Question 1: Here are some false statements. Identify the mistake in each case and rewrite these correctly based on what you have read in this chapter.
(a) Leaders of the freedom movement had a consensus that the country should be a democratic nation after independence.
(b) Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held the same views on the basic principles of the constitution.
(c) A country that is a democracy must have a constitution.
(d) A constitution can be amended.
Question 2: Which of these was the most salient underlying conflict in the making of a democratic constitution in South Africa?
The most salient underlying conflict in the making of a democratic constitution in South Africa was between the white minority and the black majority.
Question 3: Which of these is a provision that a democratic constitution does not have?
(b) Name of the head of the state
Question 4: Here are different opinions about what made India a democracy. How much importance would you give to each of these factors?
(a) The role of the British rulers in providing training for representative legislative institutions was important, but the consensus among freedom movement leaders and the democratic convictions of Indian leaders played a significant role as well. It's not just a gift from the British but a combination of various factors that contributed to India becoming a democracy.
(b) The freedom struggle challenging colonial exploitation and the demand for different freedoms played a crucial role. Free India, as a result, was more inclined towards democratic principles.
(c) The presence of leaders with democratic convictions is undoubtedly important. The experiences of other newly independent countries without such leaders emphasize their crucial role.
Question 5: Read the following extract from a conduct book for ‘married women’, published in 1912. Do you think the values expressed in this para reflected the values underlying our constitution? Or does this go against the constitutional values?
The given paragraph reflects patriarchal values and promotes gender inequality. This goes against the constitutional values of equality and freedom from discrimination based on gender.
Question 6: Read the following statements about a constitution. Give reasons why each of these is true or not true.
(a) True - The constitution is the supreme law of a country and provides the basis for all other laws.
(b) True - The constitution defines the formation and functions of different organs of the government.
(c) True - The constitution establishes the rights of citizens and sets limits on the power of the government.
(d) Not true - A constitution is not just about institutions but also reflects the values and principles underlying those institutions.
Question 7: Match the following leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution:
| Leaders | Roles |
|---|---|
| (a) Motilal Nehru | (iv) Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928 |
| (b) B.R. Ambedkar | (iii) Chairman of the Drafting Committee |
| (c) Rajendra Prasad | (i) President of the Constituent Assembly |
| (d) Sarojini Naidu | (ii) Member of the Constituent Assembly |
Solution:
| Leaders | Roles |
|---|---|
| Motilal Nehru | Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928 |
| B.R. Ambedkar | Chairman of the Drafting Committee |
| Rajendra Prasad | President of the Constituent Assembly |
| Sarojini Naidu | Member of the Constituent Assembly |
Question 8: Here are some of the guiding values of the Constitution and their meaning. Rewrite them by matching them correctly.
| Guiding Values | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (a) Sovereign | (ii) People have the supreme right to make decisions. |
| (b) Republic | (iii) Head of the state is an elected person. |
| (c) Fraternity | (iv) People should live like brothers and sisters. |
| (d) Secular | (i) Government will not favour any religion. |
Solution:
| Guiding Values | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (a) Sovereign | (ii) People have the supreme right to make decisions. |
| (b) Republic | (iii) Head of the state is an elected person. |
| (c) Fraternity | (iv) People should live like brothers and sisters. |
| (d) Secular | (i) Government will not favour any religion. |