Class 9 Social Science NCERT MCQs-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS- Chapter 2-CONSTITUTIONAL DESIGN

NCERT MCQs of Class 9 Social Science (Democratic Politics) chapter no 2 Constitutional design

1) What does a Constitution primarily define?
- (a) The borders of a country
- (b) The roles and powers of the government
- (c) The economic policies of a nation
- (d) None of the above
  Answer: (b) The roles and powers of the government
  Explanation: A Constitution is a framework that defines how a government operates, including its roles, powers, and responsibilities.

2) What was apartheid?

(a) An economic policy in South Africa
(b) A system of racial segregation in South Africa
(c) A type of monarchy
(d) A movement for women’s rights
Answer: (b) A system of racial segregation in South Africa
Explanation: Apartheid was a policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa until 1994.

3) Who was the first black President of South Africa?

(a) F.W. de Klerk
(b) Nelson Mandela
(c) Desmond Tutu
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: (b) Nelson Mandela
Explanation: Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa after the end of apartheid in 1994.

4) When was the apartheid system abolished in South Africa?

(a) 1990
(b) 1994
(c) 1985
(d) 2000
Answer: (b) 1994
Explanation: The apartheid system officially ended with the democratic elections of 1994, leading to Nelson Mandela’s presidency.

5) What does the Preamble of the Constitution signify?

(a) The laws of the country
(b) The ideals and principles of the nation
(c) The economic policies of the government
(d) The election process
Answer: (b) The ideals and principles of the nation
Explanation: The Preamble outlines the guiding principles and values that the Constitution upholds.

6) Which of the following was a key feature of the South African Constitution?

(a) It gave special privileges to the majority
(b) It included compromises to respect all communities
(c) It allowed apartheid to continue
(d) It abolished fundamental rights
Answer: (b) It included compromises to respect all communities
Explanation: The South African Constitution was based on equality and mutual respect among all communities.

7) What is the significance of the Indian Constitution?

(a) It ensures the power of monarchs
(b) It provides a framework for democracy and justice
(c) It focuses only on economic policies
(d) It eliminates all political processes
Answer: (b) It provides a framework for democracy and justice
Explanation: The Indian Constitution ensures democratic governance, justice, and fundamental rights for all citizens.

8) Who is known as the "Father of the Indian Constitution"?

(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: (b) B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution and is regarded as its principal architect.

9) When did India adopt its Constitution?

(a) 15th August 1947
(b) 26th January 1950
(c) 2nd October 1947
(d) 26th November 1949
Answer: (d) 26th November 1949
Explanation: The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950.

10) Which of the following is a fundamental right provided by the Indian Constitution?

(a) Right to Property
(b) Right to Equality
(c) Right to Education
(d) Right to Vote
Answer: (b) Right to Equality
Explanation: The Right to Equality ensures that all citizens are treated equally under the law.

11) Which country influenced the idea of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution?

(a) United Kingdom
(b) United States
(c) France
(d) South Africa
Answer: (b) United States
Explanation: The idea of the Preamble was inspired by the U.S. Constitution, which begins with "We the People."

12) What is the importance of the constituent assembly?

(a) It governs the country
(b) It frames the Constitution
(c) It monitors elections
(d) It oversees the judiciary
Answer: (b) It frames the Constitution
Explanation: The constituent assembly was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India.

13) Which principle was adopted in South Africa to unite the divided society?

(a) Racial superiority
(b) Truth and reconciliation
(c) Economic reforms
(d) Military rule
Answer: (b) Truth and reconciliation
Explanation: Truth and reconciliation were emphasized to heal the divisions caused by apartheid in South Africa.

14) What was the main aim of the Indian Constitution?

(a) To establish a monarchy
(b) To promote dictatorship
(c) To ensure justice, liberty, and equality
(d) To abolish all political rights
Answer: (c) To ensure justice, liberty, and equality
Explanation: The Indian Constitution aims to create a just and equitable society with liberty and equality for all.

15) What does the term "sovereign" in the Indian Constitution signify?

(a) The government is controlled by other countries
(b) India is free to make its own decisions
(c) India has a monarch
(d) India has no laws
Answer: (b) India is free to make its own decisions
Explanation: Sovereignty means that India is independent and free from external control.

16) What does "secular" mean in the context of the Indian Constitution?

(a) All religions are equal before the state
(b) A single religion is promoted
(c) Religion controls the government
(d) The judiciary enforces a specific religion
Answer: (a) All religions are equal before the state
Explanation: Secularism ensures that the government treats all religions equally without bias.

17) Which part of the Constitution outlines the fundamental rights of citizens?

(a) Directive Principles
(b) Preamble
(c) Part III
(d) Part IV
Answer: (c) Part III
Explanation: Part III of the Indian Constitution details the fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens.

18) Why was the Indian Constitution called a "living document"?

(a) It can be amended to meet changing needs
(b) It contains living organisms
(c) It is rewritten every decade
(d) It changes automatically over time
Answer: (a) It can be amended to meet changing needs
Explanation: The Indian Constitution is adaptable and can be amended to address evolving societal needs.

19) Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly in India?

(a) Rajendra Prasad
(b) B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Sardar Patel
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: (a) Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the President of the Constituent Assembly during the drafting of the Constitution.

20) What is the primary purpose of a Constitution in a democracy?

(a) To suppress minorities
(b) To limit the powers of the government
(c) To promote military rule
(d) To abolish elections
Answer: (b) To limit the powers of the government
Explanation: A Constitution ensures checks and balances by limiting government powers and protecting citizens' rights.

21) What is the term for a system where all people are treated equally by the law?

(a) Rule of law
(b) Dictatorship
(c) Apartheid
(d) Monarchy
Answer: (a) Rule of law
Explanation: Rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, and everyone is treated equally.

22) Which country inspired India to adopt the Parliamentary system?

(a) United States
(b) United Kingdom
(c) France
(d) South Africa
Answer: (b) United Kingdom
Explanation: India adopted the Parliamentary system based on the British model, which includes a Prime Minister and a cabinet.

23) What is apartheid derived from?

(a) A Latin word meaning "peace"
(b) A Dutch word meaning "apartness"
(c) A French word meaning "justice"
(d) A German word meaning "equality"
Answer: (b) A Dutch word meaning "apartness"
Explanation: Apartheid comes from the Dutch word meaning "apartness," reflecting the policy of racial segregation.

24) Which principle ensures that no branch of government dominates the others?

(a) Monarchy
(b) Separation of powers
(c) Sovereignty
(d) Secularism
Answer: (b) Separation of powers
Explanation: The principle of separation of powers divides government authority among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.

25) What was the term for the elected government in South Africa during apartheid?

(a) Multi-racial government
(b) White minority government
(c) Black majority government
(d) Tribal council
Answer: (b) White minority government
Explanation: During apartheid, South Africa was ruled by a white minority government that excluded other races from political participation.

26) Who was the Prime Minister of India when the Constitution was adopted?

(a) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) B.R. Ambedkar
(d) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India when the Constitution was adopted in 1950.

27) What does the term "justice" in the Preamble signify?

(a) Economic and social fairness
(b) Freedom from military rule
(c) Equal voting rights
(d) Protection for only one section of society
Answer: (a) Economic and social fairness
Explanation: "Justice" in the Preamble includes social, economic, and political justice to ensure equality for all.

28) What ensures that the Constitution is supreme in India?

(a) Judiciary’s authority
(b) Fundamental rights
(c) Constitutional supremacy
(d) Parliamentary authority
Answer: (c) Constitutional supremacy
Explanation: In India, the Constitution is the ultimate authority, guiding all laws and governance.

29) Which country served as an example for India's system of Fundamental Rights?

(a) United Kingdom
(b) United States
(c) South Africa
(d) France
Answer: (b) United States
Explanation: India was influenced by the U.S. Bill of Rights while drafting its Fundamental Rights.

30) How were the members of the Indian Constituent Assembly chosen?

(a) By direct election
(b) By nomination
(c) By provincial legislatures
(d) By the Governor-General
Answer: (c) By provincial legislatures
Explanation: Members of the Constituent Assembly were elected by the provincial legislatures of British India.

31) What does "liberty" in the Preamble refer to?

(a) Freedom of the judiciary
(b) Freedom to act as one pleases
(c) Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship
(d) Freedom to control others
Answer: (c) Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship
Explanation: Liberty in the Preamble emphasizes the freedom of individuals in various aspects of life.

32) What is the fundamental purpose of Directive Principles of State Policy?

(a) To guide the judiciary
(b) To direct government policies towards socio-economic welfare
(c) To define voting rights
(d) To establish laws for elections
Answer: (b) To direct government policies towards socio-economic welfare
Explanation: Directive Principles aim to establish a welfare state by guiding socio-economic policies.

33) What does "equality" in the Indian Constitution mean?

(a) Equal economic status for all
(b) Equal opportunities and treatment under the law
(c) Equal education levels for all
(d) Equal wealth distribution
Answer: (b) Equal opportunities and treatment under the law
Explanation: Equality ensures no discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, or other factors.

34) When did the Constituent Assembly of India begin its work?

(a) 1946
(b) 1947
(c) 1948
(d) 1950
Answer: (a) 1946
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly of India started its work on 9th December 1946.

35) What does "social justice" aim to achieve in the Indian Constitution?

(a) Discrimination based on caste
(b) Equal rights and opportunities for all
(c) Unequal treatment for different groups
(d) Privileges for the majority
Answer: (b) Equal rights and opportunities for all
Explanation: Social justice seeks to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.

36) Which community faced oppression during apartheid in South Africa?

(a) White community
(b) Black community
(c) Asian community
(d) European community
Answer: (b) Black community
Explanation: The black community in South Africa was severely oppressed under the apartheid system.

37) What role does the Constitution play in resolving conflicts in a democracy?

(a) Suppresses minority voices
(b) Establishes clear rules and principles
(c) Promotes favoritism
(d) Eliminates elections
Answer: (b) Establishes clear rules and principles
Explanation: The Constitution provides guidelines to resolve disputes and govern effectively.

38) What does "democratic republic" mean in the Indian Constitution?

(a) The President is elected
(b) The Prime Minister has absolute power
(c) The military governs the country
(d) Religious leaders rule the country
Answer: (a) The President is elected
Explanation: In a democratic republic, the head of state is elected, and power lies with the people.

39) Which feature of the Indian Constitution makes it adaptable to changing times?

(a) Its length
(b) The provision for amendments
(c) Its complexity
(d) Its rigidity
Answer: (b) The provision for amendments
Explanation: The Constitution can be amended to address new challenges and needs, making it flexible.

40) Who chaired the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?

(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Rajendra Prasad
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: (b) B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee responsible for framing the Indian Constitution.

41) What is the significance of 26th January 1950 for India?

(a) India got independence
(b) The Constitution of India came into effect
(c) India became a republic
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c)
Explanation: On 26th January 1950, the Indian Constitution came into effect, making India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

42) What does the South African Constitution emphasize to achieve unity?

(a) Suppression of minorities
(b) Equality for all races
(c) Monarchy
(d) Military rule
Answer: (b) Equality for all races
Explanation: The South African Constitution promotes equality among all races to overcome the legacy of apartheid.

43) What does the word "fraternity" in the Preamble signify?

(a) Brotherhood among citizens
(b) Economic policies
(c) Judicial decisions
(d) Government powers
Answer: (a) Brotherhood among citizens
Explanation: Fraternity refers to the spirit of brotherhood, ensuring unity and harmony among citizens.

44) What is a major feature of the South African Constitution?

(a) Majority rule with minority rights
(b) Complete exclusion of minority rights
(c) Military-led governance
(d) A single-party system
Answer: (a) Majority rule with minority rights
Explanation: The South African Constitution ensures that majority rule is complemented by the protection of minority rights.

45) What is the term used for a set of rules and principles guiding a country's governance?

(a) Democracy
(b) Constitution
(c) Monarchy
(d) Secularism
Answer: (b) Constitution
Explanation: A Constitution is a set of fundamental rules and principles for governing a country.

46) How many members were part of the Indian Constituent Assembly?

(a) 299
(b) 250
(c) 275
(d) 310
Answer: (a) 299
Explanation: The Indian Constituent Assembly initially consisted of 299 members tasked with drafting the Constitution.

47) What does "economic justice" mean in the Indian Constitution?

(a) Equal distribution of wealth
(b) Discrimination based on caste
(c) Privileges for a specific group
(d) Unequal opportunities for citizens
Answer: (a) Equal distribution of wealth
Explanation: Economic justice ensures equitable distribution of resources and opportunities to reduce inequalities.

48) Which key value is protected by the South African Constitution?

(a) Racial superiority
(b) Human dignity
(c) One-party system
(d) Military rule
Answer: (b) Human dignity
Explanation: The South African Constitution upholds human dignity, promoting equality and rights for all.

49) Why is the Preamble referred to as the "soul of the Constitution"?

(a) It outlines the principles and values of the Constitution
(b) It contains detailed laws
(c) It provides economic guidelines
(d) It governs the judiciary
Answer: (a) It outlines the principles and values of the Constitution
Explanation: The Preamble encapsulates the guiding ideals of the Constitution, such as justice, liberty, and equality.

50) Which country inspired India’s system of Directive Principles of State Policy?

(a) United States
(b) Ireland
(c) France
(d) United Kingdom
Answer: (b) Ireland
Explanation: India adopted the concept of Directive Principles from the Irish Constitution to promote social welfare.

51) What does the term "sovereign" signify in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

(a) India is free from external control
(b) India is ruled by a monarch
(c) India follows apartheid
(d) India practices racial segregation
Answer: (a) India is free from external control
Explanation: Sovereignty ensures India’s independence in decision-making, free from foreign interference.

52) What was the primary aim of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa?

(a) To punish white leaders
(b) To promote healing and reconciliation
(c) To enforce apartheid laws
(d) To create new racial divisions
Answer: (b) To promote healing and reconciliation
Explanation: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission aimed to address past injustices and foster unity in post-apartheid South Africa.

53) What was the major challenge faced by the Constituent Assembly of India?

(a) Establishing a monarchy
(b) Framing a Constitution for a diverse population
(c) Suppressing minority rights
(d) Abolishing all fundamental rights
Answer: (b) Framing a Constitution for a diverse population
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly had to consider India’s vast diversity in terms of culture, religion, and language.

54) Which of these is a fundamental duty outlined in the Indian Constitution?

(a) Respecting the national flag
(b) Following the law blindly
(c) Opposing elections
(d) Promoting military rule
Answer: (a) Respecting the national flag
Explanation: Respect for national symbols is one of the fundamental duties listed in the Indian Constitution.

55) Who was the last Governor-General of India before the Constitution came into effect?

(a) Lord Mountbatten
(b) C. Rajagopalachari
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: (b) C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation: C. Rajagopalachari served as the last Governor-General of India before the Constitution came into force.

56) Which fundamental right ensures equality before the law?

(a) Right to Freedom
(b) Right to Equality
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) Cultural and Educational Rights
Answer: (b) Right to Equality
Explanation: The Right to Equality ensures equal treatment for all citizens under the law.

57) What does the Indian Constitution ensure for minorities?

(a) Suppression
(b) Protection of cultural and educational rights
(c) Denial of voting rights
(d) Economic privileges for the majority
Answer: (b) Protection of cultural and educational rights
Explanation: The Constitution protects the rights of minorities to preserve their culture and identity.

58) How is the President of India elected?

(a) By direct vote of citizens
(b) By an electoral college
(c) By the judiciary
(d) By the military
Answer: (b) By an electoral college
Explanation: The President is elected by an electoral college comprising Members of Parliament and State Legislatures.

59) What is the role of the judiciary in a democratic setup?

(a) Make laws
(b) Interpret the Constitution and uphold justice
(c) Execute policies
(d) Conduct elections
Answer: (b) Interpret the Constitution and uphold justice
Explanation: The judiciary ensures the Constitution is upheld and delivers justice.

60) What does the term "republic" in the Preamble signify?

(a) The head of state is elected
(b) The military governs the state
(c) The judiciary controls the government
(d) Religious leaders rule the country
Answer: (a) The head of state is elected
Explanation: A republic ensures that the head of state is not hereditary but elected by the people.

MCQ from the exercise part of the chapter

1) Which of these was the most salient underlying conflict in the making of a democratic constitution in South Africa?

Options:
a) Between South Africa and its neighbours
b) Between men and women
c) Between the white majority and the black minority
d) Between the coloured minority and the black majority

Answer:
c) Between the white majority and the black minority

Explanation:
The central conflict in South Africa during the making of its democratic constitution was the deep racial divide between the white minority, who held most of the power and privileges under apartheid, and the black majority, who were oppressed and denied basic rights. The democratic constitution sought to bridge this divide by ensuring equality and protecting the rights of all racial groups.

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