Class 9 (Civics) Chapter 2 (Constitutional Design )

 

Class 9 (Civics)

Chapter 2 (Constitutional Design )

 

Notes

 

1. Prominence of Key Topics in the chapter
• Democratic Constitution in South Africa
• Making of the Indian Constitution
2. Democratic Constitution in South Africa
• Nelson Mandela, leader of the African National Congress, engaged in a prolonged battle against Apartheid.
• Mandela, imprisoned for 28 years (1964-1992), emerged as South Africa's first President.
• The populace fought against discriminatory practices by white minority rulers.
• Apartheid began collapsing in the 1980s, leading to the first free multiracial elections in 1994.
• South Africa's remarkable constitution aimed to reconcile past sufferings and foster cooperation among all races, promoting equality, democratic values, and social justice.
3. Significance of a Constitution
• Yes, a constitution comprises accepted written laws governing a country's inhabitants.
• It fosters trust, coordination, and specifies the structure of government.
• A constitution delineates governmental powers and reflects societal aspirations toward creating a just society.
4. Making of the Indian Constitution
• Despite British Acts governing India since 1858, Indian aspirations remained unfulfilled.
• The Indian National Congress first advocated for a constitution in 1934.
• In 1938, Jawaharlal Nehru proposed the formation of a Constituent Assembly.
• By 1942, the British recognized the need for Indians to frame their constitution.
• Participation in Provincial Legislatures facilitated the framing of the Indian Constitution.
• Indian leaders drew inspiration from the French Revolution, British Parliamentary System, and the US Bill of Rights while acknowledging British denials of Indian citizens' rights.
5. The Constituent Assembly
• Elections for the Constituent Assembly were held in July 1946.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee.
• The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and enacted on January 26, 1950, marking India's Republic status.
• The Constitution, reflecting the nation's finest minds, led to the Constituent Assembly being termed "Mini-India."
• Every law underwent thorough debate and consensus-building, resulting in the world's longest written constitution.

 

Important Question Answers

 

1. What was Apartheid?

Apartheid was the official policy of racial separation and mistreatment of blacks enforced by the South African government from 1948 to 1989.

2. What is a Constituent Assembly?

 A Constituent Assembly is an assembly of representatives that drafts a country's constitution.

3. What is segregation?

 Segregation refers to the separation of public places and amenities for use exclusively by either whites or blacks.

4. How was segregation practiced?

Segregation was practiced by separating trains, buses, taxis, hotels, hospitals, schools, libraries, cinemas, theaters, beaches, swimming pools, public toilets, churches, and associations for whites and blacks.

5. What is a constitution?

 A constitution is a set of written rules accepted by all inhabitants of a country, governing its functioning.

6. What historical events led to the practice of all democracies having a written constitution?

The practice of all democracies having a written constitution stemmed from events such as the American War of Independence, which led to the adoption of the US Constitution, and the French Revolution, which saw the approval of a democratic constitution in France.

7. What happened to the Constituent Assembly after India’s partition?

 After India's partition, the Constituent Assembly was divided into the Constituent Assembly of India and that of Pakistan.

8. What is a constitutional amendment?

A constitutional amendment is a change made to a country's constitution by its supreme legislative body.

9. What is treason?

Treason is the act of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance.

10. What is the Preamble in a Constitution?

 The Preamble in a constitution is an introductory statement that outlines the reasons and guiding values of the constitution.

11. Describe the Constituent Assembly and the making of the constitution.

The drafting of the Indian constitution was undertaken by an assembly of elected representatives known as the Constituent Assembly. Elections were held in July 1946, with its first meeting in December 1946. The Assembly comprised 299 members and adopted the constitution on November 26, 1949, coming into effect on January 26, 1950, celebrated as Republic Day annually.

12. What are the main ideals in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

The main ideals in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution are justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

13. What are the functions of a constitution?

 The functions of a constitution include generating trust and coordination among people, specifying government structure, delineating governmental powers, and expressing societal aspirations for a good society.

14. What is the philosophy behind the Indian Constitution?

The philosophy behind the Indian Constitution encompasses values nurtured by the freedom struggle, such as justice, equality, fraternity, liberty, democracy, and secularism.

15. How was the Constituent Assembly formed?

 The Constituent Assembly was formed through elections held in July 1946, mainly by members of existing Provincial Legislatures, ensuring fair geographical representation and diverse social composition.

16. Why should we accept the Constitution made by the Assembly more than six decades ago?

The Constitution reflects a broad consensus of its time, represented by the Constituent Assembly, which deliberated extensively for three years. It has not faced questioning of its legitimacy, and its acceptance signifies an unusual achievement for any constitution.

17. Highlight the struggles of Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela faced trial and imprisonment by the white South African government for opposing apartheid. Sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, he spent 28 years in Robben Island. Mandela emerged as a symbol of resistance, eventually leading to the birth of democracy in South Africa in 1994.

 Long Answer Type

1.  What is Apartheid, and How Did the People of South Africa Resist It?
• Apartheid was a system of social discrimination in South Africa aimed at oppressing black individuals.
• The people of South Africa resisted apartheid in various ways:
• Since 1950, both Blacks and Indians actively opposed apartheid, despite receiving no acknowledgment from the discriminatory government.
• They organized marches and strikes to protest against the unjust system.
• The African National Congress spearheaded the resistance against apartheid.
• Several empathetic white individuals also joined the struggle alongside the African National Congress.
• Additionally, communist parties and numerous labor unions joined the movement against apartheid.
2. What Were the Key Steps in South Africa's Transition from Apartheid to Democracy and Multi-Racial Governance?
• South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy and multi-racial governance involved the following key developments:
• After two years of deliberation and debate, South African politicians crafted one of the world's most exemplary constitutions.
• This new Constitution bestowed upon its citizens an extensive array of rights unparalleled in any other nation.
• A consensus was reached that inclusivity was paramount in seeking solutions to societal challenges, ensuring that no individual was left behind.
• Leaders of the nation collectively agreed that everyone, regardless of past actions or affiliations, should contribute to resolving issues.
• Following the overthrow of the apartheid regime, a multi-racial administration was established, signifying a pivotal shift towards democracy and inclusivity in South Africa.