Electoral Politics Class 9 Notes Civics Chapter 4

 

Electoral Politics Class 9 Notes  Civics Chapter 4 

In a democracy, people do not govern directly. They govern through the elected- representatives. Governing through elected representatives is the most common form of democracy. Electoral politics is all about understanding election of representatives, need of elections and how to make election democratic. It also involves examining the role of the election commission in ensuring free and fair elections.

Elections The mechanism or procedure by which people choose their representatives at regular intervals is called election. If people are not satisfied with the working of the government then they can change the government in the next term of elections.

Procedure of Elections The procedure of election can be understood by the real example of Haryana Assembly elections. It will show how candidates standing in election become representatives and how power can be removed from their hands.

Assembly Election in Haryana Formation of New Party ‘Lok Dal’ Haryana had been ruled by Congress party since 1982. At that time, Chaudhary Devi Lai was an opposition leader. He led movement called Nyaya Yudh (struggle for justice) and formed new party ‘Lok Dal’.

Election Campaign of Devi Lai In election campaign of 1987 Assembly election, Devi Lai promised voters that if his party win, he would give loans to farmers and small businessmen

Voters favoured Lok Dal As people were unhappy with the existing government, they were attracted by Devi Lai’s promise. They voted in favour of Lok Dal and its partners won 76 out of 90 seats.

Results Announced Lok Dal won 60 seats that’s why it had a clear majority in the – Assembly. The party with a clear majority is invited by the governor to form the government. Congress got only 5 seats. As the election result was announced, the existing Chief Minister of Congress resigned.

Devi Lai became Chief Minister The newly elected Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of Lok Dal chose Devi Lai as their leader. The Governor invited’ Devi Lai to be the new Chief Minister. After three days of the election result, he took the oath. Then his government issued a government order to give loans to small farmers, agricultural labourers and small businessmen.

Congress again forms Government Lok Dal ruled die state for 4 years. In 1991 election, the party did not win people’s support. This time Congress won the election and formed the government.

Need for Elections Elections are needed to elect representatives. The need of elections can be understood by imagifufig of democracy without elections.

In the absence of the election, all the people have to sit together every day and take all the decisions. But this is not possible in any large community. Nor it is possible for everyone to have the time and knowledge to take decisions on all matters. Therefore, in most democracies, people rule through their representatives. The elections are needed for any representative democracy because

They solve the problem of assessing people on the basis of education, knowledge or experience, They help in analysing that people like their representatives or not. They ensure that the representatives rule as per the wishes of the people and make sure that those who are not working for the people, do not remain their representatives. In an election, the voters make many choices like

They can choose who will make laws for them. They can choose who will form the government and take major decisions. They can choose the party whose policies will guide the government and lawmaking. What Makes An Election Democratic?

Elections are held in all democratic countries and also in most of the non-democratic countries in many ways. But there is a simple list of the minimum conditions which make an election democratic like

Everyone should have the right to choose a representative. It means everyone has one vote and every vote has equal value. Political parties and candidates should be free to contest elections and offer some real choices to the voters. The choices should be offered at regular intervals. For that elections must be held regularly after a certain period. The candidates preferred by the people only should get elected. Elections are conducted in a free and fair manner where people choose those representatives whom they really wish. Political Competition Elections are all about competition. Without competition, elections would become meaningless. Political competition takes place when different political parties compete to gain confidence and ultimately the vote of the voters. They make promises and give incentives to motivate the voters.

This electoral competition has many demerits like

It creates a sense of disunity and factionalism (Groupism) and party-politics in every locality. Different political parties and candidates often use dirty tricks like booth capturing to win elections. The pressure to win electoral fights does not allow to- f

The pressure to win electoral fights does not allow to- form useful long term policies. The competition leads to the idea of being dragged into the unhealthy competition. That’s why good people do not enter and participate in political competition. The electoral competition also has some merits like

Regular electoral competition provides incentives to political parties and leaders. If they can satisfy the voters with their work, they will be able to win again. If a political party is motivated only by the desire to be in power, even then it will be forced to serve the people. It reveals the real motive of political parties. It gives choices to voters to choose among the best. System Of Elections In India In India, Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) elections are held regularly every five years. After five years, the term of all the elected representatives comes to an end. Elections are held in all constituencies at the same time, either on the same day or within a few days. This is known as General Election. Sometimes an election is held only for one constituency to fill the vacancy caused by death or resignation of a member. This is known as a by-election.

Electoral Constituencies In India, an area based system of representation is followed where the country is divided into different areas for purpose of elections. These are called Electoral Constituencies. Every voter who lives in an area elect one representative.

For the Lok Sabha election, India is divided into 543 constituencies. The representative elected from each constituency is called Member of Parliament or an MP. One of the features of a democratic election is that every vote has equal value. For Vidhan Sabha election, each state is divided into a specific number of assembly constituencies and the elected representative of eaph assembly constituency is called the Member of Legislative Assembly or an MLA.

By-election: If a representative from a constituency dies while in office or if the office-falls are vacant because of reasons like resignation, fresh elections are held in that particular constituency. Such an election is called a by-election. Constituency’ Voters in a geographical area who elect a representative to the Legislative Bodies. Each parliamentary constituency has within it several assembly constituencies. The same principle applies for Panchayat and Municipal elections.

Each village or town is divided into different wards that are like constituencies. Each ward elects one member of the village or the urban local body. Sometimes these constituencies are counted as ‘seats’ and each constituency represents one seat in the assembly. For example, when we say that ‘Lok Dal won 60 seats1 in Haryana, it means that candidates of Lok Dal won in 60 assembly constituencies in the state and thus Lok Dal had 60 MLAs in the State Assembly.

Reserved Constituencies The Constitution makers were worried that in an open electoral competition, certain weaker sections may not stand a good chance to get elected to the lok Sabha and the state Legislative Assemblies. If that happens, our Parliament and Assemblies would be deprived of the voice of a significant section of our population. That would make our democracy less representative and less democratic.

Reservation for SC and ST The makers of our Constitution thought of a special system of reserved constituencies for the weaker sections. Some constituencies are reserved for people who belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). In an SC reserved constituency, only someone who belongs to the Scheduled Castes can stand for election. Similarly, only those belonging to the Scheduled Tribes can contest an election from a constituency reserved for ST.

Reservation in Lok Sabha/ District/Local Level A few seats in Lok Sabha are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This number is in proportion to their share in the total population.

In the year 2012, 84 seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 47 for the Scheduled Tribes (in Lok Sabha). Thus, the reserved seats for SC and ST do not take away the legitimate share of any other social group. This system of reservation was extended later to other weaker sections at the district and local level. In many states, seats in rural (panchayat) and urban (municipalities and corporations) local bodies are now reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC) as well. However, the proportion of seats reserved varies from state to state. Similarly, one-third of the seats are reserved in rural and urban local bodies for women candidates.

Voters List When the constituencies are decided, the next step is to decide who can and who cannot vote. In a democratic election, the list of those who are eligible to vote is prepared much before the election and given to everyone. This list is officially called the Electoral Roll and is commonly known as the Voters’ List.

This is an important step as it is linked to the first condition of a democratic election i.e. everyone should get an equal opportunity to choose representatives. All the citizens are human beings with their own needs and views. That is why all of them deserve to have an equal say in decisions that affect them. Therefore everyone is given the right to vote. The right to vote falls under Universal Adult Franchise. It means all the citizens aged 18 years and above can vote in an election regardless of his or her caste, religion or gender.

Maintaining of Voters’ list It is the responsibility of the government to get the names of all the eligible voters put on the voters’ list. As new persons attain voting age, names are added to the voters’ list, names of those who move out of a place or those who are dead are deleted. A complete revision of the list takes place every five years. This is done to ensure that it remains up to date. [Note Some criminals and persons with unsound mind can be denied the right to vote, but only in rare situations.]

Election Photo Identify Card (EPIC) In the last few years, a new system of Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) has been introduced. The voters are required to carry this card when they go out to vote so that no one can vote in their place. The card has not been made compulsory for voting, and. voters can show many other proofs of identity like the ration card, driving’ licence or Adhar Card.

Nomination Of Candidates The system of our country provides almost no restrictions on anyone to contest the election. This only makes any election a democratic election. Anyone who can be a voter can also become a candidate in elections. The only difference to be a voter is that the minimum age is 18 years while to be a candidate in the election the minimum age is 25 years. There are also some other restrictions on criminals but these apply in very extreme cases. Political parties nominate their candidates who get the party support and symbol. Party’s nomination is often called Party Ticket. The candidate has to fill a nomination form and give some money as a security deposit

 

10 Civics 7 Outcomes of Democracy

 

 Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy Class x  

Question 1. How can you say that democracies are based on political equality? (2015 OD) 

Answer: Democracies are based on political equality as individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.

Question 2. What is ‘transparency’ in a democracy? (2014 OD, 2015 OD) 

Answer: Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedure. Every citizen has the right and means to examine the process of decision making. This is known as transparency.

Short Answer Questions (SA) 3 Marks

Question 3. How do democratic governments ensure transparency? Explain any three points. (2011 D) Answer:

Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on norms and procedures. So a citizen, who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures, can find out as democracy guarantees to the citizens the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. In a democracy people have the right to choose their rulers and people will have control over them. Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision-making that affects them all. Thus it ensures transparency by producing a government that is accountable to the citizens and is responsive to their needs and expectations. It is right to expect democracy to produce a government that follows procedures and is accountable to people. To do so, the democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens—regular, free and fair elections, open public debate on major policies and legislations and citizens’ right to information about the government and its functioning. 

Question 4. What are the differences between democracy and dictatorship in the decision making process? (2012 OD) 

Answer:

Democracy Dictatorship (i) Based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. Thus, the necessary delay in implementation. (i) Do not have to bother about majorities and/or public opinion, thus can be quick and efficient in decision-making. (ii) Decisions are acceptable to people and are more effective. (ii) May take decisions not accepted by the people. (iii) A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. There is transparency. (iii) Transparency is missing from a non-democratic form of government. There is no acc­ountability of the government to the people. 

Question 5. “An ideal government would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority”. Justify the statement. (2013 D) 

Answer: The values attached to the above statement signify the following practices and institutions:

Regular free and fair elections, open public debate on major policies and legislation and citizens’ right to information about the government and its functions. An ideal government in a democracy follows procedures and is accountable to the people. A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision making. This is known as transparency. An ideal government is attentive and responsive to the needs and expectations of the people and is largely free of corruption as it is a legitimate government. It is peoples own government. 

Question 6. Explain the role of democratic governments in reducing economic disparities. (2011 OD) Or, “Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities”. Examine the statement with examples. (2013 OD)

 Answer: Over the years, careful evidence has been gathered to see what the relationship of democracy with economic growth and economic inequalities is.

It is seen that on an average dictatorial regimes have had a slightly better record of economic growth, i. e., 4.34%. But when we compare their record only in poor countries (4.28%), there is no difference. There is enough evidence to show that within democracies there can be very high degree of inequalities. In countries like South Africa and Brazil, the top 20 per cent people take away more than 60 per cent of the national income, leaving less than 3 per cent for the bottom 20 per cent population. Perhaps more than development, it is reasonable to expect democracies to reduce economic disparities. Democracies are based on political equality, but despite equality in the political arena there are growing economic inequalities. The poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no party would like to lose its votes. Yet democratically elected governments do not appear to be keen to tackle the problem of poverty.

Democracies are expected to produce good government, but there is no guarantee that they would also produce development. As evidence shows, the economic development depends on several factors, such as country’s size, global situation, co-operation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country etc.

Question 7. ‘Democracy is seen to be good in principle, but felt, to be not so good in practice.’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments. (2014 D)

 Answer: If we look at some of the democratic policies being implemented in more than one hundred countries of the world, democracy seems to be good. For example, having a formal Constitution, holding regular elections, guaranteeing the citizens certain rights, working for the welfare of the people, etc. make us advocate that democracy is good. But if we look in terms of social situations, their economic achievements and varied cultures, we find a very big difference in most of the democracies. The vast economic disparities, social injustice based on discrimination, standard of life, sex discrimination, etc. create many doubts about the merits of democracy. Whenever some of our expectations are not met, we start blaming the idea of democracy. Since democracy is a form of government, it can only create conditions for achieving our goals if they are reasonable.

Question 8. How is democracy accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens? Analyse. (2015 OD) 

Answer: A democracy is concerned with ensuring that people have the right to choose their rulers and have control over the rulers:

Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision-making in a democracy. Democracy ensures that decision-making is based on norms and procedures. A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. Thus democracy entails transparency. For a democracy to produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government, it must ensure the following: Regular, free and fair elections. Open public debate on major policies and legislations. Citizens’ right to be informed about government policies. A government free from corruption. 

Question 9. “Democratic government is legitimate government?” Support the statement with arguments. (2016 D) 

Answer: Democratic government is a legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. But a democratic government is peoples’ own government. That is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. People’s wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. As a democratic government is peoples’ own government, they believe that democracy is suitable for their country as it is a legitimate government. Democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.

Question 10. “Democracy accommodates social diversities.” Support the statement with examples. (2016 OD) 

Answer: “Democracy accommodates social diversities” in the following ways:

Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent. No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and can evolve mechanism to negotiate these differences. Example, Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among ethnic population. This reduces the possibility of tensions. Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes. 

Question 11. Analyse any three values that make democracy better. (2017 D) 

Answer: We feel that democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government because:

Democracy promotes equality among citizens. It enhances dignity of individual. It promotes dignity of women and strengthens the claims of the disadvantaged. It improves the quality of decision making. There is transparency in a democracy. It provides methods to resolve conflicts. Democracy allows room to correct mistakes. Question 12. On the basis of which values will it be a fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life? Explain. (2017 OD) Answer: No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and evolve a mechanism to negotiate the differences. Belgium is an example of how successfully differences were negotiated among ethnic groups. Therefore, democracy is best suited to accommodate various social divisions as it usually develops a procedure to conduct their competition. But the example of Sri Lanka shows how distrust between two communities turned into widespread conflict. Thus, a democracy must fulfil the following conditions and be based on these values in order to achieve a harmonious social life—

Majority and minority opinions are not permanent. Democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority needs to work with minority so that government may function to represent the general view. Rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic groups, etc. Democracy remains democracy so long as every citizen ha

Question 12. On the basis of which values will it be a fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life? Explain. (2017 OD) 

Answer: No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and evolve a mechanism to negotiate the differences. Belgium is an example of how successfully differences were negotiated among ethnic groups. Therefore, democracy is best suited to accommodate various social divisions as it usually develops a procedure to conduct their competition. But the example of Sri Lanka shows how distrust between two communities turned into widespread conflict. Thus, a democracy must fulfil the following conditions and be based on these values in order to achieve a harmonious social life—

Majority and minority opinions are not permanent. Democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority needs to work with minority so that government may function to represent the general view. Rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic groups, etc. Democracy remains democracy so long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time. No individual should be debarred from participating in a democracy on the basis of religion, caste, community, creed and other such factors. 

Question 13. Why do we feel that democracy is a better form of government than any other form? Explain. 2015OD 

Answer: Democracy is a better form of government than any other form because:

It is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. Thus the necessary delay in implementation. Decisions are acceptable to people and are more effective. A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. There is transparency in a democracy. Democratic government is a legitimate government, people’s own government. Ability to handle differences, decisions and conflicts is a positive point of democratic regimes. Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity. 

Question 14. Why do we feel that democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government? Explain. (2012 OD) Or How do you feel that democracy is better than any other form of government? Explain. (2013 OD) Or “Democracy is more effective than its other alternatives.” Justify the statement. (2015 D) 

Answer: We feel that democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government because:

Democracy promotes equality among citizens. It enhances dignity of individual. It promotes dignity of women and strengthens the claims of the disadvantaged. It improves the quality of decision making. There is transparency in a democracy. It provides methods to resolve conflicts. Democracy allows room to correct mistakes. 

Question 15. How do democracies accommodate social diversity? Explain with examples. (2011 OD, 2014 OD) 

Or Explain the conditions in which democracies are able to accommodate social diversities. (2012 D)

 Or “Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens”. Support the statement with suitable examples. (2013 OD) 

Answer: No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and evolve a mechanism to negotiate the differences. Belgium is an example of how successfully differences were negotiated among ethnic groups. Therefore, democracy is best suited to accommodate various social divisions as it usually develops a procedure to conduct their competition. But the example of Sri Lanka shows how distrust between two communities turned into widespread conflict, and thus a democracy must fulfil the following two conditions in order to achieve a harmonious social life:

Majority and minority opinions are not permanent. Democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority needs to work with minority so that government may function to represent the general view. Rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic groups, etc. Democracy remains democracy so long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time. No individual should be debarred from participating in a democracy on the basis of religion, caste, community, creed and other such factors.

9 Constitutional Design Civics Chapter 3

 Q 1.Why is India called ‘a Republic’?

Answer: India is called a Republic because the head of the state i.e., the President is an elected person, and it is not a hereditary position.

 Q 2. What do you mean by political equality?

Answer: Every citizen is entitled to all the constitutional rights and freedom without making distinction of any kind like gender, race, status, religion etc. Equal voting right to all adult citizens of country, be it rich or poor with no discrimination comes under political equality.

 Q 3.What is meant by the term ‘Preamble’?

Answer: The Preamble is an introduction to the Constitution which contains the ideals and basic principles of the Indian Constitution.

 Q 4. Mention any one feature of a Foreign Constitution which inspired the constitution makers of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: Practice of parliamentary democracy in Britain. Bill of rights in the United States

 Q 5.Who was the President of Constituent Assembly?

Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

 Q 6. What was the main contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel just after independence?

Answer: He played very important role in integration of the Indian princely states.

 Q 7.Name any two prominent members of Constituent Assembly.

 Answer: Rajendra Prasad Baldev Singh.

 Q 8. With reference to the Constituent, Assembly, answer the following questions: (i) When were its elections held? (ii) Who was its President? (iii) Who was appointed the Chairman of the Drafting Committee? (iv) When was the Constitution passed by the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: (i) July 1946. (ii) Dr. Rajendra Prasad. (iii) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. (iv) 26th November, 1949.

 Q 9. What is the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: The drafting of the document called the Constitution was done by an assembly of elected representatives called the Constituent Assembly.

 Q 10. What do we call a state where head of the state is an elected and not a hereditary person?

Answer: Republic, because the head of the state i.e., the President is an elected person, and it is not a hereditary position.

Q11.Why should we accept the Constitution made by the Constituent Assembly more than 60 years ago?

Answer: Constituent Assembly, a Galaxy of Indians: The Constituent Assembly represented the people of India. There was no universal adult franchise at that time, so it was elected mainly by the members of the existing Provincial Legislatures. This ensured a fair geographical share of members from all the regions of the country. The Assembly was dominated by the Indian National Congress but with leaders having different opinions. In social terms too, the Assembly represented members from different language groups, castes, classes, religions and occupations. Elected Members: The drafting of the document called the Constitution was done by an assembly of elected representatives called the Constituent Assembly. Working Pattern of the Assembly: The Constituent Assembly worked in a systematic, open and consensual manner. First some basic principles were decided, and agreed upon. Then a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prepared a Draft Constitution for discussion. Several rounds of thorough discussions took place on the Draft Constitution clause by clause.

 Q 12.The Constituent Assembly was the representative body of the people of India.” Explain with examples. HOTS

Answer:

The Assembly was dominated by the Indian National Congress. Many important political leaders were also its members. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mrs. Sarojini Naidu and Sardar Baldev Singh were its important members, who guided the discussion in the Constituent Assembly. There were more than 30 members belonging to the Scheduled Caste. Minorities like the Anglo-Indians had Frank Anthony as their representative. The Parsee community was represented by H.P Modi. _ Some Constitutional experts like Alladi Krishna Swarny Aiyer, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and K.M. Munshi were also there. Mrs. Sarojini Naidu and Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit were the two leading women of India in the Constituent Assembly. Time: The members deliberated for 114 days spread over three years.

 Q13. Define the following terms mentioned in the preamble to the Constitution of India. (i) Sovereign, (ii) Socialist, (iii) Secular, (iv) Republic, (v) Liberty, (vi) Equality, (vii) Fraternity (viii), Justice. Or Describe any five values / goals of the Indian Constitution included in the Preamble.

Answer: (i) Sovereign: People have supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters. No external power can dictate the government of India.

(ii) Socialist: Wealth is generated socially and should be shared equally by society. Government should regulate the ownership of land and industry to reduce socio-economic inequalities.

(iii) Secular: Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion. But there is no official religion. Government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect.

(iv) Republic: The head of the state is an elected person and not a hereditary position.

(v) Liberty: There are no unreasonable restrictions on the citizens in what they think, how they wish to express their thoughts and the way they wish to follow up their thoughts in action.

(vi) Equality: All are equal before the law. The traditional social inequalities have to be ended. The government should ensure equal opportunity for all.

(vii) Fraternity: All of us should behave as if we are members of the same family. No one should treat a fellow citizen as inferior.

(viii) Justice: Citizens cannot be discriminated on the grounds of caste, religion and gender. Social inequalities have to be reduced. Government should work for the welfare of all, especially of the disadvantaged groups

Q14. What is Constitution? What is its importance? Or Why do countries need a Constitution? Explain. Or Why do we need a Constitution and what do Constitution do? Explain?

Answer: The Constitution of a country is a set of written rules that are accepted by all the people living together in a country. The Constitution is the supreme law that determines the relationship among the people living in a territory (called citizens), and also the relationship between the people and the government. Importance:

Specifications: It specifies how the government will be constituted, who will have the power to take which decisions. Trust and Co-ordination: It generates a degree of trust and co-ordination that is necessary for different kinds of people to live together. Rights and Duties: It lays down the limits on the powers of the government and tells us what the rights of the citizens are. Good Society: It expresses the aspirations of the people about creating a good society.

 Q 15. Describe any five salient features of the Constitution of India.

Answer: Salient Features:

Sovereign—People are masters and have supreme right to take decisions. Socialist—Wealth to be shared equally. Secular—It is based on the freedom of religion. All religions should be treated equally. Democratic—People have political equality. Republic—Head of the state is a common man elected by the people.

Q16. With reference to the Indian Constitution answer the following questions: (i) When was it passed? (ii) When was it enforced?. (iii) Why was this date chosen?

 Answer: (i) The Constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949. (ii) The Constitution was enforced on 26th January, 1950. (iii) In December, 1929, the Congress in its Lahore Session had decided to fight for Poorna Swaraj or Complete Independence, and 26th January, 1930 was celebrated as the Independence Day, since then. That is why our leaders decided to celebrate 26th January, 1950 as the day to enforce the Constitution of India.