Assignment 3 Chapter Constitution Why How
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Aditi GhoshAssignment 3 Chapter Constitution Why How
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Aditi GhoshWorksheet No: 03 Subject: Political Science Month: June 2025
Name: Topic: Constitution: Why and How Class XI (Hum)
Topic: Why Do We Need A Constitution? Limitations on the Power of Government (Page 5-6)
“ Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely," - Lord Acton’s Adage
1. Why Limiting Government Power is Essential?
* A government elected through proper procedure is still capable of passing unjust laws.
* For example, laws that ban religious practices, discriminate based on caste or skin colour, or suppress
expression (songs, clothes) are deeply unjust—even if passed through legal authority.
2. Function of the Constitution: Limiting Power
* One of the fundamental functions of a constitution is to limit the power of government, even if that
government is legally elected.
* These limits protect citizens from abuse of state power, ensuring dignity, equality, and freedom.
3. Mechanism of Limitation: Fundamental Rights
* The most common method of limiting government is through fundamental rights.
* These rights protect citizens against arbitrary arrest, forced labour, religious or caste-based
discrimination, and restrictions on basic freedoms.
* Common fundamental rights include:
Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion/conscience
Freedom of association
Freedom from Exploitation
Freedom to Work
4. Emergency Clause
* Constitutions often allow temporary suspension of these rights during national emergencies, but such
suspension is regulated and not absolute.
5. Historical Reference (India & Global Context)
* India during the Emergency (1975–77):
Fundamental rights like freedom of speech and protection against arbitrary arrest were suspended.
Many political opponents were jailed without trial.
This period highlighted the dangers of unchecked government power.
* Nazi Germany (1930s):
Hitler came to power through elections but dismantled democratic institutions using laws that allowed
him to rule by decree.
He arrested opponents arbitrarily, banned political parties, and passed racist laws (e.g., Nuremberg
Laws).
These examples stress the need for strong constitutional safeguards to protect individual freedom and justice.
Let me narrate you a story to understand the concept in much easier way
"Not Just Elected—Also Accountable!"
In the bustling city of Pune, a newly formed housing society called “Unity Heights” elected a management
committee to take care of all matters—cleaning, security, water supply, and rules of living.
At first, everything ran smoothly. But soon, the new committee started imposing strange rules.
♣ “No person may wear black clothes on Sunday.”
♣ “People from certain flats may not use the common park after 6 PM.”
♣ “No one is allowed to sing devotional songs aloud after 7 PM.”
♣ “Only certain flat owners can access the gym or library.”
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A few families protested. Mr. Deshmukh from Flat 304 argued, “I’m a paying resident—why can’t I use the
gym?” But the committee dismissed him: “We were elected. These are our rules.”
Then came the final shock: a rule that people from rented flats cannot attend society meetings or raise
complaints.
A young law student, Fatima from Flat 507, stood up. She said,
“Being elected doesn’t give them the right to be unfair. Our country has a Constitution, and it protects us even
if the local ‘government’ is elected.”
She filed a petition to the housing registrar and cited the Right to Equality, Freedom of Expression, and
Freedom of Residence from the Indian Constitution.
The registrar ruled in her favour. The society’s rules were reversed, and the committee had to rewrite their by-
laws in line with constitutional values.
Moral of the Story:
Just because someone has power doesn't mean they can do anything. In a democracy, the Constitution sets
boundaries. Rights come before rules.
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Keyword of the Page 3-4
*Fundamental Rights: Basic human liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, which the government cannot
violate under normal conditions.
* Arbitrary Arrest : Detaining someone without legal reason, violating their personal liberty and due process
of law.
* Freedom of Speech: The right to express opinions freely without government censorship or punishment.
* National Emergency: A situation declared by the government during crisis, allowing temporary suspension
of some fundamental rights.
SECTION - A
1. If a citizen is arrested without being told the reason, which constitutional safeguard is being violated?
(a) Freedom of profession (b) Right to property
(c) Protection against arbitrary arrest (d) Right to education
2. During a national emergency, which of the following rights can the constitution allow to be temporarily
withdrawn?
(a) Right to vote (b) Fundamental rights (c) Directive principles (d)Right to own property
3. If a government passes a law stating that only people of a certain skin colour can access public
resources, what constitutional principle is it violating?
(a) Equal protection and non-discrimination (b) Directive principles
(c) Right to property (d) Freedom of press
4. What is one of the primary functions of a constitution?
(a) To regulate elections (b) To appoint ministers
(c) To limit the power of government (d) To fix market prices
5. What kind of rights do most constitutions guarantee to citizens?
(a) Conditional rights (b) Fundamental rights (c) Temporary rights (d) Political rights only
6. What is the nature of the limitations imposed by constitutions on governments?
(a) Temporary and flexible (b) Symbolic and suggestive
(c) Fundamental and non-negotiable (d) Economic and fiscal
SECTION-B
Instruction: Very Short Answer Type- I, answer the question in 50 to 60 words. Write the answer in
points. These are 2 marker question
7. Why can't the government be allowed to pass any law it wants?
8. Give examples of laws that would be considered unjust.
9. What is one basic way constitutions limit government power?
10. Can fundamental rights be restricted? If yes, when?
11. What is meant by 'arbitrary arrest'? Why is it wrong?
12. Ramesh was stopped from wearing white kurta-pyjama because of a local order. Is this justified under
the Constitution?
SECTION-C
Instruction: Long Answer Type- II, answer the question in 150 to 200 words. Write the answer in
points. These are 6 marker question
13. How do constitutions protect minorities or weaker sections?
14. What happens if a government enacts unfair laws legally?
15. How do fundamental rights limit government actions?
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