CLASS 10 Question Bank Solutions| Political Science & Economics | Chapter 1: Indian Democracy [SEBA ] Board of Secondary Education Assam

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A. MCQs

1. Choose the correct answer

(i) The President of India appoints as the Chairman of the North East Council –

Ans: (a) One of the Chief Ministers of North East states

(ii) Who presided over the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly of India?

Ans: (d) Dr. Sacchidananda Sinha

(iii) Who among the following persons was not the member of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India?

Ans: (d) D. P. Khaitan

(iv) Which word was incorporated in the preamble of India Constitution through the 42nd amendment in 1976?

Ans: (d) Socialist

(v) Through the 42nd constitutional amendment of 1976 three important words were incorporated in the preamble of the Indian constitution. These words are –

Ans: (b) Socialist, Secular, Unity

(vi) The Government of India Act, 1935 –

(i) Introduced federal system in India

(ii) Introduced a parliamentary form of government in a limited form in pre-independence India.

In perspective of the above two statements, the correct alternative is:

Ans: (c) Only (i) is correct

(vii) Which one of the following persons was a member of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India?

Ans: (b) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

(viii) Find out the feature(s) of the federal system of India from the alternatives given below:

(i) Provision of separate constitution for the constituent states

(ii) Dual citizenship

Ans: (d) Both (i) and (ii) are incorrect

(ix) Why is a democratic government regarded as a better choice over other forms of government?

(i) It promotes equality among citizens

(ii) It ensures economic development

(iii) It provides a method of resolving conflict

Ans: (a) (i), (ii), (iii)

Assertion & Reason Type Question (1 Mark)

Q1.

Assertion (A): To grasp the inner spirit of the Constitution, one should go through the Preamble of the Constitution.

Reason (R): Each and every word mentioned in the Preamble bears ideals, philosophy, and objectives of the Constitution.

Answer:

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true; and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Short Question (1 Mark)

Q2.

Who presided over the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly which was formed for the preparation of the Constitution of India?

[HSLC ’23]

Answer: Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

Essay Type Questions (Marks: 3/4/5)

1. Discuss the characteristics of the Indian Federal System.

Answer:

The Indian federal system displays the following characteristics:

•  Dual Polity: India has two levels of government—Central and State—each with its own jurisdiction.
• Division of Powers: The Constitution divides powers into three lists—Union, State, and Concurrent.
• Written Constitution: India has a written constitution that clearly defines the structure, powers, and functions of both the Union and the States.
• Independent Judiciary: The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution and resolves disputes between the Centre and States.
•  Supremacy of the Constitution: Both the Union and States must operate within the limits set by the Constitution.

2. What is Parliamentary Democracy? Write the main differences between the Parliamentary Democracy System of India and that of England.

Answer: Parliamentary Democracy is a system of governance in which the executive is responsible to the legislature and derives its legitimacy from it.

3. Is India a federal country like that of the USA? Explain.

Answer:

India is federal but not in the traditional sense like the USA. The Indian Constitution establishes a quasi-federal system that means it has dual governance (Centre and States).Power is divided via Union, State, and Concurrent lists.

However, the Centre has more power than the States, especially in times of emergency. Unlike the USA, Indian states are not sovereign and cannot secede.Thus, India is federal in structure but unitary in spirit.

4. Why is India called Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic?

Answer: India is called so because of the reasons -

Sovereign: India is free to make its own laws and policies without external control.

Socialist: Aims for social and economic equality for all citizens.

Secular: No official religion; all religions are treated equally.

Democratic: Government is elected by the people.

Republic: The head of the state (President) is elected, not a hereditary monarch.

These principles reflect the core values enshrined in the Preamble.

5. Explain in brief how the ideals of the Indian Constitution have been manifested in its Preamble.

Answer:

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution expresses the ideals such as:

Justice: Social, economic, and political justice for all.

Liberty: Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.

Equality: Equal status and opportunity for all citizens.

Fraternity: Promotes unity and integrity of the nation. These ideals are reflected in the various parts and articles of the Constitution, shaping India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.

6. Write briefly the characteristics of the Indian Federal system.

Answer:

(Same as Q1)

7. From which Country's constitution the concept of India's parliamentary democracy is followed? Mention two differences of the parliamentary democratic system of India as compared to that country.

Answer:

India's parliamentary democracy is largely adopted from the British (UK) Constitution.

Two differences:

1. India has a written Constitution, the UK does not.

2. India is a Republic (elected President); the UK is a Monarchy (King/Queen is the head of state).

8. What is meant by Federal State? In which country in the world was the federal system introduced first?

Answer:

A Federal State is a political entity where two or more levels of government share sovereignty over the same geographic area.

Powers are constitutionally divided between the central and regional governments.

The United States of America was the first country to introduce the federal system in 1787 with its Constitution.

MCQ & Very Short Questions (1 Mark)

(i) The British Government sent the Cabinet Mission to India in –

Answer: (b) March 1946

(ii) ________ was elected the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly.

Answer: (b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

(iii) The Sarkaria Commission was set up in –

Answer: (b) 1983

(iv) In which Constitutional Amendment, the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were incorporated in the Preamble?

Answer: (b) 42nd Constitutional Amendment

(v) The Head of the state of India is –

Answer: (b) The President

(vi) The federal system was first introduced in –

Answer: (b) The United States of America.

(vii) India has been declared as a ‘Union of States’

Correct Answer: (a) Article No. 1

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(viii)

Statement I: India is a Sovereign state. Sovereignty is the supreme and absolute power of the state.

Statement II: There shall be any official or state religion in India.

Correct Answer: (c) Both Statement I and II are true

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(ix) Choose the correct option:

(A) The Government of India Act 1935 introduced a limited form of parliamentary government in colonial India.

(B) Only the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are integral part of the Parliament of India.

Correct Answer: (a) A is true, B is false

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(x) Match the following –

(i) Dr. Rajendra Prasad → (d) President of first sitting of Constituent Assembly

(ii) Sachidananda Sinha → (b) Permanent President of Constituent Assembly

(iii) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar → (a) President of Drafting Committee

(iv) Jawaharlal Nehru → (c) Objective Resolution

Correct Answer: (a) (i-d), (ii-b), (iii-a), (iv-c)

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(xi) Consider the following statements and choose the correct answer:

(i) The system of India is the real federal system

(ii) There are two types of Government in India.

Correct Answer: (d) (i) incorrect, (ii) correct

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(xii) The aim of Cabinet Mission was —

(i) To guide the transfer of power to India.

(ii) To take necessary measures for the formulation of the Constitution of independent India.

Correct Answer: (d) Both (i) and (ii) are correct

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(xiii) Match the following with appropriate choices:

(a) First meeting of the Constituent Assembly → (ii) 9th Dec, 1946

(b) Formation of the draft Constitution → (iv) March, 1946

(c) Arrival of Cabinet Mission in India → (i) 29th Aug, 1947

(d) The Constitution of India was came into force → (iii) 26th Jan, 1950

Correct Answer: (c) a-ii, b-i, c-iv, d-iii

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Assertion and Reasoning Questions

1.

Assertion (A): Indian federal system is known as cooperative federalism.

Reason (R): Indian federal system mainly depends on the centre and state relationship.

Correct Answer: (D) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

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2.

Assertion (A): In a republic country, the head of the state shall not be hereditary.

Reason (R): India is not a republic country.

Correct Answer: (B) A is correct and R is incorrect

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3.

Assertion (A): India is a sovereign country

Reason (R): India is not subordinate to any foreign power

Correct Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A

(Q. xvii)

Match the following:

(a) First meeting of the Constituent Assembly (ii) 9th Dec, 1946

(b) Formation of the Draft Constitution Committee (iii) 29th Aug, 1947

(c) Arrival of Cabinet Mission in India (iv) March, 1946

(d) The Constitution of India came into force (i) 26th Jan, 1950

Correct Option: (D)

So:

a-ii

b-iii

c-iv

d-i

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Assertion and Reason (Q. xviii)

Assertion (A): Indian federal system is known as cooperative federalism.

Reason (R): Indian federal system mainly depends on the centre and state relationship.

Answer: (D) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

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Very Short Questions

1. How does India stand in the world?

→ India is the largest democratic country in the world.

2. What is very essential for an independent and democratic country?

→ A well-defined Constitution is essential.

3. Is Constitution important in relation to democracy?

→ Yes, it provides the framework for governance and protects democratic values.

4. What had begun already before India attained her independence?

→ The process of framing the Constitution had already begun.

5. Which party came into power in England in the general elections held in July, 1945?

→ The Labour Party.

6. What did the Labour Party Government feel towards India when they came into power?

→ They were in favour of granting independence to India.

7. When did the British Government send the “Cabinet Mission” to India?

→ In March, 1946.

8. What had been formed with the initiative of the Cabinet Mission?

→ The Constituent Assembly of India.

9. When was the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly held?

→ On 9 December, 1946.

10. Who presided over the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly held on 9 December, 1946?

→ Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha.

11. Who was elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly?

→ Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

12. How many sittings of the Constituent Assembly were held in relation to the preparation of the new Constitution of India?

→ 11 sessions with 165 sittings in total.

13. When did the Constituent Assembly constitute a Drafting Committee?

→ On 29 August, 1947.

14. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee?

→ Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

15. When was the draft copy of the new Indian Constitution handed over to Dr. Rajendra Prasad?

→ On 26 November, 1949.

16. When did the new Constitution come into force?

→ On 26 January, 1950.

17. How was India governed between the period from 15 August, 1947 to 26 January, 1950?

→ Under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935.

18. What is preamble?

→ The Preamble is the introductory statement in the Constitution that states the objectives and ideals of the Constitution.

19. What was incorporated in the preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment?

→ The words "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity."

20. When was the 42nd Constitutional Amendment enacted?

→ In 1976.

21. Who is the Head of the State in India?

→ The President of India.

22. From where, the term ‘federation’ is derived?

→ From the Latin word ‘Foedus’ meaning treaty or agreement.

23. Where was the federal system first introduced?

→ In the United States of America.

24. Which country is regarded as the Home Land of Federation?

→ The United States of America.

25. Whom did the makers of Indian Constitution consult while choosing federal system for India?

→ The federal system of countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia were studied.

26. What is in the Article No. 1 of the Indian Constitution?

→ India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.

27. When was the Sakaria Commission set up?

→ In 1983.

28. Is there Dual citizenship system in India?

→ No, India follows single citizenship.

29. How is the House of the people better known in India as?

→ Lok Sabha.

30. How is the Council of states better known in India as?

→ Rajya Sabha.

31. Who is the Head of England?

→ The Monarch (King/Queen).

32. What is the most powerful in the Parliamentary democratic system of England?

→ The Parliament.

33. In which constitutional amendment, the words “Socialist” and “Secular” were incorporated in the "Preamble"?

→ The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.

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Short Type Questions (Marks: 2/3)

1. Why is Constitution important for a democratic country?

→ A Constitution provides the fundamental legal framework for governance, protects citizens' rights, and ensures democratic values are upheld.

2. Why did the British Government send the Cabinet Mission to India?

→ To discuss and plan for the transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership and to form a Constitution-making body.

3. Give a very brief account of the Drafting Committee.

→ The Drafting Committee was formed on 29 August, 1947 with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as its Chairman. It was responsible for preparing the draft of the Indian Constitution.

4. Why was the Constituent Assembly 

formed?

→ To frame a Constitution for independent India and lay the foundation for its governance system.

5. Give a very brief account of the Constituent Assembly.

Ans

The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to draft the Constitution of India. It had 389 members initially, later reduced to 299 after partition. It held its first meeting on December 9, 1946, and the final session was held on January 24, 1950.

6. Who signed the draft copy of the new constitution? When did the new constitution come into force?

Ans

The draft of the Constitution was signed by the President of the Constituent Assembly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950.

7. According to which Act, India's administration was governed between 15 August 1947 to 26 January 1950 and who did enact this Act?

Ans

India was governed by the Government of India Act, 1935, enacted by the British Parliament.

8. What is the preamble?

Ans

The Preamble is an introductory statement in the Constitution that outlines the guiding principles and philosophy of the Constitution, expressing the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

9. Why are the words “We the people of India” incorporated in the preamble?

Ans

These words signify that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India, emphasizing the democratic foundation of the country.

10. Who were the members of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?

Ans

The Drafting Committee had 7 members: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Chairman), Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, K.M. Munshi, Mohammad Saadullah, N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, B.L. Mitter (later replaced), and D.P. Khaitan.

11. What is meant by the term Sovereign?

Ans

‘Sovereign’ means that India is independent and free from external control and has the power to legislate on any subject.

12. What is meant by the term “Socialist”?

Ans

‘Socialist’ refers to social and economic equality. It implies that wealth is distributed equally, and the government plays a role in reducing inequality.

13. How is India a secular state?

Ans

India is secular because it provides freedom of religion to all its citizens and does not promote any one religion as the state religion.

14. How is India a democratic state?

Ans

India is democratic as it has an elected government, and the ultimate power rests with the people who elect their representatives through free and fair elections.

15. How is India a republic?

Ans

India is a republic because the head of the state, the President, is elected and not a hereditary monarch.

16. What ideals were given formal recognition in the process of making the constitution by the Constituent Assembly?

Ans

The ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity were given formal recognition and are enshrined in the Preamble.

17. Give any two main points of the objective resolutions forwarded by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Ans

1. India shall be an independent, sovereign republic.

2. It shall guarantee justice, equality, and freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association, and action to all people of India.

18. According to which constitutional amendment the two words "Socialist" and "Secular" have been incorporated in the Preamble and in which year?

Ans

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 added the words "Socialist" and "Secular".

19. What is a ‘Federal state’?

Ans

A federal state is a type of government in which powers are divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.

20. Why was the federal system introduced by the new constitution not at all unfamiliar to the people of India?

Ans

Because the Government of India Act, 1935, had already introduced a federal structure with distribution of powers between central and provincial governments.

21. Why did the makers of the Indian Constitution introduce the kind of a loose federation following the Canadian Constitution?

Ans

Because it gave more powers to the Centre to maintain unity and integrity in a diverse country like India.

22. What is meant by “Quasi-federal state”?

Ans

A Quasi-federal state has both federal and unitary features. India is described as quasi-federal because the Centre has more power than the states.

19. Why is the Indian federal system an exceptional one?

Ans

India's federal system is exceptional because it has a strong Centre, a single Constitution, and a single citizenship, unlike typical federations.

20. Why was the Sarkaria Commission set up in 1983?

Ans

The Sarkaria Commission was set up to examine and review the working of the existing arrangements between the Centre and states and recommend changes.

21. Why have political analysts used the new term “Co-operative Federation” in relation to the Indian federal system?

Ans

Because the Indian federal structure promotes cooperation and coordination between the Centre and the states.

22. What do you mean by parliamentary democracy?

Ans

Parliamentary democracy is a system where the executive is responsible to the legislature, and the head of the state is different from the head of government.

23. What are the two houses of the Indian Parliament?

Ans

1. Lok Sabha (House of the People)

2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

28. Give one difference between the parliamentary democratic system of India and that of England.

Ans

In India, the Constitution is written and supreme, while in England, it is unwritten and based on conventions.

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B. Case Based Questions

(a) What is the literal meaning of Federation?

Ans

Federation means a union of partially self-governing states or regions under a central (federal) government.

(b) Which Act led to the set up of Federal System in India?

Ans

The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced the federal structure in India.

(c) Name the two tiers of government in India.

Ans

1. Central Government

2. State Governments

(d) Which country is regarded as the Homeland of Federation?

Ans

The United States of America (USA).

(e) Why is the system of the USA the real federal system?

Ans

Because the states in the USA enjoy more autonomy and have their own constitutions, unlike India.

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C. Essay Type Questions (Marks: 4/5)

1. Discuss how the ideals of the Indian Constitution have been manifested in its Preamble.

Ans:

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as its philosophical foundation and reflects the core values and aspirations of the nation. It embodies the ideals that guided the framing of the Constitution.

Sovereignty: India is an independent state with the power to legislate and govern itself without any external interference.

Socialism: The state strives to reduce inequality in income, status, and standards of life. It ensures social and economic justice through policies and welfare programs.

Secularism: India has no official state religion. Citizens have complete freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion.

Democracy: Power lies with the people. India has a system of universal adult franchise where leaders are elected by the people.

Republic: The head of the state, the President, is elected and not a hereditary ruler.

These ideals are not merely symbolic but are implemented through laws, institutions, and policies, ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

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2. Write in detail about what is meant by ‘Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic’.

Ans:

These five terms describe the nature of the Indian state:

Sovereign: India is a free country. It is not under the control of any other country or authority. It can frame its own laws, conduct foreign relations, and manage its internal affairs.

Socialist: India strives for economic equality and social justice. The state controls key industries, distributes wealth fairly, and supports weaker sections through welfare schemes.

Secular: India does not favor any religion. The state maintains neutrality in religious matters. All religions are treated equally under the law.

Democratic: The people are the source of authority. Representatives are elected through periodic free and fair elections. Citizens have rights such as freedom of speech and equality before the law.

Republic: India has an elected head of state. The President is chosen through an electoral process, unlike in monarchies where power is hereditary.

These concepts, together, reflect India’s commitment to equality, justice, and the rule of law.

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3. Discuss the objective resolutions put forward by Pandit Nehru in relation to the Indian Constitution.

Ans:

The Objective Resolutions were introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22 January 1947. These resolutions served as the blueprint for the Constitution and influenced the drafting process.

Key points of the Objective Resolutions are-

• India shall be an independent, sovereign republic.
• The Constitution shall ensure justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens.
• The country shall be a federation of states.
• Protection of minority rights, freedom of religion, and cultural and educational rights.
• India shall promote international peace and security.

These resolutions were later reflected in the Preamble and various parts of the Constitution. They helped shape the vision of India’s democratic and inclusive character.

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4. Explain the important characteristics of the Parliamentary form of government in India.

Ans:

India has adopted the Parliamentary system of government similar to the British model, with certain Indian adaptations. 

Important characteristics include:

Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Real and Nominal Executive: The President is the nominal (constitutional) head, while the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers exercise real power.

Bicameral Legislature: The Parliament consists of two Houses – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Leader of the Majority: The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha.

Accountability to Parliament: Ministers must answer to Parliament, ensuring checks and balances.

Fusion of Powers: Unlike the presidential system, there is a close relationship between the executive and the legislature.

This system ensures efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness in governance.

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5. Discuss briefly the Constituent Assembly and the Drafting Committee.

Ans:

The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan to draft the Constitution of India. Initially, it had 389 members, but after partition, it had 299.

The Assembly included members from different provinces, communities, and political ideologies, ensuring representation of all voices.

Key features are:

• First meeting: 9 December 1946
• Constitution adopted: 26 November 1949
• Came into effect: 26 January 1950

The Drafting Committee, formed on 29 August 1947, was tasked with preparing the draft Constitution. It was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Other members included:

• Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
• K.M. Munshi
• B.L. Mitter (replaced by N. Madhava Rao)
• D.P. Khaitan
• Mohammad Saadullah
• N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar

The committee played a crucial role in incorporating the values of justice, equality, democracy, and liberty into legal form.

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6. Describe the difference between the parliamentary democratic system of India and that of England.

Ans:

Though both India and England (United Kingdom) follow the parliamentary form of government, there are several key differences in their systems due to historical and constitutional variations.

1. Nature of the Constitution:

India has a written constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. Every organ of the state must function within the limits set by the Constitution. On the other hand, the UK has an unwritten constitution, based largely on conventions, traditions, judicial decisions, and parliamentary statutes.

2. Head of State:

In India, the head of state is the President, who is elected for a fixed term. In contrast, the UK has a hereditary monarch (the King or Queen), who assumes the position by birth.

3. Nature of the State:

India is a federal country. It has a division of powers between the Union government and the state governments. The UK is a unitary state, where power is centralized in the Parliament, and local governments operate under its control.

4. Secularism:

India is a secular state by constitutional declaration. The state does not promote or favor any religion. In contrast, the UK is not fully secular; the Church of England is recognized as the official state religion, and the monarch is the head of the church.

5. Judiciary and Judicial Review:

India has an independent judiciary with the power of judicial review, meaning it can strike down laws that violate the Constitution. In the UK, the Parliament is sovereign, and courts generally cannot override or invalidate parliamentary laws.

6. Citizenship:

India provides single citizenship to all its citizens, applicable throughout the country. In the UK, while there is also single citizenship, it applies to the entire United Kingdom, which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.