CBSE Class 9 Social Science Democratic Politics – I: Constitutional Design NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental principles of Constitutional Design, crucial for understanding democratic governance. The NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science (Democratic Politics – I) Chapter 3 provide clear explanations and answers to key questions. Students will explore the challenges and conflicts faced during the formation of democratic constitutions, particularly drawing parallels with the South African experience. The solutions also clarify the essential components of a democratic constitution, the role of leaders, and the significance of constitutional amendments. By working through these solutions, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities involved in establishing democratic frameworks and how constitutions are shaped by societal needs and aspirations. These solutions are designed to aid students in grasping the core concepts, reinforcing their learning, and preparing effectively for their examinations by offering detailed and accurate explanations.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectSocial Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterPolitical Science (Democratic Politics – I) - Constitutional Design

Chapter summary

Chapter 3, Constitutional Design, of Class 9 Social Science (Democratic Politics – I) focuses on the foundational aspects of creating a democratic constitution. The NCERT Solutions cover the process, challenges, and key elements involved in constitution-making, using examples like South Africa. It clarifies the necessity of a constitution, the conflicts that arise during its formation, and the provisions that define a democratic system. The solutions also highlight the roles of important figures and the dynamic nature of constitutions through amendments, aiding students in understanding the principles of democratic governance.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the importance and necessity of a constitution in a democracy.
  • Identify and analyze the conflicts and challenges in constitution-making.
  • Explain the key features and provisions of a democratic constitution.
  • Recognize the role of leaders and the Constituent Assembly in shaping a constitution.
  • Comprehend the concept and significance of constitutional amendments.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Constitutional Design
  • Necessity of a Constitution
  • Democratic Constitution
  • South African Constitution-making
  • Conflicts in Constitution-making
  • Provisions of a Democratic Constitution
  • Constituent Assembly
  • Role of Leaders
  • Constitutional Amendments
  • Nehru's 'Tryst with Destiny'

Important topics

  • South African Constitution-making process
  • Key features of a democratic constitution
  • The role and function of the Constituent Assembly
  • Significance of constitutional amendments
  • Conflicts in constitution-making

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Here are some false statements. Identify the mistake in each case and rewrite these correctly based on what you have read in this chapter:

  1. Leaders of the freedom movement had an open mind about whether the country should be democratic or not after independence.
  2. Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held the same views on all provisions of the Constitution.
  1. A country that has a constitution must be a democracy.
  2. Constitution cannot be amended because it is the supreme law of a country.

Solution: The following are the corrections to the given statements:

  1. Mistake: The statement implies leaders were undecided about democracy. Corrected statement: Leaders of the freedom movement were largely committed to the idea of an independent India being a democracy. They had a clear vision for a democratic future for the country after independence.
  2. Mistake: The statement suggests uniformity of opinion. Corrected statement: Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held diverse views and engaged in extensive debates on various provisions of the constitution. While they shared a common goal, they differed on many specific aspects of the document.
  1. Mistake: The statement makes an absolute claim about constitutions and democracy. Corrected statement: While democratic countries typically have constitutions, a country having a constitution does not automatically guarantee it is a democracy. Some non-democratic countries also have constitutions.
  2. Mistake: The statement presents the constitution as unchangeable. Corrected statement: A constitution can be amended. Amendments are necessary to adapt the constitution to the changing needs, values, and aspirations of the society over time.

Question 2

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

  1. Between South Africa and its neighbours
  2. Between men and women
  3. Between the white majority and the black minority
  4. Between the coloured minority and the black majority

Solution: The most salient underlying conflict in the making of a democratic constitution in South Africa was between the white minority and the black majority. Although the white minority was numerically smaller, they held political power and implemented the system of apartheid. The struggle for a democratic constitution was primarily about dismantling this oppressive system and establishing a government that represented all South Africans, especially the black majority who had been denied basic rights.

Question 3

Which of these is a provision that a democratic constitution does not necessarily have?

  1. Powers of the head of the state
  2. Name of the head of the state
  3. Powers of the legislature
  4. Name of the country

Solution: A provision that a democratic constitution does not necessarily have is the name of the head of the state. While democratic constitutions clearly define the powers and functions of the head of state (whether a president or a monarch) and the legislature, and also name the country, the specific designation or name of the individual holding the position of head of state is not a fundamental part of the constitutional framework itself. The focus is on the office and its powers, not the incumbent's name.

Question 4

Match the following leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution:

Column I

  1. Motilal Nehru
  2. B. R. Ambedkar
  3. Rajendra Prasad
  4. Sarojini Naidu

Column II

  1. Member of the Constituent Assembly
  2. Key figure in drafting the Constitution
  3. President of the Constituent Assembly
  4. Prominent leader and freedom fighter

Solution: Here is the correct matching of the leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution:

  • Motilal Nehru: While not directly involved in the Constituent Assembly for India's final constitution, he was a prominent leader and authored the Nehru Report in 1928, which proposed a constitution for India. For the purpose of this question, considering his significant role in proposing constitutional ideas, he can be associated with being a prominent leader and freedom fighter who contributed to constitutional thought.
  • B. R. Ambedkar: He was a key figure and the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, playing a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution of India.
  • Rajendra Prasad: He served as the President of the Constituent Assembly, guiding its proceedings and ensuring its smooth functioning.
  • Sarojini Naidu: She was a prominent leader, a freedom fighter, and a member of the Constituent Assembly, contributing to the discussions and deliberations.

Therefore, the matching is approximately:

(a) Motilal Nehru - Prominent leader and freedom fighter (contributed to constitutional ideas)

(b) B. R. Ambedkar - Key figure in drafting the Constitution

(c) Rajendra Prasad - President of the Constituent Assembly

(d) Sarojini Naidu - Member of the Constituent Assembly

Note: The original answer key might have simplified roles. This expanded answer provides more context.

Question 5

Read again the extracts from Nehru's speech 'Tryst with Destiny' and answer the following:

  1. Why did Nehru use the expression "not wholly or in full measure" in the first sentence?

Solution: Jawaharlal Nehru used the expression "not wholly or in full measure" in his 'Tryst with Destiny' speech to convey that the struggle for India's independence and the subsequent task of nation-building were immense and complex undertakings. He acknowledged that while India had achieved independence, the complete realization of its goals – such as eradicating poverty, ensuring equality, and establishing a truly prosperous nation for all its citizens – was a long and continuous process. The phrase signifies that the work was substantially begun but far from finished, implying that future generations would need to continue the efforts to fully achieve the ideals of the freedom movement.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the necessity of a constitution with a country being a democracy.
  • Assuming constitutions cannot be amended.
  • Misidentifying the primary conflicts during constitution-making processes.
  • Overlooking the diversity of opinions within a Constituent Assembly.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the South African example to understand the process of overcoming deep divisions.
  • Clarify the difference between a constitution and a democracy.
  • Understand why amendments are necessary for a constitution to remain relevant.
  • Review the roles of key figures mentioned in the chapter.
  • Practice identifying the essential components of a democratic constitution.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the main conflict in the making of South Africa's democratic constitution?

Q2. Which of the following is NOT a typical provision found in a democratic constitution?

Q3. According to the chapter, can a constitution be amended?

Q4. What does Nehru's 'Tryst with Destiny' speech imply about nation-building?

Q5. Which of these statements about the Constituent Assembly of India is accurate?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the Constitutional Design chapter for Class 9?

This chapter focuses on the process, challenges, and key elements involved in creating a democratic constitution, using South Africa as a primary example, and explaining the fundamental principles of democratic governance.

Why are NCERT Solutions for Constitutional Design important for Class 9 students?

These solutions provide accurate and detailed answers to the textbook questions, helping students understand complex concepts like constitution-making, democratic principles, and the role of amendments, which is crucial for exam preparation.

What does the chapter explain about the South African constitution?

It explains how South Africa, after overcoming apartheid, drafted a democratic constitution that aimed to address the deep divisions and ensure equality for all its citizens, highlighting the conflicts and compromises involved.

Can a constitution be changed? What do the solutions say?

Yes, the solutions explain that constitutions can be amended to keep pace with societal changes and evolving aspirations, emphasizing that they are not static documents.

Who were some key figures involved in constitution-making mentioned in these solutions?

The solutions mention leaders like Motilal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, Rajendra Prasad, and Sarojini Naidu, highlighting their roles in the process of drafting constitutions.

Important links

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