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
Based on: NCERT History Textbook
Question Type: Very Short Answer Questions (VSAs)

Very Short Answer Type Questions (40) with Answers

(Answers are limited to one sentence each and strictly follow the NCERT syllabus.)

Section A: Background and Context

1. What did the framing of the Constitution signify for India?
   It marked the transition of India from colonial rule to a sovereign democratic republic.
2. Why was a Constitution necessary for independent India?
   It was needed to define governance, rights, and responsibilities in a newly independent nation.
3. From which historical experience did Indian leaders draw constitutional ideas?
   They drew ideas from colonial laws and the national movement.
4. What role did the national movement play in constitution-making?
   It shaped democratic ideals and the emphasis on rights and equality.
5. What major challenge did India face after independence?
   Nation-building amid vast social, cultural, and regional diversity.

Section B: Constituent Assembly

6. When was the Constituent Assembly formed?
   It was formed in 1946.
7. How were members of the Constituent Assembly chosen?
   They were elected indirectly by provincial legislatures.
8. Why was the Constituent Assembly considered representative?
   It included members from diverse regions, communities, and political backgrounds.
9. What was the main task of the Constituent Assembly?
   To draft the Constitution of India.
10. How long did the Constituent Assembly take to frame the Constitution?
    Nearly three years.

Section C: Process of Constitution-Making

11. Why were committees formed within the Constituent Assembly?
    To examine different aspects of the Constitution in detail.
12. What was the role of the Drafting Committee?
    It prepared and revised the draft of the Constitution.
13. How were decisions taken in the Assembly?
    Through debates, discussions, and consensus.
14. What does the length of debates indicate?
    The seriousness and democratic nature of constitution-making.
15. Why is the Constitution described as a living document?
    Because it can be amended to meet changing needs.

Section D: Debates and Discussions

16. Why were debates central to the framing of the Constitution?
    They allowed diverse viewpoints to be expressed and resolved.
17. What issue caused intense debate regarding language?
    The choice of national and official language.
18. How was the language issue resolved?
    By allowing the use of both Hindi and English.
19. Why was universal adult franchise significant?
    It granted voting rights to all adults regardless of education or wealth.
20. What did debates reflect about Indian democracy?
    A commitment to discussion, tolerance, and compromise.

Section E: Federalism

21. What is meant by federalism?
    It is the division of powers between the centre and the states.
22. Why did India adopt a federal system?
    To manage diversity while maintaining national unity.
23. What made Indian federalism unique?
    A strong centre with autonomous states.
24. Why was a strong centre considered necessary?
    To ensure unity and prevent division.
25. How were powers distributed in the Constitution?
    Through Union, State, and Concurrent lists.

Section F: Rights and Citizenship

26. Why were Fundamental Rights included in the Constitution?
    To protect individual liberty and equality.
27. What do Fundamental Rights guarantee to citizens?
    Equality, freedom, and protection against exploitation.
28. Why were rights not made absolute?
    To balance individual freedom with public interest.
29. What does citizenship define?
    Membership of the Indian nation with legal and political rights.
30. How did the Constitution define citizenship after Partition?
    On the basis of residence rather than religion.

Section G: Social Justice and Vision of India

31. Why was untouchability abolished?
    To ensure social equality and human dignity.
32. What was the purpose of reservations?
    To address historical injustices faced by marginalized groups.
33. What role did the Constitution assign to the state?
    To promote social and economic justice.
34. What are Directive Principles of State Policy?
    Guidelines for governments to achieve social welfare.
35. Why are Directive Principles important despite being non-justiciable?
    They guide the state in policy-making.

Section H: Adoption and Significance

36. When was the Constitution adopted?
    On 26 November 1949.
37. When did the Constitution come into effect?
    On 26 January 1950.
38. Why was 26 January chosen as the enforcement date?
    To commemorate the declaration of complete independence in 1930.
39. What did the Constitution transform subjects into?
    Citizens with rights and responsibilities.
40. Why is the Constitution central to nation-building?
    It provides a democratic framework for unity, justice, and governance.

These Very Short Answer Questions are strictly based on NCERT content and aligned with CBSE Class 12 Board Examination standards.