The Constitution of India – Short Answer Type Questions

CBSE Class 7 Social Science - Chapter 9: 50 Short Answer Q&A

Class: 7

Subject: Social Science

Chapter: 9

The Constitution of India — 50 Short Answer Questions & Answers

NCERT-aligned short answer questions covering meaning, drafting, key features, the Preamble, rights, Directive Principles and borrowed ideas — ideal for CBSE Class 7 revision.

CBSE Board Exam — Study Order

Understand definitions and key terms from NCERT
Memorise features and Preamble keywords
Practice short answers and use examples
Revise amendments, emergencies and borrowed ideas

Content Bank — Chapter 9 (topics)

Meaning and purpose of a constitution
How India’s Constitution was written (Constituent Assembly, Ambedkar)
The Preamble and its key words
Major features: federal structure, separation of powers, fundamental rights
Directive Principles, amendment, emergency provisions
Borrowed ideas and why adaptation was needed

Topic 1 — Basics: What is a Constitution? (Q1–Q8)

Q1. What is a constitution?

A constitution is the basic set of rules that defines how a country is governed.

Q2. Why is a constitution important?

It organises government, protects rights and provides rules for making and changing laws.

Q3. Is India’s constitution written or unwritten?

India’s Constitution is written and detailed, contained in a single document.

Q4. Give one function of a constitution.

It divides powers between different branches and levels of government.

Q5. Who does the constitution bind?

It binds all state organs and citizens under the rule of law.

Q6. What is meant by ‘rule of law’?

Rule of law means everyone, including rulers, must follow the law.

Q7. Can constitutions be amended?

Yes, constitutions can be amended through procedures specified within them.

Q8. Name one thing a constitution protects.

It protects citizens’ fundamental rights, like freedom of speech.

Topic 2 — Writing India’s Constitution (Q9–Q16)

Q9. Who wrote India’s Constitution?

The Constituent Assembly drafted it, with a Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Q10. When did the Constitution come into effect?

It came into force on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).

Q11. What was the Constituent Assembly?

A body of representatives that debated and prepared the Constitution for independent India.

Q12. Who chaired the Drafting Committee?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Q13. Name two leaders who helped in framing the Constitution.

Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (among others).

Q14. Over which years did the Constituent Assembly work?

The Assembly worked mainly between 1946 and 1950.

Q15. What is the significance of 26 January 1950?

It is the day India became a republic and the Constitution took effect.

Q16. Were debates part of the drafting process?

Yes — each clause was discussed, amended and approved through debates.

Topic 3 — The Preamble (Q17–Q24)

Q17. What is the Preamble?

The Preamble is the introductory statement stating the Constitution’s aims and values.

Q18. How does the Preamble begin?

It begins with “We, the people of India...”, showing power rests with the people.

Q19. Name three ideals in the Preamble.

Justice, Liberty and Equality (also Fraternity and Secularism).

Q20. What does ‘justice’ mean here?

Social, economic and political justice for all citizens.

Q21. What is meant by ‘liberty’?

Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.

Q22. Explain ‘equality’ briefly.

Equality means equal status and equal opportunity for every citizen.

Q23. What is ‘fraternity’ in the Preamble?

It means a spirit of brotherhood to ensure dignity and unity among citizens.

Q24. What does ‘secular’ indicate?

The state treats all religions equally and does not favour any single religion.

Topic 4 — Key Features (Structure & Powers) (Q25–Q32)

Q25. Is the Indian Constitution long or short?

The Indian Constitution is long and detailed compared to many others.

Q26. What is federalism?

Federalism is the division of powers between central and state governments.

Q27. Does India follow federalism?

Yes, India is a federal country with a strong central government.

Q28. Name the three branches of government.

Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.

Q29. What is the role of the legislature?

To make laws for the country or state.

Q30. What is the role of the executive?

To implement and administer laws.

Q31. What is the role of the judiciary?

To interpret laws and settle disputes.

Q32. What is judicial review?

The power of courts to examine laws and actions to ensure they are constitutional.

Topic 5 — Rights, Directive Principles & Duties (Q33–Q40)

Q33. What are Fundamental Rights?

Basic rights guaranteed to citizens that can be enforced in courts.

Q34. Give one example of a Fundamental Right.

Right to freedom of speech and expression.

Q35. What are Directive Principles of State Policy?

Guidelines to the government to frame policies aimed at social welfare; not enforceable in court.

Q36. Are Directive Principles enforceable by courts?

No, they are not legally enforceable but guide the state in policy-making.

Q37. What are citizens’ duties?

Duties like obeying laws, paying taxes and respecting national symbols.

Q38. Give one example of a Directive Principle.

Provision for adequate livelihood for every citizen.

Q39. Can Fundamental Rights be restricted?

Some rights can be reasonably restricted for public order, security or morality as per law.

Q40. Why are Fundamental Rights important?

They protect individuals from arbitrary state action and preserve freedoms.

Topic 6 — Amendments, Emergency & Special Provisions (Q41–Q46)

Q41. What is a constitutional amendment?

A formal change made to the Constitution’s text or provisions.

Q42. Who can propose an amendment?

Parliament can propose amendments by passing an amendment bill.

Q43. Does the Constitution include emergency provisions?

Yes, it includes provisions to deal with crises like war or internal disturbance.

Q44. Give one situation where emergency powers may be used.

War, external aggression or severe internal unrest.

Q45. What are special provisions for backward areas?

Measures such as reservations or development programs to help backward regions and groups.

Q46. Can amendments change the basic structure of the Constitution?

Some changes are allowed, but the basic structure doctrine prevents alteration of core principles by amendment.

Topic 7 — Borrowing & Adaptation (Q47–Q50)

Q47. What is constitutional borrowing?

Adopting useful features from other countries’ constitutions.

Q48. Name one idea India borrowed from the UK.

The parliamentary system (Council of Ministers responsible to the legislature).

Q49. Name one idea India borrowed from the USA.

Fundamental Rights and aspects of judicial review were influenced by the US model.

Q50. Why did India adapt borrowed ideas?

To suit India’s diversity, history and the need for unity and practical governance solutions.

These 50 short answer questions and answers strictly follow the NCERT syllabus for Chapter 9 and are well-suited for CBSE Class 7 revision and exams.

The Constitution of India – Short Answer Type Questions

The Constitution of India — 50 Short Answer Questions & Answers

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