Important Questions and Answers for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 The Philosophy of the Constitution 2025-26

1. Multiple choice questions.

1. Which one of the following is NOT considered a core feature of the Indian Constitution?

• (a) Liberal individualism
• (b) Asymmetric federalism
• (c) Economic isolationism
• (d) Social justice

Answer: (c) Economic isolationism

2. The term "principled distance" regarding Indian secularism means

• (a) Mutual exclusion of state and religion
• (b) State gives preference to majority religion
• (c) State can intervene in religious matters to promote liberty and equality
• (d) State runs all religious institutions

Answer: (c) State can intervene in religious matters to promote liberty and equality

3. Which article introduced the concept of asymmetric federalism in India?

• (a) Article 14
• (b) Article 370
• (c) Article 371/371A
• (d) Article 32

Answer: (c) Article 371/371A

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

1. What is meant by the 'political philosophy' of the Constitution?

Answer: The political philosophy of the Constitution refers to the set of guiding values, ideals, and vision underpinning its provisions, such as democracy, equality, justice, and liberty.

2. What is 'universal franchise'?

Answer: Universal franchise means the right of every adult citizen, regardless of sex, caste, religion, or income, to vote in elections.

3. Short Answer Questions.

1. How does the Indian Constitution balance individual liberty with social justice?

Answer: The Indian Constitution blends individual liberty, like freedom of speech, with social justice, such as affirmative action for disadvantaged groups. This ensures that the rights of individuals are respected while also addressing historical inequalities through special provisions and reservations.

2. Briefly explain the concept of “principled distance” in Indian secularism.

Answer: “Principled distance” means the state maintains separation from all religions but can help or intervene in religious matters if it promotes equality, liberty, or social justice. It allows flexibility to act for public good instead of strict exclusion or involvement with any religion.

3. What is meant by asymmetrical federalism in the Indian context?

Answer: Asymmetrical federalism means that some states, like those in the North-East, have special constitutional status or powers different from other states. This helps accommodate regional diversity and unique local needs within the Indian Union.

4. Long Answer Questions.

1. Discuss three major criticisms of the Indian Constitution and give brief responses to each.

Answer: The Indian Constitution faces three frequent criticisms: it is unwieldy due to its length and detail, it is unrepresentative since the Constituent Assembly was not elected by universal adult franchise, and it is labeled as alien because of the foreign sources of its articles. However, its comprehensive nature ensures legal clarity, debates reflected many opinions, and borrowed ideas were adapted to Indian needs.

1. Unwieldy: Ensures detailed governance structures.
2. Unrepresentative: Included various opinions through debates.
3. Alien: Adapted, not just copied, foreign sources for the Indian context.

2. Analyze the achievements of the Indian Constitution in both substantive and procedural terms.

Answer: Substantively, the Constitution advances individual freedom, equality, social justice, respect for diversity, universal franchise, federalism, and national identity. Procedurally, it emphasizes open deliberation, compromise, and the accommodation of diverse views in the Constituent Assembly. This approach fostered inclusivity and consensus-based decisions, ensuring both broad vision and sensible functioning.

1. Promotes equality, justice, and unity.
2. Allows diverse perspectives through deliberation.
3. Adopts consensual decision-making for major issues.

3. How does the Constitution of India address the tension between majority and minority rights?

Answer: The Constitution protects minority rights through provisions like cultural and educational autonomy, while emphasizing universal equality. Special safeguards for religious and linguistic minorities are balanced with common citizenship and national unity, ensuring no one community dominates others and all individuals enjoy dignity and freedom.

5. Assertion–Reason type questions.

Assertion (A): The Indian Constitution allows the state to intervene in religious affairs.
Reason (R): This promotes liberty and equality among all citizens.

• (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. The state intervenes only to promote liberty and equality, not to favor any religion.

Assertion (A): The principle of universal franchise was controversial and faced much resistance in the Constituent Assembly.
Reason (R): Most members wanted a restricted right to vote based on property.

• (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. Universal franchise faced little resistance, and the Constituent Assembly broadly supported “one person, one vote.”

3. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

1. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution emphasizes the principle of __________, __________, and __________.

Answer: equality, liberty, fraternity

2. Article _______ of the Indian Constitution provides special status to Nagaland, reflecting the principle of asymmetric federalism.

Answer: 371A

3. One example of a procedural achievement of the Indian Constitution is its commitment to ________ and ________ within the Constituent Assembly.

Answer: open deliberation, compromise

Why Understanding the Philosophy of the Constitution Matters?

• Learning Political Science Class 11 Chapter 10 question answers helps students see how core values like equality and justice shape society.
• By practicing Ch 10 pol Science Class 11 Extra Questions and Answers, you strengthen your understanding of how the Indian Constitution guides real-life governance and rights.
• Understanding these concepts is key for both school exams and personal awareness about India's democratic vision and responsibilities.
• When you engage with Indian constitution at work class 11 chapter 10 or The Philosophy of the Constitution Class 11 Important Questions, you not only prepare well but also connect your studies to society.
• It helps you answer MCQs and long-answer questions, making exams smoother and improving your curiosity!