Here are the solutions, questions, answers, and notes of chapter 12: DEMOCRACY IN INDIA which is a part of social science class 9 syllabus of students studying under the Nagaland Board of School Education. However, these notes should be used only for references and additions/modifications should be made as per the requirements.
Introduction
The concept of democracy is not new to India. These ideas have grown with history. Like every nation following democracy in the world, it has followed a historical path in India. The earliest political unit in India was that of the class. All members of a tribe were equal. The village community had its own assembly. Only the king was above this democratic body. The Vedic sages created an outlet for dissent within this system. Although the king was at the top he could be challenged. Successful monarchies had democratic principles built in them. Kings found ways to keep in touch with the people. There are innumerable legends of rulers roaming in disguise to mingle with their subjects.
The institutions of Sabha and Samiti, mentioned in the Rigveda may be said to have contained the rudiments of a modern parliament. These bodies exercised a great amount of influence and were closely associated with the affairs of the state.
Textual questions and answers
Choose the correct answer
1. The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on:
A. 9 December 1946
B. 10 December 1947
C. 15 August 1947
D. None of these
Answer: A. 9 December 1946
2. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?
A. Rajendra Prasad
B. B.R. Ambedkar
C. J. L. Nehru
D. K. M. Munshi
Answer: B. B.R. Ambedkar
3. Who was elected the president of the Constituent Assembly?
A. Dr Rajendra Prasad
B. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
C. Mahatma Gandhi
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: A. Dr Rajendra Prasad
4. When was the Constitution of India enforced?
A. 1947
B. 1948
C. 1949
D. 1950
Answer: D. 1950
5. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided below:
Assertion (A): The Constitution was enforced on 26 January 1950.
Reason (R): To mark this day we celebrate January 26 as Republic Day every year.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is correct but (R) is wrong
D. (A) is wrong but (R) is correct
Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
6. Which of the following statements about the given personality is incorrect?
A. He was an eminent lawyer, legal stalwart, and economist
B. He was the Chairman of Constitution Drafting Committee
C. He moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly
D. He went on to become the first Law Minister of Independent India
Answer: C. He moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly
7. Consider the statements given below and choose the correct answer.
Statement I: Indian Constitution is a unique blend of flexibility and rigidity
Statement II: Most of the provisions of the Constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
A. Statement (I) is correct and (II) is incorrect
B. Statement (I) is incorrect and (II) is correct
C. Both (I) and (II) are incorrect
D. Both (I) and (II) are correct
Answer: D. Both (I) and (II) are correct
Short answer type questions
1. Why is the concept of democracy not new to India?
Answer: The concept of democracy is not new to India. These ideas have grown with history. Like every nation following democracy in the world, it has followed a historical path in India.
2. What was the role of Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the framing of our Constitution?
Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the president of the Constituent Assembly and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chairman of the Drafting Committee.
3. What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Answer: Universal Adult Franchise gives the right to all the adult citizens of a country to take part in forming the government.
4. Which were the new words added to the Constitution in 1976?
Answer: The new words added to the Constitution in 1976 are ‘socialist’, ‘secular’, and ‘Unity and Integrity of the Nation.’
5. What has India borrowed from the Constitution of the United Kingdom?
Answer: India borrowed the Parliamentary system with Prime Minister as its head from the United Kingdom.
Long answer type questions
1. What is a Constitution? Why do we need a Constitution?
Answer: A Constitution is a set of well-defined rules that explain the powers of different organs of the government. It is a body of fundamental principles according to which a state is governed.
We need a Constitution because of the following reasons:
i. It generates a degree of trust and coordination that is necessary for different kinds of people to live together.
ii. It specifies the structure and power of the government.
iii. It lays down limits on the powers of the government.
iv. It explains the rights of the citizens.
v. It also expresses the aspirations of the people about creating a good society.
2. Describe the salient features of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: The salient features of the Indian Constitution are:
i. The Sovereign Democratic Republic: India is a sovereign democratic republic, which means it is free from any kind of external control, people elect their own government, and it cannot have a hereditary ruler.
ii. A socialist Secular State: India has a long history of reforms which tried to break down the barriers of low and high castes, customs and superstitions. In India, people of all faiths have equal freedom.
iii. Secure Justice, Liberty, Equality and to Promote Fraternity: In India, citizens cannot be discriminated on the grounds of caste, religion, and gender when it comes to justice. Indian Constitution also imposes liberty, equality and fraternity on all its citizens.
iv. Special Features of the Indian Federation: India is a ‘Union of States’. There are two sets of Government one at the centre and one at the state level.
v. India has a parliamentary form of government: In this system, the parliament is supreme and it represents the people.
vi. Fundamental Rights: The constitution guarantees certain basic rights to all the citizens of India. They are called Fundamental Rights.
3. Write short notes on (i) A federal state. (ii) lndependent judiciary.
Answer: (i) A federal state: A federal state is one in which there is more than one set of government like the case of India. India is a ‘Union of States’. There are two sets of Government one at the centre and one at. the state level. Both have clearly marked and specified areas of functioning. The Constitution has made clear-cut provisions for subjects on which the central and state governments can make laws.
(ii) Independent judiciary: The Constitution provides the people of India with an independent and impartial judiciary. In case of any conflict between the Union and the State Governments, the judiciary plays the role of an impartial umpire. The. Supreme Court of India decides all the disputes between the Centre and a state or between two or more States. The Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts cannot be appointed or removed at will by the Union Government.
4. Explain the following terms:
(i) Justice (ii) Liberty (iii) Equality (iv) Fraternity
Answer: (i) Justice: Justice means being just and fair impartially. In India, citizens cannot be discriminated on the grounds of caste, religion, and gender and a continuous attempt ought to be made to remove inequality. Also, the government should work for the welfare of all, especially of the disadvantaged groups.
(ii) Liberty: Liberty means freedom from oppressive authority that try to limit one’s life. In India, there are no unreasonable restrictions on the citizens in what they think, how they wish to express their thoughts and the way they wish to follow up their thoughts in action.
(iii) Equality: The state of being equal with everyone can be termed as equality. In India, all are equal before the law. The traditional social inequalities ought to be reduced and removed, while the government does and should ensure equal opportunity for all.
(iv) Fraternity: Fraternity means mutual support within a group. In India, all of us should behave as if we are members of the same family. No one should treat a fellow citizen as inferior.
5. Describe the basic features of the Indian Constitution. Why they cannot be amended?
Answer: The basic features of the Indian Constitution are:
(i) The supremacy of the Constitution.
(ii) Republican and Democratic form of the Government.
(iii)SecularcharacteroftheConstitution.
(iv) Separation of powers between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
(v) Federal character of the Constitution
The basic structure is built on the basic foundation, i.e., the dignity and freedom of the individual. Therefore, this cannot be amended in any form.
Extra MCQs
1: On which date was the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly held?
A. 15 August 1947
B. 9 December 1946
C. 26 January 1950
D. 10 December 1947
Answer: B. 9 December 1946
25: Consider the following steps in the development of democratic ideas in India under British rule. Choose the correct chronological order.
(i) Elected representatives began running governments in the provinces.
(ii) Universities were established in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
(iii) The Indian Council Act was passed, giving limited voting rights.
(iv) English language and modern education were introduced.
A. (iv) → (ii) → (iii) → (i)
B. (ii) → (iv) → (i) → (iii)
C. (i) → (iii) → (ii) → (iv)
D. (iv) → (iii) → (ii) → (i)
Answer: A. (iv) → (ii) → (iii) → (i)
Extra questions and answers
1. How did the impact of British rule lead to the development of modern democracy in India?
Answer: The impact of British rule in India led to the development of modern democracy in several ways. The first step was the introduction of the English language and modern education, which led to an awakening among Indians and made educated Indians familiar with the ideas of thinkers from all parts of the world. The colonial rule also gave unity to India by bringing it under one strong central rule. Infrastructure like railways and telecommunications, though built for British benefit, helped bring educated Indians from all parts of the country together.
Various Acts passed by the British, such as the Indian Council Act of 1909 and the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935, established legislative assemblies and gave limited voting rights to Indians. These Acts gave India its parliamentary system in bits and pieces. The experience gained by Indians in the working of these legislative institutions proved to be very useful for the country in setting up its own institutions when India became free.
79. What is the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution? Explain its components and why it cannot be amended by the Parliament.
Answer: The ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution consists of its core principles which cannot be amended by the Parliament. According to a judgement of the Supreme Court, the basic structure consists of the following:
(i) Supremacy of the Constitution.
(ii) Republican and Democratic form of the Government.
(iii) Secular character of the Constitution.
(iv) Separation of powers between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
(v) Federal character of the Constitution.
This structure cannot be amended because it is built on the basic foundation of dignity and freedom of the individual which cannot be amended or destroyed.
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