Chapter-1 The Indian Constitution

1. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?

Explanation:

The following justifies the necessity of a constitution in a democratic nation:

It puts out a few principles that serve as the cornerstone of the kind of nation we as citizens hope to live in.

It provides a set of guidelines and values that form the foundation of how people want their nation to be governed.

It lays forth all significant rules that control decision-making in the nation's many civilizations.

It lays out guidelines to protect minority interests and keep them from being dominated by the majority group.

It establishes guidelines for peaceful coexistence amongst members of various cultures and religions.

It establishes guidelines to prevent our political leaders from abusing their positions of power.


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

1990 Constitution of Nepal Part 7: Executive

2015 Constitution of Nepal Part 7: Federal Executive

Article 35: Executive Power: The executive power of the Kingdom of Nepal shall be vested in his Majesty and the Council of Ministers

Article 75: Executive Power: The Executive Power of Nepal shall, pursuant to this Constitution and law, be vested in the Council of Ministers

What is the difference in who exercises ‘Executive Power’ in the above two Constitutions of Nepal?

Explanation:

The monarch of Nepal and the ministers chosen to serve under him are given complete authority to manage the nation, according to Article 35 of the country's Constitution from 1990.

On the other hand, article 75 of the 2015 Constitution of Nepal specifies that the country's laws would be used as the basis for its regulations and management, which will be overseen by the council of ministers.

The executive authority was once held by the King of Nepal, however, it is currently held by the Council of Ministers of Nepal, which is presided over by the Prime Minister of Nepal.


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

Explanation:

The leaders may abuse their positions of authority if there are no limitations on the power of the elected representatives. This would have caused egregious injustice to the nation's citizens. As a result, the Indian constitution includes safeguards to protect the nation against such abuse of authority by our political leaders.


4. 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 percent of the population are Buddhists.

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

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


Explanation:

(a):Here, the school's 10 female instructors fall into the minority group. In order to prevent the minority from feeling excluded or outnumbered by the majority, it is crucial to respect their viewpoints. Therefore, no choice taken with the opinions of the majority in mind should put the female instructors in any form of discomfort.

(b):The city's Buddhist population constitutes the minority group in this instance. Their opinions ought to be respected. Each action made in the public interest must respect the religious sentiments and beliefs of the Buddhist populace. Because they are a minority, Buddhists must have their opinions respected in order for them to freely practice their faith.
(c):Non-vegetarians make up about 20% of the population in this area. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians have dietary needs, thus it is crucial that the meals produced in the industrial mess meet their needs. The non-vegetarians are a minority, therefore their dietary preferences should be respected. They should be let to eat whatever is healthy for them as long as it does not interfere with the operation of the kitchen.
(d):Thus, the minority group consists of the 10 kids who don't hail from wealthy homes. Respecting their opinions and ensuring that there is no differentiation or prejudice based on the financial circumstances of the pupils in the class are both crucial. The school's various expenditures should be adjusted so that minority pupils don't feel left out or ashamed because they can't afford the same.

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

Explanation:

Key Feature

Significance

Federalism

Federalism describes a country with more than one level of governance. In addition to ensuring national unity, it also promotes personal growth.

India's three-tier system of governance, which consists of the Panchayati Raj, the state governments, and the Central Government, is significant due to the country's residents' different cultural and religious backgrounds.

Separation of Powers

It is crucial because it guarantees that no one authority holds all the power, preventing the oppressive use of power.

Second, the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government all function as a check on one another, ensuring a healthy equilibrium. The hands of a small number of people do not have all the power. Moreover, it offers safeguards against authority misuse.

Fundamental Rights

The Constitution grants a set of rights known as the Basic Rights to each and every person of the nation. These rights are crucial for defending citizens against the State's arbitrary and unrestrained exercise of authority.

These rights provide every citizen of the nation the right to be treated equally regardless of caste, religion, or community so that everyone has an equal chance to live and develop in the nation.

Parliamentary Form of Government

It maintains the global adult franchise. It is the one in which the nation's residents have the option of choosing their representatives.

Every individual can run for office, regardless of caste, color, race, religion, sex, or money, and he or she is responsible to the electorate.

It enables a decentralized electricity infrastructure.

Moreover, it improves collaboration between the legislative and executive branches.