Solution of Chapter 1. The Indian Constitution (Social and Political Life-III Book)

Why does a democratic country need a constitution?

Look at the workings of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal Constitution. The second column is from the more recent Interim Constitution of Nepal.

What is the difference in who exercises ‘Executive Power’ in the above two Constitutions of Nepal? Keeping this in mind, why do you think Nepal needs a new Constitution today?

What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?

In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is important to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.

(a) In a school with 30 teachers, 20 of them are male.

(b) In a city, 5 per cent of the population is Buddhists.

(c) In a factory mess for all employees, 80 per cent are vegetarians.

(d) In a class of 50 students, 40 belong to more well-off families.

The column on the left lists some of the key features of the Indian Constitution. In the other column write two sentences in your own words, on why you think this feature is import.

Colour in the following countries in the Map:

(a) Colour India in red

(b) Colour Nepal in green

(c) Colour Bangladesh in yellow

Discuss with your teacher what you understand by the term ‘constitutive’. Provide one example of ‘constitutive rules’ from your everyday life.

Why do the people of Nepal want a new Constitution?

In what way is the class monitor misusing his power?

In which of the following situations is a minister misusing his power:

(a) Refuses to sanction a project of his ministry for sound technical reasons;

(b) Threatens to send his security staff to rough up his neighbour;

(c) Calls up the police station asking them not to register a complaint that is likely to be filed against his relative.

Who is in a minority in the above storyboard? In what way is this minority being dominated by the decision taken by the majority?

Why was Shabnam happy that she had not watched TV? What would you have done in a similar situation?

Discuss the difference between State and Government with your teacher.

Which Fundamental Rights will the following situations violate:

The Constitution also mentions fundamental duties. Find out with the help of your teacher what these include and why it is important for citizens in a democracy to observe these.