Chapter - 15
Framing and the Constitution
2 marks answer questions
Question 1. After the partition of India in 1947, which two major problems the Government of India had to face the problem of integration.
Answer- After the partition of India in 1947, the Government of India had to face the problem of refugees and the problem of integration of the princely states.
Question 2: Mention any two problems of refugee resettlement in India after partition.
Answer- (i) To arrange camps for the refugees.
(ii) To make arrangements for the care of destitute women and orphans.
Question 3. Which three major princely states were left out of the Indian Union in 1947? Who played a major role in these princely states?
Answer – (i) In 1947 AD, three major princely states namely Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir were left out of the Indian Union.
(ii) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a major role in the integration of these princely states.
Question 4. When was Hyderabad included in the Indian Union? Who was the ruler at that time?
Answer- ( i) Hyderabad was included in the Indian Union on November 23, 1949.
(ii) The ruler of that time was Mir Osman Ali Khan.
Question 5. Who was the ruler of the princely state of Kashmir and when did he announce his joining the Indian Union?
Answer – (i) The name of the ruler of the princely state of Kashmir was Hari Singh.
(ii) He had declared his joining the Indian Union on 26 October 1947.
Question 5A. What do you understand by constitution?
Answer- Constitution refers to the rules on the basis of which the government is run.
Question 6. When was the Indian Constitution prepared and when it was implemented?
Answer- (i) The Constitution of India was prepared on 26 November 1949 AD.
(ii) It was implemented on 26 January 1950 AD.
Question 7. Why is the Indian Constitution the longest constitution in the world?
Answer- India is a huge country. People of different religions, castes and cultures live here. Therefore, a long constitution was necessary for India's unity and progress.
Question 8. Write any two points of importance of Indian Constitution.
Answer- (i) It united people of different religions and castes.
(ii) It strengthened democratic institutions.
Question 9. Why were the few years before the making of the Indian Constitution turbulent?
Answer- (i) Quit India movement started in 1942 AD.
(ii) Actions taken by the Azad Hind Fauj of Subhas Chandra Bose.
(iii) The venom of communalism being spread rapidly by the Muslim League.
Question 10. When was the Constituent Assembly formed? How many members did it have?
Answer- (i) The Constituent Assembly was formed in July 1946 AD.
(ii) Its total members were 389.
(iii) Congress had 82% of its members.
Question 11. When was the first session of the Constituent Assembly convened? What was its purpose?
Answer- (i) The first session of the Constituent Assembly was called on December 9, 1946 AD.
(ii) Its purpose was to create the Constitution of India.
Question 12. Who was the first temporary and permanent president of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer- (1) The first provisional president of the Constituent Assembly was Dr. Satchidanand Sinha.
(ii) The first permanent chairman of the Constituent Assembly was Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Question 13. Who were the main members of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer- Dr. Satchidananda Sinha, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, B. R. Ambedkar, K. M. Munshi, Alladi Krishnaswami Iyer, B. N. Rao and S. N. Mukherjee were the prominent members of the Constituent Assembly .
Question 14. Where was the All India Varnashram Swarajya Sangh established? What two suggestions did it give to the Constituent Assembly?
Answer- (i) All India Varnashram Swarajya Sangh was established in Calcutta.
(ii) The Indian Constitution should be based on the principles laid down in ancient Hindu books.
(iii) It demanded a ban on cow slaughter and slaughterhouses in India.
Question 15 Which two demands did the lower caste groups make in the constitution?
Answer- (i) The atrocities being committed on them by the upper caste people should stop.
(ii) Seats should be reserved for them in the legislature, government departments and local bodies.
Question 16. Which two demands were made by the linguistic minorities in the Constituent Assembly?
Answer- (i) They should get freedom of expression in mother tongue.
(ii) The provinces should be reorganized on the basis of languages.
Question 17. How many members played a significant role in the Constituent Assembly? Write the names of any two of these members.
Answer- (i) 6 members played a remarkable role in the Constituent Assembly.
(ii) The names of two of these members were Jawaharlal Nehru and B. R. Ambedkar.
Question 18. Who were the three members of Congress who played a major role in the Constituent Assembly?
Answer- Three members of the Congress who played a major role in the Constituent Assembly were Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Question 19. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee? Which two famous lawyers or who was the chairman of the drafting committee to assist him?
Answer- (i) The Chairman of the Drafting Committee was B.R.Ambedkar.
Lawyers were appointed.
(ii) Two famous lawyers named KM Munshi and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer were appointed to assist him.
Question 20. Which two administrative officers played a major role in drafting the Indian Constitution?
Answer- Two administrative officers named S.N.Mukherjee and B.N.Rao played a major role in drafting the Indian Constitution.
Question 21. When did Jawaharlal Nehru present the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly?
Answer- (i) Jawaharlal Nehru presented the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946 AD.
(ii) Why is it called a historical proposal because it outlined the basic ideals of the Indian Constitution.
Question 22. Write any two ideals of an objective proposition.
Answer- (i) India will be an independent sovereign republic.
(ii) All Indians were assured justice, equality and liberty.
Question 23: We are not just imitators, who said these words, when and where?
Answer- "We are not just imitators. These words were said by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946.
Question 24. Somnath Lahiri had ear? What were his thoughts about the Constituent Assembly?
Answer- (1) Somnath Lahiri was a communist member in the Constituent Assembly.
(ii) He was of the view that the Constituent Assembly was actually formed by the British and it was working to realize the plan of the British.
Question 25. How did social reformers promote social justice in the 19th century?
Answer – (i) He opposed child marriage, sati system and purdah system.
(ii) He took many steps for the upliftment of the oppressed castes and women.
Question 26 Which constitutional reforms did the British government pass to increase the share of Indians in the provincial governments?
Answer- The British government passed the constitutional reforms of 1909 AD, 1919 AD and 1935 AD to increase the share of Indians in the provincial governments.
Question 27. When were the first provincial elections held in India during the British rule? What was the position of Congress in this?
Answer – (i) The first provincial elections were held in 1937 AD during the British rule.
(ii) In this the Congress was successful in forming its government in 8 provinces out of 11 provinces.
Question 28. Name any two leaders who supported separate electorates.
Answer- The names of any two leaders who supported separate electorate were B. Poker Bahadur and B. R. Ambedkar.
Question 29. Why did B. Poker Bahadur support separate electorates for Muslims?
Answer – (i) Non-Muslims cannot understand well the needs of Muslims.
(ii) For a meaningful share of the Muslims in the government.
Question 30. What made most of the nationalists furious with B. Poker Bahadur's demand for separate electorates for Muslims?
Answer- (1) They used to consider it a trick to distribute to the people.
(ii) He considered it a poison which has poisoned the whole politics.
Question 31. Why did Govind Vallabh Pant criticize the demand for separate electorates made by B. Poker Bahadur?
Answer- (1) He considered it a suicidal demand.
(2) Due to this reason the minorities will be permanently isolated.
Question 32. They need support. They need a ladder. Who said these words and for whom?
Answer- These words were uttered by N.G.Ranga for the poor and downtrodden people.
Question 33: Who was the famous orator of the tribals? What did he emphasize?
Answer- (1) Jaipal Singh was the famous speaker of the tribals.
Answer- He stressed on creating necessary conditions for the safety of the tribals and to bring them to the level of the general public.
Question 34. Why did Jaipal Singh consider reservation of seats necessary for the tribals?
Answer- (i) Jaipal Singh wanted to reduce the emotional and material difference between the tribals and the rest of the society.
(ii) He wanted the voice of the tribals to be heard by others.
Question 35. What were the restrictions imposed by the society on the oppressed castes?
Answer – (i) They were not allowed to go to the temples.
(ii) They could not eat food with the upper castes.
(iii) They could not get education.
Question 36. Who were the two main supporter leaders of the repressed castes?
Answer – The two main supporter leaders of the repressed castes were B.R.Ambedkar and J.Nagappa.
Question 37. How did the Constituent Assembly want to solve the problem of untouchables?
Answer- (i) Untouchability should be abolished.
(ii) The doors of Hindu temples should be opened to all castes.
(iii) Reservation should be given to the lower castes in legislatures and government jobs.
Question 38. What provisions were made in the constitution to make the center more powerful? Write any two.
Answer – (i) All the important subjects were kept in the central list.
(ii) On the recommendation of the Governor under Article 356, the Central Government can take over all the powers of the State Government.
Question 39. Who was the most notable among the members who were in favor of making the states more powerful than the center?
Answer – The members who were in favor of making the states more powerful than the center were notable among them K. Santanam of Madras.
Question 40. What suggestions did the language committee of the Constituent Assembly give regarding Hindi on the question of national language?
Answer- (i) Hindi written in Devanagari script shall be the official language of India.
(ii) English will continue to be used in official work for the first 15 years. Each province will have the right to choose a regional language.
Question 41. How far was given in protest against making Hindi the national language?
Answer- (1) Many people thought that Hindi was being forced on them.
(2) The people of South India did not understand Hindi language.
Question 42. Which two features of the Indian Constitution were largely agreed upon?
Answer- (1) To give franchise to every adult Indian.
(2) Emphasizing the policy of secularism.
Question 43. State any two fundamental rights given in the Indian Constitution.
Answer- (1) Right to equality.
(ii) Right to freedom of religion.
Q 44. What do you know about the Central List?
Answer- The subjects of national importance are given in the Central or Union List of the Indian Constitution. Only the Center has the right to make laws on these. These include 97 subjects. Prominent among these are foreign policy, national security and currency etc.
Q45. What do you know about the State List?
Answer – A total of 47 subjects have been included in the State List of the Indian Constitution. Only the state governments have the right to make laws on them. Important among these are local self-government, police and public health.
Question 46. Throw light on the Concurrent List.
Answer – 66 subjects are included in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution. Both the central and state governments can make laws on these, in case of conflict, priority is given to the central government.
Question 47. What is adult franchise?
Answer- Adult suffrage means that every man and woman whose age is 18 years or more. Vote without any discrimination.
Question 48. State any two Directive Principles of State Policy given in the Indian Constitution.
Answer- (i) To arrange adequate means for livelihood.
(ii) To provide free education to children up to the age of 14 years.
Question 49. Is India a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic?
Answer – (i) India is a sovereign state because India is free to make its internal and external policy.
(ii) India is a socialist state because its citizens have equal opportunities for their growth and development.
(iii) India is a secular state, because all Indians are free to adopt their religion.
(iv) India is a democratic republic because here the election is adult suffrage and its head is the President.
Question 50. Is the Constitution of India rigid and flexible?
Answer- (i) To amend a part of the Indian Constitution, a clear majority of the total number of members of both the Houses and two-thirds majority of those present and voting is necessary. This is a testament to the rigidity of the Indian Constitution.
(ii) A part of the Indian Constitution is that which can be changed by the Parliament only by a simple majority. This is a testament to the flexibility of the Constitution.
Question 51. Is India a secular state?
Answer- India has been declared a secular state in the Indian Constitution. This means that the Government of India has not declared any particular religion as the state religion. All Indian citizens have complete freedom regarding their religion.
Questions carrying answers of 3 marks.
Question 1. Mention any three problems of refugee settlement in India after partition.
Answer- (i) To arrange caps for refugees.
(ii) To make arrangements for the care of destitute women and orphans.
(iii) Removal of abducted women and children. State any three works done.
Question 2. What steps were taken for the resettlement of refugees after the partition of India in 1947?
Answer- (i) Refugee camps were opened at many places to take care of the refugees.
(ii) Special arrangements were made for the rehabilitation of orphaned children and destitute women.
(iii) Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 1954 was passed.
Question 3. What steps were taken for the integration of the princely states?
Answer – (i) For the integration of the princely states, a separate ministry was created on June 25, 1947.
(ii) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited many princely states. Due to his magical personality, most of the princely states agreed to join India.
(iii) The princely states of Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir were included in the Indian Union after military action.
Question 4. How Junagadh was merged with India?
Answer- Most of the population of Junagadh was Hindu. But its Nawab was a Muslim. The Nawab announced the accession of Junagadh to Pakistan. The Government of India decided to give a proper answer to this. Soon an army was sent under the leadership of Brigadier Gurdial Singh. Small princely states around Kathiawar also sent their soldiers to help this army. Here, due to the terror of the Nawab, lakhs of people had fled from Junagadh. On the arrival of the army, the Nawab appealed to Pakistan for help. But seeing no hope, the Nawab considered it good to run away from Junagadh. A referendum was held there on February 20, 1948. In this referendum, almost 99% of the votes went in favor of India. Thus Junagadh was merged with the Indian Union.
Question 5. How was Hyderabad merged with India?
answer- Hyderabad was one of the largest princely states of India. In 1947 AD the ruler of Hyderabad was Mir Osman Ali Khan. Majority of the population of this princely state was Hindu. In June 1947, the ruler there declared that his princely state would be an independent state. He announced a ban on precious metals going out of Hyderabad. Apart from this, he declared Indian coins illegal in his princely state. In Hyderabad, the fundamentalists established an organization called 'Rajakar' and the Indian government was forced to resort to military action against the non-Muslim people. 13 september, In 1948, an army under Major General JN Boudhari entered Hyderabad. The Hyderabad army and the Razakars could not stand before them and were defeated. On 18 September, the Indian Army occupied Hyderabad and by a declaration, the Government of India merged Hyderabad with India.
Question 6. How was Kashmir merged with India?
Answer- Kashmir was also a very big princely state like Hyderabad. The ruler here, Hari Singh was a Hindu, but most of the people of the princely state were Muslims. The ruler of Kashmir wanted to maintain his independent existence. On 22 October, Pakistan launched a tribal attack on Kashmir. The Muslim soldiers of the princely state also joined them. The tribals occupied many territories of Kashmir. Under these circumstances, on 26 October 1947, Hari Singh appealed to India for military assistance and agreed to include his princely state in the Indian Union. So war broke out in India and Pakistan. This war. It was closed on January 1949 AD on the intervention of the United Nations. Due to this some part of Kashmir went to Pakistan and the remaining part was left with India. As a result, this matter remains the root of dispute between the two countries till date.
Question 7. Why were the few years before the making of the Indian Constitution turbulent?
Answer- (1) Quit India movement started in 1942 AD.
(ii) Actions taken by the Azad Hind Fauj of Subhas Chandra Bose.
(iii) The venom of communalism being spread rapidly by the Muslim League.
(iv) Workers and peasant movements going on in different parts of India.
(v) The rebellion of the Royal Indian Navy started in Bombay in 1946.
Question 8. Write a note on the constitution of the Constituent Assembly.
Answer- The Constituent Assembly whose purpose was to frame the Indian Constitution, was formed in July, 1946 AD. Its total number of members was 389. Out of these, 296 members were to be elected on the basis of provincial elections. In the elections held for the Constituent Assembly in 1946, the Congress won 211 places, Muslim people won 73 places and other parties won 12 places. Apart from these members, representatives of 93 princely states were also included in the Constituent Assembly of India. These members were not elected but were sent by the princes themselves by appointing them. The Congress had 82% members in the Constituent Assembly. First session of the Constituent Assembly On 9 December 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was appointed as the first permanent President of the Constituent Assembly. Called on 11 December 1946 AD. Dr. Satchidanand Sinha was made the provisional president.
Question 9. The Congress itself was a comprehensive front in the Constituent Assembly.
Answer – (i) The Congress had 82% members in the Constituent Assembly.
(ii) Some of these members were atheists and some were secular.
(iii) Some of these members were of socialist ideology while some were supporters of the landlords.
Question 10. What ideals were emphasized in the Objectives Resolution?
Answer – (1) India will be a fully independent sovereign republic.
(ii) Indian citizens were assured justice, equality and liberty.
(iii) Appropriate arrangements shall be made to protect the interests of minority classes, backward castes and tribes.
(iv) India will continue to make full contribution to world peace and welfare of human beings.
Question 11. Write a short note on B.R.Ambedkar.
Answer – B.R.Ambedkar was a great leader of the oppressed. He played a remarkable role in the making of the Indian Constitution. BR Ambedkar abandoned the demand for separate electorates for the oppressed castes after India's independence. The Constituent Assembly eventually suggested that untouchability be abolished. The doors of Hindu temples should be opened to all castes. Reservation should be given to lower castes in legislatures and government jobs. Many were of the view that these measures alone would not solve all the problems of the oppressed castes. Social discrimination cannot be abolished only by passing a constitutional law. For this, it is necessary to bring a change in the thinking of the people.
Question 12. What were the restrictions imposed by the society on the oppressed castes?
Answer – (i) They were not allowed to go to the temples.
(ii) They could not eat food with the upper castes.
(iii) They could not get education.
(iv) They were not allowed to study the Vedas.
(v) They could not establish marital relations with the upper castes.
Question 13. How did the Constituent Assembly want to solve the problem of untouchables?
Answer- (i) Untouchability should be abolished.
(ii) The doors of Hindu temples should be opened to all castes.
(iii) Reservation should be given to the repressed castes in the legislatures and government jobs.
(iv) There should be a change in the thinking of the people.
Question 14. What provisions were made in the constitution to make the center more powerful? Write any three.
Answer – (i) All the important subjects were kept in the central list.
(ii) Under Article 356, on the recommendation of the Governor, the Central Government can take over all the powers of the State Government.
(iii) Minerals and major industries were brought under the control of the Central Government.
Question 15. What arguments were given in favor of more powers for the provinces?
Answer- (i) The center will not be able to work effectively due to the presence of more powers.
(ii) It is not possible for the provinces to develop without money.
(iii) As the center becomes more powerful, it will disintegrate.
(iv) With the power of the center, our future will become bleak and the states will be forced to revolt against the centre.
Question 16. Give arguments in favor of strengthening the centre.
Answer – (i) A powerful center is capable of preventing communal violence.
(ii) Only a powerful center can plan in the interest of the country.
(iii) He can establish a proper governance system.
(iv) It can mobilize available economic resources.
(v) Only a powerful center can save the country from foreign invasion.
Question 17. Why did Mahatma Gandhi feel that Hindustani should be the national language?
Answer- (i) People could easily understand this.
(ii) It was spoken and understood by a large part of the population of India.
(iii) It was made up of a combination of Hindi and Urdu.
(iv) It made a remarkable contribution in uniting different cultures.
Question 18. What is the importance of the Preamble of the Constitution of India?
Answer – The Preamble of the Constitution of India has special significance. In this, the basic objectives and goals of the Constitution are the result of the desire of the people to be clear. Has been done . It has been emphasized that the ultimate authority is vested in the people and that the Indian Constitution is the result of the will of the Indian people.
Question 19. Why was the Constitution of India implemented on 26 January?
Answer- The Constitution of India was implemented on 26 January because the Congress declared the independence of India on 26 January 1930 AD.
Question 20. Write the main features of the Indian Constitution.
Answer- (i) The Constitution of India is a written and detailed constitution.
(ii) Indian Constitution is a flexible and rigid constitution.
(iii) According to the Indian Constitution, India has been declared as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
(iv) Parliamentary system of government has been provided in India by this constitution.
(v) According to the Indian Constitution, all adult citizens have been given the right to vote.
Question 21. Describe the fundamental rights given in the Indian Constitution.
Answer – In the third episode of the Indian Constitution, from Article 14 to 32, fundamental rights have been given to Indians. These fundamental rights are divided into 6 categories. These rights are :- (1) Right to Equality (ii) Right to Freedom (iii) Right against Exploitation (iv) Right to Freedom of Religion (v) Cultural and Educational Rights (vi) Right to Constitutional Remedies.
Question 22. Write any three fundamental duties given in the Indian Constitution.
Answer- (i) To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals, its institutions, national flag and national anthem.
(ii) To respect and follow all the ideals which inspired our national struggle for the attainment of independence.
(iii) To develop the spirit of co-fraternity and equality among all the people of India rising above religious, linguistic, regional and class differences and to give up the practices which insult the dignity of women.
Question 23. Describe the Fundamental Duties given in the Indian Constitution.
answer- In 1976, by the 42nd constitutional amendment, the following ten fundamental duties of Indian citizens were inscribed in the Constitution of India: (1) To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals, its institutions, the national flag and the national anthem. (ii) To respect and follow all the ideals which inspired our national struggle for independence. (iii) To support and protect the security and integrity of the country. (iv) To render national service for the security and integrity of the country. (v) To develop a sense of fraternity and equality among all the people of India by rising above religious, linguistic, regional and class differences. (v) To respect and to establish and protect the unique heritage of a joint culture. (vii) forests, lakes, Protecting and improving the natural environment including rivers and wildlife and treating them towards animals. (viii) To develop scientific temper, humanism and tendency to observe and improve (ix) To protect public property and to give up violence. (x) To achieve excellence in every sphere of individual and collective activity so that the nation continues to move towards higher levels of progress.
Question 24. Describe the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Answer – The Directive Principles of State Policy have been described from Article 36 to 51 of the Indian Constitution. These Directive Principles of State Policy have been enshrined in the Constitution to guide governance and establish social and economic democracy. The main guiding principles are - (i) To provide adequate means for livelihood. (ii) To pay equal wages to men and women for doing equal work. (iii) To provide free education to children up to the age of 14 years. (iv) To manage the security of historical buildings. (v) Establishment of village panchayats. (vi) To encourage cottage industries, agriculture and animal husbandry (vii) To make laws for the upliftment of Harijans, backward castes and tribes. (vii) To help the old and handicapped. (iv) To enforce prohibition. (x) Separation of executive and judiciary.
Question 25. Indian Constitution is neither more rigid nor more flexible but a mixture of both. Prove it
Answer- For the purpose of amending the Constitution, the Indian Constitution can be divided into three parts -
(1) A part is that which can be changed by Parliament only by a simple majority. This part confirms the flexibility of the constitution.
(2) The second part is that in which a clear majority of the total number of members of both the Houses of Parliament and two-thirds majority of those present and voting are necessary to amend. This part is a direct proof of the rigidity of the Constitution.
(3) The third part is that which is to be amended by a clear majority of the total number of both Houses of Parliament in addition to a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, at least half (1/2) ratified by the State Legislatures. mandatory . This part is proof of the very rigidity of the constitution. It is thus clear that the Indian Constitution is neither more rigid nor more flexible, but it is a mixture of rigid and flexible.
Question 26. Is the Indian judiciary independent?
Answer- While arranging the Supreme Court and High Courts, the framers of the Constitution have tried to adopt all those principles which are essential for an independent judiciary. The power of appointment of judges is entrusted only to the President, who appoints the Chief Justice and other judges in consultation with him, the tenure of the judges is also fixed. Judges of the Supreme Court retire after attaining the age of 65 years and judges of the High Courts of the states at the age of 62 years. The salaries and allowances of judges are also exorbitant.
Question 27. Is India a secular state?
Answer- India has been declared a secular republic in the Preamble of the Constitution. The constitution has made such arrangements which are essential features of a secular state. The constitution has not given the status of state religion to any particular religion and has treated people of all religions as equal. Articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution provide for religious freedom. Every person has the freedom to adopt and propagate any religion of his own free will. Religious institutions have the freedom to keep and manage property etc. for religious propaganda. No citizen can be discriminated on the basis of religion while making appointment to government posts. Religion is a personal matter of the individual and the state does not interfere in it.
Question 28. Write any four points of importance of Indian Constitution.
Answer- (i) Fundamental rights and duties of citizens have been given in this.
(ii) By this India has been declared as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
(iii) It has strengthened democratic institutions.
(iv) It has united various religions and castes.
