The below points are from class 9 civics chapter 2, Constitutional Design, from the NCERT book. These will help the students in exam preparation and act as short refresher notes.
- Constitution Importance: Fundamental for democracy, governing rules.
- Apartheid in South Africa: Racial segregation and discrimination policy.
- Nelson Mandela’s Role: He was South African anti-apartheid activist and politician . He was 1st black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
- Democratic Constitution Need: Ensures rights, governs authority, maintains order.
- Constituent Assembly: Drafted, debated, adopted the constitution.
- Indian Constitution Adoption: Enacted on 26 January 1950.
- Republic Day: Celebrates Constitution’s enactment annually.
- Constitutional Amendments: Allow updates, reflecting societal changes.
- Preamble Significance: Declares intentions, principles, and values.
- Justice: Assures equality, eliminates discrimination.
- Liberty: Guarantees freedoms within law’s bounds.
- Equality: Ensures equal rights for all citizens.
- Fraternity: Promotes unity, maintains dignity.
- Secularism: State’s impartiality towards all religions.
- Sovereign: Asserts India’s independent authority.
MCQ Questions for Class 9 Social Science with Answers are perfect for thorough preparation of the exams.
MCQ Questions and Answers for Class 9 Civics Chapter 2 Constitutional Design
Question 1: What is the main purpose of a constitution in a democracy?
a) To provide a set of written rules that are accepted by all people living in a country
b) To grant unlimited power to the government
c) To outline the financial policies of the country
d) To detail the defense strategies of a nation
Answer:
a) To provide a set of written rules that are accepted by all people living in a country
Question 2: Why is a constitution considered the supreme law of a country?
a) It gives power to the judiciary
b) It determines the rights of citizens and powers of the government
c) It outlines the country’s economic policies
d) It is a historical document
Answer:
b) It determines the rights of citizens and powers of the government
Question 3: What does a constitution ensure among diverse groups in a country?
a) Trust and coordination
b) Unequal rights
c) Suppression of minorities
d) Unrestricted power to the government
Answer:
a) Trust and coordination
Question 4: What are the main components of a constitution?
a) Economic policies
b) Rights of citizens, government powers, and governance structure
c) Financial rules
d) Technological advancements
Answer:
b) Rights of citizens, government powers, and governance structure
Question 5: Which country’s struggle against apartheid is highlighted in the chapter?
a) India
b) United States
c) South Africa
d) France
Answer:
c) South Africa
Question 6: Why do democratic countries need a constitution?
a) To suppress minority groups
b) To provide a framework for governance and protect citizens’ rights
c) To allow unlimited government control
d) To prioritize majority rule without discussion
Answer:
b) To provide a framework for governance and protect citizens’ rights
Question 7: What is a key function of the constitution?
a) To establish dictatorship
b) To guarantee military rule
c) To specify how the government is formed and operates
d) To restrict the voting rights of citizens
Answer:
c) To specify how the government is formed and operates
Question 8: What is necessary to maintain trust in a constitution?
a) Allowing majority rule without restrictions
b) Ensuring the rules are supreme and difficult to change
c) Removing all citizen rights
d) Giving rulers unlimited power
Answer:
b) Ensuring the rules are supreme and difficult to change
Question 9: Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the constitution?
a) To provide fundamental rights
b) To create trust among citizens
c) To serve as a sacred, unchangeable document
d) To determine the structure of government
Answer:
c) To serve as a sacred, unchangeable document
Question 10: Why is a written constitution essential?
a) To ensure rules are universally understood and accepted
b) To provide power to the military
c) To suppress minority opinions
d) To serve as an economic manual
Answer:
a) To ensure rules are universally understood and accepted
Question 11: Which principle ensures the constitution is followed by all?
a) Rule of law
b) Dictatorship
c) Economic policies
d) Military enforcement
Answer:
a) Rule of law
Question 12: Which of these is NOT a feature of a democratic constitution?
a) Majority rule with checks and balances
b) Protection of minority rights
c) Supremacy of the constitution
d) Unlimited power to the ruling party
Answer:
d) Unlimited power to the ruling party
Question 13: What does the term ‘apartheid’ refer to?
a) Economic policy
b) Technological advancement
c) System of racial discrimination
d) Political ideology
Answer:
c) System of racial discrimination
Question 14: Who was a prominent leader in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid?
a) Nelson Mandela
b) Mahatma Gandhi
c) Martin Luther King Jr.
d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer:
a) Nelson Mandela
Question 15: What was the main focus of the South African Constitution?
a) Economic development
b) Military power
c) Rights and dignity of citizens
d) Suppression of minority groups
Answer:
c) Rights and dignity of citizens
Question 16: What was a significant outcome of the Anti-Apartheid Movement?
a) Establishment of a communist government
b) Creation of a democratic constitution
c) Continuation of apartheid
d) Division of South Africa into two nations
Answer:
b) Creation of a democratic constitution
Question 17: Which organization led the struggle against apartheid in South Africa?
a) Indian National Congress
b) African National Congress
c) United Nations
d) European Union
Answer:
b) African National Congress
Question 18: What principle was emphasized in the new South African Constitution?
a) Majority domination
b) Harmony and equality among all races
c) Economic superiority
d) Religious uniformity
Answer:
b) Harmony and equality among all races
Question 19: Why was Nelson Mandela imprisoned for 28 years?
a) For leading a military coup
b) For opposing the apartheid regime
c) For collaborating with colonial powers
d) For advocating racial segregation
Answer:
b) For opposing the apartheid regime
Question 20: When did South Africa adopt its democratic constitution?
a) 1947
b) 1989
c) 1994
d) 2000
Answer:
c) 1994
Question 21: What symbolized the transition to democracy in South Africa?
a) Formation of a new military regime
b) Introduction of new economic policies
c) Unfurling of the new national flag
d) Adoption of a single-party system
Answer:
c) Unfurling of the new national flag
Question 22: What does the South African Constitution aim to heal?
a) Military conflicts
b) Divisions of the past
c) Economic instability
d) Educational disparities
Answer:
b) Divisions of the past
Question 23: What was the primary challenge in forming a new constitution in South Africa?
a) Lack of resources
b) Distrust between racial groups
c) Influence of foreign powers
d) Disinterest among citizens
Answer:
b) Distrust between racial groups
Question 24: Which value is emphasized in the preamble of the South African Constitution?
a) Suppression of opposition
b) Democratic values and social justice
c) Economic policies
d) Cultural uniformity
Answer:
b) Democratic values and social justice
Question 25: How was the South African Constitution created?
a) By the ruling party alone
b) Through collaborative efforts of all races
c) By adopting a pre-existing framework
d) Through external intervention
Answer:
b) Through collaborative efforts of all races
Question 26: Who was the Chairperson of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
c) Jawaharlal Nehru
d) Rajendra Prasad
Answer:
b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Question 27: When was the Indian Constitution adopted?
a) 26th January 1950
b) 26th November 1949
c) 15th August 1947
d) 26th January 1948
Answer:
b) 26th November 1949
Question 28: What significant challenge was faced during the framing of the Indian Constitution?
a) Economic instability
b) Balancing unity and diversity
c) Lack of historical precedents
d) Political dominance of the princely states
Answer:
b) Balancing unity and diversity
Question 29: How many members were there in the Constituent Assembly of India?
a) 150
b) 200
c) 299
d) 350
Answer:
c) 299
Question 30: Which document influenced the Indian Constitution with its emphasis on social and economic equality?
a) French Revolution
b) Bill of Rights (USA)
c) Russian Socialist Revolution
d) Magna Carta
Answer:
c) Russian Socialist Revolution
Question 31: What is a unique feature of the Indian Constitution compared to other nations?
a) It is static and unalterable
b) It is a very short document
c) It incorporates provisions for amendments
d) It is written in multiple languages
Answer:
c) It incorporates provisions for amendments
Question 32: Which law served as a significant precursor to the Indian Constitution?
a) The Government of India Act, 1935
b) The Indian Penal Code
c) The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
d) The Charter Act of 1813
Answer:
a) The Government of India Act, 1935
Question 33: Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
c) Rajendra Prasad
d) Sardar Patel
Answer:
c) Rajendra Prasad
Question 34: Why is the Indian Constitution described as a ‘living document’?
a) It is sacred and cannot be changed
b) It adapts to changing needs through amendments
c) It is written in a modern language
d) It is revised every year
Answer:
b) It adapts to changing needs through amendments
Question 35: What were the two key values included in the Indian Constitution based on earlier resolutions of the Congress?
a) Federalism and socialism
b) Freedom and equality
c) Democracy and dictatorship
d) Secularism and militarism
Answer:
b) Freedom and equality
Question 36: What does the phrase “We, the people of India” in the Preamble signify?
a) The Constitution was imposed by the government
b) The Constitution was drafted by international bodies
c) The Constitution was enacted by the people through their representatives
d) The Constitution was written by foreign experts
Answer:
c) The Constitution was enacted by the people through their representatives
Question 37: Which principle was emphasized in the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress in 1931?
a) Establishment of monarchy
b) Universal adult franchise and minority rights
c) Economic policies and military strategies
d) Complete political dominance
Answer:
b) Universal adult franchise and minority rights
Question 38: How long did the Constituent Assembly take to draft the Indian Constitution?
a) 1 year
b) 2 years
c) 3 years
d) 4 years
Answer:
c) 3 years
Question 39: Which leader is recognized for their significant contribution to social justice in the Indian Constitution?
a) Sardar Patel
b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
c) Jawaharlal Nehru
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer:
b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Question 40: What is the role of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution?
a) It details economic policies
b) It outlines the basic philosophy and objectives of the Constitution
c) It specifies administrative rules
d) It lists the constitutional amendments
Answer:
b) It outlines the basic philosophy and objectives of the Constitution
Question 41: Which values are included in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
a) Sovereignty, secularism, socialism, and equality
b) Monarchy, socialism, and fraternity
c) Religious dominance and sovereignty
d) Economic growth and social hierarchy
Answer:
a) Sovereignty, secularism, socialism, and equality
Question 42: Why is India considered a ‘secular’ state?
a) It has an official state religion
b) It gives preference to one religion
c) It treats all religions equally and allows freedom of religion
d) It restricts religious practices
Answer:
c) It treats all religions equally and allows freedom of religion
Question 43: What does the term ‘socialist’ in the Indian Constitution signify?
a) Equality in social and economic life
b) Preference for private property
c) Promotion of religious hierarchy
d) Suppression of workers’ rights
Answer:
a) Equality in social and economic life
Question 44: What is the significance of ‘sovereignty’ in the Indian Constitution?
a) It ensures external control over India
b) It allows people to make decisions on internal and external matters
c) It grants power to a single leader
d) It restricts decision-making rights of the citizens
Answer:
b) It allows people to make decisions on internal and external matters
Question 45: Which value in the Preamble ensures non-discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender?
a) Sovereignty
b) Equality
c) Fraternity
d) Liberty
Answer:
b) Equality
Question 46: What does the term ‘liberty’ in the Indian Constitution guarantee?
a) Freedom to exploit others
b) Unreasonable restrictions on personal freedom
c) Freedom of thought, expression, belief, and worship
d) Total absence of laws
Answer:
c) Freedom of thought, expression, belief, and worship
Question 47: Why is the principle of ‘fraternity’ important in the Indian Constitution?
a) It ensures competition among citizens
b) It promotes economic growth
c) It fosters a sense of brotherhood and national unity
d) It prioritizes religious practices
Answer:
c) It fosters a sense of brotherhood and national unity
Question 48: What do the terms ‘justice’ in the Preamble emphasize?
a) Social, economic, and political justice
b) Only economic justice
c) Military justice
d) Religious justice
Answer:
a) Social, economic, and political justice
Question 49: Which amendment added the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ to the Indian Constitution?
a) 42nd Amendment
b) 44th Amendment
c) 52nd Amendment
d) 26th Amendment
Answer:
a) 42nd Amendment
Question 50: What does ‘Republic’ in the Indian Constitution signify?
a) The head of state is elected and not hereditary
b) Preference for monarchy
c) Religious dominance
d) Military rule
Answer:
a) The head of state is elected and not hereditary
Question 51: How does the Preamble act as the ‘soul of the Constitution’?
a) By listing the administrative rules
b) By providing a standard to evaluate laws and government actions
c) By explaining only historical events
d) By prioritizing economic policies
Answer:
b) By providing a standard to evaluate laws and government actions
Question 52: What is the relationship between the Preamble and the rest of the Constitution?
a) The Preamble has no connection to the Constitution
b) The Preamble is a summary of the Constitution’s philosophy
c) The Preamble is a set of enforceable laws
d) The Preamble is unrelated to governance
Answer:
b) The Preamble is a summary of the Constitution’s philosophy
Question 53: What is the significance of the phrase “We, the people of India” in the Preamble?
a) It denotes the government’s authority
b) It emphasizes that the Constitution derives its authority from the people
c) It restricts citizens from participating in governance
d) It gives supreme power to the judiciary
Answer:
b) It emphasizes that the Constitution derives its authority from the people
Match the following
1. Match the following leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| a. Motilal Nehru | i. President of the Constituent Assembly |
| b. B.R. Ambedkar | ii. Member of the Constituent Assembly |
| c. Rajendra Prasad | iii. Chairman of the Drafting Committee |
| d. Sarojini Naidu | iv. Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928 |
Answer:
| Column A | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| a. Motilal Nehru | iv. Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928 |
| b. B.R. Ambedkar | iii. Chairman of the Drafting Committee |
| c. Rajendra Prasad | i. President of the Constituent Assembly |
| d. Sarojini Naidu | ii. Member of the Constituent Assembly |
2. Here are some of the guiding values of the Constitution and their meaning. Rewrite them by matching them correctly:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| a. Sovereign | i. Government will not favour any religion |
| b. Republic | ii. People have the supreme right to make decisions |
| c. Fraternity | iii. Head of the state is an elected person |
| d. Secular | iv. People should live like brothers and sisters |
Answer:
| Column A | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| a. Sovereign | ii. People have the supreme right to make decisions |
| b. Republic | iii. Head of the state is an elected person |
| c. Fraternity | iv. People should live like brothers and sisters |
| d. Secular | i. Government will not favour any religion |
Question 3
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Leader of Bardoli peasant satyagraha | A. Abul Kalam Azad |
| 2. Educationist, author, and theologian | B. Vallabhbhai Patel |
| 3. President of the Constituent Assembly | C. Somnath Lahiri |
| 4. Vice-Chairman of the Constituent Assembly | D. Rajendra Prasad |
| 5. Member of the Communist Party of India | E. H.C. Mookherjee |
Answer:
| Column A | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Leader of Bardoli peasant satyagraha | B. Vallabhbhai Patel |
| 2. Educationist, author, and theologian | A. Abul Kalam Azad |
| 3. President of the Constituent Assembly | D. Rajendra Prasad |
| 4. Vice-Chairman of the Constituent Assembly | E. H.C. Mookherjee |
| 5. Member of the Communist Party of India | C. Somnath Lahiri |
