Class 9 Social Science- Civics Chapter 2: Constitutional Design

1. Short Notes for Revision

Constitution Definition: Set of basic rules that citizens and government must follow. Acts as the supreme law of the country.
Purpose of Constitution: Limits rulers’ power, defines citizen rights, outlines government functions. Ensures democracy works.
Need for Constitution: Prevents arbitrary rule, provides stability. Needed in democracies to balance power and protect rights.
Process of Making: Involves drafting, debate, and consensus. Designed by representatives, often after major events (e.g., independence).
South Africa Example: Post-apartheid 1996; negotiated end to racial rule. Included all groups in constitution-making.
Indian Constitution: Adopted 26 January 1950. Drawn by Constituent Assembly over 2 years, 11 months.
Values in Constitutions: Justice, liberty, equality, fraternity (India). Reflect democratic ideals and local context.
Amendments: Possible with changing needs. Requires process to ensure stability and adaptability.
Key Features: Written document, separation of powers, fundamental rights, directive principles.

2. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Constitution is: A) Temporary rules B) Supreme law C) Government orders D) Local laws
Purpose of constitution: A) Give unlimited power B) Limit rulers, protect rights C) Ignore citizens D) Change daily
Needed in democracy: A) No rules B) Constitution C) Dictator D) No rights
South Africa constitution year: A) 1990 B) 1996 C) 2000 D) 1985
Indian constitution adopted: A) 15 August 1947 B) 26 January 1950 C) 26 November 1949 D) 1 January 1950
Who designs constitution? A) Single ruler B) Representatives C) Army D) Foreigners
Key value in Indian constitution: A) Inequality B) Justice C) Dictatorship D) Suppression
Amendments mean: A) No changes B) Changes with process C) Random changes D) No process
Separation of powers: A) One branch rules B) Legislature, executive, judiciary C) No division D) Army control
Apartheid ended in: A) 1990 B) 1994 C) 1996 D) 2000

Answer Key: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B, 6-B, 7-B, 8-B, 9-B, 10-B

3. Very Short Answer Type Questions (VSAQs)

What is a constitution? Answer: Supreme law guiding citizens and government.
Why needed? Answer: Limits power, protects rights.
South Africa year? Answer: 1996.
Indian adoption date? Answer: 26 January 1950.
Who designs it? Answer: Representatives.
Key value? Answer: Justice.
Amendments? Answer: Changes with process.
Separation of powers? Answer: Legislature, executive, judiciary.
Apartheid end? Answer: 1994.
Drafting time for India? Answer: 2 years, 11 months.

4. Short Answer Type Questions (SAQs)

Define constitution. Answer: A constitution is the supreme law setting rules for government and citizens. It ensures rights and limits power.
Why is it needed? Answer: Prevents arbitrary rule and provides stability. Essential for democratic governance and rights protection.
How is it made? Answer: Drafted by representatives through debate and consensus. Often follows major changes like independence.
South Africa’s process? Answer: Post-1994, all groups negotiated to end apartheid. Finalized in 1996 with inclusive input.
Indian constitution time? Answer: Took 2 years, 11 months by Constituent Assembly. Adopted on 26 January 1950.
Values in constitution? Answer: Include justice, liberty, equality, fraternity. Reflect democratic and local ideals.
What are amendments? Answer: Changes to constitution as needed. Done through a structured process to maintain balance.
Separation of powers? Answer: Divides government into legislature, executive, judiciary. Ensures checks and balances.
Apartheid context? Answer: Racial segregation in South Africa until 1994. Led to inclusive constitution design.
Importance of design? Answer: Ensures fair governance and adaptability. Reflects people’s will and future needs.

5. Long Answer Type Questions (LAQs)

What is a constitution and why is it needed? Answer: A constitution is the supreme law that sets rules for citizens and government, acting as a framework in democracies. It’s needed to limit rulers’ power, protect rights, and provide stability, preventing chaos or dictatorship. For example, India’s constitution balances power, while South Africa’s post-1994 design ended apartheid, showing its role in transformative governance.
Explain the process of making a constitution. Answer: Constitutions are crafted by elected representatives who debate and draft rules reflecting the people’s will. This process, like India’s 2-year, 11-month effort or South Africa’s post-1994 negotiations, involves consensus to ensure inclusivity. The outcome, adopted on dates like 26 January 1950 (India) or 1996 (South Africa), becomes the legal backbone, adaptable through amendments.
Discuss South Africa’s constitutional design. Answer: After apartheid ended in 1994, South Africa designed its constitution by 1996 through a negotiated process involving all racial groups. This inclusive approach aimed to heal divisions and establish democracy, embedding values like equality. It stands as a model, showing how a constitution can address past injustices and guide a nation forward.
What are the key values in the Indian Constitution? Answer: The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, embodies justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as core values. These principles ensure fair treatment, freedom of expression, equal opportunity, and unity, reflecting India’s diverse society. They guide governance and citizen life, making it a robust democratic framework.
Can a constitution be changed? How? Answer: Yes, a constitution can be amended to meet changing needs, ensuring it remains relevant. In India, this requires a structured process involving Parliament, balancing stability with adaptability. For instance, amendments address new laws or rights, as seen in evolving democratic practices.

6. Source-Based / Case-Based Assessment Questions

Source Extract: (Overview) “The constitution determines the rights of citizens, the powers of the government and how it should function.”

Questions:

What does constitution determine?
Rights example?
Government power limit?
Function aspect?
Importance?

Answer Key:

Rights, powers, functions.
Freedom of speech.
Prevents arbitrary rule.
Structured governance.
Ensures democracy.

Source Extract: (South Africa) “Post-apartheid, South Africa designed its constitution in 1996 after negotiations.”

Questions:

Year of design?
Context?
Method?
Goal?
Outcome?

Answer Key:

1996.
End of apartheid.
Negotiations.
Inclusive democracy.
Equal rights.

Source Extract: (Indian Constitution) “Adopted on 26 January 1950 after 2 years, 11 months of drafting.”

Questions:

Adoption date?
Drafting time?
By whom?
Key value?
Significance?

Answer Key:

26 January 1950.
2 years, 11 months.
Constituent Assembly.
Justice.
Democratic foundation.

7. Solved Exercise-End Questions (NCERT Solutions)

What is a constitution? Answer: A constitution is the supreme law that sets rules for government and citizens. It defines rights and limits power.
Why do we need a constitution? Answer: Needed to prevent arbitrary rule and protect rights. Provides stability and a democratic framework.
Who designs a constitution? Answer: Designed by elected representatives through debate. Example: India’s Constituent Assembly.
What happened in South Africa? Answer: Post-1994, ended apartheid; negotiated constitution by 1996 for inclusive democracy.
When was India’s constitution adopted? Answer: Adopted on 26 January 1950 after 2 years, 11 months of drafting.
What are the key values in a constitution? Answer: Include justice, liberty, equality, fraternity. Guide governance and citizen life.
Can we change the constitution? Answer: Yes, through a process like in India’s Parliament. Ensures adaptability.
What is separation of powers? Answer: Divides government into legislature, executive, judiciary. Maintains checks and balances.
Why was South Africa’s design unique? Answer: Included all groups post-apartheid in 1996. Addressed racial healing.
How long did India take to draft? Answer: 2 years, 11 months by the Constituent Assembly.