indian Constitution?
(a) 285-11
(b) 395-9
(c) 495-13
(d) 345-8
Answer: (b) 395-9
In simple words: The Indian Constitution initially comprised 395 Articles and 9 Appendices.

Exam Tip: Knowing the original count of Articles and Appendices is crucial for historical context, though these numbers have changed over time with amendments.

 

Question 4. Who was the Chairman of Constitutional Framework Committee?
(a) Kaniyalal Munshi
(b) Rajendra Prasad
(c) Shyama Prasad
(d) Sardar Patel
Answer: (b) Rajendra Prasad
In simple words: Rajendra Prasad served as the Chairman of the committee that framed the Indian Constitution.

Exam Tip: It's important to remember key figures involved in the framing of the Constitution, such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

 

Question 5. When Indian Constitution came into existence?
(a) 26th Nov, 1949
(b) 26th Jan, 1950
(c) 15th August, 1947
(d) 9th Dec, 1946
Answer: (b) 26th Jan, 1950
In simple words: The Indian Constitution officially began on January 26, 1950, a day celebrated as Republic Day.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between the date the Constitution was completed (26th Nov 1949) and when it came into full effect (26th Jan 1950).

 

Question 6. How many members were there in the formation of constitutional committee?
(a) 389
(b) 545
(c) 250
(d) 166
Answer: (a) 389
In simple words: The constitutional committee that created the Indian Constitution had 389 members.

Exam Tip: Recall the initial strength of the Constituent Assembly to answer questions about its formation accurately.

 

Question 7. India is a republic country because
(a) It is a sovereign country
(b) It is a democratic country
(c) Prime Minister is elected for certain tenure
(d) People have religious freedom
Answer: (b) It is a democratic country
In simple words: India is a republic because its head of state is indirectly elected, not a hereditary monarch.

Exam Tip: The core meaning of a republic is that the head of state is elected, not that it is democratic or sovereign, though those are also true of India. Choose the best fit for "republic."

 

Gujarat Board Class 9 Social Science Framing of Constitution and its Features Additional Important Questions and Answers

 

Question 1. Preamble works as compass. How? Explain.
Answer:
1. The Preamble offers proper guidance for understanding or interpreting any law or its meaning.
2. It helps individuals grasp the purpose behind the laws that have been created.
3. It helps prevent any misinterpretation of the Constitution.
4. It aids in understanding and interpreting the law if there is a conflict in people's opinions or if the law is unclear.
5. It functions as a compass to comprehend the Constitution's provisions.

Exam Tip: Explain that the Preamble serves as a guiding light, clarifying the intent and spirit of the Constitution for legislators and interpreters alike.

 

Question 2. Describe the features of Indian Constitution.
Answer: Features of the Indian Constitution are as follows:
1. Written document:
1. Apart from Britain and Israel, India, along with other nations globally, possesses a written Constitution.
2. Considering the diverse social, geographical circumstances, and historical factors, the Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution in written form.
2. Size of the Constitution:
1. The Indian Constitution is divided into 22 sections, comprising 395 Articles and 9 Appendices.
2. The Indian Constitution includes provisions for State Administration and inter-state relations, fundamental rights, principles for political policies, judiciary, elections, government institutions, minorities, scheduled castes, and disadvantaged groups.
3. Therefore, our Constitution is the largest, most extensive, and detailed written document compared to other Constitutions.
3. Single Citizenship:
1. In India, there is only single citizenship, regardless of any region or state within the country.
2. Historically, only citizens of Jammu and Kashmir possessed dual citizenship; one for India and another for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
4. The Centre with Strong Federal Structure:
1. India is a union of States.
2. The term 'Union' signifies a permanent and unbreakable relationship between the Union and its constituent States.
3. India is a Union of States, and no State has the right to secede from it.
4. Thus, India is a union of states, yet it incorporates some elements of a Federal Government.
5. In the Indian Federation, there are two sets of Government - the Union Government and the State Governments.
5. Unified Arrangement during crisis:
1. Although India is a Union of States, during emergencies and crises, it largely transforms into a unitary system.
2. In such times, the Union, meaning the central government, takes on more power to manage national emergencies and crises.
3. The Indian Constitution has categorized its crises into three types of emergencies. They are:
• National Emergency: A country can declare national emergencies in times of war, external attack, or armed rebellion.
• Constitutional Emergency: If law and order break down and a state cannot function according to the constitution, a constitutional emergency is declared.
• Financial emergency: When prices rise, leading to a loss of monetary value, a financial emergency is declared.
4. These emergencies can only be declared by the President of the country.
6. Parliamentary System:
1. India has a parliamentary system of government. In this system, the Parliament is the supreme authority representing the people.
2. The country's highest legislature at the Union level is called the Parliament.
3. The Parliament is bicameral, meaning it has two Houses - the Upper House and the Lower House.
4. The Upper House is known as the Rajya Sabha, and the Lower House is called the Lok Sabha.
7. Independent and Impartial Judiciary:
1. As per the Constitution, the Judiciary is an independent body that functions impartially.
2. At the top is the Supreme Court, followed by High Courts in states, and under their jurisdiction are the District Courts at the district level, and Local and Special Courts at the Tahika level.
3. The Supreme Court's judgments are binding on all subordinate courts across the nation.

Exam Tip: Structure your answer by clearly listing each feature as a sub-heading and providing 2-3 key points for each, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

 

Question 3. State the types of emergencies as mentioned in the Constitution and explain them briefly.
Answer: The Indian Constitution has divided its crisis into three types of emergencies. These are:
1. National emergencies: A country can declare a national emergency during war, an external attack, or an armed rebellion.
2. Failure of Constitution emergency: This happens when laws and order break down in some states, causing an emergency due to the Constitution's failure.
3. Financial emergency: When prices increase, it leads to a loss of monetary value. In such a situation, a financial emergency is declared. These emergencies can only be declared by the President of the country.
In simple words: India's Constitution has three kinds of emergencies: national (for war/attack), constitutional (for law and order collapse), and financial (for economic crisis). Only the President can declare them.

Exam Tip: When explaining types of emergencies, clearly state the name of each type and then provide a concise definition of what triggers it.

 

Question 4. Explain the division of powers among three different lists as mentioned in the Constitution.
Answer: The Constitution of India has divided the powers of the central and state governments into different lists of subjects. They are:
1. The Union List
2. The State List and
3. The Concurrent List.
**1. Union List:**
1. There are 100 subjects in the Union list (earlier 97 subjects).
2. It mainly consists of subjects of national importance like defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, banking, railway, communication, post and telegraph, etc.
3. Only the Union government can make laws or pass laws for subjects in the Union list.
**2. State List:**
1. The State list comprises 61 subjects (earlier 66 subjects).
2. It mainly consists of subjects like law and administration, state government institutions, police, local government, agriculture, health, land, inter-state trade and commerce, etc.
3. The respective State governments have the power to make laws for the subjects in the State List.
4. If the Union Government perceives disturbances in the State's law and order, it can send Reserved Police Force (RPF) to the State to control it.
**3. Concurrent List:**
1. In addition to the two lists, the Constitution has provided for a third list called the Concurrent list. This list contains subjects that are a common concern to both the center and the state governments.
2. Both the Union as well as the State government can make laws on these subjects. However, if there is a conflict between the two, the law passed by the union government will be considered valid.
3. The Concurrent list had 52 subjects (earlier 47 subjects).
4. This list includes subjects like criminal and civil procedure, marriage and divorce, education, economic planning, trade union, etc.
In simple words: India's Constitution sorts government powers into three lists: Union (for national matters, only central government makes laws), State (for local matters, state governments make laws), and Concurrent (for shared matters where both central and state governments can make laws, but central law wins if there's a disagreement).

Exam Tip: Remember to clearly outline each list (Union, State, Concurrent), give examples of subjects under each, and explain which level of government has the authority to make laws for them, especially noting what happens during conflicts in the Concurrent List.