NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science (Exploring Society) Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction

These Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society Chapter 10 solutions cover The Constitution of India — An Introduction from Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1), the NCERT textbook (2026–27 reprint). The chapter belongs to the theme Governance and Democracy and explains what a constitution is and why a country needs one, how the Indian Constitution was prepared by the Constituent Assembly, how the freedom struggle and India’s civilisational heritage shaped it, and the key features that keep it relevant even after more than seventy years. Below you get step-by-step answers to all Questions and activities, clear notes on key terms, extra practice, MCQs, Assertion–Reason and FAQs.

Class: 7 Subject: Social Science Book: Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) Chapter: 10 Theme: Governance and Democracy Session: 2026–27
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The Constitution of India – Chapter Overview

Chapter 10, The Constitution of India — An Introduction, explains that a constitution is a document that spells out a nation’s basic principles and laws — the framework of the three organs of government (legislature, executive and judiciary), the checks and balances between them, the rights and duties of citizens, and the long-term goals of the nation. Just as a game needs a rulebook everyone agrees to follow, a country needs a constitution. India’s Constitution was written by the Constituent Assembly (which first met on 9 December 1946) over almost three years; it was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated as Republic Day. The chapter shows how the freedom struggle, India’s civilisational heritage and useful learnings from other countries’ constitutions shaped it; describes its key features — Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and the Directive Principles of State Policy; explains why it is a living document that can be amended; and ends with the values of the Preamble — Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, and the goals of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

Key Concepts & Terms

Constitution: a document that spells out a nation’s basic principles and laws — the framework and roles of the three organs of government, the checks and balances between them, the rights and duties of citizens, and the long-term goals of the nation. It is something like a ‘rulebook’ for the country.

Three organs of government: the legislature makes laws; the executive implements them; the judiciary interprets laws, decides disputes and protects constitutional rights. At Union level, the President is the constitutional head of the executive and the Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers. Distinct functions operate with checks, balances and cooperation.

Constituent Assembly: the body that framed the Constitution. It first met on 9 December 1946. Its planned strength was 389, reduced to 299 after Partition; 15 women participated in its work. Dr. Sachidananda Sinha was temporary chairman at the first sitting, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected President on 11 December 1946.

Drafting Committee: the committee that prepared the initial text of the Constitution, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the first Law and Justice minister of independent India.

Important dates: adopted on 26 November 1949; came into effect on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).

Fundamental Rights: constitutional protections enforceable through courts. Some, such as Article 14 equality before the law, protect all persons; others are specific to citizens. Article 21A requires the State to provide free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14, as provided by law.

Fundamental Duties: duties of citizens towards the country, such as respecting the Constitution, the National Flag and National Anthem, protecting the environment and valuing our composite culture. They were added as Part IV-A in 1976.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Part IV sets principles for governance, including welfare, social and economic justice, and environmental protection. Article 37 says they are not directly enforceable by courts, but they are fundamental in governance and the State must apply them when making laws. They are not merely optional advice.

Living document: the Constitution can respond to changing needs through amendments and constitutional interpretation. Amendments must follow the required procedures; some also require state ratification. The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 gave Panchayats constitutional status and came into force on 24 April 1993; village councils existed earlier.

Preamble: the opening statement that carries the Constitution’s guiding values — Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic and the goals of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. (‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.)

Other facts: the Constitution of India is the world’s largest written constitution (today 25 parts and 12 schedules; 22 parts and 8 schedules in 1950). Its text was handwritten by calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada and illustrated by Nandalal Bose and his team. India provided universal adult franchise from the very beginning.

“Questions and activities” — Full Solutions

All questions below are reproduced verbatim from the NCERT textbook’s end-of-chapter Questions and activities section. Answers are original, written in exam-ready style.

1. “The Constituent Assembly had representatives from diverse backgrounds in India.” Why do you think it was important to have a diverse set of representatives from all over India?

ANSWERIndia contains many regions, languages, religions, occupations and social groups. Members with different experiences could draw attention to concerns that a narrow group might overlook, debate competing proposals and help frame rules for a diverse population.Participation by women and members from different communities strengthened discussion of equality, justice, freedom and dignity. Diverse viewpoints could expose unfair proposals and encourage compromise.This helped build an inclusive constitutional framework, but diversity did not mean that every Indian was directly represented or that every group agreed with every decision. The Assembly was not elected by universal adult franchise. Its task was to establish equal citizenship and institutions for the future.

2. Read the statements below carefully and identify which key features / values in the Constitution of India are reflected in each statement.

a. Sheena, Rajat, and Harsh are standing in a line. They are excited to cast their first vote in the general elections.

ANSWERThis illustrates democracy and universal adult franchise: eligible adult citizens can register and vote to choose representatives, regardless of wealth, caste, religion or gender. Voting alone does not define a republic; a republic has a non-hereditary head of state.

b. Radha, Imon, and Harpreet study in the same class in the same school.

ANSWERThis illustrates equality, inclusion and access to education. Children from different backgrounds learn together without discrimination. Article 21A specifically provides for free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14; the example does not establish the children’s ages, so the broader value is equality in education.
Children learning together with their teacher in an inclusive Indian classroom
Imagined educational illustration: equal dignity and inclusive learning put constitutional values into everyday practice. Article 21A concerns free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14. Tap to view at full size.

c. Parents must make arrangements to ensure their children’s education.

ANSWERThis reflects a Fundamental Duty — a parent or guardian should provide opportunities for the education of their child between the ages of six and fourteen years. It also links to the Right to Education.

d. People of all castes, genders, and religions can use the village well.

ANSWERThis reflects equality and non-discrimination. Article 14 protects equality before the law. More specifically, Article 15(2) prohibits specified forms of discrimination in access to wells and other public facilities maintained from State funds or dedicated to general public use. Article 17 abolishes untouchability. The example concerns a public village well.

3. It is said that ‘All citizens in India are equal before the law’. Do you think this is a fact? If yes, why? If not, why not? Formulate your arguments.

ANSWERYes, equality before the law is a binding constitutional principle: Article 14 protects every person within India, not only citizens. Public authorities must act lawfully and cannot deny equal protection arbitrarily.However, legal equality does not prove that everyone experiences equal treatment in daily life. Poverty, discrimination, unequal access to legal help and delays can obstruct justice. Examples should be supported by evidence rather than assumptions.Equality also does not always require identical treatment: lawful measures addressing disadvantage can promote substantive equality. Citizens can respect others’ rights, seek appropriate remedies and oppose discrimination through lawful means. Thus, distinguish the constitutional guarantee from the work needed to realise it.

4. You have learnt that ‘India is the only country that provided universal adult franchise to its citizens from the beginning.’ Can you explain why India did it?

ANSWERIndependent India adopted universal adult franchise from the beginning of the Republic because the freedom movement and Constitution makers valued equal political citizenship. Wealth, property, literacy, caste, religion or gender should not decide whose voice counts.It enabled a diverse population to choose representatives and hold government accountable, and expressed trust in ordinary people. The original voting age was 21; it was later lowered to 18. Registration and legal eligibility still apply.Textbook wording: the question says “the only country”. For an accurate answer, explain India’s important choice without repeating this as a proven worldwide uniqueness claim; countries’ starting dates and histories differ. The central lesson is equal adult participation from the Republic’s outset.

5. How did the freedom struggle inspire the making of the Constitution of India? How did India’s civilisational heritage inspire some of the key features in the Constitution of India? Explain.

ANSWER Influence of the freedom struggle: many ideals and values of the Indian freedom movement — equality of all, justice for all, freedom, fraternity and preservation of India’s cultural heritage — were enshrined in the Constitution. A number of leaders of the freedom movement were members of the Constituent Assembly, so they carried the experience and ideas of the struggle into it. Their learnings also helped answer practical questions — how to give every adult the right to vote, how to keep the powers of the legislature, executive and judiciary separate, and how to guarantee everyone’s fundamental rights. Influence of civilisational heritage: certain principles embedded in Indian culture found a place in the Constitution — the acceptance that people can have different points of view, treating Nature as sacred, the pursuit of learning and knowledge, respect for women, and ideas like vasudhaiva kutumbakam (“the world is one family”) and sarve bhavantu sukhinah (the well-being of all). The chapter connects traditions of responsibility with Fundamental Duties; these duties were added to the Constitution in 1976, not enacted by the original Assembly in 1949. The Constitution makers also followed the spirit of á no bhadráh kratavo yantu viśhwatah — “Let noble thoughts come to me from every side” — and studied the constitutions of France, the USA, the UK, Ireland and Australia for useful ideas (for example, ‘liberty, equality, fraternity’ from France).

6. Do you think we, as a society, have achieved all the ideals of the Constitution? If not, what can we each do as citizens to move our country closer to these ideals?

ANSWER As a society we have made great progress, but we have not yet achieved all the ideals of the Constitution. Goals like complete equality, justice for all, and an end to discrimination based on caste, gender or religion are still being worked towards. The Directive Principles, such as a good standard of living for everyone, are also goals we are still moving towards. What each of us can do as citizens: respect the rights and dignity of others; treat people of all castes, religions and genders as equals; follow our Fundamental Duties; protect the environment and our shared heritage; speak up against unfairness and discrimination; vote responsibly; and help spread awareness of constitutional values. If every citizen practises the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity in daily life, we move steadily closer to the ideals the Constitution sets for us. (Thoughtful answers along these lines are accepted.)

7. Read the clues carefully to solve the crossword on the next page to uncover important concepts from the Indian Constitution.

ANSWER The answers to the crossword clues are given below.
No.DirectionClueAnswer
2AcrossThe branch of government that makes laws.LEGISLATURE
7AcrossThe part of the Constitution that outlines the duties of citizens towards the country.FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES
8AcrossThe highest court in India that protects the Constitution.SUPREME COURT
9AcrossA system where the head of state is elected, not hereditary.REPUBLIC
10AcrossThe process by which the Constitution can be changed over time.AMENDMENT
1DownThe group of people who wrote the Indian Constitution.CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
3DownThe statement at the beginning of the Constitution that tells us the values it upholds.PREAMBLE
4DownThe document that lays out the rules and laws of a country.CONSTITUTION
5DownThe gas used to preserve the original Constitution safely.HELIUM
6DownBasic rights given to every citizen, like freedom and equality.FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Note: The crossword is a grid-based activity in the textbook; the answers above match each numbered clue. Fill them into the grid in the printed direction (Across / Down).

Extra Practice Questions

These questions and MCQs are ClearStudy practice, separate from the NCERT exercise.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. What is a constitution?

ANSWERA constitution is a document that spells out a nation’s basic principles and laws. It lays out the framework of the three organs of government and their roles, the checks and balances among them, the rights and duties of citizens, and the long-term goals of the nation. It is like a ‘rulebook’ for the country.

Q2. When was the Indian Constitution adopted and when did it come into effect?

ANSWERThe Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is why we celebrate that day every year as Republic Day.

Q3. Who chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?

ANSWERThe Drafting Committee, which prepared the initial text of the Constitution, was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an eminent social reformer and the first Law and Justice minister of independent India.

Q4. What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?

ANSWERFundamental Rights (Part III) are enforceable constitutional protections; a person can seek a court remedy when an applicable right is infringed. This does not mean every unfair action automatically establishes a Fundamental Rights violation.Directive Principles (Part IV) guide the State’s lawmaking and social and economic policies. They are not directly enforceable by courts, but Article 37 makes them fundamental to governance and requires the State to apply them in making laws. Laws implementing them may create enforceable legal rights.

Q5. Why is the Constitution called a ‘living document’?

ANSWERIt is called a living document because its framework can respond to changing social needs through lawful amendments and judicial interpretation. Fundamental Duties were added in 1976. The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 provided constitutional status for Panchayats from 24 April 1993.Amendment procedures are laid down by the Constitution; some changes require approval by at least half the state legislatures as well as Parliament. Parliament cannot use its amending power to destroy the Constitution’s basic structure. “Living” therefore means adaptable within constitutional limits.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Why does a country need a constitution? Explain with an example.

ANSWERA country needs a constitution for the same reason a game needs a rulebook. Imagine a kabaddi match where a dispute breaks out over whether a player was ‘out’; if there were no official rulebook to refer to, the teams could not settle the dispute fairly and the match might end in a quarrel. The rulebook works only because everyone agrees in advance to abide by it. In the same way, a constitution is the country’s ‘rulebook’: it decides what kind of government there will be, how it is formed and how it functions; how laws are made and implemented; who elects the executive; how the judiciary is made; and what rights and duties citizens have. It also states the values and ideals — equality, justice, fraternity, pluralism and freedom — that the country is committed to. Without a constitution there would be no agreed, fair way to govern a large, diverse country or to settle disputes, so the Constitution is essential for order, fairness and democracy.

Q2. Describe how the Constitution of India was prepared.

ANSWERThe Constituent Assembly first met on 9 December 1946. Provincial representatives were indirectly elected by provincial legislatures; princely states also sent representatives. It was not elected by universal adult franchise. Planned membership fell from 389 to 299 after Partition.Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected President on 11 December 1946. The Drafting Committee, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, worked with earlier committee reports, constitutional advice and Assembly debates. Framing the Constitution was a collective process, not the work of a single person.The Assembly adopted it on 26 November 1949. Most provisions came into force on 26 January 1950, celebrated as Republic Day; some provisions took effect immediately on adoption under Article 394. The English manuscript was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and decorated by Nandalal Bose and his team. Parliament’s Constituent Assembly history.

Q3. Explain the values expressed in the Preamble of the Constitution of India.

ANSWERThe Preamble carries the guiding values of the Constitution. It declares that the people of India have enacted the Constitution for themselves. The key words describe the nature of the country: Sovereign — the people have supreme right to make decisions on internal and external matters, and no outside power can dictate to India; Socialist — wealth should be shared by society and socio-economic inequalities reduced; Secular — citizens are free to follow any religion and the State treats all religions with equal respect, with no official religion; Democratic — a form of government where the people enjoy equal political rights, elect their rulers and hold them accountable; and Republic — the head of state is an elected person, not a hereditary king. The Preamble also sets out four great goals — Justice (no discrimination on caste, religion or gender; reduce social inequalities), Liberty (freedom of thought and expression without unreasonable restrictions), Equality (all are equal before the law) and Fraternity (treating every fellow citizen as a member of one family). (The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.) Together these values form the soul of the Constitution.

MCQs & Assertion–Reason

1. A constitution is best described as:

(a) a list of festivals    (b) a document that spells out a nation’s basic principles and laws    (c) a tax record    (d) a map of the country

2. The Indian Constitution came into effect on:

(a) 15 August 1947    (b) 26 November 1949    (c) 26 January 1950    (d) 9 December 1946

3. Who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly?

(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar    (b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad    (c) Dr. Sachidananda Sinha    (d) Begum Aizaz Rasul

4. The Drafting Committee of the Constitution was chaired by:

(a) Jawaharlal Nehru    (b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad    (c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar    (d) Sardar Patel

5. Which of the following are promises that can be enforced in a court of law?

(a) Directive Principles of State Policy    (b) Fundamental Rights    (c) Fundamental Duties    (d) Schedules

6. The Preamble describes India as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and:

(a) Republic    (b) Monarchy    (c) Empire    (d) Federation

7. The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added to the Preamble by which amendment?

(a) 42nd Amendment, 1976    (b) 73rd Amendment, 1992    (c) 44th Amendment, 1978    (d) 1st Amendment, 1951

8. The ideals of ‘liberty, equality, fraternity’ were adopted from the constitution of:

(a) the USA    (b) the UK    (c) France    (d) Ireland

9. Which Amendment Act of 1992 gave Panchayats constitutional status, taking effect in April 1993?

(a) 42nd Amendment    (b) 73rd Amendment    (c) 86th Amendment    (d) 52nd Amendment

10. Which gas is used to help preserve the original Constitution in a glass case?

(a) Oxygen    (b) Hydrogen    (c) Helium    (d) Nitrogen

Answer key: 1-(b), 2-(c), 3-(b), 4-(c), 5-(b), 6-(a), 7-(a), 8-(c), 9-(b), 10-(c).

For each Assertion–Reason question, choose: (A) Both true and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion; (B) Both true but the Reason is not the correct explanation; (C) Assertion true, Reason false; (D) Assertion false, Reason true.

A-R 1. Assertion: We celebrate Republic Day on 26 January every year.

Reason: The Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950.

A-R 2. Assertion: The Indian Constitution is a living document.

Reason: It can be improved over time through amendments that are rigorously debated in Parliament.

A-R 3. Assertion: Directive Principles of State Policy can be demanded in a court of law just like Fundamental Rights.

Reason: Directive Principles are goals and guidelines the government should try to achieve, but they are not enforceable in court.

A-R 4. Assertion: The Constituent Assembly had representatives from diverse backgrounds.

Reason: A constitution for a large and diverse country must reflect the needs and viewpoints of all sections of society.

A-R 5. Assertion: The Indian Constitution was influenced only by India’s civilisational heritage.

Reason: The Constitution makers also drew on the freedom struggle and useful ideas from other countries.

Answer key: 1-(A), 2-(A), 3-(D), 4-(A), 5-(D).

In-text activities and revision

How can a class practise constitutional values?

Agree fair game rules before play, hear both sides of a dispute and apply the rules consistently. A classroom analogy helps explain fairness, but a Constitution has legal authority beyond a voluntary game agreement.

Local Assembly members: Use Parliament’s membership records to identify someone linked to your region. Record the name, represented province or state and a reliable source; do not invent a personal connection.

Begum Aizaz Rasul’s speech: Connect it to equality, non-discrimination and women’s dignity. Her statement contrasts a cherished ideal with unequal social practice; it does not say women had always enjoyed equality in practice.

Amendments in the past ten years: State the date range used, then consult the official amendment chronology. For each entry record the Act number, year, topic and commencement date. Distinguish an Amendment Bill from an enacted Amendment Act, and enactment from implementation; these dates and numbers can differ.

Crossword: Use the ten answers above, entering letters without spaces where the grid requires. “Helium” is the answer given by this NCERT edition.

Recall: Revisit types and functions of government to connect institutions with their constitutional limits.

Reviewed against NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Class 7, Part 1, Chapter 10, pp. 209–228 (2026–27 reprint), and the official Constitution of India. Panchayat commencement: Government of India. Review date: 10 October 2026.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

How to write a clear answer

Memorise the four things a constitution lays out (framework of the three organs, checks and balances, rights and duties of citizens, long-term goals) and the key dates — Constituent Assembly first met on 9 December 1946, Constitution adopted 26 November 1949, came into effect 26 January 1950 (Republic Day). Be clear about the difference between Fundamental Rights (enforceable in court), Fundamental Duties and the Directive Principles of State Policy (goals, not court-enforceable). Learn the Preamble words — Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic — and the goals of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Use the textbook’s own examples (the kabaddi rulebook, Dr. Rajendra Prasad as Chairman, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as Drafting Committee chair, the 73rd Amendment, the helium-filled glass case) to show you have studied the chapter.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing the date the Constitution was adopted (26 November 1949) with the date it came into effect (26 January 1950).
  • Mixing up the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly (Dr. Rajendra Prasad) with the Chairman of the Drafting Committee (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar).
  • Treating Directive Principles as directly enforceable by courts. Fundamental Rights are enforceable, and other laws can also create enforceable rights.
  • Confusing Fundamental Rights (what citizens are entitled to) with Fundamental Duties (what citizens owe the country).
  • Forgetting that ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added later (42nd Amendment, 1976), not present in 1950.
  • Leaving reasoned/opinion questions (Q3, Q6) blank — give clear arguments using constitutional values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chapter 10 of Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society about?

Chapter 10, The Constitution of India — An Introduction, explains what a constitution is and why a country needs one, how the Indian Constitution was prepared by the Constituent Assembly, how the freedom struggle and India’s civilisational heritage shaped it, its key features (Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles), why it is a living document, and the values of the Preamble.

When was the Constitution of India adopted and enforced?

The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. This is why 26 January is celebrated every year as Republic Day.

What is the exercise heading for Chapter 10 of Exploring Society?

The end-of-chapter exercise in Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) Chapter 10 is headed Questions and activities and contains 7 numbered questions (including a crossword), all answered step by step on this page.

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