Q and Ans: Constitutional Design

 

Chapter 2

Constitutional Design

Answer the following question-

Q Define Apartheid. What were its implications?

Answer:

Apartheid was the name of a system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa.

 *Implications* : White Europeans imposed this system on South Africa -

1 White rulers treated non-whites as inferiors.

2 Non-whites did not have right to vote. 

3 They were forbidden to live in white areas.

 4 They were allowed to work there only with permit.

5 Trains, buses, hospitals, schools, cinemas, public places and public toilets were all separate for the whites and blacks.

Q“The apartheid system was particularly oppressive for the blacks.” Justify.

Answer:

1 They were forbidden from living in white areas. They could work in white areas only if they had a permit.

2 Trains, buses, taxis, hotels, hospitals, schools and colleges, libraries, cinema halls, theaters, beaches, swimming pools, public toilets, were all separate for the whites and blacks. This was called segregation.

3 They could not even visit the churches where the whites worshipped. 

4 Blacks could not form associations or protest against the terrible treatment.

Q What problems existed in the making of the South African constitution? What compromises were made?

Answer:

1 Problems existed because both the black majority and the white minority had their own fears and anxieties. 

2 The black majority wanted their constitution to be based on the democratic principle of majority rule. 

3 They also wanted substantial, social and economic rights.

4 The white minority, on the other hand, wanted to protect its privileges and property.

Compromise -

Ultimately both agreed to compromise. The whites agreed to the principle of majority rule and that of one person, one vote.

Q What were the difficulties faced during the making of Indian constitution? 

Ans. It was drawn up under very difficult circumstances. Making a constitution for a huge country like India was not an easy affair. 

[a] The country was born through partition. 

[b] The problem of princely states was left undecided by the British. 

[c] There were anxieties about the present and future of the country.

Q. Describe how the Constituent Assembly worked to prepare the constitution for India.

Ans. [a] The Constituent Assembly worked in a systematic, open and consensual manner. 

[b] First some basic principles were decided and agreed upon.

[c] Then a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prepared a draft constitution for discussion.

[d] The members deliberated for 114 days spread over 3 years.

[e] Every document presented and every word spoken in the Constituent Assembly was recorded and preserved. These are called ‘Constituent Assembly Debates’.

Q. Give a description of the composition of the Constituent Assembly. 

Ans. [a] The Constituent Assembly was elected mainly by the members of the existing Provincial Legislatures. 

[b] This ensured a fair geographical share of members from all the regions of the country.

 [c] Congress, which was the dominant party in the Assembly, itself included a variety of political groups and opinions. 

[d] It represented members from different languages, castes, religions, classes and occupations.

Q. Write a short note on Constituent Assembly. 

 Ans. [a] The drafting of the document called the constitution was done by an assembly of elected representatives called the Constituent assembly. 

[b] Elections to the Constitutuent Assembly were held in July 1946. 

[c] Its first meeting was held in December 1946. 

[d] It had 299 members. 

[e] The assembly adopted the constitution on 26 November 1949 and it came into force on 26 January 1950.

Q. What do you understand by secularism? Why is India called a secular country?

Ans. [a] India is a country of many religions and it respects all religions. 

[b] No religion is given the status of state religion and equal respect is given to all beliefs, faiths and practices. 

[c] Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion.

Q. What are Constitutional Amendments? State its significance in a democratic country like India.

Ans. 

1 Constitutional Amendments are changes in the constitution made by the Supreme Legislative body in a country. 

2 The constitution of India is a very long and detailed document. 

3 Therefore it needs to be amended quite regularly to keep it updated.

Q. What is the preamble of the constitution? What is the significance of ‘We the people of India’ and ‘secular’ in the preamble? 

Ans. It is an introductary part of the constitution. It is called the key of the Constitution.

 “We the people of India” means the constitution has been drawn up and enacted by the people through their representatives. 

Secular means that citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion. But there as no official religion.

Q. Define the following terms mentioned in the Preamble to the constitution of India.

(a) Sovereign (b) Socialist (c) Secular (d) Republic 

Ans. 

(a) Sovereign means people have supreme right to make decisions on internal and external matters. No external power can dictate to the Government of India.

(b) Socialist means that wealth is generated socially it should be shared equally by society.

(c) Secular means that citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion but there is no official religion.

(d) Republic means the head of the State is an elected person and not a hereditary position.

Q. What is the Preamble? Explain any three guiding principles explained in the Preamble.

Ans. Preamble is a short statement of the basic values of the constitution. Taking inspiration from American model, most countries have adopted constitutions with a preamble. The preamble of the Indian constitution reads like a poem on democracy. 

Three guiding principles explained in the Preamble are-

1. Democratic–It will have a democratic government where people will enjoy equal rights ;

 2. Equality– All citizens will be equal before the law; 

3. Fraternity– All world would behave as if they are members of the same family.