1. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Constitution is crucial to the working of democracy for the following reasons:
I. Constitution tells us what the fundamental nature of our society is. It serves as a set of rules and principles that all persons in a country can agree upon as the basis of the way in which they want the country to be governed.
II. Constitution defines the nature of a country’s political system. Constitution plays a crucial role in laying out certain important guidelines that govern decision-making within these societies.
III. Constitution provides safeguards against misuse of authority
IV. It ensures that a dominant group does not use its power against other less powerful people or groups.It helps to prevent tyranny or domination by the majority on a minority.
V. Constitution helps to protect us against certain decisions that we might take that could have an adverse effect on the larger principles that the country believes in. A good Constitution does not allow these whims to change its basic structure. It does not allow the easy overthrow of provisions that guarantee rights of citizens and protect their freedom.
2. Who is known as the Father of Indian Constitution?
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
3. What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
If there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives, there would always be the possibility that they might misuse the authority for their vested interests. Constitution provides safeguards against misuse of authority.
4. Look at the wordings of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal Constitution. The second column is from the more recent Interim Constitution of Nepal.
1990 Constitution of Nepal
Part 7: Executive 2007 Interim Constitution
Part 5: Executive
Article 35: Executive Power: The executive power of the kingdom of Nepal shall be exercised exclusively by His Majesty. The executive power of Nepal shall, pursuant to this Constitution and other laws, be vested in the Council of Ministers. The executive functions of Nepal shall be taken in the name of the Prime Minister.
5. What is the difference in who exercises ‘Executive Power’ in the above two Constitutions of Nepal? Keeping this in mind, why do you think Nepal needs a new Constitution today?
According to 1990 Constitution, the king of the Nepal holds the supreme authority and he can exercise these powers as he desires.It does not reflect the ideals of a democratic nation. According to 2007 Interim Constitution, the executive powers are now shared by a council of ministers under the leadership of prime minister. Clearly the 2007 Interim constitution reflects the ideals of a democratic nation. The executive powers lie in the hands of the council of ministers who will be elected by the citizens of Nepal.
6. Name the fundamental rights listed in Indian Constitution?
I. Right to Equality
II. Right to Freedom
III. Right against Exploitation
IV. Right to Freedom of Religion
V. Cultural and Educational Rights
IV. Right to Constitutional Remedies
7. List the national goals that are mentioned in the Preamble of our Constitution.
• Democracy
• Socialism
• Secularism
• Social Economic and Political justice.
8. What are the Directive Principles listed in our constitution? What are the objectives of these Directive Principles?
Directive Principles lay down certain guidelines for our Government to achieve our National goals. These guidelines aim at establishing a Welfare State. The Directive Principles are:
1. High standard of living to the people.
2. Ways and means to improve a comfortable living.
3. Serving the interests of the poor.
4. Preventing the accumulation of wealth in a single individual or place.
5. Ensuring the proper use of the country’s wealth for the benefit of all.
Directive Principles are mentioned in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. The Government must keep in mind these guidelines while formulating policies and making laws in the day-to-day administration.
9. Which Fundamental Rights will the following situations violate?
Scenario: Fundamental Right violated. If a 13-year old child is working in a factory manufacturing carpets-Right against Exploitation. If a politician in one state decides not to allow labourers from other States to work in his State-Right to Freedom. If a group of people are not given permission to open a Telugu-medium school in Kerala-Cultural and Educational Rights. If the government decides not to promote an officer of the armed forces because she is a woman-Right to Equality.
10. Explain how 'Separation of powers' is defined in Indian Constitution?
According to the Constitution of India, there are three organs of state:
• The legislature: Refers to elected representatives.
• The executive: Small group from the legislature who are responsible for implementing laws and running the government.
• The judiciary: System of courts in the country. In order to prevent the misuse of power by any one branch of the State, the Constitution specifies that each of these organs should exercise different powers. Each organ also acts as a check on the other organs of the State and ensures balance of power among the three.
11. Define Polity?
Polity refers to a society that has an organized political structure.
12. Define Tyranny?
Cruel and unjust use of power or authority is called as tyranny.
13. List the main features of the Indian Constitution?
1. Written and detailed constitution.
2. Democratic governance
3. Federal System: Distribution of powers between Centre and States.
4. Independent Judiciary
5. Secular State
6. Universal Adult Franchise
7. Fundamental rights
