Important Questions and Answers for Class 11 Political Science Indian Constitution At Work Chapter 9 Constitution as a Living Document 2025-26

1. The Indian Constitution is described as a “living document” because:

• (a) It cannot be changed at all
• (b) Its provisions are frequently ignored
• (c) It adapts to changing needs through amendments and interpretations
• (d) Its makers were not wise

Answer: (c) It adapts to changing needs through amendments and interpretations.

2. Which article of the Constitution lays down the procedure for its amendment?

• (a) Article 352
• (b) Article 368
• (c) Article 370
• (d) Article 14

Answer: (b) Article 368.

3. The “basic structure” doctrine was established by the Supreme Court in which landmark case?

• (a) Golaknath Case
• (b) Minerva Mills Case
• (c) Kesavananda Bharati Case
• (d) Shankari Prasad Case

Answer: (c) Kesavananda Bharati Case.

4. “Special majority” in the context of Constitutional Amendment means:

• (a) A majority of the total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting
• (b) Simple majority of members present
• (c) Only President’s assent is needed
• (d) Majority of States must sign

Answer: (a) A majority of the total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting.

5. Who has the final authority to decide the validity of a Constitutional Amendment?

• (a) President of India
• (b) Prime Minister
• (c) Supreme Court of India
• (d) Rajya Sabha

Answer: (c) Supreme Court of India.

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

1. What is meant by the “living” nature of the Indian Constitution?

Answer: The Constitution’s “living” nature means it can adapt, evolve, and respond to changing times through amendments and judicial interpretations while retaining its core values.

2. State one reason why the Constitution needs to be amended.

Answer: Amendments are needed to address changing social, political, and economic circumstances that the original makers could not foresee.

3. Name the article that lays down the constitutional amendment procedure.

Answer: Article 368 of the Indian Constitution lays down the procedure for its amendment.

4. What does “basic structure” mean in constitutional context?

Answer: “Basic structure” refers to fundamental principles and features of the Constitution that cannot be altered or destroyed by amendments, as defined by the Supreme Court.

5. Define “special majority” for constitutional amendments.

Answer: Special majority requires a majority of the total membership of each House and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

3. Short Answer Questions.

1. Why is amending the Constitution considered both flexible and rigid in India?

Answer: The Indian Constitution is flexible because some provisions can be changed by a simple majority, but rigid as vital features demand a special majority—and for some matters also State ratification. This dual character ensures adaptability while safeguarding core principles from frequent or easy changes.

2. How does the principle of “basic structure” protect democracy in India?

Answer: The “basic structure” doctrine, established by the Supreme Court, ensures that Parliament cannot amend or destroy fundamental democratic aspects like rule of law, secularism, and federalism. This limits arbitrary changes and upholds the democratic spirit of the Constitution for future generations.

3. Give two examples of amendments made due to differences between the Parliament and Judiciary.

Answer: Parliament amended the Constitution when judicial interpretations differed on matters like the right to property and the precedence of fundamental rights over directive principles. Examples include the amendments after the Golaknath and Kesavananda Bharati cases.

4. What is the importance of ratification by States in some constitutional amendments?

Answer: Ratification by at least half the State legislatures is required when amendments affect federal distribution of powers or State representation. This ensures federal balance and respects State participation in crucial constitutional changes.

5. Explain why political consensus is crucial for amending the Constitution.

Answer: Political consensus ensures broad-based agreement across parties, making constitutional amendments more representative and durable. This reduces chances of narrow partisan changes and upholds public faith in the Constitution’s integrity.

4. Long Answer Questions.

1. Discuss the different methods of amending the Indian Constitution and provide examples for each.

Answer: The Indian Constitution provides three methods for amendment. First, some articles can be changed by a simple majority in Parliament (e.g., formation of new states). Second, most constitutional amendments require a special majority in both Houses—majority of total members and two-thirds of those present and voting. Third, critical amendments affecting federal structure, representation of States, or the judiciary also require ratification by at least half of State legislatures. For all methods, bills must be passed by Parliament and assented to by the President.

1. Simple majority (e.g., Article 3 on State boundaries)
2. Special majority (e.g., Fundamental Rights)
3. Special majority + State ratification (e.g., changes to distribution of powers)

2. Critically evaluate the impact of the 42nd Amendment on the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The 42nd Amendment, passed during the Emergency (1976), made extensive changes, attempting to diminish the judiciary’s role and enhance Parliament’s supremacy. It amended 53 articles, changed the Preamble, and curtailed judicial review. However, many of its controversial provisions were later reversed by the 43rd and 44th Amendments after the Emergency. The episode highlighted the need for checks and balances even in amendment powers.

1. Widespread changes under political control
2. Public and legal controversy led to reversal
3. Strengthened checks on amendment powers

3. “The judiciary has played a vital role in the evolution of the Constitution.” Comment with examples.

Answer: The judiciary, primarily through the Supreme Court, has interpreted constitutional provisions in line with contemporary needs. The most notable example is the “basic structure” doctrine from the Kesavananda Bharati case, ensuring that fundamental features cannot be altered by Parliament. Other landmark judgments—like limiting reservation to 50% and introducing the creamy layer concept—have provided clarity and stability, acting as informal amendments that keep the Constitution dynamic.

1. Basic structure doctrine
2. Reservations in jobs and education guidelines
3. Interpretation of right to life, education

4. Explain with examples how amendments can be classified as technical, interpretational, or consensus-based.

Answer: Technical amendments address administrative details, like increasing judges’ salaries or retirement age (e.g., 15th, 54th Amendments). Interpretational amendments arise from disagreements between Parliament and the judiciary (e.g., amendments after Golaknath and Kesavananda Bharati cases). Consensus-based amendments reflect broad political agreement, such as lowering the voting age (61st Amendment) or passing the anti-defection law (52nd Amendment).

1. Technical: administrative clarifications
2. Interpretational: resolving judicial/Parliament conflicts
3. Consensus: political party agreement

5. Assertion–Reason type questions.

Assertion (A): The Indian Constitution can be amended by the Parliament.
Reason (R): No part of the Indian Constitution is protected from amendment.

• (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: (c) A is true, but R is false. Parliament can amend, but the Supreme Court has declared “basic structure” cannot be amended.

Assertion (A): Only a simple majority in Parliament is required for all amendments in the Constitution.
Reason (R): The process to amend the Indian Constitution is rigid and needs only Parliament’s approval.

• (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. Most amendments require special procedure beyond simple majority.

Assertion (A): Judiciary plays a role in constitutional evolution.
Reason (R): Courts can interpret provisions but cannot strike down amendments violating the basic structure.

• (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: (c) A is true, but R is false. Judiciary can strike down amendments violating the basic structure.

Why Learning Constitution as a Living Document Benefits Students?

Explore the core of Political Science Class 11 important questions with Answers PDF. This chapter shows how India’s Constitution adapts to change, helping students understand basic structure and flexibility—key themes for Class 11 Political Science and real exam confidence.

By practising Political Science Class 11 Chapter 9 question answers and related questions, students learn the importance of amendments and judicial review. Gain clarity on Important Questions of Constitution as a living document Class 11.