CONSTITUTIONAL LAW – PART A
SAQ 16 – 20 (Each Question Carries 4 Marks – Attempt All)
Q16. Explain Democratic Form of Government.
Answer:
Democracy means a system of government in which the people govern themselves through elected representatives. The ultimate power lies with the people.
In India, citizens elect their representatives through elections. These representatives form the government and make laws for the country.
Democracy ensures political equality, freedom, and participation of citizens in governance. Every adult citizen has the right to vote without discrimination.
It also ensures accountability, as the government is responsible to the people and can be removed through elections.
Democracy protects individual rights and promotes public welfare and development.
Example:
Citizens vote in general elections to choose Members of Parliament.
✔ India is the world's largest democracy.
Simple Explanation: People elect their government through voting.
Q17. Explain Bicameralism.
Answer:
Bicameralism means a legislature with two houses or chambers. In India, Parliament consists of Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
Lok Sabha represents the people directly, while Rajya Sabha represents the states. Both houses participate in law-making.
This system ensures better discussion, review, and balance in law-making. It prevents misuse of power by one single house.
It also provides representation to different sections and regions of the country.
Bicameralism improves quality of legislation through debate and review.
Example:
A bill must be approved by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to become law.
✔ Indian Parliament follows bicameral system.
Simple Explanation: Parliament has two houses for better law-making.
Q18. Explain Rigid Constitution.
Answer:
A rigid Constitution is one that cannot be amended easily. It requires a special procedure to make changes.
In India, some provisions of the Constitution require special majority in Parliament and approval by states to be amended.
This rigidity protects important provisions from frequent changes and ensures stability.
It prevents misuse of power and protects the basic structure of the Constitution.
However, the Indian Constitution is partly rigid and partly flexible.
Example:
Federal provisions require approval of half of the states for amendment.
✔ Special procedure is required to amend Constitution.
Simple Explanation: Difficult to amend important constitutional provisions.
Q19. Explain Socialism.
Answer:
Socialism means promoting social and economic equality among citizens. It aims to reduce inequality and ensure fair distribution of wealth.
The word "Socialist" was added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
Socialism ensures that resources are used for public welfare and benefit of all citizens.
It promotes social justice, economic equality, and protection of weaker sections.
Government provides welfare schemes, education, and employment opportunities under socialism.
Example:
Government provides free education and welfare schemes for poor people.
✔ Promotes equality and welfare.
Simple Explanation: Government works to reduce inequality and help weaker sections.
Q20. Explain Citizenship.
Answer:
Citizenship means the legal status of a person as a member of a country. Citizens enjoy rights and perform duties towards the nation.
Part II of the Constitution (Articles 5–11) deals with citizenship. It explains who is a citizen of India.
Citizens have rights such as voting, holding public office, and protection by the State.
Citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, registration, naturalization, or incorporation of territory.
Citizenship can also be terminated by renunciation, termination, or deprivation.
Example:
A person born in India is generally considered an Indian citizen.
✔ Citizenship gives legal membership of the country.
Simple Explanation: Legal status of being a member of India.