NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Civics Chapter 2: Constitutional Design

 NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Civics Chapter 2: Constitutional Design


Based on the provided solutions, here is a detailed breakdown of the topics and questions for students.


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### Summary of the Chapter


This chapter introduces the concept of a **constitution** and its importance in a democracy. It covers the following topics:


* **Democratic Constitution in South Africa:** The struggle against the apartheid regime and the making of a new constitution.

* **Why Do We Need a Constitution?** The role of a constitution in creating trust and coordination, specifying government formation, and safeguarding citizens' rights.

* **Making of the Indian Constitution:** The journey of India's freedom struggle and the process of drafting its constitution by the Constituent Assembly.

* **Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution:** The fundamental principles and philosophy behind the constitution, including **Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity**.

* **The Dream and the Promise:** Jawaharlal Nehru's famous 'Tryst with Destiny' speech and the commitment to fulfilling the promises of the freedom struggle.

* **Philosophy of the Constitution:** The core values and principles that serve as the foundation of the Indian Constitution.

* **Institutional Design:** The structure and roles of the different organs of the government (legislature, executive, and judiciary).


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### Exercise Questions and Answers


#### Question 1: False Statements


This question asks you to identify and correct mistakes in four statements about the constitution.


* **Original Statement:** Leaders of the freedom movement had an open mind about whether the country should be democratic or not after independence.

    * **Corrected Statement:** Leaders of the freedom movement had a consensus that India would be a democratic nation after independence.

* **Original Statement:** Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held the same views on all provisions of the Constitution.

    * **Corrected Statement:** Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held the same views on the **basic principles** of the Constitution.

* **Original Statement:** A country that has a constitution must be a democracy.

    * **Corrected Statement:** A country that is a **democratic country must have a constitution**.

* **Original Statement:** A constitution cannot be amended because it is the supreme law of a country.

    * **Corrected Statement:** A constitution **can be amended with time** and according to the needs of the citizens.


#### Question 2: South African Constitution


The most significant conflict during the making of the South African constitution was between the **white minority and the black majority**. The correct answer from the options provided is **D**.


#### Question 3: Provisions in a Democratic Constitution


A democratic constitution does **not** specify the **name of the head of the state**. This position can be held by different people over time, whereas the constitution defines the powers and structure of the government. The correct answer is **B**.


#### Question 4: Matching Leaders and Roles


This question requires you to match key leaders with their roles in the constitution-making process.


* **Motilal Nehru:** Prepared a Constitution for India in **1928**.

* **B.R. Ambedkar:** Was the **Chairman of the Drafting Committee**.

* **Rajendra Prasad:** Served as the **President of the Constituent Assembly**.

* **Sarojini Naidu:** Was a **Member of the Constituent Assembly**.


#### Question 5: Nehru's 'Tryst with Destiny' Speech


This question is based on Nehru's famous speech.


* **"Not wholly or in full measure":** Nehru used this expression because he believed that nation-building was a challenging, gradual process that could not be achieved overnight.

* **The pledge:** He wanted the constitution makers to pledge themselves to the **service of India, her people, and humanity**.

* **"The ambition of the greatest man...":** Nehru was referring to **Mahatma Gandhi**, whose goal was to uplift the poor and downtrodden.


#### Question 6: Guiding Values


You are asked to match the guiding values of the constitution with their correct meanings.


* **Sovereign:** People have the supreme right to make decisions.

* **Republic:** The head of the state is an elected person.

* **Fraternity:** People should live like brothers and sisters.

* **Secular:** The government will not favor any religion.


#### Question 7: Constitution Day Report


The solution advises students to write this report on their own, based on how their school celebrated Constitution Day on November 26th.


#### Question 8: Factors for Indian Democracy


This question asks you to evaluate the importance of different factors in making India a democracy.


* **British rulers:** While British rule introduced legislative institutions, the core democratic values were forged during the **Freedom Struggle**, which challenged colonial exploitation and fought for the rights of all Indians.

* **Freedom Struggle:** The struggle was crucial as it actively fought for democracy, using tools like **'Satyagraha' and 'Ahimsa'**. This created a strong consensus for a democratic system after independence.

* **Leaders with democratic convictions:** The presence of leaders with strong democratic beliefs was vital, as seen by the fact that many other newly independent countries did not adopt democracy. Their role in guiding the process was very important.


#### Question 9: Values in a Conduct Book


The values expressed in the 1912 conduct book for women **do not reflect the values of the Indian Constitution**. The constitution guarantees **fundamental rights and equality to all citizens**, irrespective of gender, caste, sex, place of birth, or religion. It explicitly goes against the idea that women are subordinate to men.


#### Question 10: Statements about a Constitution


This final question requires you to state whether four statements about a constitution are true or not and provide reasons.


* **Statement:** The authority of the rules of the constitution is the same as that of any other law.

    * **Reason:** **Not true**. The constitution is the **supreme law** of the land, and all other laws must conform to it.

* **Statement:** The constitution lays down how different organs of the government will be formed.

    * **Reason:** **True**. The constitution outlines the structure, powers, and roles of the **legislature, executive, and judiciary**.

* **Statement:** Rights of citizens and limits on the power of the government are laid down in the constitution.

    * **Reason:** **True**. The constitution provides **Fundamental Rights** to citizens and places checks and balances on the government to prevent misuse of power.

* **Statement:** A constitution is about institutions, not about values.

    * **Reason:** **Not true**. The constitution is founded on core values like **justice, liberty, fraternity, and equality**, which are highlighted in the **preamble** and guide the functioning of all institutions.

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