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The Constitution of India — An Introduction – Class 7 Social Science notes, important questions and MCQs

NCERT Class 7 Social Science, chapter 10. Notes, key terms, important questions with answers and MCQs.

Chapter overview

The Constitution is the supreme law of India. It was framed by the Constituent Assembly, adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950. It sets out how India is governed, the rights and duties of citizens and the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Making the Constitution

The Constituent Assembly first met on 9 December 1946; Dr Rajendra Prasad was its President.
Dr B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 (now Constitution Day) and came into force on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).

The Preamble and key features

The Preamble declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic and promises justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Fundamental Rights include the right to equality, freedom, against exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.
Fundamental Duties ask citizens to respect the Constitution, the national flag and anthem, protect the environment and promote harmony.
Directive Principles guide governments to work for the welfare of people.

Why a constitution matters

It limits the power of the government and protects citizens' rights.
It can be amended to meet new needs, but its basic structure is protected.

Key terms

Constitution: the supreme law of a country that sets out how it is governed and the rights of its people
Preamble: the introduction to the Constitution stating its aims and values
Fundamental Rights: basic rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution
Constituent Assembly: the body of elected representatives that framed India's Constitution

Important questions with answers

What is the Preamble to the Constitution?2 marks

The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. It begins with 'We, the people of India', declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic and states the aims of securing justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for all citizens.

Who made India's Constitution, and when was it adopted and enforced?3 marks

The Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly, which first met on 9 December 1946 with Dr Rajendra Prasad as its President; Dr B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee. It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.

Explain the main features of the Indian Constitution and why it is important.5 marks

The Constitution is the supreme law of India. Its Preamble declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic and promises justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. It gives Fundamental Rights to all citizens, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech and religion, protection against exploitation, cultural and educational rights, and the right to go to court if rights are violated. It lists Fundamental Duties, such as respecting the national flag and anthem and protecting the environment, and Directive Principles that guide governments to promote welfare. It sets up a parliamentary system with the legislature, executive and an independent judiciary, and divides powers between the union and the states. It is important because it limits the power of rulers, protects the rights of every citizen including minorities, provides a framework for peaceful change through elections and amendments, and unites a diverse country under shared values.

Quick revision

Constituent Assembly: President Rajendra Prasad; Drafting Committee chair Ambedkar.
Adopted 26 November 1949; in force 26 January 1950.
Sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
Rights, duties and directive principles.

Exam tips

Remember three dates: 9 December 1946 (first meeting), 26 November 1949 (adopted), 26 January 1950 (in force).
Learn the four ideals of the Preamble: justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Practice MCQs

The Constitution of India came into force on
1. 15 August 1947
2. 26 November 1949
3. 26 January 1950
4. 2 October 1950
Show answer
Answer: (c) 26 January 1950. This day is celebrated as Republic Day.
The Chairman of the Drafting Committee was
1. Jawaharlal Nehru
2. B.R. Ambedkar
3. Rajendra Prasad
4. Sardar Patel
Show answer
Answer: (b) B.R. Ambedkar. He is called the chief architect of the Constitution.
Constitution Day is observed on
1. 26 January
2. 26 November
3. 15 August
4. 2 October
Show answer
Answer: (b) 26 November. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.
The President of the Constituent Assembly was
1. B.R. Ambedkar
2. Rajendra Prasad
3. Jawaharlal Nehru
4. Maulana Azad
Show answer
Answer: (b) Rajendra Prasad. He later became India's first President.
The introduction to the Constitution that states its aims is the
1. Schedule
2. Article 370
3. Amendment
4. Preamble
Show answer
Answer: (d) Preamble. It begins with 'We, the people of India'.
Which of these is a Fundamental Duty
1. right to vote
2. protecting the natural environment
3. right to equality
4. right to education
Show answer
Answer: (b) protecting the natural environment. Duties are responsibilities of citizens.
Which words describe India in the Preamble
1. federal monarchy
2. sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic
3. theocratic state
4. colonial dominion
Show answer
Answer: (b) sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. These words describe the nature of the Indian state.
Why does a country need a constitution
1. to give unlimited power to rulers
2. to replace courts
3. to stop all elections
4. to set rules for government and protect citizens' rights
Show answer
Answer: (d) to set rules for government and protect citizens' rights. It limits power and protects rights.

All chapters of Class 7 Social Science

Written by Kundali IQ from standard, well-established facts to help with revision. This is not an official NCERT publication; always read your textbook too.