This chapter explains the significance and structure of the Constitution of India, detailing its essential functions and creation process.
Structured practice
CONSTITUTION: WHY AND HOW? - Flash Cards
These flash cards cover important concepts from CONSTITUTION: WHY AND HOW? in Indian Constitution at Work for Class 11 (Political Science).
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What is a constitution?
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A constitution is a body of fundamental principles according to which a state is constituted or governed.
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What are the functions of a constitution?
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The functions of a constitution include providing basic rules for governance, allocating power, limiting government authority, and expressing the aspirations of society.
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Why do we need a constitution?
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A constitution is needed to ensure coordination, assurance, and a stable framework for resolving disputes within a diverse society.
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What is meant by 'allocation of power'?
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'Allocation of power' refers to how a constitution specifies who has the authority to make decisions and create laws within a society.
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What is the role of the government as per the constitution?
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The government is constituted according to the constitution, regulates relations among people, and enforces the laws made by it.
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Define 'fundamental rights'.
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Fundamental rights are basic human rights enshrined in the constitution that protect individuals from abuses by the state.
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How do constitutions limit government power?
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Constitutions limit government power by specifying fundamental rights and establishing procedures for law-making that the government must follow.
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What are Directive Principles of State Policy?
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Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines in the Indian Constitution aimed at creating a just society and enabling governments to fulfill the aspirations of the people.
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What does 'living document' mean in context to the constitution?
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A 'living document' refers to a constitution that can adapt and evolve with changing societal values and conditions while maintaining its fundamental principles.
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What promotes the legitimacy of a constitution?
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The legitimacy of a constitution is promoted through the credibility of its framers, the procedural fairness of its creation, and the extent of public consensus on its principles.
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Describe the Constituent Assembly.
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The Constituent Assembly was elected to draft the Indian Constitution, comprising representatives chosen based on population and communities.
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What is the Objective Resolution?
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The Objective Resolution, moved by Nehru in 1946, outlines the aims and values that the Constitution seeks to uphold, including equality, liberty, democracy, and sovereignty.
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What is a monarchical constitution?
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A monarchical constitution is one where the monarch has the authority to make laws, often without the input of the citizenry.
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How does a constitution express the identity of a people?
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A constitution expresses the fundamental identity of a people by establishing a set of norms and principles that define governance and collective identity.
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What is the significance of checks and balances?
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Checks and balances are mechanisms that ensure no single branch of government can dominate, maintaining the integrity of the Constitution.
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What distinguishes a democratic from a non-democratic constitution?
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A democratic constitution allows the people to have a say in governance, often through elected representatives, while a non-democratic constitution concentrates power with a single entity.
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What does 'effective constitution' refer to?
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An effective constitution is one that is actively enforced, commands respect, and adapts to societal changes while preserving core values.
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What are the consequences of a rigid constitution?
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A rigid constitution may struggle to adapt to societal changes and can become obsolete, leading to conflict or noncompliance by the populace.
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What does it mean when a constitution is described as 'just'?
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A 'just' constitution is one that promotes equality and fairness, offering protection and rights to all individuals within society.