1: The Indian Constitution

Standard: 8th Subject: Social Studies

Student Name:

Q1. The theory of Fundamental Rights implies ______________.

1. Sovereignty of the people
2. Equality of opportunity for all
3. Limited government
4. Equality of all before law
Q2. Fundamental Rights are mentioned in Part III of the Constitution; the Articles which deal about
the Fundamental Rights in our Constitution are ______________.
1. Article 10 to Article 32
2. Article 05 to Article II
3. Article 12 to Article 35
4. Article 36 to Article 51
Q3. ____ was the first Finance minister of India.
1. Atal Bihari Bajpai.
2. John Mathai.
3. Maulana Azad.
4. Liaquat Ali.
Q4. What refers to independent people in a democratic form of government?
1. Sovereign
2. Ideal
3. Polity
4. Trafficking
Q5. Where the Hindu worship their God?
1. Temple
2. Masjid
3. Both (a) & (b)
4. None of these
Q6. What is Democracy?
1. Rule of people
2. Rule of king
3. Rule of British
4. None of these
Q7. When did our Constitution was adopted and was enforced?
1. 26 January, 1950
2. 15 August, 1947
3. 2 October, 1950
4. 26 November, 1949
Q8. ____ were urged by B R Ambedkar to join government and civil services.
1. Hindus.
2. Pashtuns.
3. Scheduled Castes.
4. Muslims.
Q9. The Preamble to the Constitution is:
1. A description of the Constitution
2. A summary of the Constitution
3. An introduction that gives the aims and objectives of the Constitution
4. A directive to the Government
Q10. On which date was the Indian Constitution passed by the Constituent Assembly?
1. On 26 November 1949
2. On 26 January 1950
3. On 26 March 1950
4. On 26 September 1949
Q11. What do you mean by Right to equality?
1. Rich people are higher than poorer.
2. All are equal before law.
3. Government officer are superior.
4. None of these.
Q12. Which of the following Acts gave representation to the Indians for the first time in legislation?
1. Indian Councils Act, 1919
2. Indian Councils Act, 1909
3. Govt. of India Act, 1919
4. Govt. of India Act, 1935
Q13. What was the huge task that the members of the Constituent Assembly before them?
1. The population of India was quite high.
2. The members of the Constituent Assembly always fought each other.
3. India was made up of different communities with different languages, religions, culture etc.
4. There were no proper architects to frame the Constitution.
Q14. Jurisdiction of which among the following high courts covers the Union Territory of Lakshadweep?
1. Tamil Nadu High Court.
2. Kerala High Court.
3. Calcutta High Court.
4. Bombay High Court.
Q15. The Indian Constitution guarantees the rights of minorities against the majority.
According to Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, these Fundamental Rights have two fold objectives __________.
1. That every citizen must be in a position to claim those rights.
2. These rights must be binding upon every authority that has got the power to make laws.
3. None of the above.
4. Both a and b
Q16. Which statements is/ are not correct regarding the Fundamental Rights?
1. Some of these rights are not available to the Armed Forces.
2. They are automatically suspended when any emergency is proclaimed by the President.
3. The President alone can decide upon modifying their application to the Armed Forces.
4. They cannot be amended as they form a basic feature of the Constitution.
1. I and II
2. II, III and IV
3. I and IV
4. I, II, III and IV
Q17. An Indian citizen has the right to vote at __________.
1. 4 years
2. 18 years
3. 16 years
4. 21 years
Q18. What are the objectives for implementing the fundamental rights according to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
1. To ensure every citizen is benefited.
2. To ensure every citizen is rich.
3. To ensure every citizen has ration card.
4. None of these.
Q19. Right to religion in India is a ______________.
1. Civil right
2. Political right
3. Economic right
4. Fundamental right
Q20. When did the Maoists join other political parties in Nepal to sign a 12-point agreement?
1. April 2006
2. October 2007
3. Nov, 2005
4. Feb 2005
Q21. How does the Indian Constitution safe guard the minorities of the country?
Q22. What do you mean by the legislature, the executive and the judiciary?
Q23. Write a short note on Cultural and Educational Rights.
Q24. Which fundamental right has provisions prohibiting exploitation of weaker sections of the society?
OR
State any three provisions made in the Constitution to prevent exploitation.
OR
Explain Right against Exploitation.
Q25. Define right to equality.
Q26. What is Right to Constitutional Remedies?
Q27. Read the following storyboard and answer the question that follow:

Who is in a minority in the above storyboard? In what way is this minority being dominated by the
decision taken by the majority?
Q28. What do you understand by a secular state?
Q29. What do you understand by monarchy?
Q30. What are the negative points of a democratic society?
Q31. Which Fundamental Rights will the following situations violate?
1. If a 13 year old child is working in a factory manufacturing carpets.
2. If a politician in one state decides to not allow labourers from other states to work in his state.
3. If a group of people are not given permission to open a Telugu-medium school in Kerala.
4. If the government decides not to promote an officer of the armed forces for being a woman.
Q32. In which of the following situations is a minister misusing his power:
1. Refuses to sanction a project of his ministry for sound technical reasons.
2. Threatens to send his security staff to rough up his neighbour.
 3. Calls up the police station asking them not to register a complaint that is likely to be filed
against his relative.
Q33. Discuss the difference between State and Government.
Q34. What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
Q35. Mention the key features of the Indian Constitution.
Q36. Read the following storyboard and answer the following questions:

In what way is the class monitor misusing his power?

Q37. What are the functions of the three main organs of the government?
OR
What are the three organs of government?
OR
Explain the functions of organs of government.
Q38. What are the key components of fundamental rights?
Q39. Explain the functions of organs of government.
Q40. What are the factors the drafting committee had to take into consideration while drafting the
constitution?
Q41. List the different types of religious practice that you find in your neighbourhood. This could be
different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious music
and singing, etc. Does this indicate freedom of religious practice?
Q42. What is a constitutional monarchy? Give example.
Q43. Explain how the constitution of India gets made?
Q44. Differentiate between a monarchy and a democracy?
Q45. Write a short note on right to freedom.
Q46. Explain Cultural and Educational Rights.
Q47. Define the term constitution. Why do we need a constitution?
Q48. Look at the wordings of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal
Constitution. The second column is from the more recent Constitution of Nepal.

1990 Constitution of Nepal 2015 Constitution of Nepal

Part 7: Executive Part 7: Federal Executive
Article 35: Executive Power: The executive pow Article 75: Executive Power: The executive powe
er of the Kingdom of Nepal shall be vested in Hi r of Nepal shall, pursuant to this Constitution and l
s Majesty and the Council of Ministers. aw be vested in the Council of Ministers.

What is the difference in who exercises ‘Executive Power’ in the above two Constitutions of Nepal?
Q49. Describe in detail the various features of Indian constitution.
Q50. Write a brief note on the struggle for freedom in Nepal.
Q51. In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is
important to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.
1. In a school with 30 teachers, 20 of them are male.
 2. In a city, 5 per cent of the population are Buddhists.
3. In a factory mess for all employees, 80 per cent are vegetarians.
4. In a class of 50 students, 40 belong to more well-off families.
Q52. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Q53. Look at the wordings of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal
Constitution. The second column is from the more recent Interim Constitution of Nepal.

2007 Interim Constitution Part 5: Executiv

1990 Constitution of Nepal Part 7: Executive
e
Article 35: Executive Power: The executive power of th Article 37: Executive Power: The executive
e Kingdom of Nepal shall be vested in His Majesty and t power of Nepal shall be vested in the Coun
he Council of Ministers. cil of Ministers.

Q54. The column on the left lists some of the key features of the Indian Constitution. In the other column
write two sentences, in your own words, on why you think this feature is important:

Key Feature Significance

Federalism
Separation of Powers
Fundamental Rights
Parliamentary Form of Government

Q55. Listed below are the key features of the Indian Constitution. Write two sentences, in your own
words, on why you think this feature is important:
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Fundamental Rights
Parliamentary Form of Government

Q56. A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state
religion. You now understand the ways in which a country’s history often determines the kind of
Constitution that a country adopts for itself. The Constitution plays a crucial role in laying out the
ideals that we would like all citizens of the country to adhere to, including the representatives that
we elect to rule us. Just like in the game of football, a change of constitutive rules will affect the
game. Indian Constitution has been amended over the years to reflect new concerns of the polity.
Often a major change in the Constitution means a change in the fundamental nature of the country.
We saw this in the case of Nepal and how it needed to adopt a new Constitution after it became a
democracy. The different features of the Indian Constitution outlined above, involve complicated
ideas that are often not easy to grasp.
1. A ............. state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the
state religion.
1. Secular
2. Communist
3. Democratic
4. None of these
2. The Constitution plays a crucial role in laying out the ideals that we would like all citizens of the
country to adhere to, including the .............. that we elect to rule us.
1. Administrators
2. Representatives
3. Governments
4. None of these
3. Just like in the game of ............., a change of constitutive rules will affect the game. Indian
Constitution has been amended over the years to reflect new concerns of the polity.
1. Hockey
2. Polo
3. Cricket
4. Football
4. Often a .............. change in the Constitution means a change in the fundamental nature of the
country.
 1. Major
2. Minor
3. Small
4. None of these
5. We saw this in the case of Nepal and how it needed to adopt a new Constitution after it
became a.
1. Aristocracy
2. Democracy
3. Monarchy
4. None of these
Q57. According to the Constitution, there are three organs of government. These are the legislature, the
executive and the judiciary. The legislature refers to our elected representatives. The executive is a
smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the government.
The judiciary refers to the system of courts in this country. In order to prevent the misuse of power
by any one branch of government, the Constitution says that each of these organs should exercise
different powers. Through this, each organ acts as a check on the other organs of government and
this ensures the balance of power between all three.
1. Who refers to our elected representatives?
1. The Legislature
2. The Executive
3. The Judiciary
4. None of these
2. Who reffers to a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and
running the government?
1. The Legislature
2. The Executive
3. The Judiciary
4. None of these
3. Who refers to the system of courts in this country.
1. The Legislature
2. The Executive
3. The Judiciary
4. None of these
 1: The Indian Constitution

Standard: 8th Subject: Social Studies

Student Name:

Q1. The theory of Fundamental Rights implies ______________.

1. Sovereignty of the people
2. Equality of opportunity for all
3. Limited government
4. Equality of all before law
Ans: 3. Limited government
Explanation:
The theory of the Fundamental Rights implies a limited Government. Accordingly, they impose restrictions
on the State. For example, the State cannot discriminate against citizens on grounds of caste, class, race,
sex, religion, etc. Similarly, citizens cannot be deprived of the right to equality of opportunity in public
employment.
Q2. Fundamental Rights are mentioned in Part III of the Constitution; the Articles which deal about
the Fundamental Rights in our Constitution are ______________.
1. Article 10 to Article 32
2. Article 05 to Article II
3. Article 12 to Article 35
4. Article 36 to Article 51
Ans: 3. Article 12 to Article 35
Explanation:
Fundamental Rights find a place in Part 3 of the Constitution of India. These rights give people protection
from oppressive governments and place a duty on the government to uphold them. If our rights are
violated by the government, we can go to the court for protection of these rights.
Q3. ____ was the first Finance minister of India.
1. Atal Bihari Bajpai.
2. John Mathai.
3. Maulana Azad.
4. Liaquat Ali.
Ans: 2. John Mathai.
Q4. What refers to independent people in a democratic form of government?
1. Sovereign
2. Ideal
3. Polity
4. Trafficking
Ans: 1. Sovereign
Q5. Where the Hindu worship their God?
1. Temple
2. Masjid
3. Both (a) & (b)
4. None of these
Ans: 1. Temple
Q6. What is Democracy?
1. Rule of people
2. Rule of king
3. Rule of British
4. None of these
Ans: 1. Rule of people
Q7. When did our Constitution was adopted and was enforced?
1. 26 January, 1950
2. 15 August, 1947
3. 2 October, 1950
4. 26 November, 1949
Ans: 1. 26 January, 1950
Q8. ____ were urged by B R Ambedkar to join government and civil services.
1. Hindus.
2. Pashtuns.
3. Scheduled Castes.
4. Muslims.
Ans: 3. Scheduled Castes.
Q9. The Preamble to the Constitution is:
1. A description of the Constitution
2. A summary of the Constitution
3. An introduction that gives the aims and objectives of the Constitution
4. A directive to the Government
Ans: 3. An introduction that gives the aims and objectives of the Constitution
Q10. On which date was the Indian Constitution passed by the Constituent Assembly?
1. On 26 November 1949
2. On 26 January 1950
3. On 26 March 1950
4. On 26 September 1949

Ans: 1. On 26 November 1949

Explanation:
The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came
into force on 26th January 1950.
Q11. What do you mean by Right to equality?
1. Rich people are higher than poorer.
2. All are equal before law.
3. Government officer are superior.
4. None of these.
Ans: 2. All are equal before law.
Q12. Which of the following Acts gave representation to the Indians for the first time in legislation?
1. Indian Councils Act, 1919
2. Indian Councils Act, 1909
3. Govt. of India Act, 1919
4. Govt. of India Act, 1935
Ans: 2. Indian Councils Act, 1909
Q13. What was the huge task that the members of the Constituent Assembly before them?
1. The population of India was quite high.
2. The members of the Constituent Assembly always fought each other.
3. India was made up of different communities with different languages, religions, culture etc.
4. There were no proper architects to frame the Constitution.
Ans: 3. India was made up of different communities with different languages, religions, culture etc.
Q14. Jurisdiction of which among the following high courts covers the Union Territory of Lakshadweep?
1. Tamil Nadu High Court.
2. Kerala High Court.
3. Calcutta High Court.
4. Bombay High Court.
Ans: 2. Kerala High Court.
Q15. The Indian Constitution guarantees the rights of minorities against the majority.
According to Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, these Fundamental Rights have two fold objectives __________.
1. That every citizen must be in a position to claim those rights.
2. These rights must be binding upon every authority that has got the power to make laws.
3. None of the above.
4. Both a and b
Ans: 4. Both a and b
Explanation:
The Indian Constitution guarantees the rights of minorities against the majority. According to Dr.
B.R.Ambedkar, these Fundamental Rights have two-fold objectives of -a) That every citizen must be in a
position to claim those rights; b) These rights must be binding upon every authority that has got the
power to make laws.
Q16. Which statements is/ are not correct regarding the Fundamental Rights?
1. Some of these rights are not available to the Armed Forces.
2. They are automatically suspended when any emergency is proclaimed by the President.
3. The President alone can decide upon modifying their application to the Armed Forces.
4. They cannot be amended as they form a basic feature of the Constitution.
1. I and II
2. II, III and IV
3. I and IV
4. I, II, III and IV
Ans: 2. II, III and IV
Explanation:
The Fundamental rights can be suspended during National emergency except Article 20(right against
conviction and self-incrimination) and Article 21(Right to life) while Article 19 can only be suspended on
the ground of war and external aggression.
The application of these rights to armed forces can only be restricted by the Parliament.
The Fundamental Rights are not permanent they can be amended by Parliament without affecting 'Basic
Structure' of the Constitution.
Hence, statements II, III, and IV are not correct regarding Fundamental Rights.
Q17. An Indian citizen has the right to vote at __________.
1. 4 years
2. 18 years
3. 16 years
4. 21 years
Ans: 2. 18 years
Explanation:
An Indian citizen has the right to vote at 18 years.
Q18. What are the objectives for implementing the fundamental rights according to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
1. To ensure every citizen is benefited.
2. To ensure every citizen is rich.
3. To ensure every citizen has ration card.
4. None of these.
Ans: 1. To ensure every citizen is benefited.
Q19. Right to religion in India is a ______________.
1. Civil right
2. Political right
3. Economic right
4. Fundamental right
Ans: 4. Fundamental right
Explanation:
According to the fundamental rights provided by the Indian Constitution, Right to Freedom of Religion is a
Fundamental Right.
Q20. When did the Maoists join other political parties in Nepal to sign a 12-point agreement?
1. April 2006
2. October 2007
3. Nov, 2005
4. Feb 2005
Ans: 3. Nov, 2005
Q21. How does the Indian Constitution safe guard the minorities of the country?
Ans: The Indian constitution ensures that the dominant group does not use its power against other, less
powerful people or groups. The Constitution contains rules that ensure that minorities are not excluded
from anything that is routinely available to the majority. It also prevents the domination of the majority
over the minority.
Q22. What do you mean by the legislature, the executive and the judiciary?
Ans: The legislature refers to our elected representatives.
The executive is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the
government.
The judiciary refers to the system of courts in this country.
Q23. Write a short note on Cultural and Educational Rights.
Ans:
The Constitution states that all minorities, religious or linguistic, can set up their own educational
institutions in order to preserve and develop their own culture.
Q24. Which fundamental right has provisions prohibiting exploitation of weaker sections of the society?
OR
State any three provisions made in the Constitution to prevent exploitation.
OR
Explain Right against Exploitation.
Ans: Right against Exploitation: The Constitution prohibits human trafficking, forced labour, and employment
of children under 14 years of age.
Q25. Define right to equality.
Ans: Right to equality ensures that all persons are equal before the law. All persons shall be equally protected
by the laws of the country.
Q26. What is Right to Constitutional Remedies?
Ans: This allows citizens to move the court if they believe that any of their Fundamental Rights have been
violated by the State.
Q27. Read the following storyboard and answer the question that follow:

Who is in a minority in the above storyboard? In what way is this minority being dominated by the
decision taken by the majority?
Ans: Girls are in minority. The majority imposes its will on the minority. Finally girls have to do what the boys
want.
Q28. What do you understand by a secular state?
Ans: A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.
Q29. What do you understand by monarchy?
Ans: Monarchy is a form of government in which final authority rested with the King.
Q30. What are the negative points of a democratic society?
Ans: In a democratic society Power can be misused. Sometimes the Majority can undermine minority. The
citizens need certain rules to save themselves from folly.
Q31. Which Fundamental Rights will the following situations violate?
1. If a 13 year old child is working in a factory manufacturing carpets.
2. If a politician in one state decides to not allow labourers from other states to work in his state.
3. If a group of people are not given permission to open a Telugu-medium school in Kerala.
4. If the government decides not to promote an officer of the armed forces for being a woman.
Ans: 1. Right against Exploitation.
2. Right to Freedom.
3. Cultural and Educational Rights.
4. Right to Equality.
Q32. In which of the following situations is a minister misusing his power:
1. Refuses to sanction a project of his ministry for sound technical reasons.
2. Threatens to send his security staff to rough up his neighbour.
3. Calls up the police station asking them not to register a complaint that is likely to be filed against his
relative.
Ans: The ministers misuses his power in the following situations:
2. Threatens to send his security staff to rough up his neighbour.
3. Calls up the police station asking them not to register a complaint that is likely to be.
Q33. Discuss the difference between State and Government.
Ans: ‘Government’ is responsible for administering and enforcing laws. The government can change with
elections. The State on the other hand refers to a political institution that represents a sovereign people
who occupy a definite territory. Example: the Indian State, the Nepali State etc. The Indian State has a
democratic form of government. The government (or the executive) is one part of the State. The State
refers to more than just the government and cannot be used interchangeably with it.
Q34. What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
Ans: If there are no restrictions on the power of the elected representatives the leaders might misuse the
powers given to them. The Indian Constitution provides safeguards against this misuse of power by our
political leaders. The Constitution lays down rules that guard the citizens against misuse of power.
Q35. Mention the key features of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The key features of the Indian constitution are:
1. Federalism.
2. Parliamentary Form of Government.
3. Separation of Powers.
4. Fundamental Rights.
5. Secularism.
Q36. Read the following storyboard and answer the following questions:

In what way is the class monitor misusing his power?

Ans: The class monitor misused his power by making false complain about Anil to the classteacher. Anil did not
do anything, but the class monitor convinced the teacher that he was talking loudly during her absence.
The teacher got annoyed and punished Anil.
Q37. What are the functions of the three main organs of the government?
OR
What are the three organs of government?
OR
Explain the functions of organs of government.
Ans: According to the Constitution, there are three organs of government. These are the legislature, the
executive and the judiciary.
1. The legislature refers to our elected representatives.
2. The executive is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the
government.
3. The judiciary refers to the system of courts in this country.
Q38. What are the key components of fundamental rights?
Ans: The key components of Fundamental rights are:
Right to Equality.
Right to Freedom.
Right against Exploitation.
Right to Freedom of Religion.
Cultural and Educational Rights.
Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Q39. Explain the functions of organs of government.

Ans: According to the constitution, there are three organs of the state. These are the legislature, the executive
and the judiciary.
The legislature refers to our elected representatives.
The executive is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running
the government.
The judiciary, refer to the system of courts in this country.

Q40. What are the factors the drafting committee had to take into consideration while drafting the
constitution?
Ans: The country was made up of several different communities who spoke different languages, belonged to
different religions, and had distinct cultures. Also, when the Constitution was being written, India was
going through considerable turmoil. The partition of the country into India and Pakistan was imminent,
some of the Princely States remained undecided about their future, and the socio-economic condition of
the vast mass of people appeared dismal. All of these issues played on the minds of the members of the
Constituent Assembly as they drafted the Constitution.
Q41. List the different types of religious practice that you find in your neighbourhood. This could be different
forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious music and singing, etc.
Does this indicate freedom of religious practice?
Ans: Different types of religious practice:
1. Jagran
2. Kirtan
3. Namaj
4. Mass
5. Havan
Yes, this indicates freedom of religious practice.
Q42. What is a constitutional monarchy? Give example.
Ans: In constitutional monarchy a country is ruled by a king or a queen but the country has a constitution
which the king follows.
Example: Until quite recently, Nepal was monarchy. The previous constitution of Nepal, which had been
adopted in 1990, reflected the fact that the final authority rested with the king. A people’s movement in
Nepal fought for several decades to establish democracy and in 2006 they finally succeeded in putting an
end to the powers of the king. Now the people have to write a new constitution to establish Nepal as a
democracy. The reason that they do not want to continue with the previous constitution is because it does
not reflect the ideals of the country that they want Nepal to be, and that they have fought for.
Q43. Explain how the constitution of India gets made?
Ans: 1. The long experience of authoritarian rule under the colonial state convinced Indians that free India
should be a democracy in which everyone should be treated equally and be allowed to participate in
government.
2. This was not done by one person but by a group of around 300 people who become members of the
constituent assembly had a huge task before them.
3. The country was made up of several different communities who spoke different languages, belonged to
different religions, and had district culture. Also, when the constitution was being written, India was
going through considerable turmoil.
Q44. Differentiate between a monarchy and a democracy?
Ans: A country which is governed by a king or a queen is called a monarchy.
While: Democracy is forms of government where people can vote to select their respective representative
well govern the state on their behalf.
Q45. Write a short note on right to freedom.
Ans: Right to freedom includes the right to freedom of speech and expression, the right to form associations,
the right to move freely and reside in any part of the country, and the right to practise any profession,
occupation or business.
Q46. Explain Cultural and Educational Rights.
Ans: In Cultural and Educational Rights, the constitution states that all minorities, religions or linguistic can
equally enjoy in order to preserve and develop their own culture.
Q47. Define the term constitution. Why do we need a constitution?
Ans: In large societies in which different communities of people live together, the rules are formulated through
consensus, and in modern countries this consensus is usually available in written form. A written set of
principles according to which a state or organization is governed is called a constitution.
The constitution serves several purposes:
First, it lays out certain ideals that form the basis of the kind of country that we as citizens aspire to
live in.
A constitution tells us what the fundamental nature of our society is. A country is usually made up of
different communities of people who share certain beliefs but may not necessarily agree on all
issues.
A constitution helps serve as a set of rules and principles that all persons in a country can agree upon
as the basis of the way in which they want the country to be governed.
This includes not only the type of government but also an agreement on certain ideals that they all
believe the country should uphold.
The other important purpose of a constitution is to define the nature of a country’s political system.
The constitution often lays down rules that guard against this misuse of power by our political
leaders.

Another important function that a constitution plays in a democracy is to ensure that a dominant group
does not use its power against. Other, less powerful people or groups.
Another reason why we need to have a constitution is precisely to prevent tyranny or domination by the
majority of a minority.
The last significant reason why we need a constitution is to save us from ourselves.
Q48. Look at the wordings of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal
Constitution. The second column is from the more recent Constitution of Nepal.
1990 Constitution of Nepal 2015 Constitution of Nepal
Part 7: Executive Part 7: Federal Executive
Article 35: Executive Power: The executive p Article 75: Executive Power: The executive po
ower of the Kingdom of Nepal shall be veste wer of Nepal shall, pursuant to this Constituti
d in His Majesty and the Council of Minister on and law be vested in the Council of Ministe
s. rs.

What is the difference in who exercises ‘Executive Power’ in the above two Constitutions of Nepal?
Ans: In the 1990 Nepal constitution the Executive powers of the Kingdom was entirely in the hands of the King.
According to the Interim constitution drafted in 2007, the executive powers of Nepal are in the hands of
the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
There was a dire need for a new constitution as the ideals of the people had changed as the country had
moved from a monarchy to a democracy. The old constitution was drafted when the country was under
the rule of the king. The people of Nepal fought for a democratic government for many years. So the old
constitution does not reflect the ideals of the people. The new constitution will change the rules of the old
constitution in order to bring in a new society with new ideals.
Q49. Describe in detail the various features of Indian constitution.
Ans: 1. Federalism- This refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country. In India,
we have governments at the state level and at the centre. Panchayati Raj is the third tier of
government.
2. Parliamentary Form Of Government- The different tiers of government consist of representative who
are elected by the people. The constitution of Indian guarantees universal adult suffrage for all
citizens.This means that the people of India have a direct role in electing their representatives. Also,
every citizen of the country, irrespective of his/ her social background, can also contest in elections.
These representatives are accountable to the people.
3. Separation Of Powers- According to the Constitution, there are three organs of the state. These are
legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The legislature refers to our elected representatives. The
executive is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the
government. The judiciary refers to the system of courts in this country. In order to prevent the misuse
of power by any one branch of the state, the constitution says that each of these organs should exercise
different powers.
Through this, each organ acts as a check on the other organs of the state and this ensures the balance of
power between all three.
4. Fundamental Rights- The section on Fundamental Right has often been referred to as the ‘conscience’
of the Indian Constitution. Fundamental Right, therefore protect citizens against the arbitrary and
absolute exercise of power by the state. The constitution, thus, guarantees the rights of individuals
against the state as well as against other individuals.
In addition to fundamental right, the constitution also has a section called directive principles of state
policy. This section was designed by the members of the constituent assembly to ensure greater social and
economic reform and to serve as a guide to the independent Indian. State to institute laws and policies
that help to reduce the poverty of the masses.
5. Secularism: A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the
state religion.
Q50. Write a brief note on the struggle for freedom in Nepal.
Ans: The country of Nepal has witnessed several people’s struggles for democracy. There was a people’s
struggle in 1990 that established democracy that lasted for 12 years until 2002. In October 2002, King
Gyanendra, citing the Maoist uprising in the countryside as his reason, began taking over different aspects
of the government with the army’s assistance. The King then finally took over as the head of government
in February 2005. In November 2005, the Maoists joined other political parties to sign a 12-point
agreement. This agreement signalled to the larger public an imminent return to democracy and peace. In
2006, this people’s movement for democracy began gaining immense force. It repeatedly refused the
small concessions that the King made and finally in April 2006 the King restored the Third Parliament and
asked the political parties to form a government. In 2007, Nepal adopted an interim Constitution.
Q51. In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is important
to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.
1. In a school with 30 teachers, 20 of them are male.
2. In a city, 5 per cent of the population are Buddhists.
 3. In a factory mess for all employees, 80 per cent are vegetarians.
4. In a class of 50 students, 40 belong to more well-off families.
Ans: 1. Female teachers are in the minority: It is necessary to respect the views of the lady teachers also as
their view points may also be in the best interest of the students.
2. Buddhists are in the minority: Every individual has the right to follow the religion of his choice.
3. Non-vegetarians are in the minority: The food a person eats is his personal wish and so he should have
the freedom to eat what he wants.
4. The under privileged are in minority: Citizens cannot be discriminated by their birth so their views have
to be respected.
Q52. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Ans: A democratic country needs a constitution because:
A constitution puts down certain principles that form the basis of the kind of country that we as citizens,
desire to live in.
A Constitution tells us the fundamental nature of our society.
A Constitution helps serve as a set of rules and principles that all persons in a country can agree upon as
the basis of the way in which they want the country to be governed.
The constitution also spells out the ideals the citizens believe that their country should uphold.
Q53. Look at the wordings of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal
Constitution. The second column is from the more recent Interim Constitution of Nepal.
2007 Interim Constitution Part 5: Exec
1990 Constitution of Nepal Part 7: Executive
utive
Article 35: Executive Power: The executive power o Article 37: Executive Power: The execut
f the Kingdom of Nepal shall be vested in His Majes ive power of Nepal shall be vested in t
ty and the Council of Ministers. he Council of Ministers.

Ans: S.
N 1990 Constitution of Nepal 2007 Interim Constitution
o.
1. In 1990, Nepal was a monarchy. In 2007, Nepal adopted an interim Constitution.
The previous Constitution of Nepal, whic According to the Interim constitution drafted in
h had been adopted in 1990, reflected t 2007, the executive powers of Nepal are in the h
2.
he fact that the final authority rested wit ands of the council of ministers headed by the P
h the King. rime Minister.
Nepal needs a new Constitution today because:
1. Nepal, by moving from a monarchy to a democratic government, needs to change all its constitutive
rules in order to usher in a new society.
2. The previous Constitution does not reflect the ideals of the country that they want Nepal to be, and
that they have fought for.
Q54. The column on the left lists some of the key features of the Indian Constitution. In the other column
write two sentences, in your own words, on why you think this feature is important:
Key Feature Significance
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Fundamental Rights
Parliamentary Form of Government

Ans: Federalism:
means more than one level of government in the country. India has a 3 tier government. India needs a 3
tier government because of the diverse religious and cultural composition of its citizens. A government at
the centre alone could not be effective for everyone.
Separation of Powers:
In order to prevent the misuse of power by the elected representative the constitution advocate
Separation of powers. Each branch of the government has its powers fixed by the Constitution. The
Constitution ensures that a balance of power is maintained between the Legislature Executive and the
Judiciary.
Fundamental Rights:
Fundamental Rights guarantees the rights of individuals against the State as well as against other
individuals. It protects minority communities and guarantees rights against the majority.
Parliamentary Form of Government:
In a Parliamentary form of government the constitution guarantees universal adult franchise for all
citizens. That is, all adults have a right to vote, irrespective of whether they are poor or rich, educated or
uneducated, a Hindu, Muslim or a Christian. The idea of universal adult franchise is based on equality.
Q55. Listed below are the key features of the Indian Constitution. Write two sentences, in your own words, on
why you think this feature is important:
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Fundamental Rights
Parliamentary Form of Government

Ans: Federalism:
1. This refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country. In India, we have
governments at the state level and at the centre. Panchayati Raj is the third tier of government.
2. Under federalism, the states are not merely agents of the federal government but draw their authority
from the Constitution as well.
3. All persons in India are governed by laws and policies made by each of these levels of government.
Separation of Powers:
1. According to the Constitution, there are three organs of government. These are the legislature, the
executive and the judiciary.
2. In order to prevent the misuse of power by any one branch of government, the Constitution says that
each of these organs should exercise different powers.
3. Through this, each organ acts as a check on the other organs of government and this ensures the
balance of power between all three.
Fundamental Rights:
1. Fundamental Rights guarantees the rights of individuals against the State as well as against other
individuals.
2. It also guarantees the rights of minorities against the majority.
Parliamentary Form of Government:
1. The Constitution of India guarantees universal adult suffrage for all citizens. This would help encourage
a democratic mindset and break the clutches of traditional caste, class and gender hierarchies. This
means that the people of India have a direct role in electing their representatives.
2. Also, every citizen of the country, irrespective of his/her social background, can also contest in
elections. These representatives are accountable to the people.
Q56. A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.
You now understand the ways in which a country’s history often determines the kind of Constitution that
a country adopts for itself. The Constitution plays a crucial role in laying out the ideals that we would like
all citizens of the country to adhere to, including the representatives that we elect to rule us. Just like in
the game of football, a change of constitutive rules will affect the game. Indian Constitution has been
amended over the years to reflect new concerns of the polity. Often a major change in the Constitution
means a change in the fundamental nature of the country. We saw this in the case of Nepal and how it
needed to adopt a new Constitution after it became a democracy. The different features of the Indian
Constitution outlined above, involve complicated ideas that are often not easy to grasp.
1. A ............. state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state
religion.
1. Secular
2. Communist
3. Democratic
4. None of these
2. The Constitution plays a crucial role in laying out the ideals that we would like all citizens of the
country to adhere to, including the .............. that we elect to rule us.
1. Administrators
2. Representatives
3. Governments
4. None of these
 3. Just like in the game of ............., a change of constitutive rules will affect the game. Indian
Constitution has been amended over the years to reflect new concerns of the polity.
1. Hockey
2. Polo
3. Cricket
4. Football
4. Often a .............. change in the Constitution means a change in the fundamental nature of the
country.
1. Major
2. Minor
3. Small
4. None of these
5. We saw this in the case of Nepal and how it needed to adopt a new Constitution after it became a.
1. Aristocracy
2. Democracy
3. Monarchy
4. None of these
Ans: 1. (a) Secular
2. (b) Representatives
3. (d) Football
4. (a) Major
5. (b) Democracy
Q57. According to the Constitution, there are three organs of government. These are the legislature, the
executive and the judiciary. The legislature refers to our elected representatives. The executive is a
smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the government. The
judiciary refers to the system of courts in this country. In order to prevent the misuse of power by any
one branch of government, the Constitution says that each of these organs should exercise different
powers. Through this, each organ acts as a check on the other organs of government and this ensures
the balance of power between all three.
1. Who refers to our elected representatives?
1. The Legislature
2. The Executive
3. The Judiciary
4. None of these
2. Who reffers to a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running
the government?
1. The Legislature
2. The Executive
3. The Judiciary
4. None of these
3. Who refers to the system of courts in this country.
1. The Legislature
2. The Executive
3. The Judiciary
4. None of these
Ans: 1. (a) The Legislature
2. (b) The Executive
3. (c) The Judiciary