NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1: Constitution – Why and How?
Every nation needs a rulebook — a document that lays down the rules of governance, defines the relationship between the state and its citizens, and ensures that no single person or institution becomes too powerful. For India, that rulebook is the Constitution. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science (Civics) Chapter 1, titled "Constitution: Why and How?", takes students through the very foundation of India's democratic framework. This chapter is vital for students appearing in Class 11 board exams, CUET, and competitive examinations like UPSC at the foundational level. Myclass24 provides well-structured, easy-to-understand NCERT Solutions for this chapter, helping students from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Lucknow, Jaipur, and across India to master the concept with clarity. Whether you are a Hindi-medium or English-medium student, these solutions are crafted to match your board's requirements while developing a genuine understanding of why constitutions matter in a democracy.
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Chapter 1 – Constitution – Why and How?: Key Concepts, Facts & Explanation
India's Constitution is one of the longest and most detailed written constitutions in the world. Chapter 1 of Class 11 Political Science (Indian Constitution at Work) explains the need for a constitution, how it was drafted, and what principles it rests on. Here is a comprehensive look at the key concepts from this chapter. Also check out all subjects of NCERT solutions for class 11 and NCERT solutions prepared by Myclass24 Experts.
A constitution is a set of fundamental rules that governs a country. It tells us how the government is to be structured, how power is to be distributed, and what rights citizens have. Without a constitution, a democracy cannot function because there would be no agreed-upon framework to settle disputes or limit government power.
India's Constituent Assembly was set up in December 1946. It had 299 members, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Chairman of the Drafting Committee), Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad (President of the Assembly), and others. The Assembly met for 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, holding 11 sessions and 165 days of sittings. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950 — celebrated as Republic Day.
The Constitution draws inspiration from multiple global models. The concept of Fundamental Rights comes from the USA. The idea of parliamentary democracy is borrowed from the UK. The Directive Principles of State Policy are influenced by Ireland. Emergency provisions draw from the German Weimar Constitution. This reflects how the framers of the Indian Constitution studied global models while creating a document suited to India's unique social, cultural, and historical context.
Key Facts: Constituent Assembly of India
| Detail | Information |
| Formation | December 1946 |
| Total Members | 299 |
| Drafting Committee Chairman | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
| Sessions Held | 11 |
| Days of Sitting | 165 |
| Adopted On | 26 November 1949 |
| Came Into Force | 26 January 1950 |
| Total Articles (originally) | 395 |
| Schedules (originally) | 8 |
Sources of Indian Constitution
| Feature | Source Country |
| Fundamental Rights | USA |
| Parliamentary System | United Kingdom |
| Directive Principles | Ireland |
| Emergency Provisions | Germany (Weimar Constitution) |
| Federal Structure | Canada |
| Concurrent List | Australia |
| Procedure of Amendment | South Africa |
Understanding Chapter 1 is essential because it sets the stage for all other chapters in this book. The question of why we need a constitution and how India's constitution was made reflects the democratic values that every citizen must appreciate. Myclass24 NCERT Solutions help you answer both short-answer and long-answer questions with confidence, accuracy, and relevant examples.