🏛️ CBSE Class 11 Political Science (Course A)

Sample Paper (2025)

Chapter 10: The Philosophy of the Constitution

Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
(No Copyright Material)

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Marks for each question are indicated against it.
3. Answer questions in your own words.
4. Support your answers with examples wherever necessary.

SECTION – A: Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 Mark each)

(Answer in about 20–30 words each)

1. What is meant by the “Philosophy of the Constitution”?
2. Which part of the Indian Constitution expresses its philosophy most clearly?
3. Mention one important value mentioned in the Preamble.
4. What does “Secularism” mean in the Indian context?
5. What is the significance of Article 17 in the Indian Constitution?
6. Name any two features that reflect federalism in India.
7. Define the term “National Identity.”
8. State one limitation of the Indian Constitution.

Answers (1 Mark Each)

1. The philosophy of the Constitution refers to the ideas, values, and principles underlying the Constitution that guide governance and social transformation.
2. The Preamble expresses the philosophy and objectives of the Constitution most clearly.
3. One important value is Justice — social, economic, and political.
4. Secularism means that the state has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
5. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form.
6. (i) Division of powers between Centre and States, (ii) Bicameral legislature (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha).
7. National Identity means the sense of belonging and unity among citizens based on constitutional values and democratic ideals.
8. One limitation is the persistence of social and economic inequalities despite constitutional guarantees.

SECTION – B: Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks each)

(Answer in about 60–80 words each)

9. Explain the role of the Constitution as a means of democratic transformation.
10. What do you understand by Respect for Diversity and Minority Rights?
11. What are the Directive Principles of State Policy and how do they reflect constitutional philosophy?
12. Mention two key challenges to Indian secularism.
13. How does the Constitution promote national unity and integration?

Answers (2 Marks Each)

9. The Constitution serves as an instrument of democratic transformation by turning colonial India into a democratic republic. It establishes political equality through universal suffrage, ensures social justice by abolishing untouchability, and promotes economic equality through Directive Principles.
10. Respect for diversity and minority rights means protecting the culture, language, and religion of different groups. Articles 29 and 30 guarantee minorities the right to preserve their heritage and establish educational institutions.
11. Directive Principles (Part IV) guide the government to achieve social and economic justice. They reflect the moral vision of the Constitution by promoting equality, reducing inequality, and ensuring welfare for all.
12. Two major challenges to Indian secularism are (a) communal tensions and religious violence, and (b) political misuse of religion during elections or governance.
13. The Constitution promotes national unity by ensuring equal rights, a common citizenship, and respect for all religions and languages. It binds people through shared democratic and constitutional values.

SECTION – C: Short Essay Type Questions (4 Marks each)

(Answer in about 100–150 words each)

14. Explain the political philosophy of the Indian Constitution with examples.
15. Discuss the importance of federalism in India’s democratic system.
16. “The Indian Constitution aims at transforming society.” Explain this statement.

Answers (4 Marks Each)

14. The political philosophy of the Indian Constitution combines liberal, socialist, and Indian values. It promotes democracy, justice, equality, and fraternity. It respects diversity while ensuring national unity. The Preamble reflects these ideals. For example, secularism ensures equality of all religions, and socialism ensures social and economic justice. This philosophy makes the Constitution both modern and deeply rooted in Indian culture.
15. Federalism ensures power-sharing between the Centre and the States, which maintains balance and cooperation. It recognizes India’s regional diversity while preserving unity. The Union, State, and Concurrent Lists divide powers. Institutions like the Inter-State Council and Finance Commission strengthen cooperative federalism. Thus, federalism sustains democracy by encouraging local participation and regional autonomy.
16. The Constitution was designed as a tool for transformation — political, social, and economic. It aimed to end colonial inequality and establish a democratic, just society. Articles like 15 (prohibiting discrimination) and 17 (abolishing untouchability) bring social change. Directive Principles encourage welfare policies. Hence, the Constitution transforms India into a modern, egalitarian democracy.

SECTION – D: Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)

(Answer in about 200–250 words each)

17. Examine the concept of Secularism as described in the Indian Constitution.
18. “The Constitution of India protects diversity and unity simultaneously.” Discuss.

Answers (6 Marks Each)

17. Secularism in the Indian Constitution

• Meaning:
  Indian secularism means the state has no official religion and treats all religions equally. It allows individuals to freely practice, profess, and propagate their faith (Article 25).
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Preamble declares India a secular republic.
  • Articles 25–28 guarantee freedom of religion.
  • The state cannot promote or discriminate against any religion.
  • Religious institutions have autonomy but remain under constitutional limits.
• Indian vs Western Secularism:
  • Western secularism completely separates religion and state.
  • Indian secularism emphasizes equal respect and reform of all religions.
• Importance:
  • Maintains harmony in a multi-religious society.
  • Protects minority rights.
  • Prevents political misuse of religion.
• Challenges:
  • Religious polarization and political misuse.
  • Need for balance between freedom and equality.

Conclusion:
Indian secularism promotes peaceful coexistence, ensuring that religion does not divide but unites society under constitutional morality.

18. Protection of Diversity and Unity Together

• Introduction:
  India is a land of immense diversity — religions, languages, castes, and cultures. The Constitution recognizes this diversity as India’s strength.
• Protection of Diversity:
  • Articles 29 & 30 protect cultural and educational rights of minorities.
  • States are formed on linguistic and cultural basis.
  • All citizens enjoy freedom of religion and expression.
• Promotion of Unity:
  • Common citizenship and rule of law bind all citizens.
  • Federal system integrates local and national interests.
  • The Preamble and Fundamental Duties encourage unity and fraternity.
• Balance Between Both:
  • Diversity is protected through autonomy and cultural rights.
  • Unity is ensured through equality and national integration.

Conclusion:
The Indian Constitution transforms diversity into a source of unity. It celebrates pluralism while maintaining a shared national identity based on democratic and constitutional values.

SECTION – E: Value-Based / Analytical Question (4 Marks)

19. “The Constitution of India is both a legal document and a moral compass.” — Explain with reference to its philosophy.

Answer (4 Marks)

The Indian Constitution is not merely a collection of laws; it represents the moral vision of India’s founders. Legally, it defines powers, institutions, and citizens’ rights. Morally, it upholds justice, equality, and dignity. The Preamble and Fundamental Rights protect moral principles like liberty and fraternity. The Directive Principles guide governance towards welfare and equity. Hence, the Constitution acts as a moral compass that directs political and social life according to ethical and democratic values.

✅ Marks Distribution Summary