CBSE Class 12 – History (NCERT)

PART IV: THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY – PART III (Modern India)

Chapter 15: Framing the Constitution – The Beginning of a New Era

For CBSE Board Examination – Class XII

Subject: History
Book: Themes in Indian History – Part III
Chapter: 15
Question Type: Source-Based Questions
Syllabus Alignment: Strictly as per NCERT

Source-Based Questions with Answers (20 Sets)

(Each set contains a short source adapted from NCERT themes, followed by questions and answers. The content is paraphrased and examination-oriented.)

Set 1: Purpose of the Constitution

Source:
Members of the Constituent Assembly believed that the Constitution must express the ideals of the freedom struggle and guide India’s future as a democratic nation.

Questions:

1. What was the main purpose of framing the Constitution?
2. Which ideals influenced the Constitution?

Answers:

1. The Constitution was framed to provide a democratic framework for governing independent India.
2. Ideals of liberty, equality, justice, and nationalism influenced it.

Set 2: Role of the Constituent Assembly

Source:
The Constituent Assembly functioned through debates and discussions, allowing members to express differing views before reaching consensus.

Questions:

1. How did the Constituent Assembly function?
2. Why were debates important?

Answers:

1. It functioned through open debates, committees, and voting.
2. Debates helped accommodate diverse opinions and reach democratic decisions.

Set 3: Representation in the Assembly

Source:
Though not elected by universal adult franchise, the Assembly included members from diverse regions and communities.

Questions:

1. Why was the Constituent Assembly considered representative?
2. How were its members elected?

Answers:

1. It included people from varied social, regional, and political backgrounds.
2. Members were elected indirectly by provincial legislatures.

Set 4: Language Debate

Source:
Language emerged as a sensitive issue as members differed on the choice of an official language for the country.

Questions:

1. Why did language become a major issue?
2. How was the issue resolved?

Answers:

1. India’s linguistic diversity created fears of domination by one language.
2. Hindi and English were both accepted for official use.

Set 5: Universal Adult Franchise

Source:
Despite widespread illiteracy, the Assembly decided to grant voting rights to all adults.

Questions:

1. What decision did the Assembly take regarding voting rights?
2. Why was this decision significant?

Answers:

1. It adopted universal adult franchise.
2. It promoted political equality and democratic participation.

Set 6: Federal Structure

Source:
India adopted a federal system with a strong central government to maintain unity.

Questions:

1. What type of federalism was adopted?
2. Why was a strong centre preferred?

Answers:

1. A federal system with a powerful central government was adopted.
2. To prevent division and ensure national unity.

Set 7: Division of Powers

Source:
Powers were divided between the centre and states through three lists.

Questions:

1. How were powers divided?
2. Why was this division necessary?

Answers:

1. Through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
2. To clarify authority and manage governance efficiently.

Set 8: Fundamental Rights

Source:
The Constitution guaranteed certain basic rights to protect citizens from state excesses.

Questions:

1. Why were Fundamental Rights included?
2. Name one right guaranteed to citizens.

Answers:

1. To protect individual liberty and ensure equality.
2. Right to Equality.

Set 9: Limitations on Rights

Source:
Rights were not absolute and could be restricted in public interest.

Questions:

1. Why were rights subject to restrictions?
2. What balance did this create?

Answers:

1. To maintain public order and security.
2. A balance between individual freedom and social interest.

Set 10: Citizenship after Partition

Source:
Partition made defining citizenship a sensitive issue for the Assembly.

Questions:

1. Why was citizenship difficult to define after Partition?
2. On what basis was citizenship granted?

Answers:

1. Due to large-scale migration and displacement.
2. On residence and legal criteria, not religion.

Set 11: Secular Character

Source:
The Constitution rejected religious identity as the basis of citizenship.

Questions:

1. What principle does this reflect?
2. Why was it important?

Answers:

1. Secularism.
2. To ensure equality and national integration.

Set 12: Abolition of Untouchability

Source:
Social discrimination was addressed through constitutional provisions.

Questions:

1. Which social practice was abolished?
2. Why was this step significant?

Answers:

1. Untouchability was abolished.
2. It promoted equality and human dignity.

Set 13: Reservations

Source:
Special provisions were made for disadvantaged groups.

Questions:

1. Why were reservations introduced?
2. Which groups benefited?

Answers:

1. To correct historical injustices.
2. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Set 14: Directive Principles

Source:
The Constitution included guidelines for governments to promote welfare.

Questions:

1. What are these guidelines called?
2. Are they legally enforceable?

Answers:

1. Directive Principles of State Policy.
2. No, they are non-justiciable.

Set 15: Vision of the State

Source:
The framers wanted India to be democratic and socially just.

Questions:

1. What kind of state was envisioned?
2. What was the role of the state?

Answers:

1. A democratic and secular republic.
2. To promote social and economic justice.

Set 16: Sovereignty of the Assembly

Source:
The Constituent Assembly took decisions independently.

Questions:

1. Why was the Assembly considered sovereign?
2. What did this ensure?

Answers:

1. It was not bound by external authority.
2. Legitimacy of the Constitution.

Set 17: Lengthy Debates

Source:
The Assembly met for several years to finalize the Constitution.

Questions:

1. What does the long duration indicate?
2. Why was this necessary?

Answers:

1. Careful and democratic decision-making.
2. To examine issues thoroughly.

Set 18: Adoption of the Constitution

Source:
The Constitution was completed after extensive deliberations.

Questions:

1. When was the Constitution adopted?
2. When did it come into effect?

Answers:

1. On 26 November 1949.
2. On 26 January 1950.

Set 19: Transformation of Society

Source:
The Constitution aimed to transform society, not just govern it.

Questions:

1. How did the Constitution seek social change?
2. Which values guided this transformation?

Answers:

1. By ensuring equality and justice.
2. Democratic and social reform values.

Set 20: Nation-Building

Source:
The Constitution became the foundation of India’s unity.

Questions:

1. How did the Constitution support nation-building?
2. Why is it central to modern India?

Answers:

1. By balancing unity with diversity.
2. It provides a democratic framework for governance.

These Source-Based Questions are strictly based on NCERT themes and fully aligned with CBSE Class 12 Board Examination standards.