Life skills
Ask the students to have a discussion on this topic.
Value-based question
Ask the students to discuss the answers for the value-based question.
Follow-up
• Find out about women who have resisted dowry. Share their stories in class.
Answer key for the exercises in the lesson
Exercises for Summative Assessment
I. Fill in the blanks.
1. The constitution denotes the nature of the
political system of a country.
2. Indian constitution contains 395 articles and
11 schedules.
3. The Constitution of India has banned
untouchability and sati.
4. The constitution lays down the fundamental
rights and duties of citizens.
II. True or False?
1. Constitution of India was given by the British.
(F)
2. India is a democratic republic. (T)
3. Giving and taking of dowry is banned by law.
(T)
4. Each state of India has its own constitution.
(F)
5. The constitution of India has special
provisions for the safeguard of scheduled
castes and tribes. (T)
III. Answer in brief.
1. What is a constitution?
A constitution is a set of rules, laws and
principles according to which a country is
governed. These laws are specially created to
suit the needs of the people of that country.
2. Name the three components of the
government whose powers are defined by
the constitution.
The legislature, the executive and the
judiciary are the three components of the
government whose powers are defined by
the constitution.
3. When can a law be declared null and void
by a court?
If a law is enacted against the principles of
the constitution, then the judiciary has the
right to declare it null and void.
4. Give an example of a country that became a
democracy from being a monarchy.
Nepal was earlier a monarchy and is now a
democracy.
5. What is meant by dissent?
If a law goes against the interest of a group
of people, then that group will protest to
express its dissatisfaction. This is known as
dissent.
IV. Answer in detail.
1. Give examples of at least three
disadvantaged groups of people who are
protected by special laws enacted for their
welfare.
The three disadvantaged groups of people
protected by special laws are schedule castes
and tribes, manual scavengers and bonded
labour.
2. Explain why rules and laws are necessary
for a society.
If there are no rules and laws there will be chaos
and violence. Adjustments, negotiations and
a framework to reconcile differences must
be created for everyone to enjoy life to the
fullest. Therefore, every country is governed
by rules that suit its needs.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. c
2. d
3. b
4. c
5. c
Value-based question
• • •
• Being united in the face of a common threat
Showing empathy
Being proactive
Having the courage to stand for ones rights
Question bank
I. State true or false.
1. A constitution is a set of laws and rules that
govern certain sections of the society.
2. The different organs of the government
are the legislature, the executive and the
judiciary.
3. The constitution documents the duties and
rights of the citizens of India but does not
denote the nature of the political system of
the country.
4. The laws in the country have to be created
and enforced so that political parties can
make a profit for themselves.
5. The Indian constitution has provided an
independent judiciary so that it can defend
the rights of the common people.
II. Answer in brief.
1. Why is a constitution necessary to govern
the country?
2. What are the different ways of showing
dissent peacefully in our country?
3. Why are laws framed for a country? Who
benefits from these laws?
III. Answer in detail.
1. Name some of the important laws framed by
the Indian government since independence.
2. Explain why dissent is an important feature
of democracy.
Answer key for the worksheet
I. 1. A rule is an instruction that tells you what
you are allowed to do, and what you are
not allowed to do. A law is a body of rules
governing a particular country, and enforced
with an imposition of penalties if it is not
followed.
2. The legislature is the organ of the government
which has the power to make laws. The
executive is the organ of the government
which is responsible for putting into effect
the laws drawn up by the legislature.
3. Monarchy is a form of government with a
king or queen as its head. Democracy is a
form of government which is ruled by the
people.
4. A law is a body of rules governing a particular
country, and enforced with an imposition of
penalties if it is not followed. Dissent is a way
of expressing one’s opposition towards a law
in a democratic form of government.
II. 1. a
2. b
3. c
4. c
III. 1. In India, there are practices and customs
that have caused great suffering and pain
to certain segments of the society. These
people have been oppressed for many years.
The government has created these laws so
that such customs and practices are put to
an end. The Indian government has created
laws to abolish or modify customs such as the
practice of untouchability, the remarriage of
widows and the dowry system.
2. Sometimes, the government tries to pass
laws that are not good for the people at large
or to a certain section of the society. Dissent
gives the people the power to stop or modify
such laws. So dissent is good for the country.
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