Short Questions
1. What is a constitution?
A constitution is a written document containing rules and principles that guide
how a country is governed. It sets the basic nature of society and helps people
live together peacefully.
2. Who was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chairman of the drafting committee and is known as
the “Father of the Indian Constitution”.
3. Why is the Preamble to our Constitution important?
The Preamble introduces the values and guiding principles of the Constitution,
like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
4. When was the Constitution of India enforced?
The Constitution was enforced on January 26, 1950.
5. Name any two Fundamental Rights given by the Indian Constitution.
Examples: Right to Equality and Right to Freedom.
6. What does 'secularism' in the Constitution mean?
Secularism means the state does not promote any religion as the official religion;
people are free to follow any religion.
7. Who wrote India’s National Anthem?
India’s National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” was written by Rabindranath Tagore.
8. What is meant by ‘Republic’?
A republic means the head of the state is elected and not a hereditary monarch.
9. Who elects the members of the Constituent Assembly?
Members of the Constituent Assembly were elected by the Provincial Legislative
Assemblies.
10. On which date is Republic Day celebrated in India?
Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 every year.
Long Questions
11. Describe the key features of the Indian Constitution.
• Federalism: Power is divided between the central and state governments.
• Parliamentary form of government: The government is elected by the people
through their representatives.
• Separation of powers: There are three branches: Legislature, Executive, and
Judiciary, each with its own powers.
• Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all
citizens.
• Secularism: The state treats all religions equally.
12. Explain the Right to Equality in detail.
The Right to Equality ensures all citizens are equal before the law. Nobody is
discriminated against based on religion, caste, or gender. Everyone has equal
access to public places and opportunities, and the government cannot favor
anyone in jobs or employment.
13. What is the significance of the separation of powers among Legislature,
Executive, and Judiciary?
Separation of powers prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. It
ensures that the Legislature makes laws, the Executive implements them, and the
Judiciary interprets laws and provides justice.
14. What makes the Indian Constitution the longest written constitution in the
world?
The Constitution includes detailed provisions for administration, rights, and
governance due to India’s size, diversity, and complexity. It also incorporates
features from many other countries’ constitutions.
15. Why is it important for citizens to follow both Fundamental Rights and
Fundamental Duties?
Fundamental Rights give people freedoms and protections. Fundamental Duties
remind citizens to respect the country, help others, and preserve national
harmony. Both are essential for peace, progress, and unity in a diverse country.
Additional Important Questions & Answers
• What does the Preamble of our Constitution state?
The Preamble states that India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic
Republic and outlines the aims of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all
citizens.
• State the definition of Democracy given by Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as “government of the people, by the
people, for the people.”
• Make a list of your Fundamental Rights.
The Fundamental Rights are:
1. Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom
3. Right against Exploitation
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
5. Cultural and Educational Rights
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
7. (Right to Education is included under Right to Freedom)
• Which term signifies ‘equal respect to all religions’?
Secularism signifies equal respect to all religions.
• Which Fundamental Right has been added recently?
The Right to Education has been added as a Fundamental Right.
• Which Fundamental Rights are suspended during an emergency?
The Right to Freedom and the Right to Constitutional Remedies can be
suspended during an emergency.
• Who elects the President of India?
The President is elected by the members of an Electoral College consisting of the
elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
• What is the meaning of ‘Sovereign’, ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, ‘Democratic’, and
‘Republic’?
• Sovereign: India is independent and not ruled by any other country.
• Socialist: Welfare of all citizens is a priority.
• Secular: All religions are respected equally.
• Democratic: Government is elected by the people.
• Republic: The head of state is elected, not inherited.
• What do Directive Principles of State Policy mean?
These are guidelines for the government to help achieve social and economic
goals (they are not enforceable by court).
• What is the highest court in India?
The Supreme Court is the highest court in India.
• Which Article of the Constitution guarantees the Right to Equality?
Article 14 guarantees the Right to Equality.
• Who appoints the Governor of a State?
The Governor is appointed by the President of India.
• What happens if a citizen is denied their Fundamental Rights?
The citizen can approach the Supreme Court or High Courts for protection of
their rights.
• What is meant by 'Rule of Law'?
Rule of Law means everyone is equal before the law, and laws apply to all
citizens.
• In which year did India gain independence?
India gained independence in 1947.
• What is the process to amend the Constitution?
The Constitution can be amended by Parliament through a special process
requiring a majority vote in both Houses.