Constitution as a Living Document Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Political Science Chapter-9 Book-India Constitution at Work

 

1. What is meant by Constitution?

Answer: 

Constitution is a written/unwritten document in which a detailed description of the rules, laws, powers of the government, rights and duties of the people, administrative institutions and judicial system related to the governance of a country is given.

2. How many types of constitutions are there?

Answer: 

There are mainly two types of constitutions-

1. Written Constitution – like India, America, France, Denmark, Brazil.

2. Unwritten constitution – like Britain, Israel.

3. Are constitutions immutable?

Answer: 

No, constitutions are not immutable. Constitutions can be amended if required. For example—

• The Soviet Union changed its constitution four times in 74 years (1918, 1924, 1936, 1977).

• France changed its constitution 5 times (1793, 1848, 1875, 1946, 1958).

• Till now 106 amendments have taken place in India.

4. What is the procedure for amending the Indian Constitution?

Answer: 

The Indian Constitution has been made a mixture of both flexible and rigid. Under Article 368, the Parliament has been given the right to make necessary amendments in the Constitution.

Methods of amending the Constitution:

1. Amendment by simple majority in the Parliament:

• Creation of new states

• Changes in the boundaries and names of states

• Acquisition and termination of citizenship

2. Amendment by special majority:

• Amendments related to Fundamental Rights

• Amendments related to Directive Principles of State Policy

3. Special majority + consent of half the states:

• Process of Presidential Election

• Division of powers between the centre and the states

5. Why have there been so many amendments in the Constitution?

Answer:

• To make necessary changes according to social and economic conditions.

• To resolve disputes arising between the judiciary and the government.

• Strengthening the administrative structure.

• Maintaining political and constitutional stability.

6. What are the important amendments made in the Indian Constitution?

Answer:

1. 61st Amendment (1989): Voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years.

2. 73rd and 74th Amendment (1992): Panchayats and municipalities were given constitutional status.

3. 42nd Amendment (1976):

• Fundamental duties were added to the constitution.

• The power of the judiciary was limited.

• The term of Lok Sabha was increased from 5 to 6 years (later reduced to 5 years).

4. 44th Amendment (1978): Many changes made in the 42nd Amendment were repealed.

7. What is local governance?

Answer: 

Local governance is the system of governance that works at the village and town level. It helps in solving the everyday problems of the people and carrying out development works.

8. How many types of local government are there?

Answer:

1. Rural local governance (Panchayati Raj)

• Gram Panchayat

• Block/Taluka Panchayat

• District Panchayat

2. Urban local governance (municipal system)

• Municipal council

• Municipality

• City Council

9. Why do we need local governance?

Answer:

• To strengthen democracy.

• To ensure participation of common citizens.

• To provide quick solutions to local problems.

• To contribute towards the development of villages and cities.

10. How did the historical development of Indian local government take place?

Answer:

• Ancient period: Local governance existed in the form of 'Sabha' and 'Samiti'.

• 1882: Lord Ripon introduced organised local government for the first time.

• 1919 and 1935: Village Panchayats were empowered under the Government of India Act.

• 1952: Community Development Programme implemented.

• 1992: Local governance was given constitutional status through the 73rd and 74th Amendments.

11. What are the features of the 73rd Amendment?

Answer:

1. Three-tier Panchayat System:

• Gram Panchayat (Village level)

• Khand Panchayat (Block Level)

• Zila Panchayat(District Level)

2. Electoral system:

• There are direct elections at all levels.

• The tenure of Panchayats is 5 years.

• In case of premature dissolution, elections are held within 6 months.

3. Reservation:

• 1/3 seats reserved for women.

• Reservation for SC/ST in proportion to population.

• Right of states to provide reservation to OBCs.

4. Transfer of subjects:

• 29 subjects were assigned to Panchayati Raj institutions (like agriculture, health, road construction, education).

12. What are the features of the 74th Amendment?

Answer:

Establishment of Urban Local Governance:

• Municipal council

• Municipality

• City Council

Financial Rights:

• Municipalities were given freedom to collect taxes and raise financial resources.

State Finance Commission:

• Every 5 years the State Government appoints the State Finance Commission.

Urban Planning and Development:

• Municipal bodies were given powers to alleviate urban poverty, public transport, sanitation and environmental protection.

13. What are the problems facing local government?

Answer:

• Lack of funds: Most local bodies do not have adequate financial resources.

• Dependence on States: Local bodies depend on the state and central governments for financial assistance.

• Lack of public awareness: People are not fully aware about the schemes of the local administration and their rights.

• Limited powers: State governments do not give complete independence to local bodies, due to which they are not able to function effectively.

14. What is the importance of Constitution and local governance in Indian democracy?

Answer:

• The Constitution is the basic foundation of India's democratic system.

• The Constitution is amended over time to ensure that it remains relevant.

• Local governance gives citizens an opportunity to participate in administration.

• It promotes decentralization and provides quick solutions to the problems of the people.