Constitution and Its Purpose

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a country's Constitution?

To resolve conflicts between different communities

To outline the ideals of the society (correct)

To establish a democratic government

To enact laws for the country

What is true about the relationship between a country having a Constitution and being democratic?

A country can have a Constitution without being democratic (correct)

All countries with a Constitution are democratic

A country can be democratic without a Constitution

Only democratic countries have a Constitution

What serves as a common basis for governance among different communities in a country?

A set of laws

A Constitution (correct)

A shared history

A common language

What is an ideal that a Constitution typically outlines?

The fundamental nature of the society Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a primary function of a country's Constitution?

To enact laws for the country Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Constitution in a democracy?

To ensure responsible exercise of power by leaders Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Right to Equality in the Indian Constitution?

To ensure no citizen is discriminated against Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'tyranny of the majority'?

When a dominant group uses its power against less powerful people or groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of rules in the Constitution that guard against the misuse of authority?

To ensure the leaders are accountable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why a Constitution prevents the domination of a minority by a majority?

To protect the rights of the minority Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of a Constitution in ensuring that a dominant group does not use its power against other groups?

To protect the rights of the minority Signup and view all the answers

What is the teacher's decision-making process in the classroom storyboard?

Taking a vote through a show of hands Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if a country does not have a good Constitution?

The country will become a dictatorship Signup and view all the answers

What is the third significant reason why we need a Constitution?

To save us from ourselves Signup and view all the answers

What might the citizens of a country feel strongly about, but which could go against their larger interests?

The need for a strong dictator Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Features of a Constitution

Most countries in the world have a Constitution, but having a Constitution does not necessarily mean a country is democratic.
A Constitution serves several purposes, primarily laying out the ideals that form the basis of a country's society.

Role of a Constitution in Society

A Constitution defines the fundamental nature of a society, outlining the kind of country citizens aspire to live in.
It helps reconcile differences between various communities of people who share certain beliefs but may not agree on all issues.

Constitution as a Set of Rules and Principles

A Constitution provides a set of rules and principles that all persons in a country can agree upon as the basis of governance.
This includes agreement on the type of government and certain ideals that the country should uphold.

Importance of Constitution in a Democracy

In a democracy, leaders are chosen to exercise power responsibly, but there is a risk of misuse of authority, which can lead to gross injustice.
The Constitution provides safeguards against this misuse of authority by political leaders.

Protection of Fundamental Rights

The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality to all persons, prohibiting discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, gender, and place of birth.
The Right to Equality is one of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

Prevention of Tyranny of the Majority

The Constitution ensures that a dominant group does not use its power against less powerful people or groups.
Rules in the Constitution protect minorities from being excluded from things routinely available to the majority.
The Constitution prevents tyranny or domination by the majority of a minority, including inter-community and intra-community domination.

Case Study: Classroom Example

In the classroom example, the majority (boys) decides to play cricket, dominating the minority (girls) who want to play basketball.
The minority (girls) is being dominated by the decision taken by the majority, and their wishes are not being heard.

Role of Constitution in Protecting Larger Principles

The Constitution helps protect against decisions that could have an adverse effect on the larger principles that the country believes in.
A good Constitution does not allow whims to change its basic structure, guaranteeing rights of citizens and protecting their freedom.

Saving Us from Ourselves

The Constitution saves us from ourselves by guarding against decisions that might go against our larger interests.
It helps protect us against certain decisions that could have an adverse effect on the larger principles that the country believes in.

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Description

This quiz is about the importance and role of a Constitution in a country, including its purposes and ideals. It also explores the difference between countries with a Constitution and democratic countries.