Important Questions and Answers for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1 Constitution Why and How 2025-26

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a function of a constitution?

• (a) It gives a guarantee of the rights of the citizen.
• (b) It marks out different spheres of power for different branches of government.
• (c) It ensures that good people come to power.
• (d) It gives expression to some shared values.

Answer: (c) It ensures that good people come to power.

Q2. Who has the power to appoint the Prime Minister of India, according to the Constitution?

• (a) The Parliament
• (b) The President
• (c) The Supreme Court
• (d) The Chief Justice of India

Answer: (b) The President

Q3. The authority of the Indian Constitution is considered higher than that of the Parliament because:

• (a) It was framed before the Parliament came into being.
• (b) Constitution makers were more eminent leaders than MPs.
• (c) It defines how Parliament is to be formed and its powers.
• (d) It cannot be amended by Parliament.

Answer: (c) It defines how Parliament is to be formed and its powers.

Q4. Which document inspired the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution?

• (a) French Constitution
• (b) United States Constitution
• (c) British Constitution
• (d) Irish Constitution

Answer: (d) Irish Constitution

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

Q5. What is a constitution?

Answer: A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or rules that outlines how a country is governed and states the rights and duties of its citizens.

Q6. Name any one function of a constitution.

Answer: One function is to provide basic rules for coordination among members of society, ensuring minimal order and predictability.

Q7. What is meant by the principle of deliberation in constitution-making?

Answer: Deliberation means open discussion and reasoned argument in making the Constitution, considering all viewpoints for collective interest.

Q8. Who moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946.

3. Short Answer Questions.

Q9. Why are limitations placed on the powers of the government in a constitution?

Answer: Limitations are placed to protect citizens’ fundamental rights and prevent abuse of power by rulers. Constitutions restrict government actions so basic liberties like speech, religion, and protection from arbitrary arrest are not violated, maintaining justice and fairness in society.

Q10. Explain the term “Public Reason” as used in the context of India’s constitution-making.

Answer: Public reason refers to the process where constitution-makers gave principled reasons for their positions during debates, discussing beyond personal interests. This collective reasoning strengthened democratic values and ensured decisions reflected the common good.

Q11. State any two ways the Indian Constitution ensures a balanced arrangement of government institutions.

Answer: The Indian Constitution (1) fragments power horizontally among Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, and (2) allows checks and balances so no single group or institution can dominate, thus safeguarding democracy.

Q12. How does the Indian Constitution reflect the aspirations and basic identity of the people?

Answer: The Constitution embodies the fundamental values, collective identity, and aspirations of Indian society by promoting justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity for all, regardless of religion, caste, or region.

4. Long Answer Questions.

Q13. Discuss the main factors that contribute to the effectiveness of a constitution. Use examples from the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The effectiveness of a constitution depends on its mode of enactment, the substantive provisions it contains, and its capacity for balanced institutional design. In India, the Constitution was made by a credible and representative Constituent Assembly after extensive public debate. It incorporates both basic rights and flexibility, accommodates diversity, and provides mechanisms for checks and balances across institutions, ensuring stability and adaptability over time.

1. Promulgation by credible authority (the Constituent Assembly).
2. Inclusion of substantive rights and values.
3. Balanced arrangement of power among organs of government.
4. Capacity to adapt to needs and uphold justice.

Q14. Analyze how the process of making the Indian Constitution was different from that of other countries with examples.

Answer: The Indian Constitution was framed by representatives who enjoyed popular legitimacy and involved wide deliberation and open debate. In contrast, some countries (like post-war Japan) saw constitutions imposed by foreign powers, limiting the sovereignty of people. India’s process was rooted in its nationalist movement, focusing on consensus, learning from global examples, and adapting them to Indian needs. This ensured widespread acceptance and practical relevance for India’s society.

1. Broad representativeness via indirect elections.
2. Public, reasoned debates embracing multiple viewpoints.

Q15. Evaluate why a clear demarcation of powers and responsibilities in the Constitution is necessary.

Answer: Clear demarcation of powers prevents overlap, confusion, or disputes between different branches or levels of government. It protects citizens from arbitrary action and ensures accountability. Without such demarcation, there would be clashes, power struggles, or misuse, leading to instability and injustice. The Constitution’s division of powers ensures order and effective governance.

5. Assertion–Reason type questions.

Assertion (A): The Constitution sets limits on what a government can impose on its citizens.
Reason (R): Fundamental rights are provided in the Constitution to protect citizens from arbitrary action.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Both statements align; fundamental rights limit government power.

Assertion (A): The Indian Constitution gives preference to one religion over others.
Reason (R): Indian citizenship is not limited to people of any race, caste, or religion.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (d) A is false, but R is true. The Constitution does not prefer any religion, and citizenship is inclusive of all people.

3. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

Q16. The Indian Constitution was adopted on __________ and came into force on __________.

Answer: 26 November 1949; 26 January 1950

Q17. The Constitution of India guarantees social, economic and __________ justice to all citizens.

Answer: political

Q18. The principle of __________ ensures that no single institution or group can subvert the Constitution.

Answer: checks and balances

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