Role Of A Constitution

Question 1

What is a constitution?

Answer 1

A constitution of a country is a set of rules according to which the country is governed.

Question 2

List 5 needs for a constitution.

Answer 2

1. I constitution not only describes the type of government but also the ideals that a country upholds.
2. It defines the nature of the political system.
3. It prevents misuse of power by political leaders by laying down rules to check on their power.
4. It prevents the dominance of a majority group over a minority group.
5. It guarantees and protects the rights of all citizens.

Question 3

What is the rule of law?

Answer 3

The framers of the constitution decided that the rule of law is necessary in order for India to uphold a credible position as a democratic country. In simple words, it means that no one is above the law.

Question 4

What is legitimacy of law?

Answer 4

The constitution provides rights to institutions to implement the laws. In effect, it legitimises the law.

Question 5

What actions did the constitution take against untouchability?

Answer 5

Untouchability was made a punishable offence through article 17 of the Indian constitution. Exercising its authority, the parliament enacted the untouchability offences act in 1955. Under this act,
1. Certain acts were considered an offence when done on grounds of untouchability.
2. Punishment was formulated for such offences like denial to public school, hospitals, or places of worship or subjecting any person to disability with regard to denial of access to shops, hotels of to use sources of water, roads etc.
An amendment was made to this act in 1976, making untouchability a legal offence punishable by law through 1-2 years in prison.