Constitution

Q1) What is constitution

Ans:
A constitution is a set of rules, laws and principles according to which a country is governed. The rules and laws are specially created to suit the needs of the people of the country.


Q2) Name the three components of the government whose powers are defined by the constitution.

Ans:
The three components of powers are:

- legislature power.

- executive power.

- judiciary power

Q3) When a law can be declared null and void by a court?

Ans:
If a law enacted against the principles of the constitution then the judiciary has the right to declare it null and void , abolish it.

Q4) Give an example of a country that became a democracy from monarchy ?

Ans:
Nepal was earlier a monarchy and now a democracy country.

Q5) What is meant by dissent?

Ans:
If a law goes against the interest of a group of people , then that group will protest to express it dissatisfaction , this is known as dissent.


Q6) Give an example of at least three disadvantaged groups of people who are produced by special laws enacted for their welfare.

Ans:
Scheduled casts, scheduled tribes, manual scavengers and bonded labor.

Q7) Thousands of people protested in Delhi against the entry of the American retail giant well matter in India. The people showed their dissent. They organizing men protests in public places. What values did the incident reflect ?

Ans:
- Being united in face of threat.

- having the courage to stand for one’s right

- saving emplothy


Q8) Explain why rules and laws are necessary for society ?

Ans:
If there is no laws and rules there will be chaos and confusion. Hence adjustments, negotiates and frame works to reconcile for everyone to enjoy life its fullest. So that every country is governed by rules that meet their needs.

Q9) Why does a country need a Constitution?

Ans:

1) It tells us about the fundamental nature of the society. It lays down the ideals that form the basis of a country.

2) It defines the nature of a country’s political system. The constitution plays a major role in countries having democratic forms of government.

3) It prevents oppression or domination by the majority.

4) It helps in protecting us against certain decisions that could have an unfavourable effect on the larger principles that the country believes in. 

Q10) Key Features of the Indian Constitution

      Federalism

1)      More than one level of government co-exists.

-          We have a government at the Centre,

-          At the State level and

-          At the village level i.e., panchayat

2)      The constitution contains lists that describe the issues that each tier of government can make laws on.

3)      The states are not just the agents of the federal government but draw their authority from the Constitution as well.

      Parliamentary form of government

-          Citizens of India have a direct role in electing their representatives.

-          Every citizen, irrespective of his/her social background, can contest in elections.

     Separation of powers

-          There are three organs of the state as per the Constitution. They are as follows:

1)      The legislature: It refers to the elected representatives.

2)      The executive: It refers to those responsible for implementing laws.

3)      The judiciary: The system of courts.

-          According to the Constitution, each organ should exercise different powers.

-           Each organ checks on the other organs of the State, which ensures a balance of power among the three.

      Fundamental rights

Right to equality

1-       All citizens are equal before the law. 

2-      Each citizen will be equally protected by the laws of the country.

3-      No citizen is allowed to discriminate against the others on the basis of religion, caste and/or sex.

     Right to freedom

   - This right includes the right to freedom of speech and expression

   - Right to move freely and reside in any part of the country

   - Right to form associations

   - Right to practice any occupation, profession or business

   

      Right against exploitation

- According to the Constitution, there is a prohibition on human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.

      Right to freedom of religion

-  Every citizen has the right to practice, propagate and profess the religion of his/her choice.

     Cultural and educational rights

-  The Constitution states that all minorities, linguistic or religious, have the right to set up their own educational institutions so as to conserve and extend their culture.

         Right to constitutional remedies

- A citizen can move the court if he/she thinks that his/her Fundamental Rights have been violated by the State.

      Secularism

- A secular state is that which does not officially promote any particular religion as the state religion.

Q11) What would happen if there were no restrictions on 
the power of elected representatives? 

Ans:
 If there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives, there would always be
possibility that they might misuse the authority for their vested interests. Constitution provides
safeguards against misuse of authority.

Glossary:

Arbitrary: When nothing is fixed and is instead left to one’s judgment or choice. This can be used to refer to rules that are not fixed, or decisions that have no basis etc.

Ideal: A goal or a principle in its most excellent or perfect form.

Indian national movement: The Indian national movement emerged in nineteenth century India and saw thousands of men and women coming together to fight British rule. This culminated in India’s independence in 1947. 

Polity: A society that has an organised political structure. India is a democratic polity.

Sovereign: In the context of this chapter it refers to an independent people.

Human Trafficking: The practice of the illegal buying and selling of different commodities across national borders. In the context of Fundamental Rights discussed in this chapter, it refers to illegal trade in human beings, particularly women and children.

Tyranny: The cruel and unjust use of power or authority.

  Constitution : set of rules and principles according to which a country is governed.

Democracy: rule by the people

Monarchy : rule by king or queen

Sati: the evil practice of burning a widow in her husband’s funeral

 Null and void: no longer in effect.