CBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1 Constitution: Why and How? Worksheet with Answers

Before attempting this worksheet, revisit the core themes of Chapter 1. A constitution is the supreme law of a land that establishes the framework of government, defines the relationship between state and citizens, and guarantees fundamental rights. It answers critical questions: Who has authority? What are the limits of that authority? How should collective decisions be made? The chapter explores why constitutions matter through examples from South Africa, Poland, and India. The Indian Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan. The Assembly had 299 members representing diverse backgrounds, religions, and regions. Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as President, while Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the crucial Drafting Committee. The Constitution-making process was deliberative, inclusive, and drew upon global constitutional experiences while remaining rooted in Indian realities. Key debates covered federalism, minority rights, language policy, and fundamental rights. The final document adopted on 26 November 1949 came into force on 26 January 1950, declared as Republic Day.

This section tests your factual recall and conceptual clarity on constitutional basics, the Constituent Assembly, and constitutional functions. Each question has four options with only one correct answer. These MCQs mirror the pattern seen in CBSE term examinations and help build confidence for objective-type assessments. Pay attention to details such as dates, names of key figures, and specific constitutional provisions mentioned in NCERT Class 11 Political Science textbook. Carefully read each option before selecting your answer, as distractors are designed to test precise understanding rather than vague familiarity with topics.

Complete each statement with the appropriate word or phrase from the chapter. This section evaluates your retention of key terms, important personalities, dates, and constitutional vocabulary introduced in Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1. Fill-in-the-blank questions require precise answers rather than explanations, so ensure you use the exact terminology from NCERT textbook. These questions often appear in CBSE examinations as they efficiently test breadth of knowledge across the chapter. Write your answers clearly in the space provided, maintaining spelling accuracy as marks may be deducted for incorrect spelling of proper nouns and technical terms.

This section combines two question types. First, match items in Column A with their correct pairs in Column B, testing your ability to connect concepts, personalities, and constitutional features. Then evaluate statements as True or False, providing brief justifications where needed. Matching questions assess relational understanding — for instance, linking constitutional features with their source countries or associating leaders with their contributions to the Constituent Assembly. True/False questions require careful reading since a single incorrect detail makes the entire statement false. These formats are popular in CBSE Political Science papers as they efficiently cover multiple topics while testing analytical skills beyond mere memorisation. Read each item twice before finalising your answer to avoid careless mistakes that cost easy marks.

Answer the following questions in approximately 60 to 80 words each. Short answer questions require you to demonstrate conceptual understanding while maintaining brevity and precision. Structure your answers with a clear opening statement, two to three supporting points with examples where relevant, and a concluding line if space permits. These questions typically carry three to four marks in CBSE examinations and are evaluated on content accuracy, logical coherence, and appropriate use of political science terminology. Avoid lengthy introductions or unnecessary elaboration — focus on directly addressing what the question asks. Reference specific examples from the chapter such as the South African Constitution, functions of constitutions, or composition of the Constituent Assembly to strengthen your responses and demonstrate thorough NCERT textbook familiarity.

Answer these questions in approximately 120 to 150 words. Long-answer questions test your ability to analyse, synthesise, and evaluate constitutional concepts in depth. Structure your response with a clear introduction stating your main argument, followed by three to four well-developed paragraphs with examples, evidence, and analysis, and conclude with a summary or evaluative statement. These questions carry five to six marks in CBSE Political Science papers and reward answers that demonstrate critical thinking, balanced perspective, and ability to connect theoretical concepts with real-world constitutional practice. Higher Order Thinking Skills questions require you to go beyond textbook facts — apply concepts to new situations, compare different constitutional approaches, or evaluate the effectiveness of constitutional provisions. Use political science vocabulary accurately and support arguments with specific references to constitutional articles, Constituent Assembly debates, or global constitutional examples discussed in NCERT Class 11 Political Science.

Read the case study carefully and answer the questions that follow. Case-study questions evaluate your ability to apply constitutional concepts to real or hypothetical scenarios, a skill increasingly emphasised in CBSE examination patterns. This format tests comprehension, analytical ability, and application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Read the passage twice — first for overall understanding, then carefully noting specific details that connect to chapter concepts. Your answers should directly reference information in the passage while drawing upon your knowledge of Chapter 1 topics. Case studies often present situations involving constitutional dilemmas, historical constitution-making processes, or comparative constitutional analysis. They require you to think critically about how constitutional principles operate in concrete contexts rather than abstract theory.

This comprehensive answer key provides correct answers along with brief explanations to help you understand why each answer is correct and learn from any mistakes made during the worksheet attempt. Use this section for self-assessment and to identify topics requiring revision. For subjective questions, the answers provided represent model responses — your answers may use different phrasing while covering the same content points to earn full marks in CBSE examinations.

Section E Answer for Q1: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar mattered as Chairman of the Drafting Committee, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. His deep knowledge of constitutional law, gained through study of over 60 constitutions worldwide, informed the drafting process. Ambedkar ensured that the Constitution guaranteed fundamental rights and protections for marginalised communities, drawing from his own experiences with caste discrimination. He defended provisions for reservations and safeguards for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. His speeches in the Constituent Assembly reflected constitutional vision rooted in liberty, equality, and fraternity. He emphasised that democracy must be social and economic, not merely political, which shaped inclusion of Directive Principles. His legal expertise helped balance federalism with strong centre, individual rights with social justice, making the Constitution both comprehensive and flexible. Case Study Answers: Q1 — Diversity ensured multiple perspectives were represented, making the Constitution inclusive and reflective of India's plural society rather than elite interests. Q2 — Studying 60+ constitutions, holding transparent debates, and inviting public submissions ensured informed, deliberative decision-making rather than hasty drafting. Q3 — Transparency reflected commitment to participatory democracy where citizens could engage with constitution-making, establishing accountability from the very foundation of the republic.

Mastering Political Science concepts like constitutionalism, the Constituent Assembly, and constitutional functions requires more than memorising facts — you need to develop analytical skills, connect concepts across chapters, and practice application-based questions. CBSETUTOR.ai offers Class 11 students a 24×7 AI tutor that goes beyond generic answers. Upload a photo of any worksheet question or NCERT exercise, and receive step-by-step explanations tailored to CBSE marking schemes. The platform helps you understand why certain constitutional provisions exist, how to structure long-answer responses, and what examiners look for in Political Science answers. Whether you are struggling with Constitutional Assembly composition, need clarity on borrowed constitutional features, or want practice with case-study questions, the AI tutor provides instant, personalised support. At just ₹999 per month — one price for all subjects across Classes 6-12 — it is an affordable alternative to expensive coaching. Start with a three-day free trial to experience how AI-powered learning transforms Political Science preparation, building conceptual clarity and exam confidence simultaneously.

Constitution: Why and How? lays the conceptual foundation for the entire Political Science curriculum in Class 11, making thorough understanding essential for both immediate assessments and board examination success. Start by reading the NCERT chapter carefully, highlighting key terms like 'Constituent Assembly', 'constitutionalism', and names of important figures. Create a timeline of constitution-making milestones from 1946 to 1950 to visualise the chronological progression clearly. For conceptual questions, practice structuring answers with clear introductions, developed body paragraphs with examples, and concise conclusions. Use comparative examples — contrast Indian constitution-making with South African or American experiences mentioned in the chapter to demonstrate analytical depth. Make flashcards for borrowed constitutional features and their source countries; this aids quick revision before examinations. Regularly attempt worksheets like this one under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy. Discuss constitutional concepts with classmates or teachers to deepen understanding through multiple perspectives. Finally, connect Chapter 1 concepts with current affairs — observe how constitutional provisions function in real governance, making your learning relevant and memorable beyond examinations.