NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 10 The Constitution of India - An Introduction

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NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 10 The Constitution of India - An Introduction

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The Constitution of India - An Introduction

Chapter: 10

THEME – D: Governance and Democracy

The Big Questions? 

1. What is a constitution, and why do we need one? 

Ans: A Constitution is the highest law of a country. It tells us how a government should run, how leaders are chosen, and what rights people have. 

We need a constitution to make sure that no one misuses power, everyone is treated equally, and people live with justice, freedom, and equality. It keeps the country united and ensures fair rules for all.

2. How was the Indian Constitution prepared? 

Ans: The Constitution of India was written by the Constituent Assembly, formed in 1946. It had 299 members, including great leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. The Assembly took ideas from many countries and debated every part in detail. After nearly 3 years, it was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.

3. How did our freedom struggle and civilisational heritage influence the Constitution? 

Ans: The Indian Constitution was shaped by our freedom struggle and rich heritage. Freedom fighters like Gandhi, Nehru, and Ambedkar fought for justice, equality, and dignity for all people. Ancient traditions of democracy, tolerance, and dharma also inspired the values of the Constitution. This mix of modern thinking and old wisdom created a strong foundation for Indian democracy.

4. 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? 

Ans: Key Features of the Constitution of India:

(i) Separation of Powers: The Constitution divides government powers into three organs legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent misuse of power and ensure smooth functioning.

(ii) Three-tier Government: India follows a federal system with central, state, and local (Panchayati Raj) governments, each having specific responsibilities.

(iii) Fundamental Rights: These are guaranteed rights like equality, freedom, and protection against discrimination. Citizens can go to court if these rights are violated.

(iv) Fundamental Duties: These are the duties every citizen must follow, such as respecting the Constitution, the national flag, and promoting harmony.

(v) Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): These are goals like providing a good standard of living and reducing inequality. Though not enforceable in court, they guide the government in making policies for social and economic justice.

(vi) Democratic Structure: The Constitution ensures an electoral system where every adult citizen has the right to vote, and leaders are elected by the people.

Questions and Activities

1. “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? 

Ans: It was important to have representatives from diverse backgrounds in the Constituent Assembly because India is a country with immense diversity. People from different religions, castes, languages, and cultures live here. If the voices of all communities were not included in the making of the Constitution, the needs and rights of some groups could have been overlooked. Having a diverse set of representatives ensured that the interests of all were considered and the Constitution promoted equality, justice, and tolerance throughout the country. This diversity helped to ensure that equal opportunities and rights were given to every part of society.

2. 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. 

Ans: (i) Feature: Right to Vote (Universal Adult Franchise).

(ii) Value: Democracy.

The statement reflects the democratic value that every adult citizen has the right to vote, regardless of their socio-economic status.

(b) Radha, Imon, and Harpreet study in the same class in the same school. 

Ans: (i)  Feature: Right to Equality.

(ii) Value: Social Equality.

This statement reflects the constitutional value of equality, where individuals from different backgrounds have equal access to education.

(c) Parents must make arrangements to ensure their children’s education. 

Ans: (i) Feature: Right to Education.

(ii) Value: Social Justice.

This statement reflects the value of social justice as education is considered a fundamental right, and parents have the responsibility to ensure their children receive it.

(d) People of all castes, genders, and religions can use the village well. 

Ans: (i) Feature: Right to Equality and Right against Discrimination.

(ii) Value: Secularism and Social Equality.

This statement highlights the constitutional value that public resources should be accessible to all, irrespective of caste, gender, or religion.

3. 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. 

Ans: Yes, This provision states that all citizens will be treated equally before the law and avoids any kind of discrimination. the law says all citizens are equal, meaning everyone should be treated the same by the law. However, in reality, some people still face unfair treatment because of their caste, gender, or wealth. So, while the law promises equality, it’s not always fully followed in practice.

4. 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? 

Ans: It was a major accomplishment for the founding fathers of the Indian constitution to give everyone the equal right to vote, without any restrictions. The universal adult franchise gave birth to democratisation and free and fair elections played a significant role in restoring an order dominated by the upper castes. It was a bold step to ensure that every voice mattered in building a just and inclusive nation. This decision reflected the core constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

5. 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. 

Ans: The Constitution became the cornerstone of independent India. The leaders of the freedom struggle, many of whom were members of the Constituent Assembly, used their experiences, values, and learnings from the national movement to frame our constitutional republic. They had witnessed the importance of justice, equality, and participation in governance during the struggle against colonial rule.

India’s civilisational heritage also played a key role in shaping the Constitution. Ancient Indian values like tolerance, non-violence, duty, and respect for diversity were naturally included. As a result, the Constitution gives great emphasis to the role and responsibility of citizens. For example, ‘Fundamental Duties’ reflect the influence of our cultural and philosophical traditions.

6. 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? 

Ans: No, we have not fully achieved all the ideals of the Constitution yet. Issues like inequality, discrimination, corruption, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare still exist in many parts of the country.

As Citizens, we can contribute by:

(i) Practicing equality in our daily lives treating everyone with respect regardless of caste, religion, gender, or background.

(ii) Voting responsibly and encouraging others to participate in democracy.

(iii) Raising our voice against injustice, discrimination, and corruption.

(iv) Fulfilling our duties like educating our children, protecting public property, and promoting harmony.

(v) Being informed and aware of our rights and responsibilities.

7. 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. 

3. The statement at the beginning of the Constitution that tells us the values it upholds.

4. The document that lays out the rules and laws of a country. 

5. The gas used to preserve the original Constitution safely. 

6. Basic rights given to every citizen, like freedom and equality.

Ans: Across:

2. Legislature.

7. Fundamental duties.

8. Supreme Court.

9. Republic.

10. Amendment.

Down:

1. Constituent Assembly.

3. Preamble.

4. Constitution.

5. Helium.

6. Fundamental rights.