Updated NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Civics Chapter 1: Constitution Why and How | Important Questions (2026-27)
Welcome, students! This detailed guide covers "Constitution: Why and How?", the first chapter of your Class 11 Political Science NCERT book. We'll break down every concept into simple points, making it easy to score high marks in your exams. This chapter is a cornerstone for understanding Indian democracy and is crucial for both board exams and future competitive exams like CUET and UPSC.
Chapter NameConstitution: Why and How?
SubjectPolitical Science (Indian Constitution at Work)
Class11
BoardCBSE
Important TopicsFunctions of a Constitution, The Constituent Assembly, Sources of the Indian Constitution, Guiding Principles.
Difficulty LevelEasy to Moderate
Exam WeightageHigh. This is a foundational chapter with 3-4 questions expected in exams.
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, students will be able to:
- Understand what a constitution is and why a society needs one.
- Explain the four key functions of a constitution.
- Describe how the Indian Constitution was framed.
- Analyse the composition and working of the Constituent Assembly of India.
- Identify the main sources and principles that influenced our Constitution.
Key Concepts and Definitions
Here are the most important terms you need to know from this chapter.
- Constitution: A constitution is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organisation is acknowledged to be governed. It is often a written document that sets out the basic rules, laws, and structure of the government.
- Constituent Assembly: A body of elected representatives brought together for the specific purpose of drafting and adopting a constitution. The Constituent Assembly of India drafted the Indian Constitution between 1946 and 1949.
- Preamble: The introductory statement of a constitution that outlines the guiding purpose, principles, and philosophy of the document.
- Sovereign: An independent state, free from the control of any external power.
- Secular: The state does not have an official religion and treats all religions equally.
- Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country (like states).
- Objectives Resolution: A historic resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly in 1946. It laid down the fundamental principles and philosophy that would guide the framing of the Constitution. It later became the basis for the Preamble.
- 'Living Document': A term used for the Indian Constitution because it is not a static or unalterable document. It can be amended and interpreted to adapt to changing circumstances and societal needs.
Full NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Civics Chapter 1
Here are the detailed, easy-to-understand answers to all the questions in your NCERT textbook exercise.
Question 1: Which of these is not a function of the constitution?
a. It gives a guarantee of the rights of the citizen.
b. It marks out different spheres of power for different branches of government.
c. It ensures that good people come to power.
d. It gives expression to some shared values.
Correct Answer: (c) It ensures that good people come to power.
Explanation: A constitution provides the framework for electing a government (the procedure and rules), but it cannot guarantee that the people who are elected will be "good". The quality of leaders depends on the choices made by the voters during an election. The other three options are primary functions of a constitution: It protects citizen rights (Fundamental Rights), it separates powers (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), and it reflects shared values (Preamble ideals like justice, liberty, equality).
Explanation: A constitution provides the framework for electing a government (the procedure and rules), but it cannot guarantee that the people who are elected will be "good". The quality of leaders depends on the choices made by the voters during an election. The other three options are primary functions of a constitution: It protects citizen rights (Fundamental Rights), it separates powers (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), and it reflects shared values (Preamble ideals like justice, liberty, equality).
Question 2: Which of the following is a good reason to conclude that the authority of the constitution is higher than that of the parliament?
a. The constitution was framed before the parliament came into being.
b. The constitution makers were more eminent leaders than the members of the parliament.
c. The constitution specifies how parliament is to be formed and what are its powers.
d. The constitution cannot be amended by the parliament.
Correct Answer: (c) The constitution specifies how parliament is to be formed and what are its powers.
Explanation: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is the source from which all organs of the government, including the Parliament, derive their existence and powers. The Parliament itself is a creation of the Constitution. Therefore, the authority of the creator (the Constitution) is naturally higher than its creation (the Parliament). While the Parliament can amend the Constitution, it can only do so within the limits set by the Constitution itself (the 'basic structure' doctrine).
Explanation: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is the source from which all organs of the government, including the Parliament, derive their existence and powers. The Parliament itself is a creation of the Constitution. Therefore, the authority of the creator (the Constitution) is naturally higher than its creation (the Parliament). While the Parliament can amend the Constitution, it can only do so within the limits set by the Constitution itself (the 'basic structure' doctrine).
Question 3: State whether the following statements about a constitution are True or False.
a. Constitutions are written documents about formation and power of the government.
b. Constitutions exist and are required only in democratic countries.
c. Constitution is a legal document that does not deal with ideals and values.
d. A constitution gives its citizens a new identity.
a. False. A constitution can be both written (like in India and the USA) and unwritten (like in the UK, which relies on conventions, acts of parliament, and judicial decisions).
b. False. Constitutions exist in most countries, including non-democratic ones. A dictator, for instance, might use a constitution to formalise their power. However, a constitution that is democratic in spirit and practice is typically found in democratic countries.
c. False. A constitution is not just a legal document. It is deeply connected with ideals and values. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution, with its emphasis on Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, is a prime example of this.
d. True. A constitution provides a collective identity to its citizens. Before the Indian Constitution, people identified themselves by their region, caste, or religion. The Constitution created a shared political identity as "Citizens of India," bound by the same set of rights, duties, and laws.
b. False. Constitutions exist in most countries, including non-democratic ones. A dictator, for instance, might use a constitution to formalise their power. However, a constitution that is democratic in spirit and practice is typically found in democratic countries.
c. False. A constitution is not just a legal document. It is deeply connected with ideals and values. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution, with its emphasis on Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, is a prime example of this.
d. True. A constitution provides a collective identity to its citizens. Before the Indian Constitution, people identified themselves by their region, caste, or religion. The Constitution created a shared political identity as "Citizens of India," bound by the same set of rights, duties, and laws.
Question 4: State whether the following inferences about the making of the Indian Constitution are Correct or Incorrect. Give reasons to support your answer.
a. The Constituent Assembly did not represent the Indian people since it was not elected by all citizens.
b. Constitution making did not involve any major decision since there was a general consensus among the leaders at that time.
c. There was little originality in the Constitution, for much of it was borrowed from other countries.
a. Incorrect. While the members of the Constituent Assembly were not directly elected through universal adult franchise, they were chosen by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies, who were themselves elected by the people. The Assembly represented all major sections of Indian society—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, Parsis, as well as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It included eminent personalities from all walks of life, making it a "mini-India" and highly representative in nature.
b. Incorrect. Constitution-making was a process filled with intense debates and discussions on almost every provision. While there was a consensus on the broad principles (like democracy, secularism, and fundamental rights), there were major disagreements on specific issues like the system of government (parliamentary vs. presidential), federal structure, and language policy. These decisions were reached after long deliberations, not because there were no differences.
c. Incorrect. It is true that the makers of the Indian Constitution borrowed provisions from many other constitutions (e.g., Fundamental Rights from the USA, Parliamentary system from the UK, Directive Principles from Ireland). However, they did not just "copy-paste." They critically examined each provision and adapted it to suit India's unique social, political, and cultural context. This process of selective adaptation and modification makes the Indian Constitution a masterpiece of political wisdom, not a "borrowed" document.
b. Incorrect. Constitution-making was a process filled with intense debates and discussions on almost every provision. While there was a consensus on the broad principles (like democracy, secularism, and fundamental rights), there were major disagreements on specific issues like the system of government (parliamentary vs. presidential), federal structure, and language policy. These decisions were reached after long deliberations, not because there were no differences.
c. Incorrect. It is true that the makers of the Indian Constitution borrowed provisions from many other constitutions (e.g., Fundamental Rights from the USA, Parliamentary system from the UK, Directive Principles from Ireland). However, they did not just "copy-paste." They critically examined each provision and adapted it to suit India's unique social, political, and cultural context. This process of selective adaptation and modification makes the Indian Constitution a masterpiece of political wisdom, not a "borrowed" document.
Question 5: Give two examples each to support the following conclusions about the Indian Constitution:
a. The Constitution was made by credible leaders who commanded the people’s respect.
b. The Constitution has distributed power in such a way as to make it difficult to subvert it.
c. The Constitution is the locus of people’s hopes and aspirations.
a. The Constitution was made by credible leaders:
Example 1: Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, who moved the historic 'Objectives Resolution' that laid the foundation for the Constitution's vision.
Example 2: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, a visionary legal expert and social reformer who is rightly called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Other respected leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were also key members, lending immense credibility to the Assembly.
b. The Constitution distributes power to prevent subversion:
Example 1 (Separation of Powers): Power is divided horizontally among the Legislature (makes laws), the Executive (implements laws), and the Judiciary (interprets laws). Each organ acts as a check on the others, preventing any single organ from becoming too powerful. For example, the judiciary can declare a law passed by the legislature unconstitutional.
Example 2 (Federalism): Power is also divided vertically between the Central Government and the State Governments. This ensures that power is not concentrated in one place and states have autonomy in their own spheres.
c. The Constitution is the locus of people’s hopes and aspirations:
Example 1 (Fundamental Rights - Part III): These rights, such as the Right to Equality and the Right to Freedom, guarantee civil liberties and protect citizens from state oppression, fulfilling the people's aspiration for a dignified life.
Example 2 (Directive Principles of State Policy - Part IV): These principles guide the state to create a just and equitable society by working towards goals like equal pay for equal work, social security, and protection of the environment. They represent the collective aspirations of the people for a welfare state.
Example 1: Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, who moved the historic 'Objectives Resolution' that laid the foundation for the Constitution's vision.
Example 2: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, a visionary legal expert and social reformer who is rightly called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Other respected leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were also key members, lending immense credibility to the Assembly.
b. The Constitution distributes power to prevent subversion:
Example 1 (Separation of Powers): Power is divided horizontally among the Legislature (makes laws), the Executive (implements laws), and the Judiciary (interprets laws). Each organ acts as a check on the others, preventing any single organ from becoming too powerful. For example, the judiciary can declare a law passed by the legislature unconstitutional.
Example 2 (Federalism): Power is also divided vertically between the Central Government and the State Governments. This ensures that power is not concentrated in one place and states have autonomy in their own spheres.
c. The Constitution is the locus of people’s hopes and aspirations:
Example 1 (Fundamental Rights - Part III): These rights, such as the Right to Equality and the Right to Freedom, guarantee civil liberties and protect citizens from state oppression, fulfilling the people's aspiration for a dignified life.
Example 2 (Directive Principles of State Policy - Part IV): These principles guide the state to create a just and equitable society by working towards goals like equal pay for equal work, social security, and protection of the environment. They represent the collective aspirations of the people for a welfare state.
Extra Important Questions (Board Style)
Practice these questions to master the chapter for your 2026 board exams.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly of India?
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Correct Answer Choice: (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Q2. The 'Objectives Resolution' which laid down the philosophy of the Indian Constitution was moved by:
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) C. Rajagopalachari
Correct Answer Choice: (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
Q3. The idea of 'Directive Principles of State Policy' in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the constitution of:
(a) USA
(b) UK
(c) Canada
(d) Ireland
Correct Answer Choice: (d) Ireland
Q4. How many members were initially in the Constituent Assembly of undivided India?
(a) 299
(b) 389
(c) 292
(d) 93
Correct Answer Choice: (b) 389 (After partition, the number came down to 299).
Q5. Which function of the constitution prevents the 'tyranny of the majority'?
(a) Expressing the fundamental identity of a people.
(b) Specifying the basic allocation of power.
(c) Setting limitations on what a government can impose on its citizens.
(d) Enabling the government to fulfill the aspirations of a society.
Correct Answer Choice: (c) Setting limitations on what a government can impose on its citizens. (By guaranteeing fundamental rights to minorities and individuals).
Short Answer Questions (2 Marks)
Q6. What do you understand by the term 'Constitution'?
Answer: A Constitution is the supreme law of a country. It is a set of written rules and principles that specify how the country will be governed. It defines the structure of the government, its powers and functions, and the rights and duties of the citizens.
Q7. Mention any two key functions of a constitution.
Answer: Two key functions of a constitution are:
1. To provide a set of basic rules that allow for minimal coordination amongst members of a society.
2. To specify who has the power to make decisions in a society. It decides how the government will be constituted.
1. To provide a set of basic rules that allow for minimal coordination amongst members of a society.
2. To specify who has the power to make decisions in a society. It decides how the government will be constituted.
Q8. Why is the Indian Constitution known as a 'bag of borrowings'? Is this criticism fair?
Answer: The Indian Constitution is sometimes called a 'bag of borrowings' because its makers adopted several provisions from the constitutions of other countries. However, this criticism is not fair because the provisions were not blindly copied. They were carefully selected and modified to fit India's unique needs and conditions.
Long Answer Questions (4-6 Marks)
Q9. Explain the four main functions of a constitution in detail.
Step 1: Provides basic rules for coordination. In a diverse society like India, people have different beliefs and interests. The constitution provides a shared set of rules that everyone can agree upon, ensuring stability and cooperation.
Step 2: Specifies who has the power. It specifies who has the power to make decisions and how the government will be constituted. It lays down the framework for government formation (like elections) and defines the powers of the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Step 3: Sets limits on government power. It guarantees certain fundamental rights to the citizens that cannot be violated by the government. This prevents the government from becoming tyrannical and protects individual liberty.
Step 4: Enables the government to fulfill aspirations. It enables the government to fulfill the aspirations of a society and create conditions for a just society. The Indian Constitution, through its Directive Principles, directs the government to work for the welfare of the people, especially the disadvantaged sections, to achieve social and economic justice.
Step 2: Specifies who has the power. It specifies who has the power to make decisions and how the government will be constituted. It lays down the framework for government formation (like elections) and defines the powers of the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Step 3: Sets limits on government power. It guarantees certain fundamental rights to the citizens that cannot be violated by the government. This prevents the government from becoming tyrannical and protects individual liberty.
Step 4: Enables the government to fulfill aspirations. It enables the government to fulfill the aspirations of a society and create conditions for a just society. The Indian Constitution, through its Directive Principles, directs the government to work for the welfare of the people, especially the disadvantaged sections, to achieve social and economic justice.
Q10. How did the Constituent Assembly of India give representation to all sections of society?
Answer: The Constituent Assembly, though not directly elected by universal suffrage, was a highly representative body.
- Representation through Provincial Assemblies: Members were elected by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies, which were elected in 1945-46. This provided a degree of popular representation.
- Representation of Communities: Seats were distributed among the three main communities – Muslims, Sikhs, and General (all others) – in proportion to their population.
- Representation of Princely States: The rulers of princely states nominated their representatives to the Assembly.
- Inclusion of All Shades of Opinion: The Indian National Congress, which dominated the Assembly, made a conscious effort to include members from all political ideologies and social groups. It included non-Congress leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Dr. S.P. Mookerjee.
- Representation of Social Groups: The Assembly had 28 members from the Scheduled Classes and also included representatives of Anglo-Indians, Parsis, and women like Sarojini Naidu and Hansa Mehta, ensuring that voices from all sections of society were heard.
Q11. "The Indian Constitution is a living document." Explain this statement.
Answer: The Indian Constitution is called a "living document" because it is dynamic and can adapt to the changing needs of society. This characteristic is evident in several ways:
Step 1: Provision for Amendments. The Constitution provides a procedure (Article 368) for amendments. This allows the Parliament to change provisions that may have become outdated. So far, over 100 amendments have been made, showing its flexibility.
Step 2: Judicial Interpretation. The Supreme Court of India plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution. Through its judgments, it has expanded the meaning of fundamental rights (e.g., Right to Life now includes the right to a clean environment). This process of interpretation keeps the Constitution relevant.
Step 3: Basic Structure Doctrine. While the Constitution can be amended, the Supreme Court has ruled that its "basic structure" (e.g., democracy, secularism, federalism) cannot be altered. This ensures that the core spirit of the Constitution remains intact while allowing for necessary changes. This ability to change and evolve is what makes it a living document.
Step 1: Provision for Amendments. The Constitution provides a procedure (Article 368) for amendments. This allows the Parliament to change provisions that may have become outdated. So far, over 100 amendments have been made, showing its flexibility.
Step 2: Judicial Interpretation. The Supreme Court of India plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution. Through its judgments, it has expanded the meaning of fundamental rights (e.g., Right to Life now includes the right to a clean environment). This process of interpretation keeps the Constitution relevant.
Step 3: Basic Structure Doctrine. While the Constitution can be amended, the Supreme Court has ruled that its "basic structure" (e.g., democracy, secularism, federalism) cannot be altered. This ensures that the core spirit of the Constitution remains intact while allowing for necessary changes. This ability to change and evolve is what makes it a living document.
Case-Based Questions (CBQ)
Q12. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
On 13 December 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the 'Objectives Resolution' in the Constituent Assembly. It was a momentous resolution that outlined the defining ideals of the Constitution of Independent India and provided the framework within which the work of constitution-making was to proceed. It proclaimed India to be an "Independent Sovereign Republic," guaranteed its citizens justice, equality, and freedom, and assured that adequate safeguards shall be provided for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and Depressed and Other Backward Classes.
(a) What was the main purpose of the Objectives Resolution?
(b) Mention any two ideals proclaimed in the resolution.
(c) How did the resolution promise to protect the vulnerable sections of society?
(a) The main purpose of the Objectives Resolution was to lay down the fundamental principles and guiding philosophy for the framers of the Constitution. It acted as a roadmap for what the Constitution should aim to achieve.
(b) Two ideals proclaimed were: (i) To make India an Independent Sovereign Republic, and (ii) To guarantee all its citizens Justice, Equality, and Freedom.
(c) The resolution promised to protect vulnerable sections by providing "adequate safeguards" for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and other depressed classes, ensuring their rights and welfare would be secured in the new nation.
(b) Two ideals proclaimed were: (i) To make India an Independent Sovereign Republic, and (ii) To guarantee all its citizens Justice, Equality, and Freedom.
(c) The resolution promised to protect vulnerable sections by providing "adequate safeguards" for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and other depressed classes, ensuring their rights and welfare would be secured in the new nation.
Q13. Read the following excerpt from a debate in the Constituent Assembly and answer the questions.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel said: "It is for us to prove that it is a bogus claim, a false claim, and that we can be proud of our country... The minorities are entitled to get all the satisfaction they want…but they should not have a divided loyalty... For a community to think that its loyalty is divided is an unpatriotic idea."
(a) What 'bogus claim' is Sardar Patel likely referring to?
(b) What is his message to the minorities?
(c) What does the term 'divided loyalty' imply in this context?
(a) Sardar Patel is likely referring to the "Two-Nation Theory" and the claim made by some British politicians that Indians were incapable of governing themselves and maintaining a united nation.
(b) His message to the minorities is that their rights will be fully protected and they will get all satisfaction, but in return, they must have undivided loyalty to the nation of India.
(c) 'Divided loyalty' implies a situation where a group of citizens feels a stronger allegiance to their community or religion than to the nation as a whole. Patel argued that all citizens, irrespective of their background, must place their loyalty to India first.
(b) His message to the minorities is that their rights will be fully protected and they will get all satisfaction, but in return, they must have undivided loyalty to the nation of India.
(c) 'Divided loyalty' implies a situation where a group of citizens feels a stronger allegiance to their community or religion than to the nation as a whole. Patel argued that all citizens, irrespective of their background, must place their loyalty to India first.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Confusing the President and Chairman: Students often mix up the roles. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly, while Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
- Vague Answers on Functions: When asked about the functions of a constitution, avoid generic points like "it runs the country." Be specific and use the four functions mentioned in the NCERT book.
- Misunderstanding 'Borrowed' Provisions: Simply stating that the Constitution is a "bag of borrowings" is a poor answer. The key is to explain that the provisions were adapted to Indian conditions, not just copied.
- Incorrect Dates: Remember key dates like the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly (9 December 1946), adoption of the Constitution (26 November 1949), and its enforcement (26 January 1950).
Exam Preparation Tips
- Make a Flowchart: Create a flowchart or timeline for the "Making of the Indian Constitution." This will help you remember the sequence of events, from the Cabinet Mission Plan to the final adoption.
- Focus on Keywords: Underline and memorize keywords like Coordination, Limitation, Aspiration, and Identity. Using these in your answers about the functions of the constitution will fetch you better marks.
- Practice Writing: Don't just read the chapter. Practice writing answers to the long questions. This improves speed and answer-structuring skills for the final exam.
- Relate to Current Events: Try to connect the principles of the constitution (like secularism, federalism) to news and events you see around you. This makes the concepts easier to understand and remember.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Why do we need a Constitution?
We need a constitution to provide a set of basic rules for social coordination, to define the powers of the government, to limit those powers and protect citizen rights, and to enable the government to work towards a just and aspirational society.
Q2. How was the Indian Constitution made?
The Indian Constitution was framed by a Constituent Assembly, whose members were elected by provincial assemblies. The Assembly worked through various committees for about 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days. The Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, prepared the final draft.
Q3. What are the main sources of the Indian Constitution?
The main sources include the Government of India Act 1935, and the constitutions of Britain (Parliamentary System), the USA (Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review), Ireland (DPSP), and Canada (Federal structure). However, all provisions were adapted to Indian needs.
Q4. Who was the father of the Indian Constitution?
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar) is widely regarded as the "Father of the Indian Constitution." He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and played a pivotal role in shaping the final document.
Q5. Is the Indian Constitution rigid or flexible?
The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility. Some parts can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament (flexible), while others require a special majority (rigid). This synthesis ensures that the Constitution can adapt to changing times while preserving its core principles.
Conclusion: Mastering "Constitution: Why and How?" is the first step towards excelling in Political Science. This chapter not only builds your academic foundation but also makes you an aware and responsible citizen. Mastering this chapter is also crucial as it lays the groundwork for understanding complex topics in CBSE Class 12 Civics, such as 'The Crisis of Democratic Order' and 'Recent Developments in Indian Politics'. Revise these notes regularly, practice the extra questions, and go through previous year questions (PYQs) to gain complete confidence. Best of luck!