Rajat asked his teacher this question: "The constitution is a fifty year old and therefore outdated book. No one took my consent for implementing it. It is written in such tough language that I cannot understand it. Tell me why should I obey this document?" If you were the teacher, how would you answer Rajat?
Rajat, let me address your concerns one by one. First, calling the Constitution "outdated" misses an important point. The Indian Constitution is described as a living document. Successful constitutions strike the right balance between preserving core values and adapting them to new circumstances. By allowing provisions to be changed within certain limits, the Constitution ensures it remains relevant and survives as a document respected by people across generations.
Second, regarding consent - determining whether a Constitution has authority requires asking three questions: Were the people who enacted it credible? Did the Constitution ensure that power was intelligently organised so that it was not easy for any group to subvert it? Does it give everyone some reason to go along with it? These questions establish the Constitution's legitimacy beyond personal consent.
Third, the Constitution's ability to command voluntary allegiance depends to a certain extent upon whether the constitution is just. The more a Constitution preserves the freedom and equality of all its members, the more likely it is to succeed. The Indian Constitution, broadly speaking, gives everyone a reason to go along with its broad outlines.
We obey the Constitution not because we personally signed it, but because it represents the hopes and aspirations of the people and provides a framework that protects everyone's interests while ensuring no section or group can subvert it on its own.
Explanation
This answer addresses all three concerns raised by Rajat using the textbook context. The 'outdated' argument is countered by explaining the Constitution as a living document that balances flexibility with core values. The 'consent' issue is addressed through the three questions about authority, credibility, and giving everyone a reason to comply. The 'understanding' concern is indirectly addressed by emphasizing that the Constitution preserves freedom and equality for all members, giving everyone a reason to follow it. The answer uses key terms from the context like 'living document', 'voluntary allegiance', 'freedom and equality', and 'hopes and aspirations'.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Address the 'outdated' concern by explaining the Constitution as a living document that balances preservation and adaptation.
Step 2: Address the 'consent' concern by presenting the three questions that determine constitutional authority.
Step 3: Address the 'understanding' concern by explaining how the Constitution gives everyone a reason to follow it through freedom and equality.
Step 4: Conclude by connecting voluntary allegiance to the Constitution being just and representing people's hopes and aspirations.