Ch.2: Preamble to the Constitution

Preamble to the Constitution | Class 7 | Civics | Chapter 2 | Maharashtra State Board

Welcome to “Decoding the Preamble,” your ultimate guide to understanding the foundational principles of the Constitution. Embark on a journey through the intricate concepts of sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, and republicanism, and grasp the essence of a just, free, and equitable society.

Delve into the depths of social, economic, and political justice, and explore the multifaceted dimensions of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Unravel the significance of these ideals in shaping a nation that upholds the dignity of every individual and fosters unity and integrity.

Subscribe to this channel to embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the Preamble’s significance and its profound impact on shaping a just and harmonious society.

Questions & Answers

1. Find the following words in the grid.

Ans.

1. A sense of ‘we-feeling’ and empathy towards fellow citizens Ans. Fraternity.

2. A system in which sovereign power is in the hands of the people Ans. Democracy.

3. Introduction to the Constitution Ans. Preamble.

4. A system in which all religions are considered equal Ans. Secular

2. Answer the following questions.

1. What are the provisions in a secular Constitution? Ans. A secular Constitution ensures that the state remains neutral in matters of religion and guarantees religious freedom to all citizens.

Key provisions:

• No state religion

• Equality of all religions

• Freedom of religion

• Non-discrimination on religious grounds

• Right to religious education

• Cultural and educational rights for minorities

These provisions maintain state neutrality in religious matters and protect religious freedom and minority rights.

2. What is meant by adult franchise? Ans. Adult franchise refers to the right of citizens aged 18 and above to vote in elections and participate in the democratic process. In India, adult franchise is guaranteed by the Constitution, which gives every citizen who is at least 18 years old the right to vote, regardless of their gender, social status, or educational qualifications. This means that all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decision-making processes of the country, and can exercise their right to choose their representatives through free and fair elections.

3. What right does economic justice ensure? Ans. Economic justice in India ensures the right to equitable access to resources, opportunities, and a decent standard of living for all citizens, aiming to reduce economic disparities and promote social and economic well-being.

4. How will human dignity be established in a society? Ans. Human dignity is established in a society through:

1. Respect for individual rights and freedoms.

2. Equality and non-discrimination.

3. Access to basic necessities and a dignified life.

4. Rule of law and justice.

5. Protection of human rights and human values.

3. How should we make use of our freedom? Write your views about it.

Ans. In India, we can use our freedom responsibly and constructively by:

• Exercising our fundamental rights and duties as citizens

• Pursuing personal goals while respecting others' rights

• Contributing to national development through volunteering, donating, or community service

• Standing up against injustice, discrimination, and corruption

• Promoting peace, harmony, and unity among diverse communities

By doing so, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations, and truly fulfill the promise of independence.

4. Explain the following concepts.

1. Socialist State Ans. In a socialist state like India, the government plays a significant role in the economy and social welfare. It aims to reduce economic inequalities by providing essential services like education, healthcare, and employment opportunities to its citizens. Wealth distribution and economic resources are managed in a way that promotes social and economic justice, with a focus on reducing poverty and improving the living standards of the less privileged.

2. Equality Ans. Equality in India refers to the principle of treating all citizens impartially, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. It's enshrined in the Indian Constitution and promotes equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and social justice. The government takes various measures to uplift marginalized communities and promote equal rights for all.

3. Sovereign State Ans. A sovereign state means that the country India is independent and self-governing. It has the authority to make its laws, conduct foreign relations, and manage its internal and external affairs without external interference. India is not controlled by any foreign power and has full control over its governance and decision-making.

4. Equality of opportunity.

Ans. Equality of opportunity means that all individuals have an equal chance to succeed in life, regardless of their background or circumstances. It ensures that access to education, employment, and other opportunities is not hindered by factors like caste, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. The government takes measures to promote this by providing reservations and affirmative action policies to help historically disadvantaged groups.

5. Make a list of the key words in the Preamble. Look for their meanings in a dictionary. Prepare a chart in the following way:

Keyword	Pronuciation	Dictionary meaning
Sovereign	ˈsɒv.ər.ɪn	​Free to govern itself / Completely independent
Socialist	ˈsəʊ.ʃəl.ɪst	A belief that everyone has equal share in the country’s wealth.
Secular	ˈsek.jə.lər	The citizens have complete freedom to follow any practice any religion.
Democratic	dem.əˈkræt.ɪk	Controlled by representatives who are elected by the peole.
Republic	rɪˈpʌb.lɪk	The head of the state is elected by the people of the country.

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E X T R A

1. Answer the following concepts.

1. Liberty Ans. Liberty in India represents the freedom and rights granted to its citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution. It encompasses individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, expression, and movement, and safeguards against arbitrary state action. These liberties are essential for democratic participation and personal autonomy, while still subject to certain reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order and morality.

2. Complete the sentence by choosing the appropriate words from the options given below:

1. The Preface to the Indian Constitution is called the ‘Preamble’. (Preface, Preview, Annexure)

2. The Preamble sets out the objectives of our Constitution. (declaration, objectives, theme of the Articles)

3. It talks about the resolve of the Indians to constitute India into a ‘Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Democratic Republic’. (Theocratic, Autocratic, Secular)

4. Our country became independent on 15th August 1947. (15th August 1947, 26th January 1950, 26th November 1949)

5. The word Sovereign means that a state is not under the control of a foreign power. (Sovereign, Secular, Socialist)

6. A Socialist State is such a State where the gap between the rich and the poor is minimum. (is maximum, is minimum, does not exist)

7. In secular State, all religions are considered equal and no religion is considered as a state religion. (secular, socialist, sovereign)

8. In a democracy the sovereign power is in the hands of the people. (democracy, autocracy, monarchy)

9. Elections are conducted in India after a fixed period when voters elect their Representatives. (President, Vice-president, Representatives)

10. The Parliament or Legislature and the Executive take decisions for the entire population as per the procedure laid down by the Constitution. (High Court, Supreme Court, Constitution)

11. Justice implies removal of injustice and ensuring that everybody has the opportunity for progress. (Liberty, Justice, Equality)

12. Social justice ensures that as human beings all have the right to the same dignity and respect, the same status. (Political justice, Social justice, Economic justice)

13. Since we have adopted universal adult franchise, all citizens completing 18 years of age have the right to vote in the elections. (18, 20, 21)

14. The liberty of belief, faith and worship implies Religious freedom. (economic, social, religious)

15. Fraternity implies a ‘we-feeling’ towards one another. (Fraternity, Empathy, Sympathy)

3. Match the following:

Column 'A'	Column 'B'
(1) Sovereignty	(a) Equal right over the wealth of the country.
(2) Socialist State	(b) No discrimination on the basis of religion.
(3) Secular	(c) Sovereign power is in the hands of the people.
(4) Democratic	(d) Public positions elected by the people.
	(e) Ultimate authority to govern own self.

Ans.

Column 'A'	Column 'B'
(1) Sovereignty	(e) Ultimate authority to govern own self.
(2) Socialist State	(a) Equal right over the wealth of the country.
(3) Secular	(b) No discrimination on the basis of religion.
(4) Democratic	(c) Sovereign power is in the hands of the people.

4. Name the following:

1. The fundamental and the highest law of the land which is an important document clarifying the rules of the administration. Ans. Constitution.

2. A systematic arrangement of all the aims and objectives of a law which is the preface to the Constitution. Ans. Preamble.

3. The words with which the Preamble begins, Ans. ’We, the people of India’.

4. The word that means that a State is not under the control of a foreign power. Ans. Sovereign.

5. A state where the gap between the rich and poor is minimum. Ans. Socialist.

6. A state wherein all religions are considered equal. Ans. Secular state.

7. In this form of governance, the sovereign power is in the hands of the people. Ans. Democracy.

8. Institutions in India created by our Constitution. Ans. Parliament, Legislature, Executive.

9. In this form of government, all positions are elected by the people and no public position is occupied on the basis of hereditary succession. Ans. Republic.

10. Three types of Justice talked of in the Constitution. Ans. Social Justice, Economic Justice, Political Justice.

11. This implies that there should be no coercive, unfair restrictions upon us and that there should be an atmosphere conducive to the development of our inherent capacities.

Ans. Liberty

12. The most fundamental freedom of an individual. Ans. Freedom of Thought and Expression.

13. The liberty of belief, faith and worship implies this value. Ans. Religious freedom.

14. The goal which is included in the Constitution which implies a ‘we-feeling and feeling of empathy. Ans. Fraternity.

5. State whether the following statements are true or false with reason:

1. The Preamble begins with the mention that the people of India have given the Constitution to themselves. Ans. False : The Preamble begins with the words ‘We, the People of India’.

2. In a democracy, the sovereign power is in the hands of the people. Ans. True: Democracy is the Government of the people, by the people and for the people.

3. In a democracy, citizens enjoy liberty. Ans. True : In fact democracy becomes mature only if citizens enjoy liberty.

6. Explain the following:

1. The Preamble guarantees the Indian citizens equality of status and of opportunity. Ans. The Indian Constitution guarantees equality for all citizens, ensuring equal rights and opportunities regardless of background. This encompasses equality before the law, prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or birthplace, and providing equal access to education, employment, and public services. These principles are enshrined in the Constitution's Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, and the government is obligated to uphold them, ensuring true equality for all citizens.

7. Explain the following concepts:

1. Constitution and Preamble Ans. The Constitution is the fundamental rulebook that governs a nation, specifying its government structure and citizens' rights. In India, it was adopted in 1949 and took effect in 1950. The Preamble, an introduction to the Constitution, outlines its goals, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, and sets India as a sovereign, secular, democratic republic. Together, they form the foundation of India’s system of government and law.

2. Republic and how is it different from Monarchy. Ans. Republic: A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter," and political power is derived from the people through elections. In a republic, the head of state, typically a president, is elected by the citizens, and there is no hereditary monarchy.

Difference from Monarchy: In a monarchy, political power is typically inherited and passed down through a royal family, with a monarch (king or queen) serving as the head of state. In contrast, a republic has an elected head of state chosen by the people. India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic, which means its leaders are elected, and there is no hereditary monarchy.

3. Fraternity

Ans. Fraternity in the context of India's Preamble represents the sense of brotherhood and unity among all citizens, transcending differences of caste, religion, and region. It emphasizes the need for social harmony, compassion, and a spirit of oneness among the diverse people of India, promoting a cohesive and inclusive society.

8. Give reason:

1. India is a sovereign state. Ans. India is a sovereign state because it has full control over its own territory, government, and the ability to make and enforce its own laws without external interference.

2. India is a secular state. Ans. India is a secular state, upholding the separation of religion from the state and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion.

3. Freedom of thought and expression is the most fundamental freedom for an individual. Ans. Freedom of thought and expression is the most fundamental freedom for an individual because it enables the free exchange of ideas, fosters creativity, and underpins all other democratic freedoms, ensuring a vibrant and diverse society.

4. Promotions of fraternity has been included in the Preamble as a goal. Ans. Promotion of fraternity in the Preamble is included as a goal to foster a sense of unity, brotherhood, and social harmony among India's diverse population, which is essential for a strong and inclusive democratic society.

5. Fraternity is closely related with human dignity. Ans. Fraternity promotes human dignity by recognizing the worth and value of every individual, regardless of background or status, and treating them with respect, kindness, compassion and equality, thus creating a society where everyone feels valued, respected and included, which is crucial for maintaining human dignity and promoting social harmony, equality and justice in a democracy.

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