Class 9 Notes

Class 9 Social Science Notes Chapter 3 (Constitutional design) – Democratic Politics Book

Philoid

Philoid

— 6 min read

Democratic Politics
Alright class, let's delve into Chapter 3, 'Constitutional Design'. This is a crucial chapter, not just for understanding how India is governed, but also because questions frequently appear from this section in various government exams. Pay close attention as we break down the key concepts.

Chapter 3: Constitutional Design - Detailed Notes

1. Introduction: What is a Constitution?

  • A constitution is a set of supreme, written rules accepted by all people living together in a country.
  • It determines the relationship among people living in a territory (citizens) and also the relationship between the people and the government.
  • It lays down principles and guidelines for how the country should be governed.

2. Democratic Constitution in South Africa: A Case Study

  • Context: Apartheid

    • A system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa, imposed by the white European minority on the black majority and other 'coloured' populations.
    • From the 17th-18th centuries, European trading companies occupied South Africa. By the 20th century, white rulers established apartheid.
    • Segregation was strictly enforced: separate areas, facilities (trains, buses, hospitals, schools, beaches, etc.). Non-whites were denied voting rights and basic human rights.
    • Blacks constituted about three-fourths of the population. Other groups included 'coloured' (mixed race) and Indians.

  • Struggle Against Apartheid

    • The African National Congress (ANC) was the umbrella organisation leading the struggle. Nelson Mandela was a prominent leader.
    • Many workers' unions and the Communist Party joined the struggle. Sensitive whites also supported the ANC.
    • The white regime responded with detention, torture, and killing thousands. Nelson Mandela and seven other leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964 (Robben Island).

  • Towards a New Constitution

    • Prolonged protests made it impossible for the white regime to rule. Discriminatory laws were repealed. Bans on political parties and media were lifted.
    • Nelson Mandela was released after 28 years in prison (1990).
    • Negotiations began between the white regime and black leaders (ANC) to frame a new constitution.
    • After two years of discussion and debate, they drafted one of the finest constitutions in the world.
    • Apartheid formally ended, and multi-racial elections were held in April 1994. Nelson Mandela became the first President of the new, democratic South Africa.

  • Key Features of the South African Constitution

    • Based on equality, democratic values, and social justice.
    • Extensive rights given to all citizens.
    • Emphasized reconciliation and forgetting past bitterness. Both blacks and whites agreed to cooperate.
    • It serves as an inspiration for democrats worldwide.

3. Why Do We Need a Constitution?

A constitution is necessary for several reasons:

  • Generates Trust and Coordination: It provides a set of basic rules that allow different kinds of people (with different opinions and interests) to live together harmoniously.
  • Specifies Government Formation: It lays down how the government will be constituted, who will have the power to make which decisions.
  • Limits Government Power: It sets limits on what a government can do, preventing tyranny or misuse of authority. It guarantees certain rights to citizens that cannot be violated.
  • Expresses Aspirations: It embodies the ideals and aspirations of the people about the kind of society they want to create (e.g., equality, liberty, justice).

4. Making of the Indian Constitution

  • The Path to the Constitution:

    • Unlike South Africa, India's constitution-making wasn't born out of a direct struggle against colonial rulers on the issue of the constitution itself, but emerged from the freedom struggle.
    • Early attempts included the Motilal Nehru Report (1928) and the Karachi Resolution of the Indian National Congress (1931), which outlined basic values like universal adult franchise, right to freedom and equality, and protection of minority rights.
    • Familiarity with political institutions under British rule (like the Government of India Act, 1935) provided experience, though these were not fully democratic.
    • Inspiration was drawn from global events like the French Revolution, British parliamentary practices, the US Bill of Rights, and the socialist revolution in Russia.

  • The Constituent Assembly:

    • The drafting was done by an assembly of elected representatives called the Constituent Assembly.
    • Elections were held in July 1946 (indirect election by members of the existing Provincial Legislatures).
    • Composition: Initially had 389 members. After partition, it was reduced to 299 members. Included representatives from various communities, regions, and political parties. Prominent women members included Sarojini Naidu and Durgabai Deshmukh.
    • First Meeting: December 9, 1946.
    • President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
    • Chairman of the Drafting Committee: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (often called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution').
    • Process: Worked systematically and openly. Basic principles were decided, then the Drafting Committee prepared a draft. Extensive discussion and debate occurred over several rounds (Clause-by-clause discussion). Over 2,000 amendments were considered.
    • Duration: Took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete the task. Met for 114 days spread over this period.
    • Adoption: The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949. (Celebrated as Constitution Day or Law Day).
    • Enactment/Came into effect: January 26, 1950. (Celebrated as Republic Day).

  • Challenges Faced:

    • Making a constitution for a huge and diverse country.
    • The trauma and violence of Partition.
    • Integrating over 500 princely states into the Indian Union.
    • Addressing poverty and socio-economic inequality.

5. Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution

  • The core philosophy is reflected in the Preamble. It's like an introduction or preface to the Constitution.

  • It is based on the Objectives Resolution, drafted and moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly (December 1946).

  • Key Terms in the Preamble:

    • WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA: Emphasizes that the Constitution has been drawn up and enacted by the people through their representatives, not handed down by a king or outside power. Ultimate sovereignty lies with the people.
    • SOVEREIGN: India is an independent nation, free to conduct its own internal and external affairs. No external power can dictate to the government of India.
    • SOCIALIST: (Added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976) Aims to achieve social and economic equality. Wealth should be generated socially and shared equitably by society. Government should regulate ownership of land and industry to reduce socio-economic inequalities.
    • SECULAR: (Added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976) Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion. The state has no official religion. Government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect.
    • DEMOCRATIC: A form of government where people enjoy equal political rights, elect their rulers, and hold them accountable. The government is run according to some basic rules.
    • REPUBLIC: The head of the state (President) is an elected person, not a hereditary monarch.
    • JUSTICE: Social (no discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, etc.), Economic (reducing rich-poor gap, equal pay for equal work), and Political (equal political rights, access to political offices, right to vote).
    • LIBERTY: Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. Reasonable restrictions apply.
    • EQUALITY: All citizens are equal before the law (equality of status). Equal opportunities for all in public employment (equality of opportunity). The government should ensure equal opportunity for all.
    • FRATERNITY: Sense of common brotherhood among all Indians. Assures the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.

6. Institutional Design

  • The Constitution is not merely a statement of values and philosophy. It's mainly about embodying these values into institutional arrangements.
  • It lays down the procedure for forming the government, defines the powers and functions of the main organs (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), and puts limits on their powers.
  • It provides for amendments to adapt to changing times, making it a 'living document'.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. The system of racial discrimination practiced in South Africa was known as:
    a) Segregation
    b) Apartheid
    c) Colonialism
    d) Monarchy

  2. Who was the prominent leader of the African National Congress (ANC) imprisoned for 28 years for opposing the white minority regime?
    a) Desmond Tutu
    b) F.W. de Klerk
    c) Nelson Mandela
    d) Robert Mugabe

  3. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of a constitution?
    a) To specify how the government will be constituted.
    b) To generate trust and coordination among citizens.
    c) To guarantee high economic growth rates.
    d) To set limits on the powers of the government.

  4. The Constituent Assembly of India first met on:
    a) August 15, 1947
    b) January 26, 1950
    c) December 9, 1946
    d) November 26, 1949

  5. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constituent Assembly?
    a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
    b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
    c) Jawaharlal Nehru
    d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

  6. The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:
    a) January 26, 1950
    b) November 26, 1949
    c) August 15, 1947
    d) December 9, 1946

  7. The introductory statement containing the guiding values and philosophy of the Indian Constitution is called the:
    a) Fundamental Rights
    b) Directive Principles
    c) Preamble
    d) Articles

  8. Which term in the Preamble signifies that the head of the state (President) in India is an elected person?
    a) Sovereign
    b) Democratic
    c) Secular
    d) Republic

  9. The terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by which amendment?
    a) 44th Amendment
    b) 42nd Amendment
    c) 1st Amendment
    d) 24th Amendment

  10. What does the term 'Fraternity' in the Preamble aim to assure?
    a) Equality of status and opportunity
    b) Freedom of thought and expression
    c) Dignity of the individual and unity of the nation
    d) Justice – social, economic, and political

Answer Key for MCQs:

  1. b) Apartheid
  2. c) Nelson Mandela
  3. c) To guarantee high economic growth rates.
  4. c) December 9, 1946
  5. d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
  6. b) November 26, 1949
  7. c) Preamble
  8. d) Republic
  9. b) 42nd Amendment
  10. c) Dignity of the individual and unity of the nation

Remember to revise these points thoroughly. Understanding the 'why' behind the 'what' – why we needed a constitution, the challenges faced, and the values enshrined – is key for competitive exams. Good luck with your preparation!

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