Maharashtra Board Class 7 Civics Chapter 3 Features of the Constitution Solutions

Question 1. Prepare a table to show the separation of powers in a Federal Government.
Answer:

In simple words: The Indian Constitution divides legislative powers among the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists to ensure clear jurisdiction and shared responsibilities in a federal system.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the specific subjects under each list is crucial for demonstrating knowledge of India's federal structure and power distribution.

2. Find One Word For:

Question 1. The Government at the centre which carries out the administration of the entire country.
Answer: Union Government
In simple words: The Union Government is the central authority responsible for governing the entire country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognizing key governmental terms like 'Union Government' helps in understanding the political structure of India.

Question 2. The machinery with whom rests the responsibility of conducting elections in a free and fair atmosphere.
Answer: Election Commission.
In simple words: The Election Commission is the independent body ensuring free and fair elections, which is fundamental to democracy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the role of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission is vital for civics and general knowledge exams.

Question 3. The third list of subjects for making laws
Answer: The Concurrent List
In simple words: The Concurrent List is a special list of subjects where both central and state governments can make laws.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiating between the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists is a core concept for understanding legislative power distribution.

3. Answer The Following Questions.

Question 1. Why does the Government function at two levels in a Federation?
Answer:
(i) One of the important features of our Constitution is the Federal System.
(ii) In countries with large territories and huge populations, the Government is run by a Federal System.
(iii) Ruling a large territory from a single capital city is not only difficult but may also lead to the neglect of some far-flung areas.
(iv) People residing there cannot participate in the affairs of the Government. Therefore, the governments function at two levels in a § Federation.
In simple words: Governments operate at two levels in a federation because it is impractical to govern large, diverse populations from a single capital, ensuring better administration and local participation.

🎯 Exam Tip: This question tests your understanding of the necessity and benefits of a federal system, a key feature of India's governance.

Question 2. What do you understand by Residuary Powers?
Answer:
(i) Our Constitution has given three lists on various subjects.
(ii) The first list is called Union List. It contains 97 subjects on which the Union Government makes laws.
(iii) The State List is for the State Governments to legislate upon. It contains 66 subjects.
(iv) Apart from these two lists, there is a Concurrent List which contains 47 subjects.
(v) Both governments can make laws on subjects included in this list. If a subject comes up that is not included in any of the lists, the Union Government is entitled to make laws on it. These powers are termed as 'Residuary Powers'.
In simple words: Residuary powers refer to the authority of the Union Government to make laws on any subject not explicitly mentioned in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the concept of Residuary Powers clarifies the ultimate legislative authority in unforeseen matters within a federal structure.

Question 3. Why has the Constitution created an independent Judiciary in India?
Answer:
(i) The Judiciary of India is independent machinery according to the provisions of the Constitution.
(ii) It is separate from the Executive and Legislative bodies of the Indian Government.
(iii) The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution which ensures that the Fundamental Rights of the citizens are not violated.
(iv) To carry out its duties without fear or favour or external pressure, the Judiciary in India is independent.
In simple words: The Constitution established an independent judiciary to ensure impartial justice, protect citizens' rights, and prevent political interference in legal matters.

🎯 Exam Tip: The independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of democracy; explain its purpose and the role of the Supreme Court as the guardian of the Constitution.

Question 4. Hold a group discussion on the merits and demerits of an independent judicial system.
Answer: Merits of an independent judicial system:

• The judicial system enables the courts to give impartial judgements.
• Judiciary does not act under any political pressure.
• As the judges are appointed by the President and not by the Government.

Demerits of an independent judicial system:

• As the judiciary is independent, it is out of the scope of the government's control.
• The judiciary is not answerable to anyone if the process of dispensing justice is slow.

In simple words: An independent judiciary offers impartial justice free from political influence but can sometimes be criticized for a lack of direct accountability or slow processes.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing merits and demerits, balance the benefits of fairness and constitutional protection against potential drawbacks like perceived lack of accountability or efficiency.

Question 5. Find out about the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and discuss the advantages of conducting elections with EVM.
Answer:

• Difficult to tamper-cheat
• Cost-effective and economical
• Time-saving
• Calculation is faster
• Easy to use / carry / transport
• Data can be saved for later use.

In simple words: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) offer several benefits like preventing fraud, saving costs and time, faster result calculation, and ease of use in elections.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the practical and security advantages of EVMs that contribute to a more efficient and transparent electoral process.

Activity:

Establish an Election Commission in your class, decide upon the positions you would like to fill through elections. Then conduct elections under the guidance of this Commission.

Do This:

Question 1. Make a list of North-Eastern Indian States and name their capital cities.
Answer:

In simple words: The table lists the seven North-Eastern states of India along with their respective capital cities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorizing states and their capitals is a fundamental general knowledge requirement, often appearing in competitive exams.

Find Out:

Question 1. Find out about the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and discuss the advantages of conducting elections with EVM.
Answer:

• Difficult to tamper-cheat
• Cost effective and economical
• Time saving
• Calculation is faster
• Easy to use / carry / transport
• Data can be saved for later use.

In simple words: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) offer several benefits like preventing fraud, saving costs and time, faster result calculation, and ease of use in elections.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the practical and security advantages of EVMs that contribute to a more efficient and transparent electoral process.

Question 2. How many amendments have been made in the Indian Constitution till date?
Answer: As of September 2016, there have been 101 (latest of List Bill) amendments to the Constitution of India, since it was first enacted in 1950.
In simple words: As of September 2016, the Indian Constitution had been amended 101 times since its enactment in 1950.

🎯 Exam Tip: This question tests specific factual knowledge about the number of constitutional amendments; ensure your information is current or refer to the provided timeframe.

Complete The Sentence By Choosing The Appropriate Words From The Options Given Below:

Question 1. One of the important features of our Constitution is the _____ System. (Federal, Unitary, Republic)
Answer: Federal
In simple words: India's Constitution is characterized by a Federal System, meaning power is divided between central and state governments.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the core features of the Indian Constitution; 'Federal' is a key term describing its governmental structure.

Question 2. The Government functions at _____ levels in a Federation. (two, three, four)
Answer: two
In simple words: In a federation, government functions typically occur at two levels: the central (union) and state levels.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the number of governmental levels in a federation is fundamental to understanding its structure.

Question 3. The Government that oversees the administration of the region that we live in is called _____ (Union Government, State Government, None of the above)
Answer: State Government
In simple words: The State Government is responsible for managing the administration of the specific region or state where we reside.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between the Union Government (centre) and the State Government (regional) based on their administrative scope.

Question 4. The system of running the administration of a country cooperatively by the governments at two levels, making laws about different subjects is called _____ (Socialism, Communism, Federalism)
Answer: Federalism
In simple words: Federalism is a system where national and state governments share power and responsibilities for governing a country.

🎯 Exam Tip: This definition of Federalism is crucial; learn it to correctly identify the system of shared governance.

Question 5. The _____ is for the Union Government to make laws. (State List, Union List, Concurrent List)
Answer: Federalism
In simple words: The Union List specifies subjects where only the Union Government can legislate, although the provided answer "Federalism" seems contextually incorrect for this question.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to how questions are framed and ensure your answer directly addresses the prompt, especially when dealing with specific constitutional lists.

Question 6. The _____ is for the State Government to legislate upon. (Union List, State List, Concurrent List)
Answer: State List
In simple words: The State List comprises subjects on which only the State Government has the authority to make laws.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate between the Union List (central) and State List (regional) subjects to avoid confusion in exams.

Question 7. The _____ List contains 47 subjects and both the Government can make laws on these subjects. (Concurrent List, Union List, State List)
Answer: Concurrent List
In simple words: The Concurrent List includes 47 subjects where both the central and state governments have the power to enact laws.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the Concurrent List allows shared legislative power, making it distinct from the Union and State Lists.

Question 8. If a subject comes up and it is not included in any of the Lists, the _____ is entitled to make laws. (State Government, Union Government, President)
Answer: Union Government
In simple words: If a subject is not covered by any of the three lists, the Union Government retains the power to make laws on it, known as residuary powers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the concept of residuary powers and that they belong to the Union Government is key to comprehensive knowledge of legislative authority.

Question 9. In India, there are _____ State Governments and _____ Union Territories.(29, 7 ; 28, 8)
Answer: 29, 7
In simple words: India is composed of 29 State Governments and 7 Union Territories.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep up-to-date with the current number of states and union territories as these figures can change due to administrative reorganizations.

Question 10. The _____ System of Government the Legislature has the highest decision making power. (Parliamentary, Autocratic, Communist)
Answer: Parliamentary
In simple words: In a Parliamentary System of Government, the Legislature holds the supreme authority for making decisions and laws.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize that in a parliamentary system, the elected representatives in the legislature are central to the decision-making process.

Question 11. The _____ who runs the administration emerge from the Lok Sabha and is / are answerable to the Lok Sabha for all its / their decisions. (Opposition Ministers, Council of Ministers, President)
Answer: Council of Ministers
In simple words: The Council of Ministers, chosen from the Lok Sabha, manages the administration and is accountable to the Lok Sabha for all government decisions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the accountability of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha, a fundamental principle of India's parliamentary democracy.

Question 12. Judges are appointed by the _____ (President, Government, Vice-President)
Answer: President
In simple words: Judges are appointed by the President, ensuring an independent process free from direct governmental influence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the authority responsible for judicial appointments highlights the mechanism for maintaining the judiciary's independence.

Question 13. The Indian Constitution has granted _____ to all Indians. (Single citizenship, Dual citizenship, None of these)
Answer: Single citizenship
In simple words: The Indian Constitution provides single citizenship, meaning all citizens are recognized solely as citizens of India, not of individual states.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that single citizenship in India promotes national unity by avoiding separate state allegiances.

Question 14. The _____ ensures free, fair and just atmosphere for the election. (President, Election Commission, Ruling Party)
Answer: Election Commission.
In simple words: The Election Commission is the independent body responsible for guaranteeing that elections are conducted freely, fairly, and justly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the Election Commission's critical role in upholding democratic principles through impartial election management.

Match The Following:

Question 1.

Column 'A'
(1) War and peace
(2) Law and order
(3) Economic and Social planning

Column 'B'
(a) State Government
(b) Both Union and State Government
(c) Union Government

Answer:
1-c
2-a
3-b
In simple words: This matching exercise correctly pairs specific governmental responsibilities (like war and peace) with the corresponding level of government (Union, State, or Concurrent).

🎯 Exam Tip: Accurately matching subjects to their respective government lists (Union, State, Concurrent) is crucial for understanding the division of powers.

State Whether The Following Statements Are True Or False With Reasons:

Question 1. Defence is a subject on which the State Government makes laws.
Answer: False:

• The Constitution has divided the subjects for making laws between the Union and the State Government.
• Defence is a subject on which Union Government makes laws.

In simple words: This statement is false because defense is exclusively a Union Government subject, not a State Government one, ensuring national uniformity in security.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always remember that subjects of national importance like defence fall under the Union List, not the State List.

Question 2. The Union List contains 97 subjects and defence is one of the subjects included in it.
Answer: True.
In simple words: This statement is true; the Union List includes 97 subjects, with defense being a prominent example, on which the central government has exclusive legislative power.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing specific examples of subjects within each list, like defence in the Union List, reinforces understanding of the constitutional division of powers.

Question 3. Chandigarh is controlled by the State Government.
Answer: False: Chandigarh is one of the seven Union Territories of India. The Union Government controls the Union Territories.
In simple words: This statement is false because Chandigarh is a Union Territory directly administered by the Union Government, not a State Government.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between states (governed by state governments) and union territories (governed by the central government) when answering such factual questions.

Question 4. In India, the Executive has the highest decision-making power.
Answer: False: The Indian Constitution has provided for a Parliamentary System of Government. In such a system the Parliament, i.e. the Legislature has the highest decision-making power.
In simple words: This statement is false; in India's Parliamentary System, the Legislature (Parliament) holds the highest decision-making power, not solely the Executive.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that in a parliamentary democracy, the legislature is supreme and holds ultimate decision-making authority, with the executive being accountable to it.

Name The Following:

Question 1. The system which is an important feature of our Constitution.
Answer: Federalism
In simple words: Federalism is a key characteristic of our Constitution, signifying a division of powers between central and state governments.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Federalism' is a core term; defining it accurately shows understanding of the Indian political system.

Question 2. The Government that oversees the administration of the place we live.
Answer: State Government
In simple words: The State Government is responsible for the administration and governance of the specific state or region where citizens reside.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between the immediate administrative body (State Government) and the broader central authority (Union Government).

Question 3. Number of subjects in the Union List on which the Union Government makes laws.
Answer: 97 Subjects
In simple words: The Union Government has exclusive legislative power over 97 subjects listed in the Union List.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recalling the approximate number of subjects in each list demonstrates a detailed understanding of the constitutional framework.

Question 4. The list with 66 subjects which the State government legislates upon.
Answer: The State List
In simple words: The State List is the constitutional list containing 66 subjects on which only the State Government can legislate.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the State List and its approximate number of subjects for understanding state legislative autonomy.

Question 5. The powers of the Union Government to make laws on a subject which comes up and is not mentioned in any list.
Answer: Residuary Powers
In simple words: These are the special powers held by the Union Government to legislate on matters not explicitly assigned to any of the three lists.

🎯 Exam Tip: The term 'Residuary Powers' is specific; define it precisely to earn full marks.

Question 6. Any two subjects with the Union Government.
Answer: Defence, Currency
In simple words: Defence and Currency are two prime examples of subjects exclusively handled by the Union Government.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide clear and well-known examples to illustrate subjects under the Union Government's jurisdiction.

Question 7. Subjects with the State Government
Answer: Health, Prison
In simple words: Health and Prison administration are two key subjects that fall under the legislative control of State Governments.

🎯 Exam Tip: Offer relevant examples like 'Health' and 'Prison' to show understanding of subjects managed at the state level.

Question 8. Subjects with both the governments.
Answer: Employment, Education
In simple words: Employment and Education are examples of subjects where both the Union and State Governments have shared legislative authority.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify subjects where both central and state governments can legislate, such as 'Employment' and 'Education'.

Question 9. 2 Union Territories in India.
Answer: Daman and Diu, New Delhi
In simple words: Daman and Diu, along with New Delhi, are two examples of Union Territories directly administered by the central government.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to name at least two Union Territories to demonstrate geographical and administrative knowledge of India.

Question 10. Answerable to the Lok Sabha
Answer: The Council of Ministers.
In simple words: The Council of Ministers is collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha for all its actions and policies.

🎯 Exam Tip: This points to the principle of collective responsibility, a cornerstone of India's parliamentary democracy.

Question 11. An example to show that the Indian Judiciary is independent.
Answer: Appointment of Judges by the President
In simple words: The appointment of judges by the President, rather than the executive, safeguards judicial independence from political influence.

🎯 Exam Tip: The method of judicial appointment is a key indicator of the judiciary's independence; cite presidential appointment as evidence.

Question 12. The type of citizenship granted to the citizens by the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Single citizenship
In simple words: The Indian Constitution grants single citizenship, meaning all individuals are citizens of India, not of their respective states.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding India's single citizenship system highlights its unitary features despite a federal structure.

Answer In One Or Two Sentences:

Question 1. Write any one of the important features of our Constitution.
Answer: Federal system is one of the important features of our Constitution.
In simple words: A key feature of India's Constitution is its federal system, which divides governmental power between central and state authorities.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for a key feature, ensure you pick a fundamental aspect like federalism or parliamentary democracy.

Question 2. In which countries are governments run by the Federal System?
Answer: In countries with large territories and huge population, the Government is run by a Federal System.
In simple words: Federal systems are typically adopted in large countries with diverse populations to ensure effective governance across various regions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Link the adoption of a federal system to the geographical size and population diversity of a country.

Question 3. What is the problem faced while ruling a large territory from a single capital?
Answer: Ruling a large territory from a single capital city is not only difficult but may also lead to neglect of some far-flung areas.
In simple words: Governing a vast territory from one capital can be challenging, leading to administrative difficulties and potential neglect of remote regions.

🎯 Exam Tip: This question highlights a primary reason for federalism; explain how centralized rule can be inefficient in large nations.

Question 4. Explain the term Union Government.
Answer: The Government at the centre carries out tasks like defence of the entire country, foreign policy, establishing peace, etc. It is called 'Union Government or 'Federal Government'.
In simple words: The Union Government is the central authority responsible for nationwide issues such as defense, foreign relations, and maintaining peace across the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define the Union Government by listing its core responsibilities that apply across the entire nation.

Question 5. What do you mean by State Government?
Answer: The Government that oversees the administration of the region that we live in is called State Government.
In simple words: The State Government is the administrative body responsible for governing a specific state or region within a country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the regional administrative role of the State Government, distinguishing it from the central authority.

Question 6. What is called 'Federalism'?
Answer: The system of running the administration of a country cooperatively by the Governments at two levels, making laws about different subjects is called 'Federalism'.
In simple words: Federalism is a system where governmental power is divided and shared between a central authority and various regional (state) units.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a concise and accurate definition of federalism, emphasizing the shared governance between two levels.

Question 7. Which are the three lists into which the Constitution has divided subjects for making Laws?
Answer: The three lists into which the Constitution has divided subjects for making laws are State List, Union List and Concurrent List.
In simple words: The Constitution divides legislative subjects into three lists: the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, to allocate legislative powers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the names of these three lists as they are fundamental to understanding the distribution of legislative powers.

Question 8. Which powers are termed as Residuary Powers?
Answer:
(a) If a subject comes up that is not included in any of the three Lists, the Union List, the State List or the Concurrent List, the Union Government is entitled to make laws on it
(b) These powers are termed as residuary powers.
In simple words: Residuary powers are the legislative authority of the Union Government over any subject not explicitly mentioned in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that residuary powers are a residual category for the Union Government to ensure no legislative vacuum exists for new subjects.

Question 9. Which are the seven Union territories in India?
Answer: The seven Union Territories in India are New Delhi, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
In simple words: India's seven Union Territories are New Delhi, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to list all the Union Territories as this is a common factual question in civics and general knowledge.

Question 10. In the Parliamentary system of Government, who has the highest decision-making power?
Answer: In the Parliamentary system of Government, the Parliament has the highest decision-making power.
In simple words: In a parliamentary system, the Parliament, representing the legislature, holds the supreme authority for making decisions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state that Parliament (the Legislature) is the supreme decision-making body in India's parliamentary system.

Question 11. What does the Indian Parliament include?
Answer: The Indian Parliament includes the President, the Lbk Sabha or the House of the People and the Rajya Sabha or the Council of States.
In simple words: The Indian Parliament comprises the President, the Lok Sabha (House of the People), and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

🎯 Exam Tip: This is a factual question; list all three components of the Indian Parliament accurately.

Question 12. Whom is the Council of Ministers answerable to, for all its decisions?
Answer: The Council of Ministers is answerable to the Lok Sabha for all its decisions.
In simple words: The Council of Ministers is collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha, reflecting the principle of parliamentary democracy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the direct accountability of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha, which is a core feature of India's governance.

Question 13. What have great significance in Parliamentary Democracy?
Answer: In Parliamentary Democracy, the discussion and debates that take place in the Parliament have great significance.
In simple words: Discussions and debates within Parliament are crucial in a parliamentary democracy, as they enable scrutiny, policy formation, and representation of public opinion.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the importance of deliberation and debate in Parliament as a means of accountability and democratic functioning.

Question 14. Which disputes are referred to the Judiciary?
Answer: The disputes that cannot be resolved mutually are referred to the Judiciary.
In simple words: The Judiciary resolves disputes that parties cannot settle amicably, acting as the final arbiter of legal conflicts.

🎯 Exam Tip: The judiciary's role as the resolver of unresolved disputes is fundamental to maintaining law and order and justice.

Question 15. Which are the two provisions in the Constitution which ensures that the Judiciary remains more independent?
Answer: The two provisions in the Constitution which ensures independence of Judiciary are that the judges are appointed by the President and not by the Government, and it is not easy to remove the Judges from their office.
In simple words: Two key provisions ensuring judicial independence are the appointment of judges by the President (not the executive) and the difficult process required to remove them from office.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the appointment process and security of tenure for judges as the primary safeguards for judicial independence.

Question 16. Why is it necessary to amend the Constitution?
Answer: There comes up a need to make changes or amendments in the provisions of the Constitution due to the changing circumstances.
In simple words: Amendments are necessary to adapt the Constitution to evolving societal needs and changing circumstances over time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that a constitution needs to be flexible enough to accommodate changes and remain relevant to society's needs.

Question 17. What can frequent amendments in the Constitution lead to?
Answer: Frequent amendments in the Constitution may lead to instability.
In simple words: Too many amendments can make the Constitution unstable, undermining its foundational principles and predictability.

🎯 Exam Tip: While amendments are necessary, highlight the potential negative consequence of frequent changes, which is instability.

Question 18. Write a short note on Parliamentary System of Government.
Answer:
(i) The Indian Constitution has provided for a Parliamentary System of Government.
(ii) In such a system, the Parliament, i.e. the Legislature has the highest decision-making power.
(iii) The Indian Parliament includes the President, the Lok Sabha or the House of the People and the Rajya Sabha or the Council of States.
(iv) The Council of Ministers that run the administration emerge from the Lok Sabha and is answerable to the Lok Sabha for all its decisions. In Parliamentary Democracy, the discussion and debates that take place in the Parliament have great significance.
In simple words: India's Parliamentary System vests supreme decision-making power in Parliament (President, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha), where the Council of Ministers, drawn from and accountable to the Lok Sabha, governs, with parliamentary debates being crucial.

🎯 Exam Tip: For a short note, ensure you cover the key components (Parliament's role, its composition, and the accountability of the Council of Ministers) that define a parliamentary system.