Why Do We Need A Constitution? – Concept & Notes PDF

Topic covered: Why Do We Need A Constitution class 9 notes and MCQs Questions: Constitutional Design (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 9th about the “Why Do We Need A Constitution?“ from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 9th chapter 2 Constitutional Design.

Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 2 Constitutional Design Notes PDF

Chapter 2: Constitutional Design in Class 9 Political Science explains how a constitution is created and why it is essential for a democracy. It uses the story of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid to show how rules and principles shape equality and justice. Students often get confused with terms like “assembly” or “sovereignty,” so these notes simplify them with clear explanations. Important ideas such as fundamental rights, guiding values, and the purpose of the Preamble are highlighted in an easy-to-follow manner. Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 2 Constitutional Design Notes PDF to revise effectively.

Why Do We Need A Constitution?

1. South African Context and the Need for a Constitution:

• In new South Africa, oppressor and oppressed planned to live together as equals.
• Trust was difficult because both groups had fears and interests to safeguard.
• Black majority wanted:
  • Majority rule not compromised.
  • Substantial social and economic rights.
• White minority wanted:
  • Protection of privileges.
  • Protection of property.

2. The Compromise:

• After long negotiations:
  • Whites agreed to: majority rule, one person one vote, and basic rights for poor and workers.
  • Blacks agreed:
    • Majority rule would not be absolute.
    • Majority would not take away property of whites.
• This compromise was not easy.

3. Role of Constitution in Implementing Compromise:

• Guarantee of trust required written rules of the game.
• Rules specify:
  • How rulers are to be chosen.
  • Powers of elected governments and their limits.
  • Rights of citizens.
• These rules must be supreme and not easily changeable by winners.
• This set of basic rules is called a Constitution.

4. Wider Importance of Constitutions:

• Constitution making is not unique to South Africa.
• Every country has diverse groups and differences.
• All countries (democratic or not) need basic rules.
• Even associations (clubs, cooperative societies, political parties) need a constitution.

5. Meaning of Constitution:

• Constitution = set of written rules accepted by all people in a country.
• It is the supreme law of the land.
• Defines:
  • Relationship among citizens.
  • Relationship between citizens and government.

6. Functions of a Constitution:

• Generates trust and coordination among different people.
• Specifies structure of government and who takes decisions.
• Limits powers of government and defines citizens’ rights.
• Expresses aspirations of people for creating a good society.

7. Constitution and Democracy:

• Not all countries with constitutions are democratic.
• But all democratic countries must have a constitution.
• Examples:
  • USA framed a constitution after War of Independence.
  • France approved a democratic constitution after the Revolution.
• Since then, written constitutions have become a practice in all democracies.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 2: Constitutional Design

MCQs on NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 2 Topic – Why Do We Need A Constitution Class 9 Notes

Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “Why Do We Need A Constitution Class 9 Notes” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. The South African example helps us understand:

a) Why majority rule is harmful
b) Why constitutions are unnecessary
c) Why we need a constitution and what constitutions do
d) Why monarchy is better than democracy

Answer: c) Why we need a constitution and what constitutions do

Question 2. What principle did the black majority in South Africa want to safeguard?

a) Minority rights
b) Monarchy rule
c) Majority rule
d) Segregation

Answer: c) Majority rule

Question 3. What were the blacks particularly keen on ensuring in South Africa’s constitution?

a) Social and economic rights
b) Privileges of the whites
c) Property ownership of whites
d) Absolute monarchy

Answer: a) Social and economic rights

Question 4. What was the main concern of the white minority in South Africa?

a) Equal voting rights
b) Protection of privileges and property
c) Freedom of speech
d) End of racial segregation

Answer: b) Protection of privileges and property

Question 5. The compromise between blacks and whites in South Africa included:

a) No rights for workers
b) Absolute rule for blacks
c) Majority rule with protection of white property
d) Continuation of apartheid

Answer: c) Majority rule with protection of white property

Question 6. Why was it necessary to write down rules of the game in South Africa?

a) To abolish democracy
b) To maintain trust between different groups
c) To impose monarchy
d) To exclude minorities

Answer: b) To maintain trust between different groups

Question 7. What ensures that the winner cannot easily change the rules?

a) Constitution as supreme law
b) Presidential decree
c) Party manifesto
d) Military rule

Answer: a) Constitution as supreme law

Question 8. What is a constitution?

a) A set of ordinary laws
b) A set of basic rules agreed by citizens
c) A collection of religious texts
d) A temporary arrangement

Answer: b) A set of basic rules agreed by citizens

Question 9. Which of the following also needs a constitution apart from governments?

a) Clubs
b) Cooperative societies
c) Political parties
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Question 10. The constitution is called the:

a) Supreme manifesto
b) Supreme law
c) Supreme parliament
d) Supreme agreement

Answer: b) Supreme law

Question 11. Constitution determines relationships among:

a) Citizens only
b) Government only
c) Citizens and government
d) Citizens and foreign countries

Answer: c) Citizens and government

Question 12. Which of the following is NOT a function of a constitution?

a) Generating trust and coordination
b) Specifying government structure and decision-making
c) Laying down limits on government powers
d) Promoting monarchy as a system of rule

Answer: d) Promoting monarchy as a system of rule

Question 13. Which function of a constitution is about aspirations of people?

a) Laying limits on government
b) Generating trust
c) Expressing the dream of a good society
d) Defining majority rule

Answer: c) Expressing the dream of a good society

Question 14. Which statement is correct?

a) All countries with constitutions are democratic
b) All democracies have constitutions
c) No monarchy has a constitution
d) Constitution is optional in democracies

Answer: b) All democracies have constitutions

Question 15. Which country gave itself a constitution after independence from Britain?

a) France
b) South Africa
c) USA (Americans)
d) India

Answer: c) USA (Americans)

Question 16. After the Revolution, which people approved a democratic constitution?

a) Americans
b) South Africans
c) Indians
d) French

Answer: d) French

Question 17. Since which time has it become a practice in all democracies to have a written constitution?

a) Since American Independence and French Revolution
b) Since World War I
c) Since the Cold War
d) Since the Green Revolution

Answer: a) Since American Independence and French Revolution

Question 18. Which of the following best describes the role of a constitution?

a) Temporary arrangement for rulers
b) A permanent set of basic rules guiding citizens and government
c) A replacement for democracy
d) A party’s election manifesto

Answer: b) A permanent set of basic rules guiding citizens and government