NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 10 The Constitution of India An Introduction Questions and Answers Solutions
The Constitution of India An Introduction Class 7 Question Answer (In-Text)
The Big Questions? (page 209)
Question 1.
What is a constitution, and why do we need one?
Answer:
A constitution is a formal document that lays down the basic principles, laws, and structure of a country’s government. It defines the roles and responsibilities of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and explains the rights and duties of citizens.
We need a constitution because:
- It provides a common framework to govern the country.
- It ensures fairness, accountability, and justice by balancing powers among different government branches.
- It lays out guiding values like equality, freedom, and justice.
- Like a rule book in a game, it helps everyone follow agreed rules, ensuring order and harmony in a diverse nation.
Question 2.
How was the Indian Constitution prepared?
Answer:
The Indian Constitution was prepared by a Constituent Assembly formed in 1946. Initially, it had 389 members, which later became 299 after the Partition, of which 15 were women. These members came from various regions, backgrounds, and professions across India. Some important facts arc as follows:
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led the Drafting Committee.
- The Constitution was drafted over three years and completed on 26 November 1949.
- It came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is now celebrated as Republic Day.
Question 3.
How did our freedom struggle and civilisational heritage influence the Constitution?
Answer:
India’s freedom movement and rich civilisational values deeply shaped the Constitution:
- The freedom struggle promoted ideals like equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity, which became core values in the Constitution.
- Many members of the Constituent Assembly had been part of the independence movement and brought these principles into the Constitution.
- Ancient Indian traditions, such as respect for diversity, learning, and ethical governance, influenced features like Fundamental Duties and the emphasis on justice and fairness.
- Philosophies like vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family) and sarve bhavantu sukhinah (well-being of all) were reflected in the spirit of the document.
- The Constitution also drew useful ideas from other nations, but adapted them to India’s unique context.
Question 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?
Answer:
Some of the key features of the Indian Constitution are as follows:
- Three organs of government are legislature (makes laws), executive (implements laws) and judiciary (interprets laws).
- Separation of powers to maintain balance and fairness.
- A three-tier system of governance: Central, State, and Local (Panchayati Raj).
- Fundamental Rights to ensure freedom, dignity, and equality.
- Directive Principles of State Policy as guidelines for social and economic justice.
- Fundamental Duties expected from every citizen.
- A democratic, secular, socialist republic as described in the Preamble.
- Provision for amendments, allowing the Constitution to evolve with time.
It is relevant even today as:
- It continues to safeguard the rights of all citizens.
- It provides a framework for governance in a complex, diverse society.
- Its values are timeless, promoting justice, equality, and freedom.
- It allows for amendments to adapt to new’ challenges and societal changes.
- The Constitution reflects the aspirations of the people and serves as a living document that grows with India.
Let’s Explore
Question 1.
Imagine that your school has reached the final tournament in kabaddi at the state-level. The opponent is a strong team that has won the tournament two years in a row. They are aiming to win a third time, a hat-trick. The match is on, and a player from your team has just got one of the players from the other team ’out1; then a dispute breaks out. The player from the other team insists that she had already crossed into her team area before your team player caught her. The referee has seen that the player from the other team was indeed ‘out’. To settle the dispute amicably, she pulls out a little official rulebook.
The team captains confer with the referee and look at the rules. They then agree that the player was indeed ‘out’, and your team has won the state-level trophy. 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?
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 ofthe 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? What could be the ‘rulebook’ for a country? How would it be made? (page 211 – 212)
Answer:
If there was no official rulebook during the kabaddi match, the dispute between the two teams would have been very difficult to solve. Both sides would have kept arguing about what happened, and the match might have ended in confusion or even a fight. Without clear rules, no one would know who was right or wrong. It is very important to have a rulebook that everyone agrees to follow so that the game is fair for all.
To make sure everyone agrees to follow the rulebook, all the players and team leaders must respect the rules and the referee. Before the game begins, the rules should be explained clearly to both teams. If there is a disagreement during the match, the referee and team captains should refer to the rulebook together, just like in the kabaddi match, to make a fair decision.
If the team captains refused to use the rulebook, the argument might never end. The game would not be fair anymore, and no one would be happy with the result. Players could start cheating or making their own rales, which would rain the fun and spirit of the game.
In any game we play regularly, like kho-kho, cricket, or football, we follow certain rules. For example, in cricket, we know how many overs each team plays, how a batter gets out, and how runs are counted.
When everyone agrees on these rales, the game becomes fair and fun for all players. Sometimes, it can be hard to agree on rules, especially if some players want to change them. But by listening to each other and discussing calmly, we can come to a common set of rales that everyone accepts.
Just like games have rulebooks, a country also needs a rulebook. The rulebook of a country is called the Constitution. It tells us how the government works, what rights people have, and how problems should be solved. It is made with the help of leaders and experts who discuss and write down the rules for (he whole country. Everyone, including the government, must follow the Constitution to keep peace, fairness, and justice in the country.
Question 2.
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) (page 215)
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 3.
Read the quotation given below. Which article of the Constitution do you think she was referring to? Why do you think she said that the equality of women was not a new concept for India? Discuss in the class. “Sir, the women of India are happy to step into their rightful heritage of complete equality with men in all spheres of life and activity. I say so because I am convinced that this is no new concept which has been postulated for the purposes of this Constitution, but is an ideal that has long .been cherished by India, though social conditions for some time had tragically debased it in practice. This Constitution affirms that ideal and gives the solemn assurance that the rights of women in law will be wholly honoured in the Indian Republic.” -BegumAizaz Rasul, 22 November 1949,during the Constituent Assembly’s debates (page 221)
Answer:
Begum Aizaz Rasul was referring to Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all people, regardless of their gender, caste, religion, or background. This means that men and women are treated equally and fairly by the law. She said that equality of women was not a new concept for India because, in India’s ancient culture and traditions, women were respected and given an important place in society.
There were many powerful women in history who were leaders, scholars, and warriors. However, over time, social customs and practices became unfair, and women were not treated equally. Begum Aizaz Rasul believed that the Constitution was helping India return to its original values by making the law fair for women again.
This quotation shows how the Constitution gave women the legal right to equality and dignity in the new Indian Republic.
Question 4.
There was a time when people were not allowed to fly the national flag at their homes. This changed in 2004 when a citizen felt it was his right to express pride in his country and challenged the rule in court. The Supreme Court agreed, saying that Hying the flag is part of the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Expression. We can now fly the tricolour with pride, keeping in mind that it should never be dishonoured. (page 223)
Answer:
Earlier, citizens were not allowed to fly the national flag at their homes, as it was not considered a private right. In 2004, a citizen challenged this restriction in the Supreme Court, arguing that expressing pride in one’s country by flying the flag is a Fundamental Right under the Freedom of Expression (Article 19 of the Constitution).
The Supreme Court agreed and ruled that hoisting the national flag is a part of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, provided it is done with respect and dignity. Since then, every Indian citizen has the right to fly the tricolour, but must follow the Flag Code of India to avoid dishonouring it.
Question 5.
We studied the Panchayati Raj System in Grade 6 This was not a part of the original Constitution; it was integrated in it in 1992 with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. (page 223)
Answer:
The Panchayati Raj System was not part of the original Constitution:
- It was officially added in 1992 through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
- This amendment introduced:
- A three-tier system of local governance: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Sarniti, and Zila Parishad.
- Reservation of seats for women and SC/STs.
- Regular elections, powers, and responsibilities defined for local self-governments.
- It helped decentralize power and promote grassroots democracy in India.
Question 6.
Can you find out the amendments made to the Constitution in the past ten years? (page 223)
Answer:
Here are a few notable Constitutional Amendments (2014-2024):
| Amendment | Year | Key Feature |
| 101st Amendment | 2016 | Introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST), a uniform indirect tax system across the country. |
| 102nd Amendment | 2018 | Gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). |
| 103rd Amendment | 2019 | Provided 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in education and government jobs. |
| 104th Amendment | 2020 | Removed Anglo-Indian reserved seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. |
| 105th Amendmen | 2021 | Restored state governments’ power to identify and maintain their own list of OBCs. |
Question 7.
Below is the list of features given in the Preamble. Read them closely from the image above and write down examples of the application of these values in daily life around you. Two have been completed to help you with the exercise.
| Features of the Preamble | How we see them in our daily lives |
| Sovereign | |
| Secular | A person does not have to take permission from the State to practice the rituals of their religion if the practice does not interfere with anyone else’s day-to-day life. |
| Republic | |
| Justice | The State provides equal oppor-tunity to all in jobs, regardless of gender, caste, religion, etc. |
| Liberty | |
| Equality | |
| Fraternity |
Answer:
| Features of the Preamble | How we see them in our daily lives |
| Sovereign | The people have supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters. No external power can dictate the government of India. |
| Secular | A person does not have to take permission from the State to practice the rituals of their religion if the practice does not interfere with anyone else’s day-to-day life. |
| Republic | In India, we elect our leaders through elections, and political power is not inherited through family ties or mon¬archy, ensuring the government is accountable to the people. |
| Justice | The State provides equal oppor-tunity to all in jobs, regardless of gender, caste, religion, etc. |
| Liberty | People are free to express their opinions, practice their beliefs, and lead their lives without unjust restrictions or fear of persecution. |
| Equality | All individuals are treated equally be¬fore the law, and no one is discriminated against based on their gender, caste, religion, or social background. |
| Fraternity | People from different backgrounds, cultures, and religions live together as equals, supporting each other and fostering a sense of unity in the community. |
Class 7 SST Chapter 10 The Constitution of India An Introduction Question Answer (Exercise)
Question 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?
Answer:
It was important to have a diverse set of representatives because India is a country with a rich variety of cultures, languages, religions, and traditions. A diverse set of representatives ensured that all regions and communities were fairly represented, and their concerns, needs, and aspirations were taken into account while framing the Constitution. This helped create a Constitution that was inclusive, just, and reflective of India’s pluralistic society.
Question 2.
Read the statements below carefully and identify which key features values in the Constitution of India arc reflected in each statement.
(a) Sheena, Rajat, and Harsh are standing in a line. They arc 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) Key Feature/Value: Universal Adult Franchise- This reflects the principle of giving every adult citizen the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, as established in the Constitution.
(b) Key Feature/Value: Right to Education – This reflects the Constitution’s emphasis on providing free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years under Article 21 A.
(c) Key Feature/Value: Fundamental Duty – This reflects the responsibility of parents, as encouraged in the Constitution, to ensure the well-being and education of their children.
(d) Key Feature/Value: Equality before Law – This reflects the constitutional value of equality, ensuring that no one discriminated against based on caste, gender, or religion.
Question 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.
Answer:
Yes, it is a fact that all citizens are equal before the law. According to the Constitution of India, all citizens are entitled to equal treatment by the law, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, or economic status. This is enshrined in the first Fundamental Right, that is, Right to Equality, which prohibits discrimination.
However, in practice, disparities such as economic inequality, social bias, and discrimination still persist, which can affect how equality is experienced by different groups in society. These issues highlight the gap between legal equality and social equality, suggesting that while the law provides for equality, real-life challenges remain in its full implementation.
Question 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?
Answer:
India introduced universal adult franchise to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their social status, gender, or educational background, could have an equal voice in the political process. This decision was influenced by the ideals of the freedom struggle, which aimed at dismantling colonial structures that excluded large sections of the population from decision-making. By granting voting rights to all citizens, India embraced democracy in its truest form, promoting equality and political empowerment for every adult citizen.
Question 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.
Answer:
The freedom struggle deeply influenced the Constitution, as it embodied the values of justice, equality, and freedom that were central to the independence movement. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and B.R. Ambedkar, who played a vital role in the struggle, envisioned a democratic and inclusive India, free from oppression and discrimination.
India’s civilisational heritage also influenced the Constitution by emphasizing values like non violence, tolerance, respect for diversity, and social by promoting secularism, justice, and respect for individual rights, all of which are rooted in India’s long history of philosophical and ethical thought.
Question 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?
Answer:
While India has made significant progress toward achieving the ideals of the Constitution, challenges remain in areas such as gender equality, economic disparity, caste discrimination, and the protection of marginalized communities.
As citizens, we can contribute by being aware of our rights and duties, participating in democratic processes, and working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Additionally, we should promote education, respect diversity, and engage in peaceful dialogue to address issues of inequality and injustice.
Question 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.
Answer:
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
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