NCERT Class 11 Political Science India Constitution at Work: Chapter 9 — Indian Constitution at Work
This chapter, 'Constitution as a Living Document,' from NCERT's 'India Constitution at Work' for Class 11 Political Science, explores how the Indian Constitution has functioned for over 69 years. It highlights that the Constitution can be amended to meet contemporary needs, yet its fundamental principles remain intact. The chapter emphasizes the judiciary's crucial role in safeguarding and interpreting the Constitution. It posits that constitutions are not static; unlike countries like the Soviet Union or France which have had multiple constitutions, India's enduring constitution demonstrates its robustness and the foresight of its makers. The text suggests that constitutional changes are intrinsically linked to political developments, illustrating that no document can foresee all eventualities, thus necessitating evolution.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | India Constitution at Work |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — Indian Constitution at Work |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 455 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that the Indian Constitution can be amended.
- Recognize that the Constitution's basic premises have remained stable despite amendments.
- Appreciate the role of the judiciary in constitutional protection and interpretation.
- Grasp the concept of the Constitution as an evolving document that responds to changing situations.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Amend | To make minor changes in (a text, piece of legislation, etc.) in order to make it fairer or more accurate, or to reflect changing circumstances. |
| Premises | A previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion. |
| Judiciary | The judge or judges in a court of law. |
| Interpreting | Explain the meaning of (information, words, or actions). |
| Evolving | Develop gradually, especially from a simple to a complex form. |
| Upheavals | A violent or sudden change or disruption to something. |
| Federation | A group of states with a central government but retaining the right to govern themselves in certain matters. |
| Farsighted | Having or showing wisdom and good judgment about the future. |
| Eventualities | A possible event or occurrence, typically one that is unforeseen or unlikely. |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- According to the chapter, can the Indian Constitution be amended? Answer: Yes, the chapter states that the Indian Constitution can be amended according to the needs of the time.
- What role does the judiciary play concerning the Constitution? Answer: The judiciary plays an important role in protecting and interpreting the Constitution.
- Are constitutions generally static or dynamic? Answer: The chapter suggests that constitutions are not static and can change in response to changed circumstances or ideas.
- How long has the Indian Constitution been functioning since its implementation? Answer: More than 69 years.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which country is mentioned as having four constitutions in its life of 74 years?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the Soviet Union had four constitutions in its life of 74 years.
Q2. When was the Constitution of India adopted?
Explanation: The chapter mentions that the Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949.
Q3. Which institution is highlighted for its role in protecting and interpreting the Constitution?
Explanation: The text states that the judiciary has played an important role in protecting and interpreting the Constitution.
Q4. The chapter suggests that constitutional changes are closely linked to:
Explanation: The author states, 'It seems to me that constitutional changes are very closely linked to political developments.'
Q5. Which republic in France came into being with a constitution in 1958?
Explanation: The text mentions that in 1958, the fifth French republic came into being with yet another constitution.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean for a constitution to be a 'living document'?
A 'living document' means the constitution is not static but evolves and responds to changing situations and societal needs over time, often through amendments and judicial interpretation.
Has the Indian Constitution undergone changes since its adoption?
Yes, the Indian Constitution can be amended according to the needs of the time, and many such amendments have taken place.
Why is the judiciary important for the Indian Constitution?
The judiciary plays a crucial role in protecting the Constitution from being undermined and in interpreting its provisions to adapt to new circumstances.
Are constitutions in other countries as long-lasting as India's?
No, the chapter provides examples like the Soviet Union and France, which have had multiple constitutions in shorter periods, indicating that India's constitution has been remarkably stable.
Can a constitution foresee all future changes?
No, while constitution makers can be farsighted, no document can provide for all eventualities. Therefore, the ability to amend is essential.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Political Science — India Constitution at Work — Chapter 9 — Indian Constitution at Work. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.