Class 7 Social Science Chapter 10: The Constitution of India – An Introduction | Need for a Constitution, Making of the Indian Constitution, Key Features, Values & Organs of Government
Complete Chapter 10 guide: what a constitution is and why every country needs one, Constitution as the “rulebook” for the nation (kabaddi example), structure of the Indian Constitution (largest written constitution, parts and schedules), key contents—values and ideals, rights and duties, political system, organs of government and their powers, making of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly (1946–49) with Dr Rajendra Prasad and Drafting Committee under Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and how freedom struggle and civilisational heritage shaped its core principles, with summary, Q&A, extra questions and quiz for CBSE Exam
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Categories: Class 7 Social Science, NCERT Notes 2025, Civics & Constitution, Indian Democracy & Governance, Making of the Constitution, CBSE Exam Preparation, Q&A and Quizzes
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Class 7 Social Science Chapter 10: The Constitution of India – An Introduction | Complete NCERT Notes, Activities, Questions & Answers 2025
The Constitution of India – An Introduction
Class 7 Social Science Chapter 10 | Complete NCERT Guide | Making, Influences, Features 2025
Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes – The Constitution of India: An Introduction
Opening Idea – What is the Constitution?
Constitution is a rulebook for a country that lays down basic principles, laws, government structure, rights, duties, and long-term goals. It ensures fairness like a referee's rulebook in a game.
India's Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day), making India a sovereign republic. It's preserved in a helium-filled glass case in Parliament.
The Four Big Questions of the Chapter (Most Important for Exams)
What is a constitution, and why do we need one?
How was the Indian Constitution prepared?
How did our freedom struggle and civilisational heritage influence the Constitution?
What are the key features of the Constitution of India? Why is it still relevant after 70+ years?
What is a Constitution? – 4 Main Elements
Element
Description
Examples
1. Government Framework
Defines legislature, executive, judiciary roles
Laws made by legislature, implemented by executive
2. Checks & Balances
Ensures fairness among organs
Judiciary checks if laws follow Constitution
3. Rights & Duties
For citizens
Fundamental Rights (equality), Duties (protect heritage)
4. Long-term Goals
National aspirations
Justice, liberty, equality, fraternity
Making of the Indian Constitution
Constituent Assembly: Formed 1946 with 389 members (later 299 after Partition), 15 women, diverse backgrounds.
Process: Over 3 years, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Timeline: Adopted 26 Nov 1949, effective 26 Jan 1950 (Republic Day).
Influences on the Constitution
Influence
Key Aspects
Freedom Movement
Equality, justice, freedom, adult franchise, separation of powers
Civilisational Heritage
Unity in diversity, vasudhaiva kutumbakam, respect for nature, fundamental duties
Exercise: Examples in daily life (e.g., Secular: Practice religion freely)
Why Still Relevant? – Living Document
Amendments: 73rd (Panchayati Raj 1992), flag hoisting rights 2004
Artistic: Handwritten by Prem Behari, illustrated by Nandalal Bose
Key Takeaways & Golden Lines for Exams
One-Page Revision Map
Constitution → Rulebook for Fairness
Making: Constituent Assembly (Ambedkar) • Influences: Freedom Struggle + Heritage + World
↓ Features: Rights + Duties + DPSP + Preamble → Living Document Result: Sovereign Democratic Republic with justice for all
5-Mark Golden Answer Lines
“India's Constitution, adopted in 1950, is the world's longest written one, influenced by freedom struggle ideals like equality and global learnings like independent judiciary.”
“Key features include separation of powers, Fundamental Rights (enforceable), Duties, and DPSP (guidelines for social-economic vision).”
“As a living document, it allows amendments like Panchayati Raj (1992) to meet changing needs.”
Definition: Head of state (President) is elected, not hereditary.
Exam Golden Line: “India became a Republic on 26 Jan 1950.”
Amendment
Definition: Changes to Constitution after parliamentary debate.
Examples: 73rd (Panchayati Raj 1992), Fundamental Duties (1976).
Universal Adult Franchise
Definition: Every adult citizen's right to vote.
Exam Tip: India provided it from Day 1, unlike many countries.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Definition: “The world is one family” – Indian heritage principle in Constitution.
Exam Tip: Reflects unity in diversity.
Exam Quick Tips & Mnemonics
Most Important Terms: Constitution, Constituent Assembly, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Preamble
Mnemonic for Preamble: “S S S D R J L E F” → Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Mnemonic for Influences: “F H W” → Freedom Struggle, Heritage, World Constitutions
Golden 5-Mark Line:
“India's Constitution, drafted by diverse Assembly under Ambedkar, blends freedom ideals (equality), heritage (duties), and global learnings (judiciary), making it a living document for justice and unity.”
Activities & 25+ Questions and Answers – The Constitution of India
All "Let's Explore", "Let's Remember", "Don't Miss Out" & Textbook Activities – Fully Solved
Page 210: List questions about a country's constitution
Who makes laws? How to vote? What rights do citizens have? How to change rules? Relationship between centre and states?
Page 211–212: Kabaddi dispute – What if no rulebook?
Chaos, fights, no fair winner. Need agreement to follow rules. If captains refuse, match stops unfairly.
Page 212: Game rules consensus
Challenges: Different opinions, compromise needed. E.g., For cricket: Ball type, overs, field size.
Page 214: Names from your region in Assembly
Use books, teachers, sansad.in. E.g., From UP: Jawaharlal Nehru, Govind Ballabh Pant.
Page 216: Unity in Diversity (Grade 6 Recall)
India as one despite diversity; embedded in Constitution via federalism, secularism.
Page 220: Begum Aizaz Rasul Quote – Which Article?
Article 14 (Equality). Not new as Indian heritage respected women (e.g., gargi, maitreyi).
India makes own decisions without foreign control.
Secular
Practice religion freely without state interference.
Republic
Elect President, not king.
Justice
Equal job opportunities regardless of caste/gender.
Liberty
Freedom to speak opinions.
Equality
Same laws for all citizens.
Fraternity
Help neighbours in need.
End-of-Chapter Questions – Fully Solved
1. Why diverse representatives in Constituent Assembly?
To represent India's diversity (regions, castes, religions) for fair, inclusive Constitution.
2. Identify features from statements
a. Adult franchise (voting right) b. Equality (same school) c. Fundamental Duty (education) d. Equality (use well)
3. All equal before law – Fact?
Yes, Article 14 ensures no discrimination; courts enforce it.
4. Why universal adult franchise from beginning?
Freedom struggle ideal of equality; trust in people's wisdom.
5. Influences from freedom struggle & heritage
Struggle: Equality, justice. Heritage: Duties, unity in diversity.
6. Achieved all ideals? What to do?
No, inequalities persist. Citizens: Follow duties, vote wisely, promote harmony.
7. Crossword
Across: 2. Legislature 7. Fundamental Duties 8. Supreme Court 9. Republic 10. Amendment Down: 1. Constituent Assembly 3. Preamble 4. Constitution 5. Helium 6. Fundamental Rights
Extra Practice 25+ Questions (Exam Booster)
1. Date Constitution effective
26 January 1950
2. Chairman of Constituent Assembly
Dr. Rajendra Prasad
3. Drafting Committee Chair
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
4. Original Parts in Constitution
22
5. Current Parts
25
6. Women in Assembly
15
7. Adopted Date
26 November 1949
8. Preamble first word
We
9. Liberty from which country
France
10. DPSP from
Ireland
11. Independent Judiciary from
USA
12. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam meaning
World is one family
13. Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah meaning
Well-being of all
14. Panchayati Raj Amendment
73rd (1992)
15. Fundamental Duties Added
1976
16. Calligrapher of Constitution
Prem Behari Narain Raizada
17. Illustrator
Nandalal Bose
18. Three-tier Government
Central, State, Local
19. Secular Meaning
No state religion
20. Sovereign Meaning
Independent
21. Fraternity Meaning
Brotherhood
22. Begum Aizaz Rasul Quote on
Women's equality
23. Helium for Preservation
Non-reactive gas
24. World's Longest Written Constitution
India
25. Universal Adult Franchise Age
18
26. Republic Day Parade Path
Kartavya Path
27. Constitution as Art
Illustrations from history
Key Concepts – In-Depth Exploration (Chapter 10)
Core ideas explained with examples, common confusions, exam connections & golden lines – perfect for 3-mark & 5-mark answers.
Constitution as Rulebook
Concept: Like kabaddi rules for fairness; defines government, rights, duties.
Example: Without it, disputes like game fights; ensures checks & balances.
Exam Golden Line: “Constitution prevents power abuse through separation of powers.”
Confusion: Not just laws – includes values like equality.
Living Document
Concept: Amendable to meet changing needs; rigorous process.
Example: Flag hoisting (2004), Panchayati Raj (1992).
Exam Trick: Always mention “amendments debated in Parliament”.
Golden Line: “Constitution evolves like society, remaining relevant after 70+ years.”
Fundamental Rights vs DPSP
Concept: Rights enforceable; DPSP guidelines for welfare.
Example: Right to equality (court) vs good living (goal).
Exam Golden Line: “Framers balanced immediate rights with long-term visions.”
Preamble's Guiding Values
Concept: Declares India's ideals; basis for policies.
Example: Secular: Religious freedom; Equality: No discrimination.
Exam Golden Line: “Preamble is the soul, reflecting sovereign democratic republic.”
Influences Blend
Concept: Freedom struggle (justice), heritage (duties), world (judiciary).
Example: Vasudhaiva kutumbakam for fraternity.
Exam Golden Line: “Constitution is uniquely Indian yet global in wisdom.”
Three-Tier Government
Concept: Central, State, Local for effective governance.
Example: Panchayati Raj empowers villages.
Exam Tip: Federal structure from heritage.
Exam Master Tips & Golden Lines
Most Important Concept: “Living Document with Amendments”
Best 5-Mark Concept: “Rights + Duties + DPSP Balance”
Mnemonic: “Preamble: SSSDR JLEF”
Golden Answer for 5 Marks:
“India's Constitution blends freedom ideals (equality), heritage (unity), and global learnings (DPSP from Ireland), with key features like rights, duties, and Preamble, making it a living guide for justice and progress.”
Historical & Social Insights – Making & Impact of India's Constitution
Deep historical role + present-day impact – perfect for 5-mark and 8-mark answers.
Historical Insights – From Struggle to Drafting
Pre-1946: Freedom movement demands swaraj; influenced by Gandhi, Nehru ideals.
1946 Assembly: Elected by provinces; diverse (389 to 299 post-Partition).
Heritage Link: Ancient janapadas, Kautilya’s saptanga, rajadharma inspired duties.
Global: Studied 60+ constitutions; French Revolution (1789) for liberty.
Artistic: Illustrations from Mohenjo-daro to freedom movement.
Social Insights – Equality & Inclusion
Diversity: Assembly had women, minorities; ensured secularism.
Women's Role: 15 women; Rasul on equality as heritage.
Adult Franchise: From Day 1, empowering all (unlike gradual in West).
Social Justice: Rights against exploitation; DPSP for welfare state.
Harmony: Fraternity promotes unity; duties for environment.
Modern Connections – You See Today!
Republic Day: Parade celebrates Constitution.
Amendments: GST (101st, 2016), Triple Talaq ban (2019).
Rights in Action: RTI (2005), education as right (2009).
Preamble Use: In oaths, court judgments.
Global Praise: Longest, most amended yet stable.
Important Figures & Events
Ambedkar: Architect, fought untouchability.
Prasad: First President, oath to uphold.
26 Jan: 1930 Purna Swaraj day chosen.
Illustrations: Gurukula, Ramayana, Nalanda.
Impact on India
Unified diverse nation
Empowered citizens with rights
Promoted social reforms
Stable democracy model
Environmental duties ahead of time
Exam Quick Tips & Golden Lines
Best Historical Example: “Constituent Assembly diverse like India.”
Best Social Example: “Universal franchise empowered women/minorities.”
Best Modern Example: “Amendments like women's reservation (2023).”
Golden Line for Long Answer:
“Born from freedom struggle, India's Constitution integrated heritage (duties) and global ideas (rights), creating a framework for equality and progress that remains vital through amendments.”
Real-Life Examples – Constitution in Action
Actual applications, events and impacts today – perfect for 3-mark & 5-mark answers.
Rights in Daily Life
Equality: Girls/boys same schools; no caste discrimination in jobs.
Freedom: Protest peacefully; choose religion.
Education: RTE Act 2009 makes it fundamental.
Court Cases: Triple Talaq ban (2019) using equality.
Duties You Follow
Environment: Swachh Bharat cleanups.
Harmony: Celebrate all festivals together.
Heritage: Protect monuments like Taj Mahal.
Education: Parents ensure school attendance.
DPSP Implementation
Panchayats: Village elections empower locals.
Welfare: MNREGA for rural jobs.
Health: Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Equality: Reservations for SC/ST/OBC.
Amendments Today
Flag: Anyone can hoist (2004 court ruling).
GST: One nation one tax (2017).
Women: 33% reservation (2023).
Digital: Aadhaar linked to rights.
Preamble in Practice
Secular: No state religion; all festivals holidays.
Justice: Free legal aid for poor.
Liberty: Social media free speech.
Fraternity: Disaster relief unity.
Global Parallels
USA: Bill of Rights like our Fundamental Rights.
France: Liberty, Equality slogan.
South Africa: Post-apartheid Constitution influenced by India.
Japan: Peace Constitution post-WWII.
Famous Personalities
Ambedkar: Fought for dalit rights.
Nehru: Pushed democratic ideals.
Rasul: Advocated women's equality.
Prasad: First oath to uphold.
Exam Quick Tips & Golden Lines
Always give specific examples: RTE for education right, Swachh Bharat for duty.
Best Example for Equality: “Triple Talaq ban using Article 14.”
Best Example for Living Document: “Women's reservation amendment (2023).”
Golden Line for Answer:
“Constitution lives in daily life through rights (free speech), duties (cleanliness drives), and DPSP (panchayat elections), ensuring justice for all.”
Freedom (equality), Heritage (duties), World (judiciary)
Features
Rights (enforceable), Duties (1976), DPSP (guidelines)
Preamble
SSS DR J L E F (Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)
Living Document
Amendments e.g., Panchayati Raj 1992
Top Mnemonics (Never forget!)
Preamble: “SSS DR Joins Lovely Elephant Family”
Three Organs: “LEJ” → Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
Influences: “FHW” → Freedom, Heritage, World
Whole chapter in 1 line: “Drafted post-freedom, Constitution blends ideals for rights, duties, justice”
Ready-to-Write 5-Mark Golden Answers
1. “Constituent Assembly's diversity ensured inclusive drafting over 3 years.”
2. “Influences: Freedom for rights, heritage for duties, France/USA for values.”
3. “Key features: Separation of powers, rights vs DPSP, Preamble ideals.”
4. “Living through amendments; relevant for modern India.”
CHAPTER 10 IN ONE LINE:
“India's Constitution: Drafted by Assembly, influenced by struggle/heritage, features rights/duties/DPSP, Preamble for justice – living rulebook.”
