Constitutional Design Class 9 MCQs

Correct Answer: C. To define the fundamental principles of governance. A constitution sets out the basic rules and principles by which a state is governed.

Correct Answer: D. To dictate daily life choices of citizens. A constitution primarily focuses on the structure and limitations of government and the fundamental rights of citizens, not on dictating their daily lives.

Correct Answer: C. It serves as the supreme law of the land, guiding all government actions. In a democracy, the constitution is the highest law and sets the framework for how the government operates.

Correct Answer: C. It must outline the structure and powers of government. A core function of any constitution is to define the different branches of government and their respective powers.

Correct Answer: B. A written constitution is codified in a single document, while an unwritten constitution is derived from multiple sources. Examples of unwritten constitutions include that of the United Kingdom.

Correct Answer: C. To accommodate societal changes and evolving needs of the nation. An adaptable constitution can remain relevant as society evolves.

Correct Answer: B. The right to free speech. Many constitutions guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of speech.

Correct Answer: B. Power is shared between the central government and regional governments. Federalism involves a division of powers between different levels of government.

Correct Answer: B. To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. The separation of powers ensures a system of checks and balances.

Correct Answer: D. A vote in the legislature. Constitutional amendments often require a special majority in the legislative body.

Correct Answer: A. The first black president of South Africa. Nelson Mandela was a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement and became South Africa’s first black president.

Correct Answer: A. A system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Apartheid was a policy of racial segregation enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

Correct Answer: C. The African National Congress (ANC). The ANC was at the forefront of the movement to end apartheid.

Correct Answer: C. Condemnation and sanctions. The international community largely condemned apartheid and imposed various sanctions on South Africa.

Correct Answer: A. The release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990. Mandela’s release was a pivotal moment signaling the beginning of the end of apartheid.

Correct Answer: D. The Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA). CODESA was a series of multi-party negotiations that paved the way for a democratic South Africa.

Correct Answer: A. It marked the end of white minority rule in South Africa. Mandela’s presidency symbolized the transition to a non-racial democracy.

Correct Answer: B. Non-racialism and equality. The South African Constitution is founded on the principles of non-racialism and equality for all.

Correct Answer: B. A commitment to forgiveness and building a shared future. Reconciliation was a key aspect of South Africa’s peaceful transition.

Correct Answer: C. It includes a Bill of Rights that protects a wide range of rights. The South African Bill of Rights is comprehensive and progressive.

Correct Answer: B. By establishing a common set of rules and values. A constitution provides a framework of shared principles that can help diverse groups coexist peacefully.

Correct Answer: D. To dictate the daily activities of citizens. A constitution primarily focuses on the organization and limitations of government and the protection of fundamental rights.

Correct Answer: B. By ensuring equal treatment under the law. A constitution often includes provisions guaranteeing equality and non-discrimination, thus protecting minorities.

Correct Answer: B. By establishing a clear framework for governance and dispute resolution. A constitution sets out how decisions are made and how conflicts are resolved, contributing to stability.

Correct Answer: C. The requirements for becoming president. Constitutions often specify the qualifications and procedures for holding high government offices.

Correct Answer: A. To declare war. The power to declare war is often vested in the legislature.

Correct Answer: C. The right to freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is a commonly protected fundamental right.

Correct Answer: C. By establishing a system of checks and balances to protect citizens’ rights. Constitutions often outline the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the citizens.

Correct Answer: A. By prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, or religion. Non-discrimination clauses are common in constitutions aiming for social justice.

Correct Answer: B. By outlining the shared values and principles of a nation. A constitution can embody the fundamental ideals and aspirations of a country, fostering a sense of national unity.

Correct Answer: D. India’s Independence in 1947. With independence, the need for a self-governing framework became paramount.

Correct Answer: C. It shaped the values and aspirations reflected in the Constitution. The ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, central to the freedom struggle, were enshrined in the Constitution.

Correct Answer: C. Motilal Nehru. He chaired the committee that produced the Nehru Report in 1928, an early attempt at drafting a constitution for India.

Correct Answer: C. The Constituent Assembly. This body was specifically formed for the purpose of drafting the Constitution.

Correct Answer: D. B.R. Ambedkar. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Constitution.

Correct Answer: B. Presidential vs. Parliamentary. The Constituent Assembly extensively debated the merits of adopting a presidential or a parliamentary system of government.

Correct Answer: D. All of the above. The drafting process involved navigating diverse opinions, regional aspirations, and socio-economic complexities.

Correct Answer: C. By recognizing multiple official languages. The Constitution recognized Hindi and English as official languages and provided for the recognition of other regional languages.

Correct Answer: D. All of the above. Incorporating social reforms involved overcoming resistance from traditional elements and finding a consensus on progressive ideals.

Correct Answer: D. He chaired the Drafting Committee and played a key role in shaping the Constitution. Ambedkar’s expertise and leadership were crucial in the drafting process.

Correct Answer: C. Right to property (was a fundamental right but removed later). The Right to Property was initially a fundamental right but was later made a legal right.

Correct Answer: B. They are guidelines for the government to promote social and economic welfare. While not legally enforceable, they are considered fundamental in the governance of the country.

Correct Answer: C. By establishing a federal system with a division of powers. The Constitution divides powers between the Union and the States through various lists.

Correct Answer: B. It is the final interpreter of the Constitution and can declare laws unconstitutional. The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution.

Correct Answer: D. All of the above. All these represent significant amendments made to the Indian Constitution over time.

Correct Answer: B. It is constantly evolving through amendments to address changing needs. The Constitution has been amended multiple times since its adoption to reflect the changing social, economic, and political landscape of India.

Correct Answer: B. It outlines the objectives and ideals of the Constitution. The Preamble serves as an introductory statement that sets out the guiding principles and aspirations of the Constitution.

Correct Answer: C. 2 years, 11 months and 18 days. The Constituent Assembly took nearly three years to meticulously draft the Constitution.

Correct Answer: D. Both (a) and (b). The Indian Constitution draws inspiration from various sources, including the Government of India Act of 1935 and the constitutions of several other democratic nations.

Correct Answer: C. 26th November 1949. The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on this date and later came into effect on 26th January 1950.

Correct Answer: C. Right to Property. While initially a fundamental right, it was removed by the 44th Amendment and is now a legal right.

Correct Answer: A. Religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth. Article 15 of the Constitution specifically prohibits discrimination on these grounds.

Correct Answer: B. Right to Freedom. Article 25 guarantees the freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.

Correct Answer: B. Right to Constitutional Remedies. Article 32 provides the right to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights, including the issuance of writs like Habeas Corpus.

Correct Answer: A. Right to Equality. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form.

Correct Answer: B. They protect citizens from arbitrary government actions. Fundamental rights act as limitations on the power of the state and safeguard individual liberties.

Correct Answer: A. 86th Amendment. This amendment in 2002 inserted Article 21A, making the right to education for children between 6 and 14 years a fundamental right.

Correct Answer: D. Criticism of government policies. While the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression has reasonable restrictions, criticizing government policies is a protected aspect of free speech in a democracy.

Correct Answer: C. Secure the release of a person unlawfully detained. Habeas Corpus is a legal remedy against unlawful detention.

Correct Answer: B. Right against Exploitation. Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines, or other hazardous occupations.

Correct Answer: A. The heart and soul of the Constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) as the “heart and soul” of the Constitution because it ensures the enforcement of other fundamental rights.

Correct Answer: C. Cultural and Educational Rights. Article 30 grants this right to religious and linguistic minorities.

Correct Answer: A. Mandamus. This writ is issued by a higher court to a lower court or a public authority to perform a duty that it has failed to do.

Correct Answer: D. All of the above. Article 19(1)(c) guarantees the right to form associations or unions, which includes political parties, trade unions, and other organizations.

Correct Answer: A. 42nd Amendment. The 42nd Amendment in 1976 added Part IVA to the Constitution, which deals with Fundamental Duties.

Correct Answer: A. To provide guidelines for the government’s actions and policies. The DPSPs are non-justiciable guidelines that the state should keep in mind while formulating laws and policies.

Correct Answer: B. Not legally enforceable but fundamental in governance. Article 37 clarifies that the DPSPs are not enforceable by any court but are fundamental in the governance of the country.

Correct Answer: C. Right to freedom of speech and expression. (This is a Fundamental Right). The other options are indeed Directive Principles.

Correct Answer: B. Article 45. This article originally aimed for free and compulsory education up to 14 years, and was later reinforced by the 86th Amendment making elementary education a fundamental right.

Correct Answer: B. Article 44. This article directs the state to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.

Correct Answer: C. Article 50. This article states that the State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.

Correct Answer: A. Article 39. Specifically, Article 39(d) states that the state shall direct its policy towards securing equal pay for equal work for both men and women.

Correct Answer: B. Article 47. This article imposes a duty on the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties.

Correct Answer: C. Article 49. This article obligates the state to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest, declared by or under law made by Parliament to be of national importance, from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be.

Correct Answer: B. Article 44. As mentioned before, this article specifically deals with the Uniform Civil Code.

Correct Answer: C. B.R. Ambedkar. Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is widely regarded as the “Father of the Indian Constitution” for his pivotal role as the chairman of the Drafting Committee.

Correct Answer: C. Drafting Committee. This committee was responsible for preparing the draft of the Constitution.

Correct Answer: C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Along with V.P. Menon, Sardar Patel played a key role in the complex process of integrating the numerous princely states into the newly independent India.

Correct Answer: B. Sachchidananda Sinha (later succeeded by Rajendra Prasad). Sachchidananda Sinha was the interim President. Rajendra Prasad was later elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly.

Correct Answer: D. Jawaharlal Nehru. While Nehru was a crucial figure in the Constituent Assembly, he was not a member of the Drafting Committee.

Correct Answer: A. B.N. Rau. Sir Benegal Narsing Rau was a distinguished jurist who served as the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly.

Correct Answer: B. B.R. Ambedkar. As the chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ambedkar oversaw the drafting of all provisions, including those related to fundamental rights.

Correct Answer: B. The Constituent Assembly Debates. These voluminous records provide insights into the discussions and considerations that shaped the Constitution.

Correct Answer: C. It was composed of representatives from various provinces and princely states. The members were indirectly elected by the provincial legislative assemblies and nominated by the princely states.

Correct Answer: A. 26th November 1949. This is the date of adoption, while the Constitution came into force on 26th January 1950.

Correct Answer: D. Theocratic. The Indian Constitution establishes a secular state, not a theocratic one where religion dictates governance.

Correct Answer: C. India is independent and can make its own decisions. Sovereignty implies that India has supreme power and is not subject to external control.

Correct Answer: B. Social justice and equitable distribution of resources. The socialist ideal aims to reduce inequalities in wealth, income, and opportunities.

Correct Answer: C. The state is neutral in matters of religion. Secularism in India implies that the state respects all religions equally and does not have an official religion.

Correct Answer: C. Justice. The concept of justice in the Preamble encompasses social, economic, and political justice, aiming for fairness and equality.

Correct Answer: A. Social, economic, and political justice for all. The Preamble explicitly mentions securing social, economic, and political justice for all citizens.

Correct Answer: D. All of the above. These provisions aim to ensure different facets of equality, including political equality (universal adult franchise), social justice (reservations), and preventing discrimination.