The Big Questions
Q1. What is a constitution, and why do we need one?
Answer:
A constitution is a document that spells out a nation's basic principles and laws. It lays out the framework of the three organs of government (legislature, executive, and judiciary) and their roles and responsibilities; checks and balances among them; the rights and duties of citizens; and an outline of the long-term goals and aspirations of the nation. We need a constitution because it provides a 'rulebook' for the country, determining what kind of government will exist, how it will be formed and function, and ensuring everyone agrees to abide by a common set of rules, much like a rulebook in a game, to ensure fairness, responsibility, and accountability.
Q2. How was the Indian Constitution prepared?
Answer:
The Indian Constitution was prepared by a Constituent Assembly formed in 1946, initially with 389 members (later reduced to 299 after Partition), representing India's diverse regions, professions, and social groups. The drafting work was done by a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The Constituent Assembly developed and wrote the Constitution over almost three years. It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950.
Q3. How did our freedom struggle and civilisational heritage influence the Constitution?
Answer:
Our freedom struggle influenced the Constitution by providing key ideals and values such as equality of all, justice for all, freedom, fraternity, and the preservation of India's cultural heritage. Many leaders of the freedom movement were members of the Constituent Assembly and brought their experiences and ideas. India's civilisational heritage contributed principles like acceptance of different points of view, respect for women, vasudhaiva kutumbakam ('the world is one family'), and sarve bhavantu sukhinah (well-being of all creatures). The emphasis on duties and the role of people in governance from ancient systems also influenced features like Fundamental Duties.
Q4. What are the key features of the Constitution of India? Why is it still relevant, even though it was written more than seventy years ago?
Answer:
Key features of the Constitution of India include: defining the three organs of government (legislature, executive, judiciary) with separation of powers; establishing a three-tier system of government (central, state, local); guaranteeing fundamental rights and duties of citizens; and outlining Directive Principles of State Policy. It is still relevant because its core values and ideals like equality, justice, freedom, and fraternity remain timeless. The Constitution was designed with an amendment process, allowing it to adapt to changing times while maintaining its fundamental principles, and it continues to guide the nation's governance, preserve democracy, and protect citizens' rights.
LET'S EXPLORE
Q1. Imagine that your school has reached the final tournament in kabaddi at the state-level... Discuss in your group what might have happened if there was no official rulebook that the referee and the team captains could refer to. What is required to ensure everyone agrees to abide by the rulebook? What might happen if the team captains did not agree to refer to the rulebook at all?
Answer:
If there was no official rulebook, the dispute could not be settled fairly and amicably. It might lead to arguments, confusion, or even fights, and the game might not continue. To ensure everyone agrees to abide by the rulebook, there must be mutual trust, respect for authority (like the referee), and a prior agreement by all players and captains to follow the established rules. If the team captains did not agree to refer to the rulebook at all, the dispute would remain unresolved, the game could end in chaos, and there would be no fair outcome, potentially causing bad feelings and a lack of sportsmanship.
Q2. Think of a game that you play often and list the rules you follow. Each group will then present their set of rules to the rest of the class. Listen to each presentation, discuss the rules, and work together to decide on a common set of rules for the game. What challenges do you face in reaching a consensus on rules that everyone agrees with?
Answer:
(Students should choose a common game like cricket, football, or kho-kho.) Example for cricket: Rules include 11 players per side, overs, LBW, boundaries, etc. Challenges in reaching consensus: Different groups might have learned different variations or 'house rules' (e.g., no LBW in street cricket, different ball types). Some groups may want simpler rules for informal play while others want official rules. Reaching consensus requires compromise, discussion, and respecting different viewpoints, similar to how the Constituent Assembly worked.
Q3. In small groups, try to find out the names of people from your region who may have participated in the making of the Constitution. What sources can you use to gather this information? (Hint: Look for books in your school or local library. You could also ask your teacher, parents and other elders in the neighbourhood. Explore https://sansad.in/ls/about/constituent-assembly )
Answer:
To find names of people from your region who participated in the making of the Constitution, you can use these sources: books in your school or local library (e.g., history books, biographies of Constituent Assembly members), ask your teacher, parents, and other elders in the neighbourhood, and explore the official website: https://sansad.in/ls/about/constituent-assembly. The Constituent Assembly had 389 members (later 299) representing all regions of India.
LET'S REMEMBER
Q1. Recall that in Grade 6, we saw the meaning of the word 'constitution'—a document that lays down the basic principles and laws of a nation. In small groups of three, list all the questions that come to your mind about a country's constitution.
Answer:
(Students should work in groups. Possible questions include: Who writes the constitution? Can the constitution be changed? What happens if someone breaks the constitution? How is the constitution different from ordinary laws? Who decides if a law goes against the constitution? Does every country have a constitution? How long does it take to make a constitution? What rights does the constitution give to citizens?)
Q2. In the chapter on 'Unity in Diversity, or Many in the One?' in Grade 6, we studied what makes India one country and the underlying unity that embraces the diversity. This idea of India being one country is embedded in the Constitution.
Answer:
(This is a recall prompt, not a direct question. The solution is implicit: The Constitution embeds the idea of India as one country by creating a single framework of governance, laws, and rights for all citizens, while respecting and accommodating the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of different regions. This ensures unity despite diversity.)
Q3. Earlier, we described various types of governance systems that we experimented with in India—from the janapadas, sanghas, rulers and their councils, Kautilya's concept of saptanga, rajadharma and so on. On the whole, there has been a great emphasis on the duties and role of the people in governance. It was, therefore, quite natural that the Constitution makers would incorporate these ideas of our civilisational heritage into our Constitution—'Fundamental Duties', for instance, are part of it.
Answer:
(This is a recall prompt, not a direct question. The solution is implicit: The Constitution makers embedded ideas from India's civilisational heritage, such as the emphasis on duties and the role of people in governance, into the Constitution. This is reflected in the 'Fundamental Duties' of citizens, which were added to remind citizens of their responsibilities alongside their rights.)
Q4. There are three organs of government—legislature, executive and judiciary—and the 'separation of powers' is essential to their effective working. The legislature makes the laws. The law is implemented by the executive, which is headed by the prime minister. The judiciary ensures that all laws made are in accordance with the Constitution. It also decides whether a law has been broken and what punishment is necessary. We have a three-tier system of government—central, state and local (Panchayati raj system). Some functions and responsibilities are reserved for the central government, and others are assigned to the state government.
Answer:
(This is a recall of key concepts from Grade 6. The Constitution addresses these points comprehensively. It clearly defines the roles, responsibilities, and separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and establishes the three-tier system of government with division of powers between central and state governments.)
Questions and activities
Q1. "The Constituent Assembly had representatives from diverse backgrounds in India." Why do you think it was important to have a diverse set of representatives from all over India?
Answer:
Having a diverse set of representatives was important because India is a vast country with many cultures, languages, religions, castes, and regions. To create a Constitution that would be fair and acceptable to everyone, it was necessary that the voices and interests of all sections of society be heard and considered. This diversity helped ensure that the Constitution reflects the needs and aspirations of all Indians, not just a select few, and promotes unity and equality.
Q2. Read the statements below carefully and identify which key features / values in the Constitution of India are reflected in each statement. a. Sheena, Rajat, and Harsh are standing in a line. They are excited to cast their first vote in the general elections. b. Radha, Imon, and Harpreet study in the same class in the same school. c. Parents must make arrangements to ensure their children’s education. d. People of all castes, genders, and religions can use the village well.
Answer:
a. Democratic / Universal Adult Franchise: The right to vote reflects the democratic value that every adult citizen has an equal say in electing their representatives.
b. Equality / Right to Education: All children studying together in the same school reflects the value of equality and the right to education, regardless of their background.
c. Fundamental Duty / Right to Education: This reflects the Fundamental Duty of parents to provide education to their children (Article 51A(k)) and also the Right to Education (Article 21A).
d. Equality / Secularism: This reflects the value of equality, where everyone is free to use public resources without discrimination based on caste, gender, or religion. It also shows secularism, as the State does not discriminate.
Q3. It is said that ‘All citizens in India are equal before the law’. Do you think this is a fact? If yes, why? If not, why not? Formulate your arguments.
Answer:
Yes, it is a fact as per the Constitution. Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law to all citizens. This means no person can be discriminated against on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. However, in practice, inequality still exists in society due to social and economic reasons. For example, some people may face discrimination or have less access to justice because of poverty or social status. So while the principle is a fact in law, achieving it fully in society is an ongoing goal.
Q4. You have learnt that ‘India is the only country that provided universal adult franchise to its citizens from the beginning.’ Can you explain why India did it?
Answer:
India adopted universal adult franchise from the beginning because the framers of the Constitution believed in the fundamental equality of all citizens. They wanted to create a truly democratic society where every adult, regardless of caste, class, gender, education, or economic status, had the right to vote. This was a bold step to overcome social hierarchies and give every person a stake in the governance of the country, promoting political equality and empowering marginalized groups.
Q5. How did the freedom struggle inspire the making of the Constitution of India? How did India’s civilisational heritage inspire some of the key features in the Constitution of India? Explain.
Answer:
The freedom struggle inspired the Constitution because it was fought for the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice. Leaders who participated in the struggle, many of whom were part of the Constituent Assembly, wanted to ensure that these ideals were enshrined in the Constitution. The struggle also emphasized the importance of self-rule (Swaraj) and democracy.
India’s civilisational heritage inspired features like the ‘Fundamental Duties’, which echo the ancient emphasis on duties and the role of people in governance. The concept of justice and dharma from ancient texts also influenced the values of justice and equality in the Constitution.
Q6. Do you think we, as a society, have achieved all the ideals of the Constitution? If not, what can we each do as citizens to move our country closer to these ideals?
Answer:
No, we have not yet fully achieved all the ideals of the Constitution. Issues like poverty, gender discrimination, caste inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare still exist. As citizens, we can help by: 1) Following our Fundamental Duties, such as respecting the Constitution and national symbols. 2) Being aware of our rights and responsibilities. 3) Treating all people equally and with respect. 4) Participating in civic activities like voting and community service. 5) Raising our voice against injustice and discrimination. Every small action can contribute to building a more just and equitable society.
Q7. Read the clues carefully to solve the crossword on the next page to uncover important concepts from the Indian Constitution. Across 2. The branch of government that makes laws. 7. The part of the Constitution that outlines the duties of citizens towards the country. 8. The highest court in India that protects the Constitution. 9. A system where the head of state is elected, not hereditary. 10. The process by which the Constitution can be changed over time. Down 1. The group of people who wrote the Indian Constitution. (Note: Down clue 1 not fully provided in text, but answer is Constituent Assembly)
Answer:
Across:
2. Legislature
7. Fundamental Duties (or Part IVA)
8. Supreme Court
9. Republic
10. Amendment
Down:
1. Constituent Assembly