CIVICS
CH-1 THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
WORKSHEET
I) MCQ
1. When was the Indian Constitution adopted?
a) 15th August 1947
b) 26th November 1949
c) 26th January 1950
d) 2nd October 1947
Answer: b) 26th November 1949
2. Which of the following is not a key feature of the Indian Constitution?
a) Federalism
b) Presidential form of government
c) Fundamental Rights
d) Secularism
Answer: b) Presidential form of government
3. The Indian Constitution came into effect on:
a) 15th August 1947
b) 26th November 1949
c) 26th January 1950
d) 30th January 1948
Answer: c) 26th January 1950
4. Who is known as the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Mahatma Gandhi
c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
d) Sardar Patel
Answer: c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
5. Which part of the Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights?
a) Preamble
b) Directive Principles
c) Part III
d) Schedule 1
Answer: c) Part III
6. Which Fundamental Right protects the cultural rights of minorities?
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom
c) Cultural and Educational Rights
d) Right to Constitutional Remedies
Answer: c) Cultural and Educational Rights
7. What does ‘secularism’ mean in the Indian context?
a) Promotion of one religion
b) State has no religion of its own
c) Religious laws are superior
d) All citizens must follow the same religion
Answer: b) State has no religion of its own
8. How many Fundamental Rights are granted by the Indian Constitution?
a) 5
b) 6
c) 7
d) 8
Answer: b) 6
9. Which Article of the Constitution allows citizens to approach the court if their rights
are violated?
a) Article 14
b) Article 19
c) Article 21
d) Article 32
Answer: d) Article 32
10. What is the significance of the Preamble in the Constitution?
a) It is legally binding
b) It provides detailed laws
c) It explains the philosophy and objectives of the Constitution
d) It lists the duties of the Prime Minister
Answer: c) It explains the philosophy and objectives of the Constitution
II)ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
1. Why does a country need a Constitution?
A country needs a Constitution because:
● In a democracy, people choose their representatives, and those in power might
misuse their authority. The Constitution provides safeguards against such misuse.
● It ensures that the dominant group does not exploit less powerful groups.
● It guarantees Fundamental Rights to citizens for their social, economic, and political
welfare.
2. What do you understand by the term ‘constitutive’? Provide one example of a
‘constitutive rule’ from everyday life.
The term constitutive means having the power to establish or create something formally.
Example: In football, players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands. This is a
constitutive rule of the game — without this rule, it would not be football.
3. Why did the people of Nepal want a new Constitution?
● Nepal is no longer a monarchy. Under the monarchy, all powers rested with the King.
● As Nepal transitioned to a democracy, people wanted a Constitution reflecting new
democratic ideals.
● The 1990 Constitution gave final authority to the King.
● After years of struggle, in 2006, Nepalese people succeeded in ending the King’s
powers.
● A new Constitution was needed to establish Nepal as a democracy and shape a new
society based on democratic values.
4. What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?
● Federalism
● Parliamentary form of Government
● Separation of Powers
● Fundamental Rights
● Secularism
5. Write a note on Federalism.
Federalism refers to the existence of more than one level of government in a country. In
India, there is a central government and state governments. Citizens are governed by laws
and policies made at both levels.
6. Describe the Parliamentary Form of Government.
India has a parliamentary system where representatives are elected by the people through
universal adult suffrage. These elected representatives form the government and are
accountable to the people.
7. Discuss the difference between State and Government.
● Government refers to the body that runs the country and implements laws. It
changes with elections.
● State refers to the political and legal organization with sovereignty over a defined
territory. It remains constant regardless of changes in government.
8. What are the Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution? Explain.
The six Fundamental Rights are:
1. Right to Equality – All are equal before the law and cannot be discriminated against.
2. Right to Freedom – Includes freedom of speech, movement, residence, and
occupation.
3. Right against Exploitation – Prohibits child labor, human trafficking, and forced
labor.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion – Freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any
religion.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights – Protects the rights of minorities to preserve their
culture and language.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies – Citizens can approach courts if their rights are
violated.
9. If a 13-year-old child is working in a carpet factory, which Fundamental Right is
being violated?
The Right against Exploitation is being violated, as child labor is prohibited under the
Constitution.
10. If a group is not allowed to open a Telugu-medium school in Kerala, which
Fundamental Right is being violated?
The Cultural and Educational Rights are being violated, as minorities have the right to
establish and manage their own educational institutions.
11. Describe Nepal’s struggle for democracy.
Nepal experienced multiple people’s movements for democracy. The 1990 Constitution gave
power to the King. A major democratic movement succeeded in 2006, ending the King’s
absolute power and paving the way for a democratic Constitution.
12. Write a note on Secularism.
Secularism means that the state does not promote or favor any religion. India is a secular
country where all religions are treated equally, and the state remains separate from religious
affairs.
13. What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected
representatives?
If no restrictions existed, elected representatives might misuse power, leading to injustice
and harm to citizens. The Constitution limits their power to ensure accountability and protect
democracy.
14. In a school with 30 teachers, 20 are male. Identify the minority. Why is it important
to respect their views?
● Minority: 10 female teachers
● It’s important to respect their views to promote inclusivity, avoid discrimination, and
ensure all voices are heard, especially in a male-dominated setting.
15. What is meant by ‘Arbitrary’?
'Arbitrary' means based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason. In law,
arbitrariness is avoided as laws must apply equally to all citizens regardless of religion,
caste, or gender.
16. Explain Human Trafficking.
Human trafficking involves illegally buying, selling, or moving people for exploitation. The
Indian Constitution prohibits this practice and makes it a punishable offense under the Right
against Exploitation.
17. Describe the term ‘Preamble’.
The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. It outlines the source of authority, core
values (justice, liberty, equality, fraternity), and goals of the Indian Republic. It is based on
the Objectives Resolution proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946.
18. Describe the Directive Principles of State Policy.
These are guidelines for the government to ensure:
● Equal opportunity
● Livelihood for all
● Fair wealth distribution
They reflect the goals of justice, liberty, and equality, though they are not legally
enforceable.
19. What is meant by Sovereignty?
Sovereignty means complete independence. In a sovereign nation, citizens and their elected
representatives make decisions without external interference. It ensures self-rule and
national dignity.
III)LONG ANSWERS
1. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Answer:
A democratic country needs a Constitution to ensure equality, justice, and the proper
functioning of the government. The Constitution acts as the supreme law of the land and
performs several essential roles:
1. Defines the nature of the political system – It outlines whether a country will be a
monarchy or a democracy, and establishes how the government will function.
2. Limits the power of the government – In a democracy, leaders are elected, and the
Constitution ensures they do not misuse their powers.
3. Protects the rights of citizens – It guarantees Fundamental Rights like equality,
freedom, and protection against exploitation.
4. Ensures rule of law and equality – It ensures that all citizens, regardless of
background, are equal before the law.
5. Maintains national unity and integrity – It helps bring people of diverse religions,
cultures, and languages together under common national values.
Thus, a Constitution is essential for a stable and fair democratic society.
2. What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
The Indian Constitution is one of the longest and most detailed constitutions in the world. It
has several key features that guide the functioning of the country:
1. Federalism – It establishes a system of government with multiple levels: the Union,
State, and Local governments, each with specific powers and responsibilities.
2. Parliamentary form of government – Citizens elect their representatives, and the
executive is accountable to the legislature.
3. Separation of powers – Power is divided among the legislature, executive, and
judiciary, ensuring no branch becomes too powerful.
4. Secularism – India does not promote any official religion. All citizens are free to
practice, profess, and propagate the religion of their choice.
5. Fundamental Rights – The Constitution guarantees rights such as the Right to
Equality, Freedom, and Constitutional Remedies, ensuring protection for every
citizen.
These features reflect the values of justice, liberty, and equality that the
Constitution upholds.
3. Explain the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
The Indian Constitution guarantees six Fundamental Rights to every citizen. These rights
are essential for the development of individuals and to safeguard their dignity:
1. Right to Equality – Ensures all citizens are equal before the law. It prohibits
discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
2. Right to Freedom – Includes the right to speech, expression, movement, residence,
and the right to practice any profession or occupation.
3. Right against Exploitation – Prohibits human trafficking, forced labor, and child
labor under the age of 14 in hazardous occupations.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion – Grants individuals the freedom to practice, profess,
and propagate the religion of their choice.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights – Protects the rights of minorities to preserve their
culture and establish educational institutions.
These rights promote justice, liberty, and equality, and are essential for a
functioning democracy.