2.5-Exercises (Constitutional Design)
2.5-Exercises (Constitutional Design) Important Formulae
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Grade 9 → Civics → Constitutional Design → 2.5-Exercises (Constitutional Design)
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Solved Example: 2-5-01
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 an open mind about whether
the country should be democratic or not after independence.
b Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held the same views
on all provisions of the Constitution.
c A country that has a constitution must be a democracy.
d Constitution cannot be amended because it is the supreme law of
a country.
Solution:
Correcting False Statements
a. Leaders of the freedom movement were committed to establishing a democratic India after independence.
b. Members of the Constituent Assembly had diverse views and debated various provisions of the Constitution.
c. A country can have a constitution without being a democracy; some countries have constitutions but are ruled by autocratic regimes.
d. The Constitution can be amended through a defined process, despite being the supreme law of the country.
Solved Example: 2-5-02
2. Which of these was the most salient underlying conflict in the making of a democratic constitution in South Africa?
a Between South Africa and its neighbours
b Between men and women
c Between the white majority and the black minority
d Between the coloured minority and the black majority
Solution:
Underlying Conflict in South Africa's Democratic Constitution
c. The most salient underlying conflict in the making of a democratic constitution in South Africa was between the white majority and the black minority. This struggle stemmed from the legacy of apartheid, where the white minority enforced racial segregation and discrimination against the black population. The transition to democracy aimed to address these inequalities and establish a government that represented all citizens, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for previously marginalized groups.
Solved Example: 2-5-03
Which of these is a provision that a democratic constitution does not have?
a Powers of the head of the state
b Name of the head of the state
c Powers of the legislature
d Name of the country
Solution:
Which of these is a provision that a democratic constitution does not have?
A democratic constitution typically includes provisions related to the powers of the head of the state, the legislature, and the name of the country. However, the name of the head of the state is not a standard provision in a democratic constitution. Instead, it focuses more on the roles, powers, and responsibilities of government institutions and officials rather than naming individual positions. Thus, option (b) is the correct answer as it does not constitute a typical provision in such constitutions.
Solved Example: 2-5-04
4. Match the following leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution:
A Motilal Nehru
b B.R. Ambedkar
c Rajendra Prasad
d Sarojini Naidu
i President of the Constituent Assembly
ii Member of the Constituent Assembly
iii Chairman of the Drafting Committee
iv Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928
Solution:
Match the following leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution:
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
Solved Example: 2-5-05
5. Read again the extracts from Nehru’s speech ‘Tryst with Destiny’ and answer the following:
a Why did Nehru use the expression “not wholly or in full measure” in the first sentence?
b What pledge did he want the makers of the Indian Constitution to take?
c “The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye”. Who was he referring to?
Solution:
Nehru's "Tryst with Destiny" Speech Analysis
a. Nehru used the expression “not wholly or in full measure” to indicate that India’s freedom was incomplete without social and economic justice for all citizens. He emphasized that political independence alone did not ensure a better life for every individual.
b. Nehru wanted the makers of the Indian Constitution to pledge their commitment to creating a just and equitable society, ensuring fundamental rights and liberties for every citizen.
c. He was referring to Mahatma Gandhi, whose lifelong mission was to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed and marginalized in society.
Solved Example: 2-5-06
6. Here are some of the guiding values of the Constitution and their meaning. Rewrite them by matching them correctly.
a Sovereign
b Republic
c Fraternity
d Secular
i Government will not favour any religion.
ii People have the supreme right to make decisions.
iii Head of the state is an elected person.
iv People should live like brothers and sisters
Solution:
Guiding Values of the Constitution
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.
Solved Example: 2-5-07
How did your school celebrate the Constitution Day on November 26th? Prepare a brief report.
Solution:
Celebration of Constitution Day on November 26th
Our school celebrated Constitution Day with various activities. The day began with a special assembly where the importance of the Constitution was highlighted. A guest speaker, a local lawyer, spoke about fundamental rights and duties. Students presented a skit showcasing the Constitution’s impact on society. A quiz competition followed, testing knowledge about constitutional facts. In art class, students created posters illustrating key articles. Finally, everyone recited the Preamble together, reinforcing the significance of our Constitution. The day was both educational and engaging, fostering a sense of respect and understanding for our democratic values.
Solved Example: 2-5-08
8. Here are different opinions about what made India a democracy. How much importance would you give to each of these factors?
a Democracy in India is a gift of the British rulers. We received training
to work with representative legislative institutions under the British
rule.
b Freedom Struggle challenged the colonial exploitation and denial
of different freedoms to Indians. Free India could not be anything
but democratic.
c We were lucky to have leaders who had democratic convictions.
The denial of democracy in several other newly independent countries shows the important role of these leaders.
Solution:
Factors Contributing to India's Democracy
Each factor plays a significant role in shaping India’s democratic framework. Firstly, the British rulers established legislative institutions, providing a foundational training for governance. This exposure was crucial for developing a sense of representation. Secondly, the Freedom Struggle united Indians against colonial oppression, instilling a desire for democratic rights and justice. This collective challenge ensured that independence would naturally lead to a democratic framework. Lastly, the visionary leaders of the independence movement, such as Gandhi and Nehru, were committed to democratic principles. Their convictions significantly influenced the democratic trajectory of the nation.
Solved Example: 2-5-09
9. Read the following extract from a conduct book for ‘married women’, published in 1912. ‘God has made the female species delicate and fragile both physically and emotionally, pitiably incapable of self-defence. They are destined thus by God to remain in male protection – of father, husband and son – all their lives. Women should, therefore, not despair, but feel obliged that they can dedicate themselves to the service of men’. Do you think the values expressed in this para reflected the values underlying our constitution? Or does this go against the constitutional values?
Solution:
Values in the 1912 Extract vs. Constitutional Values
The extract from the conduct book reflects a patriarchal view, portraying women as weak and dependent on men. This perspective is contrary to the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which emphasizes equality, dignity, and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of gender. The Constitution advocates for women's rights and their ability to participate fully in society. Such archaic beliefs limit women's roles and deny them autonomy, thus opposing the fundamental principles of justice and equality that form the foundation of our democratic framework.
Solved Example: 2-5-10
10 Read the following statements about a constitution. Give reasons why each of these is true or not true.
a The authority of the rules of the constitution is the same as that of
any other law.
b Constitution lays down how different organs of the government will
be formed.
c Rights of citizens and limits on the power of the government are
laid down in the constitution.
d A constitution is about institutions, not about values.
Solution:
Statements About a Constitution
a. This statement is not true. The authority of the constitution is supreme, serving as the highest law of the land, unlike regular laws which can be amended by legislative bodies.
b. This statement is true. The constitution outlines the structure, powers, and responsibilities of different government organs, ensuring clear governance.
c. This statement is true. The constitution guarantees fundamental rights to citizens and also imposes limits on government powers to protect individual freedoms.
d. This statement is not true. A constitution encompasses both institutions and values, establishing principles that guide the functioning of the state.