Delhi Public school, Raipur
Sub- Social Science (Political Science)
Class VIII
The Indian Constitution
3M
Q1) What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected
representatives?
Ans1- If there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives
a) The leaders might misuse the powers given to them.
b) The misuse of power can lead to gross injustice.
c) If unchecked it will lead to tyrannical society.
Q2) Why did the people of Nepal demand a new Constitution?
Ans2- People of Nepal demanded a new Constitution because-
a) It is no longer a monarchy. The older Constitution vested power in the King
b) As the country is now a democracy, a new Constitution is needed to reflect
the “democratic” ideals of Nepal that the peoples' movement desired and fought
for.
c) People believed that all the problems (social, political, religious, cultural,
economic, development and others would be solved by a democratic
government.
Q3) Why does we need a constitution?
Ans3- a) Constitution tells us the fundamental nature of our society.
b)Constitution helps serve as a set of rules and principles that all persons in a
country can agree upon and is the fundamental document as per which the
government functions .
c) In constitution, people's rights and government's power are clearly
mentioned.
d)It prevents government from misusing its power.
e) It prevents inter and intra community dominations.
Q4) What were the challenges faced by the members of constituent assembly
while preparing constitution of India?
Answer- The members of the constituent assembly had to face many challenges
while preparing constitution:
1. India is a country where people of different communities, castes and religions
live. Members had to make rules by seeing that each citizen is being protected.
2. At the time the Constitution was being made, the Indian people were
emerging from the status of subjects to that of citizens.
3. Centered on religious distinctions, the separation of the nation took place. To
both the citizens of India and Pakistan it was a traumatic experience.
4. The British left princely states to determine if they wanted to merge with or
remain independent off India or Pakistan. Hence, the merger looked an
uncertain and difficult task.
5. The socio- economic situation of vast mass of people appeared dismal.
Hence, during making of the Constitution, the future of the nation did not look
secure.
Q5) Explain the key features of the constitution.
The key features of the Indian Constitution are explained below:
Federalism- Our Constitution has provided for a federal form of government.
This means that we have government at the level and at the centre. Panchayati
Raj is the third tier of government.
(ii)Parliamentary form of Government - The different tiers of government
consists of representatives who are elected by the people. The Constitution of
India guarantees universal adult franchise for all citizens.
(iii)Separation of Powers - There are three organs of the state—the legislature,
the executive and the judiciary. In order to prevent the misuse of power by any
one branch of the state, the Constitution says that each of these organs should
exercise different powers.
iv) Fundamental Rights - Fundamental Rights are called the conscience of the
Indian Constitution. These Rights protect against the absolute exercise of power
by the state.
(v)Secularism - It is an important feature of our Constitution. A secular state is
one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state
religion.
Q6) List and explain the fundamental rights in Indian Constitution.
Right to equality: All persons are equal before law. This means there would be
no discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, gender or place of birth .
There would be equality of opportunity in matters of employment and all
persons would have access to all public places including
playgrounds,hotels,shops etc.
2. Cultural and Educational Rights are given to the Citizens of India to conserve
their cultural practices and that they must have access to education. This rights
states that all minorities religious or linguistic, can establish and administer
educational institutions of their choice to conserve their culture, language or
script.
3. The right to freedom includes freedom of speech and expression, right to
form assembly, associations or unions right to, move, reside to reside I any part
of the country and right to practice any profession or occupation.
4. The right against exploitation prohibits all forms of forced labour, child
labour and trafficking of human beings.
5. The right to freedom of religion includes freedom to profession, practice, and
propagate the religion of their choice.
6. The right to constitutional remedies: This allows every citizen to move to
court if they believe that any of their fundamental rights are violated.
