Class 11 Political Science Chapter 9 – Constitution as a Living Document Important Questions
These Constitution as a Living Document Important Questions cover the most important MCQs, one-word questions, assertion and reason questions and descriptive questions from NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 9. The questions are prepared from NCERT concepts and important exam-oriented topics for quick revision and practice.
This page is useful for UPSC, SSC, PSC, Railway, CUET and Class 11 Political Science preparation, helping students revise important concepts related to constitutional amendments, flexibility of the Constitution, judicial interpretation, democratic evolution and constitutional adaptability.
Table of Contents
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
These MCQs from Constitution as a Living Document are designed for quick objective revision and competitive exam preparation. The questions cover important constitutional concepts, amendment procedures, judicial interpretation, democratic changes and evolving constitutional principles discussed in the NCERT chapter.
MCQ 1
A living constitution means a constitution that:
- A. Never changes
- B. Adapts to changing circumstances
- C. Exists only during emergencies
- D. Functions without laws
Answer: B. Adapts to changing circumstances
Page Reference: Page 142
MCQ 2
The Indian Constitution can be amended under:
- A. Article 14
- B. Article 19
- C. Article 368
- D. Article 370
Answer: C. Article 368
Page Reference: Page 143
MCQ 3
Which feature makes the Constitution adaptable?
- A. Rigidity only
- B. Amendment provisions
- C. Military control
- D. Presidential rule
Answer: B. Amendment provisions
Page Reference: Page 143
MCQ 4
The first Constitutional Amendment in India was passed in:
- A. 1949
- B. 1950
- C. 1951
- D. 1952
Answer: C. 1951
Page Reference: Page 144
MCQ 5
Which institution interprets the Constitution?
- A. Legislature
- B. Executive
- C. Judiciary
- D. Election Commission
Answer: C. Judiciary
Page Reference: Page 146
MCQ 6
Judicial interpretation helps the Constitution to:
- A. Become irrelevant
- B. Remain dynamic and functional
- C. Eliminate democracy
- D. Remove rights
Answer: B. Remain dynamic and functional
Page Reference: Page 146
MCQ 7
Which amendment added the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble?
- A. 24th Amendment
- B. 42nd Amendment
- C. 44th Amendment
- D. 52nd Amendment
Answer: B. 42nd Amendment
Page Reference: Page 145
MCQ 8
The Constitution is called a living document because:
- A. It changes according to societal needs
- B. It is rewritten every year
- C. It has no written form
- D. It is controlled by the military
Answer: A. It changes according to societal needs
Page Reference: Page 142
MCQ 9
Which amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years?
- A. 42nd Amendment
- B. 44th Amendment
- C. 61st Amendment
- D. 73rd Amendment
Answer: C. 61st Amendment
Page Reference: Page 145
MCQ 10
Constitutional amendments reflect:
- A. Social and political changes
- B. Military expansion
- C. Colonial rule
- D. Religious dominance
Answer: A. Social and political changes
Page Reference: Page 144
MCQ 11
Which body has the power to amend the Constitution?
- A. Supreme Court only
- B. Parliament
- C. Election Commission
- D. Governors only
Answer: B. Parliament
Page Reference: Page 143
MCQ 12
The basic structure doctrine was developed by the:
- A. Parliament
- B. President
- C. Supreme Court
- D. Election Commission
Answer: C. Supreme Court
Page Reference: Page 147
MCQ 13
According to the basic structure doctrine, Parliament:
- A. Can change every part of Constitution
- B. Cannot alter basic structure of Constitution
- C. Cannot amend the Constitution
- D. Has unlimited powers
Answer: B. Cannot alter basic structure of Constitution
Page Reference: Page 147
MCQ 14
Which case is associated with the basic structure doctrine?
- A. Golaknath Case
- B. Kesavananda Bharati Case
- C. Minerva Mills Case
- D. Shankari Prasad Case
Answer: B. Kesavananda Bharati Case
Page Reference: Page 147
MCQ 15
The Constitution balances between:
- A. Rigidity and flexibility
- B. Monarchy and dictatorship
- C. Colonialism and military rule
- D. Religion and trade
Answer: A. Rigidity and flexibility
Page Reference: Page 143
MCQ 16
The amendment process in India is:
- A. Completely rigid
- B. Completely flexible
- C. Partly rigid and partly flexible
- D. Impossible
Answer: C. Partly rigid and partly flexible
Page Reference: Page 143
MCQ 17
Judicial review helps in:
- A. Protecting constitutional principles
- B. Conducting elections
- C. Running Parliament
- D. Forming political parties
Answer: A. Protecting constitutional principles
Page Reference: Page 146
MCQ 18
A constitution must evolve to:
- A. Ignore social changes
- B. Remain relevant over time
- C. Remove democracy
- D. End federalism
Answer: B. Remain relevant over time
Page Reference: Page 142
MCQ 19
Which institution checks misuse of amendment powers?
- A. Judiciary
- B. Executive
- C. Bureaucracy
- D. Media only
Answer: A. Judiciary
Page Reference: Page 147
MCQ 20
The Indian Constitution has been amended many times to:
- A. Adapt to new challenges
- B. Remove democratic values
- C. End elections
- D. Strengthen monarchy
Answer: A. Adapt to new challenges
Page Reference: Page 144
One-Word / Very Short Answer Questions
These one-word and factual questions help students quickly revise important constitutional amendment concepts, judicial doctrines and democratic developments from the chapter. The section is especially useful for UPSC, SSC, PSC, Railway, CUET and other objective examinations.
- Which article deals with constitutional amendments?
Answer: Article 368
Page Reference: Page 143 - Which body can amend the Constitution?
Answer: Parliament
Page Reference: Page 143 - Which amendment added “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble?
Answer: 42nd Amendment
Page Reference: Page 145 - Which amendment reduced voting age to 18 years?
Answer: 61st Amendment
Page Reference: Page 145 - Which institution interprets the Constitution?
Answer: Judiciary
Page Reference: Page 146 - Which doctrine limits Parliament’s amendment powers?
Answer: Basic structure doctrine
Page Reference: Page 147 - Which case established the basic structure doctrine?
Answer: Kesavananda Bharati Case
Page Reference: Page 147 - What type of constitution changes with time?
Answer: Living constitution
Page Reference: Page 142 - Which institution protects constitutional principles through judicial review?
Answer: Judiciary
Page Reference: Page 146 - Which amendment was the first constitutional amendment?
Answer: First Amendment
Page Reference: Page 144 - What balance exists in Indian amendment process?
Answer: Rigidity and flexibility
Page Reference: Page 143 - Which power allows courts to examine constitutional validity?
Answer: Judicial review
Page Reference: Page 146 - Which institution prevents misuse of amendment powers?
Answer: Judiciary
Page Reference: Page 147 - Why is the Constitution amended?
Answer: To adapt to changing needs
Page Reference: Page 144 - Which concept keeps the Constitution relevant?
Answer: Flexibility
Page Reference: Page 142
Assertion and Reason Questions
These assertion and reason questions from Constitution as a Living Document help students develop conceptual clarity and analytical understanding of constitutional amendments, judicial review and democratic evolution. They are highly useful for board exams and competitive examinations.
Question 1
Assertion (A): The Indian Constitution is called a living document.
Reason (R): The Constitution adapts itself to changing social and political conditions.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A
Page Reference: Page 142
Question 2
Assertion (A): Constitutional amendments are necessary in democracy.
Reason (R): Societies and political needs change over time.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A
Page Reference: Page 143
Question 3
Assertion (A): Indian Constitution is partly rigid and partly flexible.
Reason (R): Different amendments require different procedures.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A
Page Reference: Page 143
Question 4
Assertion (A): Judiciary helps maintain constitutional continuity.
Reason (R): Courts interpret constitutional provisions according to changing circumstances.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A
Page Reference: Page 146
Question 5
Assertion (A): Parliament cannot alter the basic structure of the Constitution.
Reason (R): Basic structure doctrine limits amendment powers of Parliament.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A
Page Reference: Page 147
Question 6
Assertion (A): Constitutional amendments reflect democratic evolution.
Reason (R): Amendments respond to new social and political challenges.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A
Page Reference: Page 144
Question 7
Assertion (A): Judicial review strengthens constitutional supremacy.
Reason (R): Courts can prevent unconstitutional amendments and laws.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A
Page Reference: Page 146–147
Important Exam-Based Concept Questions
These important descriptive and analytical questions from Constitution as a Living Document are useful for board examinations and competitive exams. The questions focus on conceptual understanding, constitutional amendments, judicial interpretation and NCERT-based political analysis.
- Explain why the Indian Constitution is called a living document.
- Discuss the need for constitutional amendments in a democracy.
- Explain the amendment procedure under Article 368.
- Discuss the balance between rigidity and flexibility in the Indian Constitution.
- Explain the role of judiciary in interpreting the Constitution.
- Discuss the significance of judicial review in constitutional governance.
- Explain the basic structure doctrine and its importance.
- Discuss the importance of the Kesavananda Bharati case.
- Explain how constitutional amendments reflect social and political changes.
- Discuss the role of Parliament in constitutional amendments.
- Explain how the Constitution adapts to changing democratic needs.
- Discuss the relationship between constitutional flexibility and stability.
- Analyse the importance of constitutional evolution in India.
- Explain how judicial interpretation strengthens constitutional democracy.
- Discuss the significance of constitutional amendments in protecting democratic values.
Quick Revision Summary
-
Living Constitution:
- Adapts to changing circumstances
- Remains relevant over time
-
Article 368:
- Deals with constitutional amendments
-
Amendment Process:
- Partly rigid and partly flexible
-
Parliament:
- Has power to amend Constitution
-
Judiciary:
- Interprets Constitution
- Protects constitutional principles
-
Judicial Review:
- Protects constitutional supremacy
-
42nd Amendment:
- Added “Socialist” and “Secular” to Preamble
-
61st Amendment:
- Reduced voting age to 18 years
-
Basic Structure Doctrine:
- Limits Parliament’s amendment powers
-
Kesavananda Bharati Case:
- Established basic structure doctrine
-
Constitutional Amendments:
- Reflect social and political changes
- Help Constitution adapt to new challenges
-
Democracy:
- Constitution evolves while protecting core values
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