Introduction to our Constitution | Class 7 | Civics | Chapter 1 | Maharashtra State Board
Welcome to our YouTube channel, where we delve into the rich and fascinating world of India’s Constitution. Explore the profound meaning and significance of a constitution, understand the essential provisions within our Constitution, and learn why a Constitution is so vital for a country.
We’ll take you on a journey through the very concept of administration, examining how governance and the rule of law operate within the framework of the Constitution. Discover the historical background behind the making of India’s Constitution and the pivotal role played by the Constituent Assembly in shaping our nation’s destiny.
Join us as we delve into the incredible contributions of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, often referred to as the ‘Architect of the Indian Constitution,’ and understand how he championed the cause of social justice, equality, and fundamental rights.
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Questions & Answers
1. Explain the following concepts
1. Provisions in the Constitution Ans. Provisions in a constitution refer to the specific rules, principles, and guidelines that outline the fundamental structure of a government and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. They serve as the foundational framework for governing a nation and establishing the relationship between the government and its people.
2. Constitution Day Ans. The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution on 26th November 1949. Therefore, 26th November is observed as ‘Constitution Day’ in India.
2. Discuss:
1. A Constituent Assembly was established. Ans. Constituent Assembly was set up to create the country’s Constitution. This special assembly was formed in 1946 and consisted of elected representatives and experts. They worked for about three years to draft the Constitution, which was adopted on 26th November 1949. This day is now celebrated as Constitution Day in India. The Constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950, when India became a republic.
2. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is called the ‘Architect of the Indian Constitution’. Ans. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is known as the ‘Architect of the Indian Constitution’ because he played a vital role in drafting and shaping the Constitution of India. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he led the effort to create a fair and inclusive constitution that guarantees fundamental rights and equality for all Indian citizens. His contributions in shaping the Constitution were significant, making him a key figure in its formation.
3. What is included in the administration of a country? Ans. The administration of a country like India involves key functions like the Executive (President, Prime Minister, ministers), Legislative (Parliament, state legislatures), Judicial (courts), Bureaucracy (civil servants), Law Enforcement (police), Local Government (municipalities, panchayats), Public Services (education, healthcare, infrastructure), Finance and Economic Management, Foreign Relations (diplomacy), and Defence (military), all working together to govern, provide services, maintain law and order, and ensure the country’s security and overall functioning.
3. Choose the right option:
1. The Constitution of this country is primarily unwritten (a) America (b) India (c) England (d) None of these Ans. England
2. Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly (a) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (c) Durgabai Deshmukh (d) B.B. Rai Ans. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
3. Who among these was not a member of the Constituent Assembly? (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Moulana Azad (c) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (d) Hansaben Mehta Ans. Mahatma Gandhi
4. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee (a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (c) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (d) J.B. Kripalani
Ans. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
4. Answer the following questions:
1. On what subjects does the Government have to make laws? Ans. The Indian government makes laws on a wide range of subjects to address various aspects of national governance and the well-being of its citizens. These subjects can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. National Security and Defence: Laws related to defence, armed forces, border security, intelligence, and counter-terrorism.
2. Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy: Laws governing international relations, treaties, trade agreements, and diplomatic missions.
3. Finance and Economy: Laws regulating taxation, banking, currency, financial markets, and economic policies.
4. Public Services and Infrastructure: Laws related to education, healthcare, transportation, communication, and public utilities.
5. Social Welfare and Development: Laws addressing poverty alleviation, social security, labour rights, and social justice.
6. Law and Order: Laws related to crime prevention, criminal justice, policing, and prisons.
7. Environment and Natural Resources: Laws protecting the environment, wildlife, forests, and water resources.
8. Science and Technology: Laws promoting research, innovation, and technology development.
9. Cultural Heritage and Tourism: Laws preserving cultural heritage, promoting tourism, and regulating antiquities.
10. Governance and Administration: Laws related to elections, public administration, anti-corruption measures, and transparency.
The Indian government’s law making powers are distributed between the central government and state governments.
2. Why do we celebrate 26th January as Republic Day? Ans. India celebrates 26th January as Republic Day to honour the date in 1950 when the Indian Constitution came into effect, marking the country’s transformation into a republic with a democratic system of government. It signifies the day when India’s citizens formally adopted the Constitution.
3. What are the advantages of running the government as per the provisions of the Constitution? Ans. Running the government as per the provisions of the Constitution of India offers several advantages:
1. Rule of Law: It ensures that the government operates under a set of established laws, promoting fairness and predictability.
2. Protection of Rights: The Constitution safeguards the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, ensuring their protection.
3. Checks and Balances: It provides a system of checks and balances among the branches of government, preventing the abuse of power.
4. Democracy: It upholds democratic principles, allowing citizens to elect their representatives and participate in governance.
5. Stability: The Constitution provides a stable framework for governance, fostering political stability.
6. Equality: It promotes social and economic equality, reducing discrimination and inequality.
7. Accountability: Elected officials and public servants are accountable to the Constitution, ensuring responsible governance.
8. Peaceful Resolution: Disputes and conflicts can be resolved peacefully through legal channels.
9. International Standing: It enhances India’s reputation on the global stage, showcasing a commitment to democratic values.
Overall, following the Constitution ensures a just, democratic, and orderly functioning of the government.
E X T R A
1. Answer the following.
1. Where can we find all the rules according to which the administration of the country is carried out? Ans. All the rules according to which the administration of the country is carried out can be found in the country’s Constitution.
2. Who makes those rules? Ans. These rules are made by the Constituent Assembly which consist of the representatives of the states and provinces and the leaders of that country.
3. Is it binding on us to follow them? Ans. Yes. All the rules and provisions mentioned in the Constitution of India are binding on every citizen of the country, and they must be followed and respected.
2. Find out some information about the Constitution of any one country of your choice with the help of the following points.
1. Name of the country Ans. India
2. Year of the making of the Constitution: Ans. The Constituent Assembly enacted the Constitution and adopted it on 26th November 1949. However the country began to be actually governed according to the provisions of the Constitution only from 26th January 1950.
3. Two features of the Constitution: Ans. The Constitution of India is a remarkable document that embodies the principles and ideals that guide the nation. It is characterized by several key features that shape India’s governance and society:
1. Lengthiest Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest written constitution in the world, containing 448 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules. It comprehensively outlines the framework for governance, fundamental rights, and the structure of government.
2. Drawn from Various Sources: The Constitution’s framers drew inspiration from various sources, including the British Constitution, the US Constitution, and the French Constitution. They also incorporated elements from India’s rich history and traditions.
3. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: The Constitution strikes a balance between rigidity and flexibility. While certain provisions require a special amendment procedure, others can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament.
4. Federal System with Unitary Bias: India is a federal republic with a strong central government. The Constitution divides powers between the central and state governments, ensuring both national unity and local autonomy.
5. Parliamentary Form of Government: India follows a parliamentary system of government, where the executive is responsible to the legislature. The Prime Minister heads the government, and the President is the ceremonial head of state.
6. Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy: The Constitution balances parliamentary sovereignty with judicial supremacy. Parliament has the power to make laws, while the judiciary interprets the Constitution and safeguards fundamental rights.
7. Rule of Law: The Constitution upholds the rule of law, ensuring that everyone is subject to the same laws and that no one is above the law. It protects individual rights and prevents arbitrary actions by the government.
8. Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including equality, liberty, freedom of expression, and the right to life. These rights safeguard individual freedoms and promote social justice.
9. Directive Principles of State Policy: The Constitution provides Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the government towards social and economic welfare goals. These principles promote a just and equitable society.
10. Fundamental Duties: The Constitution also enumerates fundamental duties for citizens, emphasizing civic responsibility, national unity, and respect for the environment.
4. Complete the sentence by choosing the appropriate words.
1. The administration of our village or city is carried out in accordance with rules.
(will of the majority, rules, orders of the Collector)
2. The book in which all the provisions regarding the administration of the country are mentioned together in a systematic way is called a Constitution.
(Law book, Guide, Constitution)
3. Democracy is strengthened due to increased participation of the people.
(strengthened, maintained, weakened)
4. The process of the making of the Indian Constitution started in the year 1946. (1952,1947,1946)
5. A committee which was established to prepare the Constitution of independent India was the Constituent Assembly. (Drafting Committee, Standing Committee, Constituent Assembly)
6. There were a total of 299 members in the Constituent Assembly. (298, 299, 289)
7. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
(Durgabai Deshmukh, J.B. Kripalani, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar)
8. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is called the Architect of the Indian Constitution’. (Architect, Visionary, Inspiration)
9. 26th November is observed as ‘Constitution Day’.
(26th November, 26th January, 15th August)
10. 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day. (Independence, Republic, Constitution)
11. Our Constitution is a/an written document of the provision related to the administration of the country. (written, oral, inspirational)
5. Answer in one or two sentences:
1. Why do we follow norms and rules? Ans. Following norms and rules is essential to ensure that activities in various settings, such as family, school, village, or city, are carried out smoothly and in an organized manner. Norms and rules help maintain order and cooperation in these environments.
2. How is the administration of our country carried out? Ans. The administration of our country is carried out through a system of rules.
3. Explain the term ‘Constitution’. Ans. A constitution is like a book that contains all the provisions related to the administration of a country presented in a systematic and organized manner. In India, the Constitution serves as this foundational document.
4. What are the basic or fundamental law of the land? Ans. The rules and provisions in the Constitution are the basic or fundamental law of the land.
5. How were decisions made in the Constituent Assembly? Ans. Decisions in the Constituent Assembly of India were made through discussions and debates, and a majority vote determined the outcome. It was a democratic process where members debated and voted on various aspects of the Constitution to reach consensus.
6. What is governance? Ans. Governance refers to the process of making and implementing decisions, policies, and laws to manage and run a country, organization, or community efficiently and effectively.
6. Name the following:
1. Name the well-known members of the constituent assembly. Ans. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sarojini Naidu, J. B. Kriplani, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Durgabai Deshmukh, Hansaben Mehta and others.
2. The President of the Constituent Assembly. Ans. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was The President of the Constituent Assembly.
3. The States in pre-independence period where the local princes carried out the administration. Ans. In the pre-independence period, princely states in India were administered by local princes or rulers.
7. Give reasons:
1. We celebrate 26th January as Republic Day. Ans. We celebrates Republic Day on January 26th to commemorate the momentous occasion when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, marking the country's transition from a dominion under British rule to a fully independent republic.
Republic Day is celebrated with great fervour and national pride across India. It is a day to honour the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and to reaffirm the nation's commitment to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution – democracy, liberty, equality, and justice for all.
2. Nature of the Constitutions of different countries is different. Ans. The unique historical, social, and cultural contexts of each nation shape their constitutions, reflecting their specific needs, aspirations, and values.
1. Historical and Cultural Differences: Each country has its own distinct history, social structures, cultural traditions, and political experiences. These factors influence the way a nation’s constitution is framed, as it seeks to address its unique circumstances and challenges.
2. Varying Needs and Objectives: Different countries have diverse priorities and objectives, influenced by their level of development, economic conditions, social issues, and political goals. The constitution serves as a blueprint for achieving these objectives and addressing specific national needs.
3. Distinct National Identity: Each country strives to create a constitution that aligns with its distinct national identity, reflecting its values, aspirations, and the collective will of its people. It serves as a foundational document that embodies the nation’s character and aspirations.
In essence, constitutions are tailored to the specific context of each country, reflecting its unique historical, social, and political realities. They serve as living documents that evolve over time, adapting to changing circumstances and guiding the nation’s progress towards its ideals.
8. Explain in detail:
1. If the government does not follow the Constitution while making laws, the Judiciary can declare those laws null and void or unconstitutional. Explain. Ans.
• The Government is established by the representatives elected by the people.
• It is bound to carry out the administration of the country as per the provisions of the Constitution.
• The rules and provisions in the Constitution are the basic or fundamental law of the land.
• While making laws, the government is bound to follow the Constitution.
• If it does not do so, then the Judiciary can declare those laws null and void or unconstitutional.
2. How long did it take to write the Constitution? OR Why is it the lengthiest Constitution in the world? Ans. The process of writing the Indian Constitution began in 1947, and it took 2 years, 11 months and 17 days to complete the writing of the Constitution. There were 22 parts, 395 Articles and 8 Schedules in the original Constitution, thus making it the lengthiest Constitution in the world.
3. Write about the wide range of issues in the Constitution which were contributed by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Ans. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar made significant contributions to the Indian Constitution, including:
1. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: He championed the rights of these marginalized communities, leading to affirmative action and reserved seats in legislatures and educational institutions.
2. Fundamental Rights: He played a crucial role in drafting the chapter on Fundamental Rights, ensuring civil liberties and protections against discrimination.
3. Social Justice: Ambedkar’s influence is seen in the directive principles, promoting social and economic justice, and policies to reduce inequalities.
4. Abolition of Untouchability: He pushed for the abolition of untouchability, which was included as a fundamental duty.
5. Civil Service Reforms: He advocated for merit-based recruitment and fair representation in the civil services.
Ambedkar’s work in the Constituent Assembly shaped the Constitution to be more inclusive and just, addressing the rights and welfare of marginalized communities.
4. We are proud of our Constitution. Ans. (i) Decisions in the Constituent Assembly were made on the basis of debate and discussion. A respect for opposing viewpoints and the acceptance of the appropriate suggestions were a characteristic of the working of the Constituent Assembly.
(ii) It took 2 years, 11 months and 17 days to complete the writing of the Constitution.
(iii) There were 22 parts, 395 Articles and 8 schedules in the original Constitution.
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