CBSE 8 Polity Ch 1 The Indian Constitution Questions and Answers

Ch 1 – The Indian Constitution Questions and Answers

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Exercise questions & answers

Answer the following questions & answers 

1. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Ans: A democratic country needs a Constitution to establish rules for how the government functions and to protect the rights of its people. It ensures that power is distributed fairly and not misused. The Constitution guarantees equality, justice, and freedom for all citizens, including minorities, and defines the roles and responsibilities of both leaders and citizens.

2. Look at the wording of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal Constitution, and the second column is from the more recent Constitution of Nepal. 

1990 Constitution of Nepal 
Part 7: Executive		2015 Constitution of Nepal
Part 7: Federal Executive
Article 35: Executive Power: The executive power of the Kingdom of Nepal shall be vested in His Majesty and the Council of Ministers.Article 75: Executive Power: The executive power of Nepal shall, according to this Constitution and law, be vested in the Council of Ministers.

What is the difference between those who exercise ‘Executive Power’ in the above two constitutions of Nepal?
Ans: Under the 1990 Constitution of Nepal, the King held the executive power. In contrast, the 2007 Interim Constitution of Nepal shifted this power to the Prime Minister, representing the people’s elected representatives.

3. What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
Ans: If leaders had no limits on their power, they might use it unfairly.

4. In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is important to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.
(a) In a school with 30 teachers, 20 are male.
(b) In a city, 5 per cent of the population are Buddhists.
(c) In a factory mess all employees, 80 per cent are vegetarians.
(d) In a class of 50 students, 40 belong to more well-off families.

Ans: 

HeadsReasons
(a) Female teachers are in the minority.It is important to respect their views because they also contribute to the standard of teaching of the school.
(b) Buddhists are in the minority.Their views must be respected because they represent a religious sect. 
(c) Non-vegetarians are in the minority.Their views must be respected because they are also human beings like those who are vegetarians.
(d) The rest 10 per cent of poor/middle-class students are in the minority.We must respect their views because they are equal to others.

5. The column on the left lists some of the key features of the Indian Constitution. In the other column write two sentences, in your own words, on why you think this feature is important

Key FeatureSignificance
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Fundamental Rights
Parliamentary Form of Government

Ans: 

Key featureSignificance
FederalismIt ensures smooth governance of a vast country by distributing power among different levels of the government, which helps in efficient administration and faster progress.
Separation of PowersThe three organs of the state—the legislature, executive, and judiciary—have distinct powers and responsibilities. Each organ checks and balances the others, ensuring no single organ becomes too powerful.
Fundamental RightsThey protect citizens against the absolute exercise of power by the state. These rights are essential for an individual to develop his/ her personality and lead a life with decency. 
Parliamentary Form of GovernmentIt allows the citizens of the country to elect their representatives, ensuring accountability of the government. Every citizen also has the right to contest elections.

6. Write down the names of the Indian States, which share borders with the following neighbouring nations:
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Bhutan
(c) Nepal

Ans:

BangladeshAssam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya.
BhutanAssam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. 
NepalUttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim and West Bengal.

Additional questions & answers

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Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)

1. The Father of the Indian Constitution is –
(a) Mahatma Gandhi 
(b) Dr Rajendra Prasad 
(c) Dr Babasahib Ambedkar 
(d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Pate

Ans: (c) Dr Babasahib Ambedkar

2. In what year were the Fundamental Duties added to the Constitution?
(a) 1972
(b) 1976
(c) 1985
(d) 1970

Ans: (b) 1976

3. Which defines the set of rules to govern the country?
(a) Preamble
(b) Sovereignty
(c) Constitution
(d) All of these

Ans: (c) Constitution

4. The President of the Constituent Assembly was – 
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr Babasahib Ambedkar 
(d) Mahatma Gandhi

Ans: (a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

5. Which Fundamental Right allows citizens to move the court- 
(a) Right against Exploitation 
(b) Cultural and Educational Rights 
(c) Right to Freedom of Religion 
(d) Right to Constitutional Remedies

Ans: (d) Right to Constitutional Remedies

6. Panchayati Raj is the tier of which government?
(a) 1st tier
(b) 2nd tier
(c) 3rd tier
(d) 4th tier

Ans: (c) 3rd tier

7. Nepal adopted an interim Constitution in the year
(a) 2002 
(b) 2005 
(c) 2007 
(d) 2008

Ans: (c) 2007

8. What is not included in the Right against Exploitation?
(a) Prohibition of trafficking
(b) Prohibition of forced labour
(c) Prohibition of child labour under 14
(d) Prohibition of untouchability

Ans: (d) Prohibition of untouchability

9. Define Sovereignty. 
(a) Freedom to establish a new country
(b) Freedom to govern oneself
(c) Peoples government
(d) All of the above

Ans: (b) Freedom to govern oneself

10. Which one of the following is not a key feature of the Indian Constitution? 
(a) Federalism 
(b) Presidential form of Government 
(c) Secularism 
(d) Separation of Power

Ans: (b) Presidential form of Government

11. Which group of people make laws and run the government?
(a) Congress
(b) Judiciary
(c) Government
(d) Executive

Ans: (c) Government

12. The existence of more than one level of government in any country is called – 
(a) Democracy
(b) Federalism
(c) Universal Adult Franchise
(d) Monarchy

Ans: (b) Federalism

13. Human trafficking and forced labour are prohibited under – 
(a) Right against Exploitation
(b) Culture and Educational Rights
(c) Right to freedom of Religion
(d) Right to Property

Ans: (a) Right against Exploitation

14. Right to Move Freely falls under – 
(a) Right against Exploitation
(b) Right to Property
(c) Right to freedom
(d) Culture and Educational Rights

Ans: (c) Right to freedom

15. Who was the first Finance minister of India? 
(a) Atal Bihari Bajpai
(b) John Mathai
(c) Maulana Azad
(d) Liaquat Ali

Ans: (b) John Mathai

16. What is the name of the rule of a king?
(a) Democracy
(b) Constitution
(c) Monarchy
(d) Federalism

Ans: (c) Monarchy

17. On which date was the Indian Constitution adopted and enforced?
(a) 26 January, 1950
(b) 15 August, 1947
(c) 2 October, 1950
(d) 26 November, 1949

Ans: (a) 26 January, 1950

18. Which part of the Indian Constitution is called the ‘Conscience’ of the Constitution?
(a) Secularism
(b) Justice
(c) Fundamental Rights
(d) Fundamental duties

Ans: (c) Fundamental Rights

19. If an 11-year-old child is working in a factory, what is it called?
(a) Freedom to education
(b) Child labour
(c) Freedom of rights
(d) None of these

Ans: (b) Child labour

20. When did the King of Nepal finally assume control as the head of government?
(a) February, 2002
(b) February, 2005
(c) February, 2007
(d) April, 2003

Ans: (b) February, 2005

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Fill in the blanks 

1. The three organs of the State are the_____________ the _____________ and the ____________. 
2. ______________ is the cruel and unjust use of power or authority.
3. In 1934, the Indian National Congress made the demand for a ______________. 
4. Sovereign means being _______________. 
5. Under the Right against Exploitation the Constitution prohibits __________, __________and children working under __________ years of age.
6. The Constitution of India guarantees ______________ for all cities. 
7 Nepal adopted a new Constitution for your country in _________________. 
8. The Indian state has a __________________ form of government. 
9. The Constitution helps to ____________ us against certain _____________. 
10. _______________ is the third tier of the government. 
11. The father of the Indian Constitution is _____________________. 
12. _________________ was the president of the Constituent Assembly.
13. Right to equality is provided to the people by the ______________. 
14. In 1934, the Indian National Congress (INC) demanded a ________________ . 
15. Children below the age of _______ are not allowed to work in any form of labour.

Ans:
1. legislature; executive; judiciary
2. Tyranny
3. Constituent Assembly
4. Independent
5. Trafficking, forced labour, 14
6. Universal adult suffrage
7. 2015
8. Democratic 
9. Protect, injustices
10. Panchayati Raj
11. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
12. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
13. Constitution of India
14. Constituent Assembly.
15. 14 years

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Match the following

Column AColumn B
(i) Panchayati Raj(a) Right of the equality
(ii) The state can’t discriminate against anyone in matters of employment(b) Cultural and educational rights
(iii). Dr. B. R. Ambedkar(c) A third tier of government
(iv) We have the right to express our opinion(d) Rights to freedom
(v) Minorities have the right to preserve their own culture.(e) Father of the Indian constitution
(vi) First Prime Minister of India(f) 26 January 1950
(vii) The Constitution came into effect on(g) Jawaharlal Nehru

Ans: 

Column AColumn B
(i) Panchayati Raj(c) A third tier of government
(ii) The state can’t discriminate against anyone in matters of employment(a) Right of the equality
(iii). Dr. B. R. Ambedkar(e) Father of the Indian constitution
(iv) We have the right to express our opinion(d) Rights to freedom
(v) Minorities have the right to preserve their own culture.(b) Cultural and educational rights
(vi) First Prime Minister of India(g) Jawaharlal Nehru
(vii) The Constitution came into effect on(f) 26 January 1950

State whether each of the following statements is True or False

1. A secular state does not officially promote one religion as the state religion.
Ans: True.

2. Our Constitution guarantees the rights of minorities against the majority. 
Ans: True. 

3. The Constitution of India was incorporated on 26 January 1948.
Ans: False

4. Religious freedom is provided to all the citizens of the country.
Ans: True.

5. The universal adult franchise was adopted before the Independence of India.
Ans: False.

6. Panchayati Raj was the chairman of the drafting committee.
Ans: False.

7. The Directive Principles of State Policy are not a part of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: False. 

8. Gandhi ji is called the father of the nation.
Ans: True. 

9. In 1937, INC made the demand for a Constituent Assembly.
Ans: False. 

10. The Constitution of India was incorporated on 26 January 1950.
Ans: True. 

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Short questions & answers

1. Define constitution?
Ans: A Constitution is a written document of rules that tells how a country is run and how the government works and protects the rights of the people.

2. What do you mean by sovereign?
Ans: Sovereign means being independent and having full control over your own decisions and actions, without being ruled by anyone else.

3. . Why did the people of Nepal want a new constitution?
Ans: The previous Constitution did not represent the ideals the people of Nepal wanted for their country or the changes they fought for.

4. Define Fundamental rights.
Ans: The Fundamental Rights are often called the “conscience” of the Indian Constitution, they protect individuals’ rights to equality, freedom, and justice, and ensure they can live with dignity.

5. When did Nepal establish democracy?
Ans: Nepal established democracy in 1951. 

6. What purpose does the Constitution serve?
Ans: The Constitution explains how the government works, shares power, and protects people’s basic rights. It sets rules for running the country, ensures fairness and equality, and helps keep peace and unity in society.

7. What is the right to equality?
Ans: The right to equality means that all persons are equal before the law.

8. . Who demanded for the constituent assembly?
Ans: The demand for a Constituent Assembly was first made by M. N. Roy in 1934. Later, the Indian National Congress (INC) supported this demand in 1935.

9. What do you mean by federalism?
Ans: Federalism refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country and the government at the central and state levels.

10. What does the constitution include?
Ans: The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework defining fundamental principles and establishes the structure and duties of citizens.

11. What fundamental rights are provided by the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The fundamental rights of the Indian Constitution are – 
(a) Right of equality
(b) Right of freedom
(c) Right against exploitation
(d) Right to freedom of religion
(e) Cultural & educational rights
(f) Right to constitutional remedies

12. What is territory?
Ans: A territory is an area of land under the jurisdiction of a government or state.

13. What is right against exploitation?
Ans: Under this Right, the Constitution prohibits trafficking, forced labour and children working under 14 years of age.

14. How are the Fundamental Rights important? Give one example. 
Ans: Fundamental Rights protect citizens against the arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the state. 

15. What do you mean by a secular state?
Ans: A secular state does not officially promote one religion as the state religion.

16. What does the word State refer to? 
Ans: A state is a political system that represents people who live in a specific area and their government, like the Indian State.

17. What caused fear among the members of the Constituent Assembly? 
Ans: They feared that the executive might become too strong and ignore its responsibility to the legislature. 

18. Define Secularism. 
Ans: Secularism means that the government treats all religions equally and does not favour any one religion. People can follow any religion they like or choose not to follow any religion.

19. What are the three branches of the government?
Ans: The three branches of the government are 
A.Legislature
B.Executive
C. Judiciary

20. What do the three parts of the government do?
Ans: The three parts of the government do different jobs 
A. Legislature: They make laws and policies for the country.
B Executive: They implement the laws and run the administration of the country.
C Judiciary: They explain the laws, resolve conflicts, and ensure people obey the rules.

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Long type question & answer

1. Describe the key features of the Indian constitution. 
Ans: The Indian Constitution gives the right to equality, so no one is treated unfairly because of their religion, caste, gender, race, or birthplace. It also protects weaker groups from stronger ones.

A. Federalism
Federalism is an important part of our Constitution. It means our country has more than one level of government to manage different areas. In India, we have the central government, state governments, and local governments. The local governments include municipal corporations in cities and the Panchayati Raj system in villages.

B. Parliamentary Form of Government
The Indian Constitution has a parliamentary system where all levels of government are made up of representatives elected by the people. It also ensures universal voting rights for all citizens.

C. Separation of Powers
The provision for separation of powers in the Constitution of India recommends three organs of the State – the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, it helps them check each other and keeps the balance of power equal.

D. Fundamental Rights
The Fundamental Rights are often called the “conscience” of the Indian Constitution. These rights protect citizens from unfair or excessive actions by the government. The Constitution guarantees their rights against the majority. Minority communities wanted the Constitution to include rights to protect them.

2. What are the fundamental rights in the Indian constitution?
Ans: 
A. Right to Equality – All citizens are treated equally, no matter their religion, caste, or gender. Everyone can use public places like shops and playgrounds. The government ensures fairness in jobs, and untouchability is banned.
B. Right to freedom – This includes the right to speak and express freely, form groups, travel and live anywhere in the country, and choose any job, profession, or business.
C. Right against Exploitation – The Constitution prohibits human trafficking, forced labour, and employment of children under 14 years of age.
D. Right to Freedom of Religion – Religious freedom is provided to all citizens, every person has the right to practise, profess and propagate the religion of their choice.
E. Cultural and Educational Rights – The Constitution states that all minorities, religious or linguistic, can set up their educational institutions to preserve and develop their own culture.
F. Right to Constitutional Remedies – This allows citizens to move the court if they believe their fundamental rights have been violated.

3. What is the constitution? Describe the important function of the constitution. 
Ans: A constitution is a written document of rules that tells how a country is run and how the government works and protects the rights of the people.

The importance of the Constitution – 
The important function of a Constitution is to define the nature of a country’s political system and democracy, in a democracy, we elect leaders to use power responsibly. The Constitution has rules to stop them from misusing it.
In a democracy is to ensure that a dominant group does not use its power against other, less powerful people or groups, it usually contains rules that ensure that minorities are not excluded from anything available to the majority. The Constitution is made to prevent the majority from controlling or harming the minority.

4. Why does a country need a Constitution?
Ans:
1. A Constitution is important for a country because it is a set of rules that explains how the country should be run. It also shows the values people believe in, like fairness, equality, and freedom, and helps build the kind of country they want to live in.
2. The Constitution is a written document that contains the rules and describes the values and goals that guide the country we want to live in.
3. A society has rules that make it unique and different from others. In big societies with many communities, people work together to agree on these rules. In modern countries, this consensus is usually available in written form.

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