Our Constitution
ICSE Class 9 · History & Civics · Chapter 1
What this chapter covers
- What a Constitution is
- Why a nation needs a Constitution
- The Constituent Assembly and the making of the Constitution
- Date of adoption of the Constitution: 26 November 1949
- Date of enforcement of the Constitution: 26 January 1950
- Why 26 January was chosen
- Significance of the Constitution: the supreme law and the framework of government
- Significance of the Constitution: rights, justice and democracy
- Significance of the Constitution: unity, change and continuity
- Common errors and how to avoid them
Key points
- A Constitution is the fundamental law of a country that sets up the organs of government, defines and limits their powers, and states the rights of the citizens.
- The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India; any law or action against it can be declared invalid by the courts.
- The Constituent Assembly first met on 9 December 1946; Dr Rajendra Prasad was its President and Dr B. R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee.
- The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949, now observed as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas).
- The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, celebrated as Republic Day; Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President.
- 26 January was chosen because Indians had observed it as Independence Day from 1930, after the Purna Swaraj resolution of the Lahore session of 1929.
- Independence came on 15 August 1947; India became a Republic on 26 January 1950.
- The Constitution provides the framework of government, protects rights, promotes social justice, unites a diverse people and can be amended to meet new needs.
Questions answered
Define a Constitution.
A Constitution is the fundamental law of a country: a set of basic rules that establishes the organs of government, defines and limits their powers, and lays down the rights of the citizens and their relationship with the State.
On what date was the Constitution of India adopted, and by which body?
The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly of India.
On what date did the Constitution of India come into force?
The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950.
What is the difference between the adoption and the enforcement of a Constitution?
Adoption is the formal approval of the final text by the body that framed it, while enforcement is the moment the Constitution begins to operate as the law of the land.
Why was 26 January chosen as the date for bringing the Constitution into force?
On 26 January 1930 Indians had observed Independence Day in response to the Purna Swaraj resolution passed at the Lahore session of the Congress in 1929; the date was chosen to honour that pledge of complete independence.
Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly, and who chaired its Drafting Committee?
Dr Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly, and Dr B. R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee.
Name the day observed on 26 November each year and state the reason.
The day is Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Divas, observed in honour of the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949.
What is meant by saying that India became a Republic on 26 January 1950?
On that day the British monarch ceased to be India's formal head of State and the office of Governor-General ended; India's head of State became an elected President, Dr Rajendra Prasad.
Past board exam questions
ICSE 2019 sample paper · 1 mark
Name the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution.
Show answer
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
ICSE 2019 sample paper · 1 mark
Mention any one function of the Zila Parishad.
Show answer
The Zila Parishad co-ordinates and supervises the work of the Panchayat Samitis in the district (any one, e.g. advising the State Government on development work in the district; distributing government grants among Panchayat Samitis).
ICSE 2019 sample paper · 1 mark
Name the elected head of a Municipal Corporation.
Show answer
The Mayor.
ICSE 2019 sample paper · 3 marks
With reference to the salient features of the Indian Constitution answer the following questions: Define the term ‘Constitution’. State any two reasons for its significance.
Show answer
A Constitution is the fundamental law of a country — a set of rules and principles according to which the country is governed; it lays down the structure, powers and functions of the government and the rights and duties of citizens.
Significance (any two):
1. It defines the powers of the different organs of government and limits them, preventing misuse of power.
2. It guarantees the Fundamental Rights of the citizens and lays down their duties.
3. It reflects the ideals and aspirations of the people and provides a framework for stable government.