The Indian Constitution, Chapter -1,( social and political life) Class-8, solved exercises.

A. Choose the correct answer
1. Which one of the following refers to a fundamental legal document according to which the government of a country functions?
Answer: (b) Constitution

2. Every law enacted by the government has to be in conformity with the
Answer: (c) Constitution

3. Which one of the following refers to an introduction in which the purpose of the Constitution is given?
Answer: (a) Preamble

4. Which one of the following is/are the feature(s) of our Constitution?
Answer: (d) All of these

5. Which one of the following refers to the country free from external control?
Answer: (a) Sovereign

6. India has governments in the states and at the centre that shows that it has
Answer: (b) a federal system of government

B. Match Column A with Column B
1. Right to Equality → (iii) Untouchability has been abolished
2. Cultural & Educational Rights → (iv) Right to minorities to establish their educational institutions
3. Right to Freedom → (ii) Right to form associations
4. Right against Exploitation → (i) Prohibition of forced labour
Correct option: (d)
1-(iii), 2-(iv), 3-(ii), 4-(i)

C. State True or False
(i) Our Constitution enumerates our rights and duties.
Answer: True
(ii) It is not our duty to respect the Constitution.
Answer: False

(iii) It is not essential that every law enacted by the government should be in conformity with the Constitution.
Answer: False
(iv) Most countries in the world do not have a Constitution.
Answer: False
(v) India has a parliamentary form of government.
Answer: True

II. Short Answer Type Questions
1. There is a provision of check and balance in our Constitution. Explain.

Answer:
The Indian Constitution provides a system of checks and balances among the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. Each organ keeps a check on the powers of the others so that no organ becomes too powerful or misuses its authority.

2. What are the roles of a Constitution in a country? Explain any two.

Answer:
(i) It lays down the basic rules and laws according to which the government functions.
(ii) It protects the rights and freedoms of the citizens.

3. Justify that India is a sovereign democratic republic.

Answer:
India is sovereign because it is free from external control. It is democratic because the people elect their government through elections. It is a republic because the head of the state is elected and not a hereditary ruler.

4. Explain any two Fundamental Rights.

Answer:
Right to Equality – All citizens are equal before the law and discrimination is prohibited.
Right to Freedom – Citizens have freedom of speech, movement, residence and profession.

III. Long Answer Type Questions
1. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?

Answer:
A democratic country needs a Constitution because it lays down the basic principles and rules for governance. It defines the powers and functions of the government and protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens. It also ensures justice, equality and liberty for all people. The Constitution prevents misuse of power by providing checks and balances among different organs of government.

2. Discuss the various features of the Indian Constitution.

Answer:
Main features of the Indian Constitution are:
(i) Written Constitution – It is a detailed written document.
(ii) Sovereign – India is free from external control.
(iii) Socialist – The government works for social and economic equality.
(iv) Secular – All religions are treated equally.
(v) Democratic – People elect their representatives through elections.
(vi) Republic – The head of the state is elected.
(vii) Federal System – Powers are divided between the Centre and the States.
(viii) Fundamental Rights – Citizens are given basic rights and freedoms.

3. Define Secularism. How can you say that India is a secular state? Explain.

Answer
Secularism means that the state does not favour any one religion and treats all religions equally.
India is a secular state because:
(i) Citizens are free to follow any religion of their choice.
(ii) The government does not promote any particular religion.
(iii) All religions are given equal respect before the law.
(iv) The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens.