Constitutional Design – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
CBSE Class 9 — Political Science (Democratic Politics I)
30 MCQs • NCERT-aligned • CBSE Exam Standard
CBSE Board Examinations — Quick Guide (systematic order)
- Exam pattern: Objective (MCQs), Very Short Answer, Short Answer, Long Answer.
- Use of these MCQs: Practice for objective questions, strengthen conceptual clarity for board-level answers.
- Study tip: Learn key definitions, reasons, and examples (especially constitutional terms and guiding values).
Topic: Democratic constitution in South Africa
1. Which of the following is a key feature of South Africa's post-apartheid constitution that makes it democratic?
Answer: A. South Africa's democratic constitution emphasizes equality before the law and prohibits discrimination. The post-apartheid constitution protects fundamental rights to ensure every citizen is treated equally, which is a core democratic principle.
2. The South African constitution after apartheid is often praised for including a strong Bill of Rights. What is the main purpose of such a Bill of Rights?
Answer: A. A Bill of Rights safeguards individual freedoms and limits how the state can act. In South Africa, the Bill of Rights was central to reversing past injustices by protecting civil, political, social and economic rights.
3. Which democratic principle did South Africa's constitution strengthen by creating independent courts?
Answer: A. Independent judiciary enforces the law impartially, helping keep the executive and legislature in check. This separation upholds the rule of law — a basic democratic value.
4. How did South Africa's constitution address the injustices of the apartheid era?
Answer: A. The constitution sought to undo apartheid's discriminatory laws by guaranteeing rights, promoting equality and enforcing non-discrimination to protect all citizens including minorities.
5. A democratic constitution like South Africa's usually promotes participation. Which institution most directly enables citizen participation in choosing government?
Answer: A. Elections are the cornerstone of democratic participation; they allow citizens to choose representatives and hold them accountable.
6. Which of these is NOT a democratic feature typically included in modern constitutions like South Africa's?
Answer: C. Hereditary rule without elections contradicts democratic principles. Modern constitutions emphasize rights, rule of law and non-discrimination instead.
7. Why is the protection of minorities important in a democratic constitution?
Answer: A. Safeguarding minorities prevents 'tyranny of the majority' and promotes inclusive governance — essential for healthy democracies.
8. In many democratic constitutions, including South Africa's, which institution often has the power to review whether laws violate the constitution?
Answer: A. Judicial review allows courts to strike down laws that conflict with constitutional rights, protecting citizens from unconstitutional actions by other branches.
Topic: Why do we need a constitution
9. Which of the following best captures the primary reason a country needs a constitution?
Answer: A. A constitution sets up institutions, distributes power, and protects rights — ensuring government is organized and limited.
10. A constitution usually contains fundamental rights. Why are these important?
Answer: A. Fundamental rights protect citizens' freedoms (like speech and equality) and provide legal remedies if the state violates them.
11. Which role of a constitution helps to avoid misuse of power by government bodies?
Answer: A. Checks and balances distribute power and allow each branch to check others, reducing the risk of authoritarian rule or abuse.
12. Constitutions often describe the procedure to amend them. Why is an amendment procedure necessary?
Answer: A. Amendment procedures allow the constitution to adapt while protecting its core principles from hasty changes.
13. Which phrase describes the idea that laws made by the government must follow the constitution?
Answer: A. Constitutional supremacy means the constitution is the highest law and all other laws must conform to it; courts enforce this principle.
14. A constitution that guarantees free speech, citizen rights and participatory institutions is said to protect:
Answer: A. Constitutions protect freedoms and institutions that allow citizens to participate in governance and defend their rights.
15. Which institution is commonly empowered by constitutions to check whether government actions violate citizens' rights?
Answer: A. Courts protect rights through judicial review and remedies when the state violates constitutional guarantees.
Topic: Making of the Indian Constitution
16. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly of India?
Answer: A. Dr B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee and played a central role in preparing the text of the Indian Constitution, shaping its provisions and structure.
17. The Constituent Assembly represented diverse groups. What was the main purpose of having such representation?
Answer: A. Broad representation brought different opinions and experiences into the constitution-making process, helping build a more inclusive document for a diverse nation.
18. Which of these sources influenced the makers of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: A. The Constituent Assembly studied various constitutions and adapted features that suited India's needs — mixing parliamentary features, fundamental rights and federal provisions.
19. The Indian Constitution declares India to be a "Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic." Which word indicates that India has no ruler above the state?
Answer: A. 'Sovereign' means India is independent and not subject to any external authority — a core idea in the constitution's description of the Indian state.
20. Which body adopted the Indian Constitution?
Answer: A. The Constituent Assembly, made up of elected representatives, debated and finally adopted the constitution as the nation's supreme law.
21. Why was it important for constitution-makers to include detailed fundamental rights?
Answer: A. Fundamental rights empower citizens and provide courts the power to protect these rights, helping build a rights-respecting democracy.
22. The Constituent Assembly of India functioned as a body that both drafted and adopted the Constitution. This illustrates which democratic idea?
Answer: A. Popular sovereignty means the people are the ultimate source of authority; the Constituent Assembly represented the people in framing the constitution.
Topic: Guiding values of the Indian Constitution
23. Which of the following is a guiding value of the Indian Constitution emphasizing equal treatment and opportunities?
Answer: A. Equality is central to the constitution — it guarantees equal protection of laws and seeks to remove social inequalities through affirmative steps when needed.
24. Secularism as a guiding value of the Indian Constitution means:
Answer: A. Secularism ensures the government remains neutral in religious matters and protects the freedom of all religions.
25. The idea of justice in the Indian Constitution covers which of the following?
Answer: A. The preamble and constitutional provisions stress social, economic and political justice to create an egalitarian society.
26. Democracy as a guiding value means:
Answer: A. Democracy involves free elections, representation and accountability — core constitutional values ensuring people govern through representatives.
27. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution mentions ‘Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship’. Which guiding value does this represent?
Answer: A. Liberty is about individual freedoms that allow people to think, speak and practice their beliefs without undue interference from the state.
28. What does 'fraternity' in the Preamble imply as a guiding value?
Answer: A. Fraternity fosters mutual respect and national unity, discouraging discrimination and promoting dignity for all citizens.
29. Which guiding value of the Constitution supports affirmative action (positive discrimination) for socially disadvantaged groups?
Answer: A. Equality in the constitution allows special measures (like reservations) to reduce historical inequalities and promote real equality of opportunity.
30. Respecting constitutional values helps maintain a healthy democracy. Which action best demonstrates respect for these values?
Answer: A. Respect for constitutional values includes obeying laws that protect rights, active civic participation and tolerance — all vital for democracy.