The Constitution of India – Very Short Answer Type Questions

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

Class: 7

Subject: Social Science

Chapter: 9

The Constitution of India — 50 Very Short Questions & Answers

NCERT-aligned very short Q&A covering meaning, writing, key features, the Preamble and borrowed ideas — ideal for quick revision for CBSE Class 7.

CBSE Board Exam — Study Order

Learn definitions and key terms
Memorise features and the Preamble
Practice very short answers for quick revision
Use examples from NCERT and classroom notes

Content Bank — Chapter 9 (topics)

Meaning and purpose of a constitution
How India’s Constitution was written
The Preamble and its keywords
Major features: federalism, fundamental rights, judiciary
Directive Principles and amendment
Borrowed ideas and adaptation

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

1. What is a constitution?

A constitution is a set of rules that explains how a country is governed.

2. Why do countries have constitutions?

To define government structure, rights of citizens and procedures for making laws.

3. Is a constitution always written?

Not always; some countries have unwritten customs, but India's constitution is written.

4. Give one simple function of a constitution.

It divides power between different branches of government.

5. Who is bound by the constitution?

All organs of the state and citizens are bound by the constitution.

6. What does 'rulebook' mean in context of the constitution?

It means the constitution provides agreed rules that everyone must follow.

7. Name one thing a constitution protects.

It protects citizens' rights, such as freedom of speech.

8. Can a constitution be changed?

Yes, through a formal amendment process defined in the constitution.

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

9. Who drafted the Indian Constitution?

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

10. When did India’s Constitution come into effect?

It came into effect on 26 January 1950.

11. What was the Constituent Assembly?

A body of representatives that debated and wrote the constitution.

12. Who chaired the Drafting Committee?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee.

13. Name one other leader involved in framing the constitution.

Jawaharlal Nehru (also Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad were involved).

14. How long did the Constituent Assembly meet?

The Assembly met and worked between 1946 and 1950.

15. What is Republic Day?

Republic Day (26 January) marks the day India’s constitution came into force.

16. Were there debates while making the constitution?

Yes, every clause was debated, amended and approved after discussion.

Topic 3: The Preamble (Q17–Q24)

17. What is the Preamble?

The Preamble is the introductory statement that states the Constitution’s goals and values.

18. How does the Preamble begin?

It begins with the words "We, the people of India..."

19. Name one ideal mentioned in the Preamble.

Justice is one of the ideals mentioned.

20. What does 'liberty' in the Preamble mean?

Liberty means freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.

21. What does 'equality' mean in the Preamble?

Equality means equal status and opportunities for all citizens.

22. What is 'fraternity' in the Preamble?

Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood that ensures dignity and unity among citizens.

23. Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution?

Yes, the Preamble forms an integral part of the Constitution.

24. What does 'secular' indicate in the Preamble?

Secular indicates the state treats all religions equally and does not favour any religion.

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

25. Is the Indian Constitution written or unwritten?

It is a written constitution.

26. What is federalism?

Federalism is the division of power between central and regional governments.

27. Does India have a federal system?

Yes, India has a federal structure with a strong central government.

28. What are the three organs of government?

Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are the three organs.

29. What does the legislature do?

The legislature makes laws for the country or state.

30. What does the executive do?

The executive implements and administers the laws.

31. What does the judiciary do?

The judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes.

32. What is judicial review?

Judicial review is the power of courts to check whether laws are constitutional.

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

33. What are Fundamental Rights?

Fundamental Rights are basic rights guaranteed to citizens and enforceable by courts.

34. Name one Fundamental Right.

Right to equality or Right to freedom of speech are examples.

35. What are Directive Principles of State Policy?

Guidelines for the government to make laws and policies aimed at social welfare; not enforceable in court.

36. Are Directive Principles enforceable by courts?

No, they are not legally enforceable but guide government policy.

37. What is a citizen’s duty?

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

38. Give one example of a Directive Principle.

Provision of adequate livelihood or equal pay for equal work.

39. Can Fundamental Rights be limited?

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

40. What is the importance of Fundamental Rights?

They protect citizens from arbitrary state action and uphold individual freedoms.

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

41. What is a constitutional amendment?

An amendment is a formal change made to the Constitution.

42. Who can propose an amendment?

An amendment can be proposed by Parliament through a bill.

43. Does the Constitution provide for emergency provisions?

Yes, the Constitution includes emergency provisions for times of crisis.

44. Give one example of a situation needing emergency powers.

War or external aggression may require emergency measures to protect the country.

45. What are special provisions for backward areas?

The Constitution allows measures like reservations to help backward regions and groups.

46. Can amendments change fundamental features?

Some amendments can be made, but core features are protected by judicial review and basic structure doctrine.

Topic 7: Borrowing Ideas & Adaptation (Q47–Q50)

47. What is constitutional borrowing?

Borrowing means adopting ideas from other countries’ constitutions.

48. Name one idea India borrowed from the UK.

The parliamentary system (Council of Ministers responsible to legislature) was borrowed from the UK.

49. Name one idea borrowed from the US.

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

50. Why did India adapt borrowed ideas?

India adapted ideas to suit its social diversity, history and need for unity and stability.

These 50 very short questions and answers follow the NCERT syllabus for Chapter 9 and are ideal for quick revision before CBSE Class 7 exams.

The Constitution of India – Very Short Answer Type Questions

The Constitution of India — 50 Very Short Questions & Answers

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

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

Topic 3: The Preamble (Q17–Q24)

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

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

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

Topic 7: Borrowing Ideas & Adaptation (Q47–Q50)

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