The Indian Constitution class 8 questions and answers: Class 8 Political Science chapter 1 question answer
| Textbook | Ncert |
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Civics |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 |
| Chapter Name | The Indian Constitution class 8 ncert solutions |
| Category | Ncert Solutions |
| Medium | English |
Are you looking for Class 8 Civics chapter 1 question answer? Now you can download The Indian Constitution class 8 questions and answers pdf from here.
Question 1: Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Answer 1: A democratic country needs a constitution because
- In a democracy people choose their representatives and the leaders might misuse their powers. Constitution provides safeguards against this.
- In a democracy, the constitution ensures that the dominant group does not use power against less powerful groups.
- The constitution guarantees fundamental rights to the citizens for their social, economic, and political welfare.
Question 2: Look at the wordings of the two documents given below. The first column is from the 1990 Nepal Constitution. The second column is from the more recent Constitution of Nepal.
| 1990 Constitution of Nepal Part 7: Executive | 2015 Constitution of Nepal Part 7: Federal Executive |
| Article 35: Executive Power: The executive power of the Kingdom of Nepal shall be vested in his Majesty and the Council of Ministers | Article 75: Executive Power: The Executive Power of Nepal shall, pursuant to this Constitution and law, be vested in the Council of Ministers |
What is the difference in who exercises ‘Executive Power’ in the above two Constitutions of Nepal?
Answer 2: The key difference in who exercises “Executive Power” in the two constitutions of Nepal is:
- 1990 Constitution: The executive power was vested in His Majesty (the King) and the Council of Ministers. This reflects Nepal’s status as a constitutional monarchy at the time, where the King played a central role in governance.
- 2015 Constitution: The executive power is vested solely in the Council of Ministers, in accordance with the Constitution and the law. This change reflects Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republic, where the monarchy was abolished, and executive authority now rests entirely with elected representatives.
Question 3: What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
Answer 3: In a democracy, the citizens of the country are responsible for electing their leaders. However, there is always a possibility that the leaders might misuse their authority and use it for the wrong purposes. Hence, the constitution has provided measures to safeguard the country against such misuse of powers.
Question 4: In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is important to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.
(a) In a school with 30 teachers, 20 of them are male.
(b) In a city, 5 per cent of the population are Buddhists.
(c) In a factory mess for all employees, 80 per cent are vegetarians.
(d) In a class of 50 students, 40 belong to more well-off families.
Answer 4: (a) Minority: Female teachers (10 out of 30)
Reason: Ensuring equal representation and considering diverse perspectives in decision-making can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
(b) Minority: Buddhists (5% of the population)
Reason: Respecting religious diversity promotes social harmony and ensures that all citizens feel valued and included in cultural and public life.
(c) Minority: Non-vegetarians (20% of employees)
Reason: Respecting their food preferences ensures fairness in meal options and prevents exclusion or discrimination in the workplace.
(d) Minority: Students from less well-off families (10 out of 50)
Reason: Considering their needs can help create equal opportunities in education, ensuring that economic background does not become a barrier to learning and participation.
Question 5: The column on the left lists some of the key features of the Indian Constitution. In the other column write two sentences, in your own words, on why you think this feature is important:
| Key Feature | Significance |
| Federalism | |
| Separation of Powers | |
| Fundamental Rights | |
| Parliamentary Form of Government |
Answer 5:
| Key Feature | Significance |
| Federalism | It is important in our country with vast number of communities such that a system of government which did not involve only persons sitting in the capital take decisions for the whole country. It has dual objectives to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity. |
| Separation of Powers | In order to prevent the misuse of power by any one branch of the state, the Constitution says that each of these organs should exercise different powers. Through these each organs acts as a check on the other organs of the state and thus ensures the balance of power between all the three. |
| Fundamental Rights | Fundamental rights protect citizens against the arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the state. Thus, the Constitution attempts to strike a balance between the individual liberty and social control. |
| Parliamentary Form of Government | Every citizen of the country, irrespective of his/her social background, can contest in elections. This helps encourage a democratic mind set and breaks the clutches of traditional caste, class and gender hierarchies. |
Question 6: Write down the names of the Indian States,which borders with the followingneighbouring nations: (a) Bangladesh (b) Bhutan (c) Nepal
Answer 6: Here are the Indian states that share borders with the (a) Bangladesh (b) Bhutan (c) Nepal:
- (a) Bangladesh – West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
- (b) Bhutan – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim
- (c) Nepal – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim