Extra 30 short questions with answers for CBSE Class 8 Civics Chapter 1: The Indian Constitution.

Short Answer Questions

What is a Constitution?

A constitution is a set of rules and principles that guide a country.

It defines the rights and duties of citizens.

It establishes the framework for the government.

It helps maintain law and order in society.

Why does a country need a Constitution?

It provides a framework for governance.

It protects citizens' rights and freedoms.

It prevents the misuse of power.

It ensures justice, equality, and democracy.

What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?

Federalism

: Division of power between central and state governments.

Separation of Powers

: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary work independently.

Fundamental Rights

: Protect citizens' freedoms.

Secularism

: Equal treatment of all religions.

Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?

Dr.

B.R.

Ambedkar

was the chairman.

He is called the "Father of the Indian Constitution."

He played a key role in drafting the Constitution.

The committee was formed on

29th August 1947

.

What is meant by ‘Sovereign’ in the Preamble?

India is independent and free from external control.

The government makes decisions without foreign interference.

Citizens have the ultimate authority in governance.

It ensures self-rule and national dignity.

What is the meaning of ‘Socialist’ in the Preamble?

The government aims to reduce wealth inequality.

Economic resources are fairly distributed.

Public welfare is prioritized over personal profit.

It ensures equal opportunities for all.

What is the meaning of ‘Secular’ in the Preamble?

The

government

head

of state (President).

The position is not hereditary.

Leaders are chosen by the people through elections.

It ensures a government accountable to the public.

What are Fundamental Rights?

Rights given to all Indian citizens by the Constitution.

They ensure freedom and equality.

They are enforceable by the courts.

There are six Fundamental Rights.

Name any four Fundamental Rights.

Right to Equality

Right to Freedom

Right against Exploitation

Right to Education

What is the Right to Equality?

Every citizen is equal before the law.

No discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender.

Equal access to public places.

Equality in employment and opportunities.

What is the Right to Freedom?

Citizens can speak, travel, and express themselves freely.

Freedom to form groups and associations.

Freedom to live and work anywhere in India.

It ensures personal and political freedom.

What is the Right to Education?

It ensures free and compulsory education for children (6-14 years).

Education is a fundamental right for every child.

Schools must provide quality education.

It helps in the development of society.

What is the Right against Exploitation?

Prohibits child

labor

and forced

labor

.

Prevents exploitation of workers.

Ensures fair wages and good working conditions.

Protects people from human trafficking.

What is Secularism?

The government treats all religions equally.

No religion is promoted by the state.

Citizens can practice any religion freely.

It ensures religious harmony.

What do you mean by Universal Adult Franchise?

Every citizen above 18 years can vote.

No discrimination based on gender, caste, or wealth.

It ensures equal participation in democracy.

It gives power to the people.

What is the role of the Parliament?

Makes laws for the country.

Controls government spending.

Debates and discusses national issues.

Represents the voice of the people.

What are Directive Principles of State Policy?

Guidelines for the government to improve citizens' lives.

They are not enforceable by courts.

Aim for social and economic justice.

Examples: Free education, equal wages, healthcare.

What is the role of the President of India?

Head of the state and supreme commander of the armed forces.

Signs bills into law.

Represents India in international matters.

Elected for a 5-year term.

What is the role of the Prime Minister?

Head of the government.

Leads the Council of Ministers.

Makes important national decisions.

Represents India globally.

What is the role of the Judiciary?

Interprets and upholds the Constitution.

Ensures laws are followed.

Resolves disputes and delivers justice.

Protects citizens’ rights.

What is the importance of the Constitution?

It provides rules for governance.

Protects citizens' rights.

Prevents misuse of power.

Maintains unity and integrity of the country.

Who elects the President of India?

Elected by the Members of Parliament (MPs).

Also elected by Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).

Uses an indirect voting system.

Elected for 5 years.

What is meant by ‘Rule of Law’?

Law applies equally to all citizens.

No one is above the law.

Ensures justice and fairness.

Protects democracy.

What is meant by ‘Federalism’?

Division of power between central and state governments.

Each level has its own responsibilities.

Prevents power centralization.

Ensures local governance.

What is meant by ‘Legislature’?

The law-making body of the government.

Includes the Parliament (

Lok

Sabha &

Rajya

Sabha).

Discusses and passes laws.

Controls government policies.

How many schedules are there in the Indian Constitution?

There are 12 schedules.

They contain details about government policies.

Examples: Official languages, powers of states,

Panchayati

Raj.

Help in the smooth functioning of the government.

What is the Preamble of the Constitution?

Introduction to the Constitution.

Explains the guiding principles of the nation.

States India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.

Promotes justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Why is the Constitution called the supreme law of the land?

All laws must follow the Constitution.

It defines government powers and limits.

Protects the rights of citizens.

Ensures justice and democracy.

29. Why was the Indian Constitution made so detailed and lengthy?

India is a diverse country with many languages, religions, and cultures.

The Constitution had to address issues of equality, rights, and governance.

It borrowed features from many countries to create a strong democratic framework.

It provides detailed laws to avoid ambiguity and ensure justice.

30. What is the significance of the 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution?

It was passed in

1976

during the Emergency.

It added the words

"Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity"

to the Preamble.

It strengthened the power of the central government.

It made fundamental duties a part of the Constitution.