Class 11 Political Science - KERALA

Constitution: Why and How

The chapter 'Constitution: Why and How' from Class 11 Political Science (Kerala SCERT syllabus) explores the fundamental purpose of a constitution in a democratic society. It explains how a constitution provides a set of basic rules that allow for minimal coordination among members of a society, specifies who has the power to make decisions, and limits the power of the government. Furthermore, it examines the historical background, modes of promulgation, and the substantive provisions of the Indian Constitution, highlighting why it is considered a living document. For Kerala SCERT board exams, this chapter is crucial as it forms the bedrock for understanding all subsequent political science topics.

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Key Concepts

Constitution

A compact set of written rules and principles accepted by all people living together in a state, defining the powers of government and rights of citizens.

Coordination and Assurance

The primary function of a constitution to provide a basic set of rules that allow minimal coordination and trust among citizens.

Specification of Decision-Making Powers

The provision in a constitution that decides who gets to choose the laws and who holds ultimate authority in a society.

Limitations on Government Power

Fundamental limits set by the constitution on what a government can impose on its citizens, ensuring basic liberties are protected.

Aspirations and Goals of a Society

Provisions within the constitution that enable the government to fulfill the aspirations of a society and create a just society.

Important Formulas

Definition of Constitution: Fundamental legal-political document = Basic Rules + Allocation of Power + Limitations on Government + National Aspirations
Authority of Indian Constitution = Representative Constituent Assembly + Broad-based Consensus + Universal Adult Franchise Foundation
Key Function 1: Coordination & Assurance
Key Function 2: Specification of Decision-Making Power
Key Function 3: Limitations on Government Powers
Key Function 4: Aspirations of a Just Society

Board Exam Info

In the Kerala (SCERT) Class 11 Political Science examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently appear as 1-mark objective types, 2-mark short answers, and 4 to 5-mark essay questions focusing on the functions of a constitution, why we need a constitution, and features of the Indian Constitution.

Frequently Asked Questions

A society needs a constitution to ensure basic coordination and trust among members, specify how decisions are made, limit government power to prevent tyranny, and enable the creation of a fair society.

A society needs a constitution to provide a set of basic rules for coordination, specify decision-making powers, limit government authority, and fulfill the democratic aspirations of the people.

It means the constitution is not a static set of rules but can be amended and adapted to changing times and needs of society while preserving its core values.

It means the constitution is flexible enough to be amended over time to suit the changing needs and aspirations of society.

The Constituent Assembly of India made the Constitution, which took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete.

The Indian Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly, taking 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to be adopted on 26 November 1949.

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