Constitutional Design – Short Answer Type Questions
Class 9
Political Science: Democratic Politics – I — Chapter 2: Constitutional Design
50 Topic-wise Short Answer Questions & Answers — NCERT-aligned for CBSE Class 9 exam revision.
CBSE Board Examination
Short Answer Qs (2-3 marks)
Value-based Questions
Source-based Questions
Revision-friendly Format
How to use: Each question–answer pair is short and precise, written to match NCERT learning outcomes. Use these for quick revision, classroom practice, or as model answers for board exam preparation.
Topic 1: Basics of a Constitution (10 Questions)
Q1. What is a constitution?
A constitution is the fundamental law of a country that outlines how it is to be governed, the powers of institutions, and the rights of citizens.
Q2. Mention two main functions of a constitution.
A constitution organises the government by defining institutions and their powers, and it protects citizens' rights by laying down fundamental rights and procedures.
Q3. What does 'rule of law' mean?
Rule of law means that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law and must follow legal procedures; no one is above the law.
Q4. Define 'sovereignty' in the context of a state.
Sovereignty means that a state is independent and has supreme authority within its territory, free from external control.
Q5. What is a 'republic'?
A republic is a form of government where the head of state is elected or nominated rather than being a hereditary monarch.
Q6. How does a constitution provide legitimacy to a government?
A constitution provides legitimacy by expressing the agreed rules and procedures for governing, showing that the government acts according to accepted laws and principles.
Q7. Why are constitutions usually written documents?
Written constitutions clearly record rules, reduce ambiguity, and make it easier to interpret rights and duties; they also provide stability and reference for disputes.
Q8. Give one example of how a constitution resolves disputes.
Constitutions create courts (judiciary) that interpret laws and resolve conflicts between citizens and the state or among different branches of government.
Q9. What is meant by 'separation of powers'?
Separation of powers divides government functions among the legislature (making laws), executive (implementing laws), and judiciary (interpreting laws) to prevent concentration of power.
Q10. Mention two features often found in modern constitutions.
Modern constitutions typically include a bill of rights (fundamental rights) and provisions for checks and balances among institutions.
Topic 2: Democratic Constitution in South Africa (10 Questions)
Q11. What was 'apartheid' in South Africa?
Apartheid was a system of racial segregation that discriminated against the majority Black population, denying them basic rights and segregating services and spaces.
Q12. Why was a new constitution needed in South Africa?
A new constitution was needed to dismantle apartheid, ensure equality, protect rights, and create a democratic state representing all citizens.
Q13. Name one key feature of South Africa's constitution.
A key feature is its comprehensive Bill of Rights, which guarantees civil, political, and socio-economic rights to all citizens.
Q14. How did international pressure influence South Africa's constitutional change?
International sanctions and global condemnation added pressure on the apartheid regime and supported internal movements pushing for a democratic constitution.
Q15. What role did negotiation play in South Africa's transition?
Negotiations between political leaders, including the African National Congress and the government, were central to agreeing on a constitution and arranging democratic transition.
Q16. How does South Africa's constitution protect minorities?
It includes anti-discrimination clauses and institutional mechanisms to ensure representation and rights protections for previously marginalised groups.
Q17. Why is an independent judiciary important in South Africa's constitution?
An independent judiciary enforces the Bill of Rights and checks government actions, ensuring that rights are protected and laws are fairly applied.
Q18. Give one example of a socio-economic right in South Africa's constitution.
Examples include rights to basic education, healthcare, shelter, and access to social services — protections aimed at improving citizens' standard of living.
Q19. What lesson does South Africa offer about constitutional design?
It shows that constitutions can be transformative tools to address past injustices and create a framework for equal citizenship and social justice.
Q20. How did civil society contribute to South Africa's constitutional change?
Civil society organisations, activists, and mass movements mobilised public opinion and participated in negotiations, helping shape the constitutional agenda.
Topic 3: Why Do We Need a Constitution? (10 Questions)
Q21. State one reason why societies need a constitution.
One reason is to provide clear rules for how the government is formed and how it operates, preventing confusion and conflicts.
Q22. How does a constitution limit government power?
It defines powers and procedures, establishes checks and balances, and provides legal remedies (courts) to control misuse of power.
Q23. Explain how constitutions protect individual rights.
Constitutions list fundamental rights and create institutions, like courts, that citizens can approach if their rights are violated.
Q24. How do constitutions help resolve disputes peacefully?
They create legal frameworks and institutions such as courts and tribunals where disputes can be decided according to established laws rather than violence.
Q25. Why are constitutions important for democracy?
Constitutions set rules for free and fair elections, the rights of citizens, and the functioning of representative institutions — all essential for democracy.
Q26. Give an example of a check on the executive provided by a constitution.
A common check is judicial review, where courts can strike down executive actions that violate constitutional rights or exceed legal authority.
Q27. In what way does a constitution build trust in government?
By providing transparent rules and mechanisms for accountability, constitutions reassure citizens that power will not be exercised arbitrarily.
Q28. How does a constitution guide political change?
It lays down procedures for amendment, elections, and transfer of power so that political changes occur through legal and peaceful means.
Q29. Can a constitution protect social rights? Give a short answer.
Yes. Many modern constitutions include social and economic rights like education and healthcare to ensure citizens' welfare.
Q30. What could happen without a constitution?
Without a constitution, there may be chaos, arbitrary rule, and no clear way to resolve conflicts or protect citizens' rights — possibly leading to dictatorship.
Topic 4: Making of the Indian Constitution (10 Questions)
Q31. When was the Constituent Assembly of India formed?
The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to draft the Constitution of independent India.
Q32. Who chaired the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee responsible for preparing the text of the Constitution.
Q33. What were some sources the framers used while drafting the Indian Constitution?
They drew from the Government of India Act 1935, the British parliamentary system, and features from constitutions of the USA, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.
Q34. When was the Indian Constitution adopted and when did it come into force?
It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).
Q35. Why was the Constituent Assembly important?
The Constituent Assembly debated diverse issues, represented different regions and communities, and built consensus on how India should be governed.
Q36. What is the significance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution?
The Preamble states the Constitution's core values — justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity — and declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
Q37. How long did the Constituent Assembly take to draft the Constitution?
The Constituent Assembly worked for nearly three years, from late 1946 to 1949, before adopting the Constitution.
Q38. Name one important committee other than the Drafting Committee.
The Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights was one of several committees that studied key topics; there were also committees on Union Powers and Provincial Constitution, among others.
Q39. How did debates in the Constituent Assembly influence the Constitution?
Debates allowed members to discuss diverse views, leading to compromises and careful wording of provisions to balance competing interests.
Q40. Mention one reason why the Indian Constitution is considered detailed.
It deals comprehensively with administration, fundamental rights, directive principles, centre-state relations, and many specific procedures — making it lengthy and detailed.
Topic 5: Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution (10 Questions)
Q41. What values are mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
The Preamble mentions justice (social, economic and political), liberty, equality, and fraternity as guiding values.
Q42. Define 'social justice' as a constitutional value.
Social justice means reducing inequalities and providing equal opportunities and protections to disadvantaged groups through laws and policies.
Q43. How does the Constitution guarantee liberty?
The Constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and movement under the Fundamental Rights provisions.
Q44. What does equality mean under the Constitution?
Equality means equal protection before the law and equal opportunity; it also allows affirmative measures to help disadvantaged groups achieve fairness.
Q45. Explain the value of fraternity mentioned in the Preamble.
Fraternity promotes solidarity and the dignity of every individual, encouraging national integration and mutual respect among citizens.
Q46. How is secularism reflected in the Constitution?
The state treats all religions equally, does not favour any religion, and allows freedom of religion to citizens — reflecting secular principles.
Q47. What are Directive Principles of State Policy?
Directive Principles are guidelines in the Constitution for the government to follow while making laws aimed at social and economic welfare; they are not legally enforceable in courts.
Q48. How do Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles complement each other?
Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties, while Directive Principles guide the state to pursue social welfare; together they balance rights and responsibilities for a just society.
Q49. Give one example of a constitutional measure taken to promote equality.
Reservation in education and public employment for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes is a constitutional measure to promote equality.
Q50. Why is it important for students to learn constitutional values?
Understanding constitutional values helps students appreciate democracy, citizens' rights and duties, and encourages responsible participation in public life.