The Philosophy of The Constitution Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Political Science Chapter-10 Book-India Constitution at Work

 

1. What is the meaning of the philosophy of the Constitution?

Answer: 

The philosophy of the Constitution refers to the values, ideals and principles contained in the Constitution, which reflect social justice, equality, liberty, secularism, federalism and national unity. It is not just a legal document but there is also a moral and political vision behind it.

2. Is the Constitution merely a set of legal rules?

Answer: 

No, the Constitution is not just a set of legal rules, but it is also inspired by moral and political values. For example—

• The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, which is linked to the principle of equality.

• The Constitution protects fundamental rights, which ensure the liberty and dignity of the individual.

3. Why should we look at the Constituent Assembly debates while reading the Indian Constitution?

Answer: 

Reading the Constituent Assembly debates makes it clear what values ​​and ideals the Constitution makers adopted and what was the logic behind them. It helps in understanding what reforms are necessary and how the fundamental objectives of the Constitution can be preserved.

4. Why is the Constitution called an instrument of democratic change?

Answer: 

The constitution is not only for controlling power but it is also a tool to bring about change in the society. It—

• It works to empower the weaker and deprived sections.

• Establishes equality by eliminating discrimination on the basis of caste, religion and gender.

• Strengthening democratic institutions makes democracy sustainable.

5. How did Nehru define the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: 

According to Nehru, the Constituent Assembly was not just a group of lawyers and public representatives but was itself 'a nation on the road', abandoning its old social structure and entering a new era.

6. What is the difference between the Constitution of America and India?

Answer:

• The Constitution of America was made in the 18th century, whereas the Constitution of India is based on modern democratic values.

• There were revolutionary changes in America, but the conditions that existed at the time of drafting of the Constitution in India remain largely the same even today.

• The Constitution of India has been designed keeping in mind a diverse and pluralistic society.

7. What are the main elements of the political philosophy of the Indian Constitution?

Answer: 

The Indian Constitution is based on the following principles—

1. Liberty of the individual – protected as fundamental rights.

2. Social Justice- Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

3. Secularism - The state does not favour any religion.

4. Federalism - Division of powers between the central and state governments.

5. National Unity – Respect for the integrity and diversity of the country.

8. Why has individual freedom been given importance in the Constitution?

Answer:

• The Indian Constitution has made freedom of expression a fundamental right.

• Protection is provided against arbitrary arrest.

• The Indian freedom struggle was fought against oppressive policies like the Rowlatt Act, which proves that freedom is the basis of Indian democracy.

9. How does the Constitution ensure social justice?

Answer:

• Reservation in Assembly and government jobs for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

• Constitutional protection for economically and socially backward classes.

• Right to equality and abolition of untouchability.

10. Why are the rights of minorities included in the Indian Constitution?

Answer: 

• India is a pluralistic society, with many religions, languages ​​and cultures.

• Minorities have been given the right to maintain their culture and traditions.

• Religious and linguistic minorities are given the right to establish and administer their own educational institutions.

11. What is the meaning of secularism in the Indian Constitution?

Answer: 

Indian secularism means that—

• The state will not promote any one religion.

• All religions will be viewed equally.

• Religious freedom will be protected.

• The state will not interfere in religious matters unless it is necessary for the society.

12. What is universal suffrage and what is its significance in the Constitution?

Answer:

Universal suffrage means that all citizens above 18 years of age have the right to vote without any discrimination.

This is the cornerstone of democracy and is ensured by the Indian Constitution.

13. What is federalism and how is it adopted in the Indian Constitution?

Answer: 

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between the centre and the states. In the Indian Constitution—

• Three levels of government(central, state, local).

• Clear separation of powers by the constitution.

• Autonomy to the states, but more powers to the Centre.

14. How does the Constitution ensure national identity?

Answer:

• Provides equal rights to all citizens.

• Accepts diversity of language, religion and culture.

• Provides special powers to the Centre to maintain the unity and integrity of India.

15. What are some of the major criticisms of the Constitution?

Answer:

1. The Constitution is very detailed – Many administrative details have been included in it, making it very long.

2. The Constitution was not completely universal – The Constituent Assembly was not formed by universal suffrage, but people from the upper classes of the society were included in it.

3. Constitution not in line with Indian culture – Some critics believe that the Indian Constitution is inspired by Western countries and does not fully reflect the Indian conditions.

16. What are the limitations in the Indian Constitution?

Answer:

In the federal system, more powers have been given to the Centre.

1. Gender equality issues - need to reform family laws.

2. Socio-  economic rights are not included in the fundamental rights (they are kept in the directive principles).