NCERT Class 11 Political Science India Constitution at Work: Chapter 1 — CONSTITUTION: WHY AND HOW?
This chapter introduces the NCERT Class 11 Political Science textbook, 'India Constitution at Work'. It explains the fundamental concept of a constitution, its necessity, and its functions within a society. The chapter highlights how a constitution provides a framework for governance, allocates power, and enables diverse groups to coexist peacefully. It uses relatable examples of a diverse group with differing opinions and needs to illustrate the challenges of living together and the role of a constitution in resolving disputes and ensuring cooperation. The text also outlines the learning objectives, which include understanding the meaning and purpose of a constitution, its role in governing power allocation, and the process of its formation in India. This foundational chapter sets the stage for understanding the Indian Constitution's working.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | India Constitution at Work |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — CONSTITUTION: WHY AND HOW? |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 434 |
Learning outcomes
- Define what a constitution is.
- Explain the functions of a constitution in society.
- Understand how constitutions govern the allocation of power.
- Learn about the process of making the Indian Constitution.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Constitution | A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. |
| Institutions | Established laws, practices, and customs that form part of the structure of society or an organization. |
| Diverse | Showing a great deal of variety; very different. |
| Disputes | A disagreement, argument, or debate. |
| Cooperation | The action or process of working together to the same end. |
| Allocation | The action or process of distributing something. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary role of a constitution? Answer: A constitution provides a framework for governance, allocates power, and enables diverse groups to coexist peacefully.
- Why is a constitution needed in a diverse society? Answer: A constitution is needed to manage differences, resolve disputes, and ensure cooperation among people with varied beliefs and interests.
- What does it mean for a constitution to govern the allocation of power? Answer: It means the constitution defines how power is distributed among different government institutions and individuals.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the main purpose of the 'India Constitution at Work' textbook?
Explanation: The introduction explicitly states the book is about the working of the Indian Constitution and its various aspects.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the diverse group described in the chapter?
Explanation: The chapter emphasizes the diversity within the group, including different professions, not similar ones.
Q3. What does a constitution allow a group to do?
Explanation: The text states that a constitution allows coordination and assurance, enabling peaceful coexistence.
Q4. According to the chapter, what is a key function of a constitution?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly mentions that constitutions govern the allocation of power in society.
Q5. What is one of the learning outcomes mentioned after studying this chapter?
Explanation: The chapter lists 'what a constitution means' as one of the key things students will learn.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main subject of the NCERT Class 11 Political Science book 'India Constitution at Work'?
The book is about the working of the Indian Constitution, its institutions, and the principles that govern them.
What does the first chapter, 'Constitution: Why and How?', aim to teach?
It aims to explain what a constitution is, its functions, how it allocates power, and the process of its formation in India.
Why is a constitution important for a diverse group of people?
A constitution is crucial for enabling diverse people to live together peacefully by providing rules for coordination, resolving disputes, and ensuring cooperation.
How does a constitution relate to the daily lives of citizens?
A constitution establishes the rules and principles that shape government actions and societal structures, indirectly affecting daily existence.
What does 'allocation of power' mean in the context of a constitution?
It refers to how a constitution defines and distributes authority among different branches of government and other bodies.
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NCERT Class 11 Political Science — India Constitution at Work — Chapter 1 — CONSTITUTION: WHY AND HOW?. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.