Extra 30 short-answer questions from the chapter "Philosophy of Indian Constitution" for Class 11 Political Science:
1. What does the term ‘Sovereign’ mean in the Preamble?
Answer: The term ‘Sovereign’ means that India is free from external control and has complete authority over its internal and external affairs.
2. Why is the Indian Constitution called a ‘living document’?
Answer: The Indian Constitution is called a ‘living document’ because it can be amended and adapted to the changing needs of society while maintaining its core principles.
3. What does the term ‘Socialist’ signify in the Preamble?
Answer: It signifies economic and social equality, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and wealth concentration is reduced.
4. What is meant by ‘Secularism’ in the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Secularism in India means no official state religion, and the government treats all religions equally and impartially.
5. What does ‘Republic’ mean in the Preamble?
Answer: Republic means that the Head of the State (President) is elected and not hereditary, ensuring democratic governance.
6. What is the significance of the term ‘Justice’ in the Preamble?
Answer: It ensures social, economic, and political justice to all citizens, promoting equality and fairness.
7. How does the Constitution ensure political justice?
Answer: Political justice is ensured through universal adult suffrage, free and fair elections, and equal political opportunities.
8. What are Fundamental Rights?
Answer: Fundamental Rights are basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution to ensure freedom, equality, and dignity for all citizens.
9. What are the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
Answer: DPSP are guidelines for the government to achieve socio-economic justice and create a welfare state.
10. What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?
Answer: Fundamental Rights are enforceable by law, while DPSPs are non-enforceable but serve as guiding principles for governance.
11. What is the importance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution?
Answer: The Preamble reflects the ideals and objectives of the Constitution, providing a vision for governance and national unity.
12. Who is known as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
13. What does the term ‘Fraternity’ in the Preamble signify?
Answer: It promotes brotherhood and unity, ensuring that all citizens live with dignity and mutual respect.
14. What is the significance of the term ‘Equality’ in the Preamble?
Answer: It ensures equal treatment under the law and eliminates discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or wealth.
15. What is the main purpose of Fundamental Duties?
Answer: Fundamental Duties remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation, promoting patriotism and discipline.
16. How does the Constitution protect minorities?
Answer: It grants cultural and educational rights, ensuring minorities can preserve their heritage and access education.
17. What is the concept of democracy in the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Democracy in India is based on free elections, universal suffrage, and people’s participation in governance.
18. What is meant by ‘Rule of Law’?
Answer: It means everyone is equal before the law, and no one is above it, including the government.
19. Why is India called a federal state with unitary features?
Answer: India has a division of powers between the Centre and States but also a strong central government with emergency powers.
20. How does the Constitution promote economic justice?
Answer: By ensuring equal pay for equal work, reducing wealth inequality, and promoting social welfare schemes.
21. What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Answer: It means all citizens above 18 years have the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
22. What are the features of a Republic?
Answer:
Elected Head of State (President)
Government by the people
No hereditary rule
23. What is the significance of the 42nd Amendment in the Preamble?
Answer: It added the words "Socialist, Secular, and Integrity" to the Preamble in 1976.
24. What is the role of the judiciary in protecting the philosophy of the Constitution?
Answer: The judiciary ensures that laws and government actions follow constitutional principles, using judicial review.
25. What are the basic values reflected in the Preamble?
Answer: Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, which form the foundation of India’s democracy.
26. How does the Indian Constitution ensure a balance between rights and duties?
Answer:
Fundamental Rights provide
freedom and protection
.
Fundamental Duties
remind citizens of their responsibilities
towards the nation.
27. What is the role of Parliament in upholding the philosophy of the Constitution?
Answer: Parliament makes laws, protects rights, and ensures democratic governance as per constitutional principles.
28. How does secularism in India differ from Western secularism?
Answer:
Western secularism
separates
religion and state completely
.
Indian secularism
allows the
state to regulate and support all religions equally
.
29. What is the difference between Political and Economic Democracy?
Answer:
Political democracy
means
free elections and equal political rights
.
Economic democracy
ensures
fair wealth distribution and economic justice
.
30. How does the Constitution ensure social justice?
Answer: By abolishing untouchability, providing reservations for weaker sections, and promoting equal rights.
