Constitutional Design — Class 9 Social Science NCERT Solutions (Free)
Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 9 Social Science chapter "Constitutional Design" — 6 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE board exam preparation.
TL;DR: Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 9 Social Science chapter "Constitutional Design" — 6 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE bo…
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science — Constitutional Design. Step-by-step answers to all 6 textbook questions from this chapter, written for CBSE board preparation and free to use.
Constitutional Design — All 6 Questions Solved
Q1. What is a constitution and what is its importance?
A constitution is a fundamental document that outlines the structure and powers of government, defines citizens' rights, and establishes principles of governance. Its importance: (1) Provides framework for democratic government, (2) Protects fundamental rights of citizens, (3) Establishes limits on governmental power, (4) Defines relationship between different parts of government, (5) Can be amended to reflect changing needs, (6) Provides stability and continuity in governance.
Q2. How was India's Constitution drafted and what makes it unique?
India's Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly (1946-1949) chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad with Dr. Ambedkar as chairman of the Drafting Committee. It is unique because: (1) It is the longest written constitution, (2) It incorporates universal adult suffrage despite poverty and illiteracy, (3) It provides for extensive individual rights and group protections, (4) It ensures federal structure with state and union governments, (5) It includes detailed provisions for future amendments.
Q3. What are the main parts of the Indian Constitution?
Main parts include: (1) Preamble—stating objectives like justice, liberty, equality, (2) Fundamental Rights—Part III protecting basic individual freedoms, (3) Directive Principles of State Policy—Part IV guiding government policies, (4) Fundamental Duties—Part IVA outlining citizen responsibilities, (5) Structure of government—Parts V and VI describing Union and State governments, (6) Amendments and miscellaneous provisions. Together, these parts establish India's democratic framework.
Q4. What are Fundamental Rights and what do they protect?
Fundamental Rights are basic rights protected by the Constitution: (1) Right to Equality—equal treatment before law and no discrimination, (2) Right to Freedom—speech, assembly, movement, religion, (3) Right against Exploitation—prohibiting slavery and child labor, (4) Right to Freedom of Religion—freedom to practice and propagate religion, (5) Right to Constitutional Remedies—right to approach courts for protection. These rights are enforceable against the government.
Q5. What are Directive Principles of State Policy and why are they important?
Directive Principles are guidelines for the state on social and economic policies: (1) Securing adequate means of livelihood, (2) Fair distribution of resources, (3) Free and compulsory education, (4) Protection of health, (5) Safeguarding environmental heritage, (6) Establishing just society. Though not enforceable like Fundamental Rights, they are important in framing laws and policies. They represent India's social democratic vision.
Q6. How can the Indian Constitution be amended?
The Constitution can be amended through several procedures: (1) Simple procedure—amendment by majority in Parliament, (2) Absolute majority—requiring majority of all members, (3) Two-thirds majority—requiring two-thirds of present and voting members, (4) State ratification—requiring ratification by majority of state legislatures. Different provisions require different amendment procedures, protecting fundamental features while allowing necessary changes. More than 100 amendments have been made.
Constitutional Design — Practice MCQs with Answers
Attempt these 20 multiple-choice questions after working through the solutions above. Each carries the correct option and the reasoning behind it, so a wrong answer tells you which idea to revisit.
MCQ 1. What was the policy of racial discrimination practiced in South Africa called?
- A. Apartheid
- B. Segregation
- C. Racism
- D. Discrimination
Answer: A. Apartheid — Apartheid was the specific system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s.
MCQ 2. When did South Africa become a democratic republic with its new constitution?
- A. 1990
- B. 1992
- C. 1994
- D. 1996
Answer: C. 1994 — After years of struggle against Apartheid, South Africa adopted its new constitution and held its first democratic elections in April 1994, ushering in a new era.
MCQ 3. Why do democratic countries need a constitution?
- A. To elect leaders
- B. To limit the power of the government
- C. To declare war
- D. To manage economic policies
Answer: B. To limit the power of the government — A constitution serves to lay down fundamental rules that protect citizens' rights and prevent the misuse of power by those in authority, ensuring accountability.
MCQ 4. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- C. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- D. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: C. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often referred to as the 'Father of the Indian Constitution,' led the Drafting Committee, which prepared the constitution's draft.
MCQ 5. Which of the following terms was NOT originally part of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, but was added later by an amendment?
- A. Sovereign
- B. Socialist
- C. Republic
- D. Democratic
Answer: B. Socialist — The terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, reflecting a shift in national policy.
MCQ 6. How many sessions did the Constituent Assembly of India hold to draft the Constitution?
- A. 8
- B. 10
- C. 11
- D. 13
Answer: C. 11 — The Constituent Assembly held 11 sessions over a period of 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete the monumental task of drafting the Constitution.
MCQ 7. For how many years was Nelson Mandela imprisoned for opposing the Apartheid regime?
- A. 18 years
- B. 20 years
- C. 27 years
- D. 30 years
Answer: C. 27 years — Nelson Mandela spent 27 long years in prison, mostly on Robben Island, for his courageous activism against the Apartheid regime.
MCQ 8. When was the Indian Constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly?
- A. 26th January 1950
- B. 15th August 1947
- C. 26th November 1949
- D. 2nd October 1948
Answer: C. 26th November 1949 — The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949, though it came into full effect on 26th January 1950.
MCQ 9. Members of the Constituent Assembly were:
- A. Directly elected by the people of India
- B. Nominated by the British government
- C. Elected by the Provincial Assemblies
- D. Nominated by the Indian National Congress
Answer: C. Elected by the Provincial Assemblies — The Constituent Assembly members were indirectly elected by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies, which themselves had a limited electoral base.
MCQ 10. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution begins with which of the following phrases?
- A. "We, the people of India..."
- B. "India, a Sovereign Socialist..."
- C. "In the name of God..."
- D. "Justice, Liberty, Equality..."
Answer: A. "We, the people of India..." — This opening phrase signifies that the Constitution derives its authority and legitimacy directly from the people of India, making them the ultimate source of power.
MCQ 11. Which of the following is NOT a function of a Constitution?
- A. To define the powers of the government
- B. To guarantee rights of citizens
- C. To establish a system of elections
- D. To ensure economic equality for all
Answer: D. To ensure economic equality for all — While a constitution might aim for social and economic justice, directly ensuring complete economic equality for all is typically a goal of government policy rather than a direct function or guarantee of the constitution itself.
MCQ 12. Who moved the 'Objective Resolution' in the Constituent Assembly, which later became the Preamble of the Constitution?
- A. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- B. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: C. Jawaharlal Nehru — Jawaharlal Nehru presented the historic 'Objectives Resolution' on December 13, 1946, which outlined the guiding principles and philosophy that would shape the Constitution.
MCQ 13. Under the Apartheid system in South Africa, which group was denied the right to vote?
- A. White minority
- B. Black majority
- C. Indian immigrants
- D. Coloured people
Answer: B. Black majority — The Apartheid regime was based on strict racial segregation, and the Black African majority, along with other non-white groups, were systematically denied basic political rights, including the right to vote.
MCQ 14. When did the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly of India take place?
- A. 9th December 1946
- B. 15th August 1947
- C. 26th January 1950
- D. 26th November 1949
Answer: A. 9th December 1946 — The Constituent Assembly held its inaugural meeting on December 9, 1946, marking the formal commencement of the constitution-making process.
MCQ 15. The idea of 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution was inspired by which revolution?
- A. Russian Revolution
- B. American Revolution
- C. French Revolution
- D. Glorious Revolution
Answer: C. French Revolution — The ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity are deeply rooted in the philosophical principles and famous slogan of the French Revolution.
MCQ 16. What does the term 'Sovereign' in the Preamble mean?
- A. The head of the state is elected
- B. People have supreme right to make decisions
- C. Government is accountable to the people
- D. All citizens are equal before the law
Answer: B. People have supreme right to make decisions — 'Sovereign' implies that India is an independent state, free to make its own decisions in both internal and external affairs, with ultimate political power resting with its people.
MCQ 17. Who was elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly?
- A. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru
- C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- D. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad — Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly, providing crucial leadership and presiding over its deliberations.
MCQ 18. Which of the following was a major challenge faced by the makers of the Indian Constitution?
- A. Lack of educated members in the Assembly
- B. Uniformity in regional demands
- C. Partition of India and integration of princely states
- D. Strong opposition from the British government
Answer: C. Partition of India and integration of princely states — The violent partition of the country and the complex, delicate task of integrating over 500 diverse princely states into the Indian Union were immense challenges for the Constitution makers.
MCQ 19. The term 'Republic' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution means that:
- A. The head of the state is elected
- B. All citizens have equal rights
- C. The government is elected by the people
- D. There is no system of monarchy
Answer: A. The head of the state is elected — 'Republic' signifies that the head of the state (the President in India) is an elected person, not a hereditary monarch, establishing a non-dynastic system of governance.
MCQ 20. Which of these provisions is NOT part of the Institutional Design of the Indian Constitution?
- A. Separation of powers among legislative, executive, and judiciary
- B. Universal Adult Franchise
- C. Federal structure with distribution of powers
- D. A system of direct democracy for policy making
Answer: D. A system of direct democracy for policy making — India has a representative parliamentary democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make laws, rather than a system of direct democracy where citizens directly vote on all laws and policies.
How to Use These Solutions
Attempt each question yourself first and only then compare with the worked answer. Marks in the CBSE board exam are awarded for the METHOD as much as the final result, so reproduce the steps rather than memorising the last line. Where a solution states a law, a formula or a definition, learn that wording — examiners look for it.
Related practice for this chapter: chapter MCQs, previous-year questions, revision notes and sample papers.