CLASS 7 | EXPLORING SOCIETY: INDIA AND BEYOND CHAPTER 10 THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA An Introduction |
📌 CHAPTER AT A GLANCE • Constitution = Rulebook of the country; came into effect on 26 January 1950 • Constituent Assembly formed in 1946; Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee • Three influences: Freedom Struggle, India’s civilisational heritage, and world constitutions • Key features: Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles (DPSP) • The Preamble: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic + Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity • Living Document: Can be amended as the country’s needs change |
📖 STUDY NOTES |
1. WHAT IS A CONSTITUTION? |
🏛️ Definition: A Constitution is a document that lays down the basic principles, laws, and framework of a nation. It is like the ‘rulebook’ for the country. 📅 Came into effect: 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day) 🏛️ Preserved in: A helium-filled glass case in Parliament (helium doesn’t react with paper or ink, keeping it safe) 📚 Size: World’s largest written constitution — 25 Parts, 12 Schedules (originally 22 Parts, 8 Schedules in 1950) |
A Constitution Lays Out:
📋 Framework of Government | ⚖️ Checks & Balances | 🪪 Rights & Duties of Citizens | 🎯 Long-term Goals of Nation |
Roles of Legislature, Executive & Judiciary | Ensures fairness, responsibility & accountability among the 3 organs | Fundamental Rights and duties of every citizen | Values like equality, justice, fraternity, freedom |
2. WRITING THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA |
Constituent Assembly formed | 9 December 1946 (initially 389 members; reduced to 299 after Partition; 15 were women) |
Chairman of Assembly | Dr. Rajendra Prasad (first President of India) |
Drafting Committee | Chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — eminent social reformer & first Law & Justice Minister of independent India |
Work completed | 26 November 1949 (celebrated as Constitution Day / Samvidhan Diwas) |
Constitution adopted | 26 January 1950 → Republic Day |
Members elected by | Legislative assemblies of provinces (who were in turn elected by the people) |
Members represented | India’s diverse regions, professions, and social groups |
3. WHAT SHAPED AND INFLUENCED THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION? |
🇮🇳 Freedom Movement | 🏛️ Civilisational Heritage | 🌍 World Constitutions |
• Equality for all • Justice for all • Freedom & Fraternity • Cultural heritage preservation • Universal adult franchise • Separation of powers • Fundamental Rights | • Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family) • Sarve bhavantu sukhinah (well-being of all) • Janapadas, sanghas, rājadharma • Emphasis on duties of citizens • Fundamental Duties in Constitution • Acceptance of diverse views • Respect for Nature & knowledge | • France → Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (French Revolution 1789) • Ireland → Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) • USA → Independent Judiciary • UK → Parliamentary system • Australia → Federal structure • ā no bhadrāh: ‘Noble thoughts from all sides’ |
4. KEY FEATURES OF THE CONSTITUTION |
Three Organs of Government (Separation of Powers):
⚖️ LEGISLATURE | 🏛️ EXECUTIVE | 🔨 JUDICIARY |
Makes laws. Called Parliament in India (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha) | Implements laws. Headed by the Prime Minister. | Ensures all laws follow the Constitution. Decides punishment. Independent of other organs. |
Three-Tier Government:
Central (Union) Government → State Governments → Local Bodies (Panchayati Raj) Note: Panchayati Raj was added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992. |
Fundamental Rights vs DPSP vs Fundamental Duties:
🪪 FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS | 📋 DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES (DPSP) | 🤝 FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES |
Promises that MUST be kept. Enforceable in court. • Art 14: Right to Equality • Art 21: Right to Life & Liberty • Art 21-A: Right to Education • Right against Exploitation • Right to Freedom of Speech | Goals/guidelines for the government. NOT directly enforceable in court. • Art 38: Social, Political, Economic Justice • Art 41: Welfare Government • Art 44: Uniform Civil Code • Art 47: Nutrition & public health • Art 48-A: Environment & wildlife protection • Art 49: Protect national monuments | Added in 1976 (42nd Amendment). From India’s civilisational heritage. • Abide by the Constitution, Flag & Anthem • Defend the country • Preserve cultural heritage • Protect the natural environment • Strive for excellence • Parents: provide education (ages 6–14) |
5. THE CONSTITUTION IS A LIVING DOCUMENT |
A ‘Living Document’ means the Constitution can be changed (amended) over time as the country’s needs grow. • Amendments are rigorously debated in Parliament before being accepted. • Public opinion can also be sought; popular movements can initiate change. Key Amendments: • 42nd Amendment (1976): Added ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’ in Preamble; added Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A) • 73rd Amendment (1992): Added Panchayati Raj System • 2004: Supreme Court ruled that flying the national flag at home is a Fundamental Right (Freedom of Expression) |
🎨 Constitution as a Work of Art: • Written by hand by calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada. • Illustrated by Nandalal Bose and his team with scenes from Indian history (Mohenjo-daro to freedom movement). • Contains scenes from Gurukula, Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata, Nālandā, and more. |
6. THE PREAMBLE — GUIDING VALUES OF THE CONSTITUTION |
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA… (The Constitution is by the people, not given by a king) |
TERM | MEANING (Simple) |
🏳️ SOVEREIGN | People have supreme power. No outside country can control India’s decisions. |
🏛️ SOCIALIST | Wealth is for everyone. Government controls land/industry to reduce inequality. |
🕌 SECULAR | No official religion. Government treats all religions equally. Citizens are free to follow any religion. |
🗳️ DEMOCRATIC | People elect their rulers and hold them accountable. Government runs by basic rules. |
🏅 REPUBLIC | Head of state is elected (President), not hereditary like a king. |
⚖️ JUSTICE | No discrimination on grounds of caste, religion, gender. Equal opportunity and welfare for all, especially disadvantaged. |
🗽 LIBERTY | No unreasonable restrictions on what citizens think, say, or do. |
👥 EQUALITY | All are equal before the law. End social inequalities. Equal opportunity for all. |
🤝 FRATERNITY | All citizens behave like members of one family. No one is inferior. |
📌 Note: ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. |
7. KEY TERMS |
TERM | MEANING |
Constitution | The rulebook / basic law document of a country |
Preamble | Introduction to the Constitution stating its core values and goals |
Constituent Assembly | The group of 299 members who wrote the Indian Constitution (formed 1946) |
Drafting Committee | Subcommittee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar that prepared the initial text |
Amendment | A change or addition made to the Constitution through a formal process |
Fundamental Rights | Basic rights given to every citizen — enforceable in court |
Directive Principles (DPSP) | Government goals/guidelines — not directly enforceable in court |
Fundamental Duties | Responsibilities of citizens towards the country (added in 1976) |
Helium | Gas used to preserve the original Constitution (doesn’t react with paper/ink) |
Secular | No official religion; all religions treated equally by government |
Sovereign | Supreme power; not controlled by any outside authority |
Republic Day | 26 January — day the Constitution came into effect in 1950 |
Fraternity | Brotherhood; treating all citizens as members of one family |
✏️ WORKSHEET & EXERCISE ANSWERS Chapter 10 — The Constitution of India | All Questions Answered |
SECTION A: TEXTBOOK EXERCISE QUESTIONS (Q1–Q7) |
Q1. Why was it important to have a diverse Constituent Assembly?
Answer: • India is a vast country with diverse regions, languages, religions, castes, and social groups. • Having diverse representatives ensured that the needs and concerns of ALL sections of society were heard and included. • A one-sided assembly might have ignored the rights of minorities, women, or rural communities. • Diversity helped create a Constitution that is fair to ALL citizens, regardless of background. • Representatives from different regions brought local knowledge and specific needs to the table, making the Constitution more inclusive. |
Q2. Identify the key features/values of the Constitution in each statement:
Q | Statement | Constitutional Value / Feature |
a. | Sheena, Rajat, and Harsh are excited to cast their first vote in the general elections. | Universal Adult Franchise (Fundamental Right to Vote) | Democratic |
b. | Radha, Imon, and Harpreet study in the same class in the same school. | Equality (Right to Equality, Art 14) | Secular |
c. | Parents must make arrangements to ensure their children’s education. | Fundamental Duty + Art 21-A (Right to Education) | Directive Principle |
d. | People of all castes, genders, and religions can use the village well. | Right to Equality (Art 14) | Justice | Equality (Preamble) |
Q3. ‘All citizens in India are equal before the law.’ Is this a fact? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Answer: This is both true (in principle) and partially not true (in practice). ✅ YES — In Principle: • The Constitution (Article 14) guarantees equality before law and equal protection of laws to ALL citizens. • No one can be discriminated against based on caste, religion, gender, or birthplace. • Courts are open to all, and every person can seek justice regardless of background. ⚠️ NOT FULLY — In Practice: • In reality, inequalities still exist — the poor may not always access justice easily due to lack of money or awareness. • Discrimination based on caste, gender, and religion still happens in some parts of society. • However, these are challenges for citizens and government to overcome — the Constitution provides the framework for equality, and it is our duty to uphold it. |
Q4. India provided universal adult franchise from the very beginning. Why?
Answer: • India’s freedom fighters believed that every citizen — regardless of caste, religion, gender, or wealth — deserved equal rights after years of colonial rule. • The freedom struggle was fought by ALL sections of society; it was only just that everyone should have a voice in the new democracy. • The Constitution makers wanted to break from the past inequalities and ensure true democracy from day one. • While countries like Switzerland (1971) and USA (1965 for all) took longer, India chose to give all adults the right to vote from 1950 itself. • This reflected India’s commitment to the ideals of equality and democratic participation. |
Q5. How did the freedom struggle and civilisational heritage inspire the Constitution?
Answer: Freedom Struggle: • Values like equality, freedom, fraternity, and justice were goals of the freedom movement → became core values of the Constitution. • Many freedom fighters were in the Constituent Assembly and carried these ideals into the Constitution. • The struggle for freedom gave India answers: universal adult franchise, fundamental rights, and separation of powers. Civilisational Heritage: • Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family) → Fraternity in the Preamble. • Sarve bhavantu sukhinah (well-being of all) → Welfare state ideas in DPSP. • Ancient republics (Vajji mahājanapada), rājadharma → Democratic traditions and emphasis on duties. • India’s diversity and unity → Secular and democratic federal structure of the Constitution. • The tradition of collective decision-making in janapadas and sanghas → Representative democracy. |
Q6. Have we achieved all the ideals of the Constitution? What can we do as citizens?
Answer: No, we have not fully achieved all the ideals yet. There is still work to be done. Challenges that remain: • Poverty and inequality still exist; not everyone has equal access to education and healthcare. • Discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender still happens in some places. • Corruption weakens justice and equality. What we can do as citizens: • Vote wisely and participate in elections to choose honest representatives. • Treat all people with respect, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, or background. • Report discrimination and seek justice through the courts. • Follow our Fundamental Duties — respect the Constitution, protect the environment, and strive for excellence. • Spread awareness about rights and duties among family and community. |
Q7. Crossword Answers:
Dir. | Clue | Answer |
Across 2 | Branch of government that makes laws | ✅ LEGISLATURE |
Across 7 | Part of Constitution outlining duties of citizens | ✅ FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES |
Across 8 | Highest court in India that protects the Constitution | ✅ SUPREME COURT |
Across 9 | Head of state is elected, not hereditary | ✅ REPUBLIC |
Across 10 | Process by which the Constitution can be changed | ✅ AMENDMENT |
Down 1 | Group of people who wrote the Indian Constitution | ✅ CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY |
Down 3 | Statement at beginning of Constitution stating its values | ✅ PREAMBLE |
Down 4 | Document that lays out rules and laws of a country | ✅ CONSTITUTION |
Down 5 | Gas used to preserve the original Constitution | ✅ HELIUM |
Down 6 | Basic rights given to every citizen | ✅ FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS |
SECTION B: IN-CHAPTER QUESTION ANSWERS |
- Preamble features in daily life (from Let’s Explore):
Feature | How we see it in daily life |
Sovereign | India makes its own foreign policy and laws. No other country can force India to change its decisions. We vote in our own elections without any foreign interference. |
Secular | A person does not need government permission to practice their religion. Temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras all exist freely. No religion is given special status in government jobs or schools. |
Republic | We elect our President. People like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam or Droupadi Murmu became President not by birth but by election. The same can happen with any citizen. |
Justice | The State provides equal opportunity in jobs regardless of gender, caste, or religion. Reservations (OBC/SC/ST) ensure historically disadvantaged groups get opportunities. |
Liberty | We can write blogs, post opinions on social media, wear what we want, and speak freely (within limits of law). No one can imprison you for your views. |
Equality | Girls and boys sit in the same classroom. Women can hold any job, including PM or President. All people stand in the same queue at government offices. |
Fraternity | People from different religions celebrate Diwali, Eid, Christmas together. Neighbours from different castes help each other during floods and disasters. |
📝 PRACTICE WORKSHEET Chapter 10 — Test Your Knowledge! |
Name: ___________________________ Class: _______ Date: ___________
PART 1: FILL IN THE BLANKS |
- The Constitution of India came into effect on __________.
- The Constitution is preserved in a __________-filled glass case in Parliament.
- The Constituent Assembly was formed on __________ December __________.
- The Chairman of the Constituent Assembly was __________.
- The Drafting Committee was chaired by __________.
- The Indian Constitution is the world’s __________ written constitution.
- The Preamble’s ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity were inspired by the Constitution of __________.
- Directive Principles of State Policy were inspired by the __________ Constitution.
- Fundamental Duties were added by the ____ Amendment in the year __________.
- The 73rd Constitutional Amendment of 1992 added the __________ system.
PART 2: TRUE OR FALSE |
- The Indian Constitution is the world’s smallest written constitution. (True / False)
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Constituent Assembly. (True / False)
- Republic Day is celebrated on 26 November. (True / False)
- The term ‘Secular’ was part of the original Preamble of 1950. (True / False)
- Fundamental Rights can be enforced in a court of law. (True / False)
- DPSP are more like guidelines than strict rules. (True / False)
- The Panchayati Raj system was a part of the original Constitution. (True / False)
- Nandalal Bose illustrated the pages of the Constitution. (True / False)
PART 3: MATCH THE COLUMNS |
Column A |
| Column B |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | ___ | Preamble — no official religion |
Prem Behari Narain Raizada | ___ | Chairman of Constituent Assembly |
Nandalal Bose | ___ | Calligrapher of the Constitution |
Dr. Rajendra Prasad | ___ | Chaired the Drafting Committee |
Secular | ___ | Illustrated pages of the Constitution |
26 November 1949 | ___ | Date Constitution was completed |
PART 4: SHORT ANSWER |
- What is a constitution? Why do we need one?
- What are the three sources that inspired the Indian Constitution?
- What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?
- Why is the Constitution called a ‘living document’?
- Name any three values from the Preamble and explain them briefly.
ANSWER KEY |
Fill in the Blanks: • 1. 26 January 1950 2. helium 3. 9th; 1946 4. Dr. Rajendra Prasad 5. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar • 6. largest 7. France 8. Irish (Ireland) 9. 42nd; 1976 10. Panchayati Raj
True or False: • 1. False 2. False (he chaired the Drafting Committee) 3. False (26 January) 4. False (added in 1976) • 5. True 6. True 7. False (added by 73rd Amendment 1992) 8. True
Match the Columns: • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar → Chaired the Drafting Committee • Prem Behari Narain Raizada → Calligrapher of the Constitution • Nandalal Bose → Illustrated pages of the Constitution • Dr. Rajendra Prasad → Chairman of Constituent Assembly • Secular → Preamble — no official religion • 26 November 1949 → Date Constitution was completed |