NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1 Constitution : Why and How?

(c)

Explanation: - Constitution is a parent document that guides the parliament how to frame laws. 

(c)

Explanation:- Constitution rely on the general will of masses to judge their representative. General will might not be able to Judge/identify good people.

a. Incorrect

Explanation- Indian constitution was never subject to any referendum but nevertheless carried enormous public authority, because it had the consensus and backing of leaders who were themselves popular. The people adopted it as their own by abiding by its provisions.

b. Incorrect

Explanation- There was legitimate differences of principle. And the differences were many. Almost every issue that lies at the foundation of modern state was discussed with great sophistication. Only one provision of the constitution was passed without virtually any debate was the introduction of universal adult franchise. Every other matter was seriously discussed and debated.

c.  Incorrect

Explanation- The makers of our constitution did not hesitate to learn from experiments and experiences of other countries. It is a testament to their wide learning that they could lay their hands upon any intellectual argument, or historical example that was necessary for fulfilling the task at hand. Each provision of constitution was defended on grounds that it suited to Indian problems and aspirations.

Yes, I agree with Harbans’ position that the Indian Constitution has succeeded in giving us a framework of democratic government. This is the age of democracy and the power is exercised by the representatives of the people and they are also accountable to the people. Thus they cannot be allowed to exercise the power according to their will. Constitution determines the set up of the organs of the government, their powers, mutual relations and the rights and duties of the citizens. The biggest testament of its success is that a democratic government is working in India for more than sixty-five years whereas countries that gained independence with India failed to maintain democratic rule in their nations.

No, I do not agree with the position taken by Neha that the Constitution made solemn promises of ensuring liberty, equality and fraternity. Since this has not happened, the Constitution has failed. The provisions of the constitution are helpful in the realisation of certain aims but it is not a guarantee to fulfil all the needs of society in a short period of time. The values of liberty equality and fraternity are cherished by our constitution-makers and they included it in our constitution. Ideal liberty, equality and fraternity is not a simple thing to achieve. Even developed nations failed to realise the perfect liberty, equality or fraternity. Our nation is in an infant stage of development compared to nations that achieved independence two hundred years ago. Constitution creates certain conditions that are helpful in the realisation of these aspirations and goals of society.

Yes, I agree with the position taken by Nazima that the Constitution has not failed us. We have failed the Constitution. The constitution has effective principles for proper governance of the country. However, the people who are responsible for the execution and implementation of the principles have failed to do so because of their own interest. It is all about the welfare of citizens and giving equal opportunities to all but without thinking of the welfare of the nation they are using it for their profit. Therefore, the constitution has not failed us but we failed the constitution.

In every democratic country, limitations are placed on the powers of the rulers through the constitution. Since the constitution is the supreme law of the land, everybody including the rulers has to obey it. If no limitations are placed on the powers of rulers, there are ample chances and possibilities of misuse and arbitrary use of powers. It is well known saying that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Absolute power makes the holder of the office corrupt and he tries to subvert the constitution in every possible way on one pretext or the other. To see that rulers exercise their power for the welfare of the people and not for their personal advancement, it is necessary that the constitution places limitations on the rulers.

a. False

Explanation-Constitutions need not be always written. It can be Unwritten as well.

b. False

Explanation- Constitutions also exists in pseudo democracies or military rule.

c. False

Explanation- Constitution is a legal document and it deals with ideals and values of society.

d. True

Explanation- Constitution expresses the fundamental identity of people.

The Constitution is not an outdated book as it accepts the required changes to keep updated with requirements of the changing times. The amendment in the provision of the constitution made time to time but according to rigid law so that no one can alter it for their own interest.

The language of the Indian constitution is elaborative. Its vast size and also the inclusion of some legal languages stand it as tough. However, it is written in too detailed manner clearing all confusion that may come.

The Indian constitution is a body of fundamental principles according to which India is governed. Constitution provides an ideological basis to the state and legitimacy to political institutions. It provides a democratic form of government in India. It grants fundamental rights and privileges to all its citizens. It lays down the basic ideals of secularism, equality and fraternity. It is very necessary for smooth functioning and working of various institutions and also maintain stability. Therefore, we should obey this document.

 

A good constitution is one that has been drafted by the people. It means that the constitution should not have been drafted and imposed by any foreign power. Many scholars have noted the irony of the occupation installing democratic political institutions in Japan through transparently authoritarian means. The Japanese, it has been said, were “forced to be free” by their American occupiers. Nonetheless, the 1947 Constitution was readily embraced by the Japanese people and has endured (with not a single amendment over the past six decades) as a sound basis for Japan’s post-war democracy. Making of a constitution in this way means that it was imposed forcefully without taking into consideration basic ideals of constitution-making.

Indian constitution was enacted by the constituent assembly constituted in 1946 under the cabinet mission plan. The members of the constituent assembly were indirectly elected without any coercion from the British government. It was an independent constituent assembly that framed the Indian constitution.

Constitutions limit the power of government in many ways. The most common way of limiting the power of government is to specify certain fundamental rights that all of us possess as citizens and which no government can ever be allowed to violate. The exact content and interpretation of these rights vary from the constitution to constitution. But most constitutions will protect a basic cluster of rights. Citizens will be protected from being arrested arbitrarily and for no reason. This is one basic limitation upon the power of government. Citizens will normally have the right to some basic liberties: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, freedom of association, freedom to conduct a trade or business, etc. In practice, these rights can be limited during times of national emergency and the constitution specifies the circumstances under which these rights may be withdrawn.

Without the limitations or demarcation of government power, the government might act arbitrarily. They may pass laws that are patently unfair. It might prohibit a particular group to practice their religion or prohibit singing certain songs etc. That is why the demarcation of powers and responsibilities is required.

a. The Indian constitution was never subject to a referendum as happened in other countries but it had the consensus and backing of leaders who were themselves popular. The constituent assembly consisted of eminent leaders of the masses and represented all shades of opinion and interests of society.

b. Well crafted constitutions fragment power in society intelligently so that no single group can subvert the constitution. The Indian constitution horizontally fragments power across different institutions like the legislature, executive and judiciary and even independent statutory bodies like the election commission. This ensures that even if one institution wants to subvert the constitution, others can check its transgressions. No organ enjoys the absolute powers over the other two organs.

c. Indian constitution also provides an enabling framework for the government to do certain positive things, to express the aspirations and goals of society. The Indian constitution enables the government to take positive welfare measures some which are legally enforceable. The directive principles of state policy also enjoin the government to fulfil certain aspirations of the people.