NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Civics Chapter 2 Constitutional Design
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Political Science Chapter 2 covers Democratic Constitution in South Africa, Need for a Constitution, Making of the Indian Constitution, and Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution.
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. Democratic Constitution in South Africa (Apartheid)
Short Note:
• Apartheid: A system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa imposed by the white Europeans.
• Struggle against Apartheid: Led by Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC). Mandela spent 28 years in Robben Island prison.
• Transition to Democracy: On 26 April 1994, South Africa became a democratic nation with a groundbreaking constitution ensuring equal rights to all races.
2. Why Do We Need a Constitution?
Short Note:
• Definition: A Constitution is a set of written rules that are accepted by all people living together in a country.
• Key Functions:
1. Generates trust and coordination essential for diverse groups.
2. Specifies how the government will be constituted and who will have power to make decisions.
3. Lays down limits on the powers of government and safeguards citizens' rights.
4. Expresses the aspirations of the people about creating a good society.
3. Making & Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution
Short Note:
• Constituent Assembly: Drafting body of 299 members chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Drafting Committee Chairman) and Dr. Rajendra Prasad (President of the Assembly).
• Key Dates: Adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day).
• Preamble Values: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
• Constitutional Amendments: Provisions allowing changes in the constitution over time to keep it updated with social needs.
Intext & Conceptual Questions
| Sovereign | Secular |
|---|---|
| People have the supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters. | Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion, with no official state religion. |
| No foreign power can dictate terms to the government of India. | The government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect. |
1. National Movement Consensus: The freedom struggle had already helped evolve a consensus on basic democratic principles.
2. Prior Institutional Experience: Exposure to political institutions under British rule (like the Government of India Act 1935) provided valuable working experience.
3. Visionary Leadership: Leaders like Nehru and Ambedkar drew inspiration from global best practices (French Revolution, US Bill of Rights, Russian Socialism) while tailoring them to Indian reality.
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
Correction: Leaders of the freedom movement had a clear consensus that India should be a democratic nation after independence.
(b) Members of the Constituent Assembly held the same views on all provisions of the Constitution.
Correction: Members of the Constituent Assembly had diverse views and debated intensively before reaching a consensus on provisions.
(c) A country that has a constitution must be a democracy.
Correction: A country that is a democracy must have a constitution, but not every country with a constitution is necessarily a democracy.
(d) Constitution cannot be amended because it is the supreme law of a country.
Correction: Constitution can be amended through a legal procedure to adapt to changing social requirements.
| Leader | Role |
|---|---|
| (a) Motilal Nehru | Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928 |
| (b) B.R. Ambedkar | Chairman of the Drafting Committee |
| (c) Rajendra Prasad | President of the Constituent Assembly |
| (d) Sarojini Naidu | Member of the Constituent Assembly |
1. Core Philosophy: It contains the fundamental values and philosophy upon which the entire Constitution is built.
2. Standard for Judgment: It provides a standard to examine and evaluate any law or action of government to see if it is good or bad.
3. Guiding Light: It clearly states the ultimate objectives (Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) that the republic aims to achieve.
Read More & Chapter Resources
These short notes are designed for quick revision. Read the main points once, then use the related material below to practise the same chapter. Revising a concept and checking it with questions can make your preparation more focused.