Regular practice with AP Inter 1st Year Civics Study Material Chapter 11 Constitution Questions and Answers helps students stay prepared for examinations.
AP Inter 1st Year Civics 11th Lesson Constitution Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
What is written constitution?
Answer:
A written constitution is formulated and adopted by a constituent assembly or a convention. It comprises several principles and rules of the government in a written form or document.
Ex: Indian Constitution.
Question 2.
What is an enacted constitution?
Answer:
Enacted Constitution is consciously made. It is the outcome of the deliberations of the Constituent Assembly specially convened for that purpose. It is promulgated by the sovereign authority – King or Parliament.
Ex: USA and Indian Constitution.
Question 3.
Explain the evolved constitution?
Answer:
Evolved Constitution is the result of evolutionary changes. It may be the product of collected material. It acts on the basis to the political institutions of a country. It is not made as it grows with the roots in the past. Several customs, usages, traditions, principles and judicial decisions act as the sources of this Constitution.
Ex: British Constitution.
Question 4.
What do you know about a rigid constitution?
Answer:
Rigid constitution is one whose provisions cannot be changed easily. In this system the constitutional amendment methods are different from those of ordinary laws. There is a special procedure for amending the provisions of the rigid constitution.
Ex: USA Constitution
Question 5.
Describe the flexible constitution.
Answer:
Flexible constitution is one whose provisions can be amended easily. It requires no special procedure for changing its provisions. It can be amended by adopting the same procedure of ordinary laws.
Ex: Britain Constitution.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Mention any four differences between written and unwritten Constitution.
Answer:
Differences between Written and Unwritten Constitution:
| Written Constitution | Unwritten Constitution |
| 1. All the basic principles of the State are clearly written. | 1. All the basic principles of the State exist in the form of customs and traditions. |
| 2. It is framed by a special assembly convened at a particular point of time. | 2. It is not framed by any special authority. |
| 3. It cannot be easily amended. | 3. It can be easily be amended. |
| 4. It is formulated at a particular time. | 4. It is evolutionary in nature. |
| 5. It provides political stability. | 5. It could not ensure political stability. |
| 6. It is useful to federal states. | 6. It is advantageous to the unitary states. |
Question 2.
Differences between a rigid and a flexible constitution.
Answer:
| Rigid Constitution | Flexible Constitution |
| 1. Constitutional matters are clearly written. | 1. Constitutional matters are not clearly mentioned. |
| 2. Constitution cannot be easily amended. | 2. Constitution can be easily amended. |
| 3. It is Appropriate for a federal state. | 3. Not appropriate to a federal state. |
| 4. It is Highly stable. | 4. Highly unstable. |
| 5. It makes differentiation between constitutional and ordinary laws. | 5. It makes no differentiation between constitutional and ordinary laws. |
| 6. Appropriate to large states. | 6. Appropriate to small states. |
Question 3.
Classify the constitutions.
Answer:
Classification of constitutions
1. Evolution of constitution
On the basis of evolution, constitutions are divided into two types, namely
- Evolved Constitution
- Enacted Constitution.
2. Nature of constitution
On the basis of nature, Constitutions are classified into two types, namely
- Written Constitution
- Unwritten Constitution.
3. Amendment Constitution
On the basis of amendment procedure, Constitutions are classified into two types, namely
- Rigid Constitution
- Flexible Constitution
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Constitution and explain any four essential features of constitution.
Answer:
The term constitution was derived from a Latin word ‘Constitutio’ which means ‘set up’ or ‘to establish’.
Definition of Constitution:
“Constitution is a set of established rules embodying and enacting the practice of Government” -Lord Bryce
Features of Constitution:
1. Preamble: Every Constitution will have a preamble. The preamble denotes the aims and aspirations of the Constitution. It is like the soul of the Constitution.
2. Clarity: The Constitution clearly explains about the different policies and methods of governance. It is written in a simple and clear language. It avoids the slightest ambiguity or doubt leading to complex interpretations. So, it will be more satisfactory to all sections of society.
3. Incorporation of fundamental rights: Every Constitution includes some fundamental rights. These fundamental rights are meant for safeguarding the freedoms of the citizens. They enable the citizens to realize their personality in various spheres.
4. Brevity: Brevity avoids confusion among the individuals in understanding and interpreting provisions. Unnecessary elements are not included in the Constitution. It should be precise.
5. Flexibility: The Constitution must be flexible for adapting the wishes and aspirations of the people from time to time. There must be a scope for amending the provisions of the Constitution if necessary.
6. Permanence: Permanence is one more feature of the Constitution. The Constitution must have everlasting values for the welfare of the whole nation.
7. Mode of Amendment: The Constitution specifies the mode of amendment.
Usually the constitutional amendments are of three types, namely
- rigid
- flexible and
- half rigid and half flexible.
8. Explanatory: The constitution is explanatory in nature. It denotes and discusses almost all elements relating to the people, government and state. It contains separate provisions on the structure, powers and limitations of state activity.
Question 2.
Write any three merits and three demerits of written constitution?
Answer:
A written constitution is formulated and adopted by a Constituent Assembly or a Convention.
It comprises several principles and rules of the government in a written form or document.
The American constitution is the first written constitution in the world. It was adopted in 1776. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington played a key role in the formulation of American Constitution.
Merits of Written Constitution:
- A written constitution renders political stability due to its rigid nature.
- It protects the fundamental rights of the people.
- It maintains equilibrium between the centre and the states by allocating powers in a judicious manner.
- It puts limitations on the powers of the government.
Demerits of Written Constitution:
- A written constitutions rigid nature is not helpful to the development of the state.
- Its provisions cannot be changed according to the needs and wishes of the people. So the progress of the nations lags behind.
- It makes the judiciary a predominant one.
- It gives scope for conflicts among the governmental organs.
Question 3.
Explain any three merits and demerits of rigid constitution.
Answer:
Rigid constitution is one whose provisions cannot be changed easily.
The constitution of the United States is the best example of a rigid constitution.
Merits of Rigid constitution:
- Rigid constitution secures political stability.
- It is a product of political experience.
- It avoids hasty and ill-considered legislation.
- It protects the fundamental rights of the citizens.
Demerits of a rigid constitution:
- A rigid constitution cannot be easily amended to suit the changing needs.
- It may affect the nations progress and growth
- It is not suitable for tackling the issues arising during emergencies.
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
When was the American constitution adopted?
1. 1676 AD
2. 1776 AD
3. 1876 AD
4. 1976 AD
Answer:
2. 1776 AD
Question 2.
Who played a key role in the formulation of the American constitution?
1. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington
2. John Adams and James Madison
3. James Monroe and Andrew Jackson
4. None of the Above
Answer:
1. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington
Question 3.
Which country’s constitution is the best example of a rigid constitution?
1. Britain
2. France
3. USA
4. Germany
Answer:
3. USA
Question 4.
Identify the wrong statement regarding a ‘Written constitution’.
1. All the basic principles of the state are clearly written.
2. It is formulated at a particular time.
3. It is useful to federal states.
4. It is suitable to the uneducated and illiterate people.
Answer:
4. It is suitable to the uneducated and illiterate people.
Fill in the Blanks
Question 1.
The term ‘Constitution’ is derived from the Latin word “Constitutio”, which means ‘__________’
Answer:
To establish
Question 2.
Evolved constitution is also called as __________.
Answer:
Cumulative constitution
Question 3.
Enacted constitution is also known as __________.
Answer:
Conventional constitution
One Word Answers
Question 1.
What is the first written constitution in the world?
Answer:
Constitution of USA.
Question 2.
Which is the lengthiest, largest and most detailed constitution in the world?
Answer:
Constitution of India
Question 3.
Which kind of constitution is appropriate for smaller states?
Answer:
Flexible constitution
Question 4.
Which country’s constitution is the best example of an unwritten constitution?
Answer:
Constitution of Britain
Question 5.
Which country’s constitution is the best example of flexible constitution?
Answer:
Constitution of Britain
Question 6.
What is the smallest constitution in the world?
Answer:
Constitution of USA