Recall that in Grade 6, we saw the meaning of the word 'constitution'—a document that lays down the basic principles and laws of a nation. In small groups of three, list all the questions that come to your mind about a country's constitution.
Students may generate various questions about a country's constitution, such as:
Who writes the constitution? How long does it take to write? Can the constitution be changed?
What happens if someone breaks the constitutional rules? What rights do citizens have under the constitution? What are the duties of citizens?
How does the constitution protect minorities? Who ensures that the constitution is followed?
How is the constitution different from ordinary laws? What happens if there is a dispute about what the constitution means?
Explanation
This is an introductory activity designed to help students think about constitutions before learning about the Indian Constitution. The chapter then proceeds to answer many of these questions, explaining what a constitution is, how it was written, how it can be amended, and what it contains.
Solution Steps
Questions about constitution creation: Who writes it and how long it takes
Questions about constitutional amendments and changes
Questions about enforcement and consequences of breaking constitutional rules
Questions about citizen rights and duties under the constitution
Questions about minority protection and safeguards
Questions about the difference between constitution and ordinary laws
Questions about dispute resolution regarding constitutional interpretation