NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 9: Constitution as a Living Document
A constitution that cannot adapt to changing times risks becoming irrelevant. Chapter 9 of Class 11 Political Science (Indian Constitution at Work), titled "Constitution as a Living Document," explores how India's Constitution has been amended over the decades and what makes it both flexible and enduring. This chapter is intellectually stimulating and critically important for CBSE Class 11 students from across India — from urban centres like Kolkata and Chennai to smaller towns like Shimla, Imphal, and Raipur. Myclass24 provides comprehensive NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science (Civics) for Chapter 9, covering the amendment procedure under Article 368, the distinction between flexible and rigid constitutions, the debate around constitutional amendments, landmark amendments, the Basic Structure Doctrine established in the Kesavananda Bharati case, and why the Constitution is called a "living document." These solutions help students develop both exam skills and a deeper appreciation of constitutional evolution.
Download PDF: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 9 – Constitution as a Living Document
The free PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 9 is available on Myclass24. It includes complete answers to all NCERT textbook questions, notes on the amendment procedure, landmark constitutional amendments, and the Basic Structure Doctrine. Perfect for CBSE board exam preparation.
Chapter 9 – Constitution as a Living Document: Key Concepts, Facts & Explanation
Chapter 9 explains how India's Constitution evolves through a defined process of amendment, making it a living document that responds to the needs of the times while retaining its core values. Also check out all subjects of NCERT solutions for class 11 and NCERT solutions prepared by Myclass24 Experts.
The procedure for amending the Indian Constitution is laid down in Article 368. There are three types of amendments: (1) Simple Majority – some provisions can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament (e.g., creation of new states, citizenship laws). (2) Special Majority – most provisions require a special majority (2/3 majority of members present and voting + more than 50% of total membership of each house). (3) Special Majority + State Ratification – provisions relating to federal structure require special majority plus ratification by at least half of the state legislatures (e.g., election of the President, distribution of legislative powers).
India's Constitution has been amended more than 105 times since 1950. Some key amendments include: The 1st Amendment (1951) – added restrictions to freedom of speech and the Ninth Schedule; 42nd Amendment (1976, "Mini Constitution") – added the words "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble; 44th Amendment (1978) – restored some rights altered by the 42nd Amendment, removed Right to Property as a Fundamental Right; 61st Amendment (1989) – reduced voting age from 21 to 18; 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) – Panchayati Raj and ULBs; 86th Amendment (2002) – Right to Education; 101st Amendment (2016) – introduced GST.
The Basic Structure Doctrine is a judge-made doctrine established by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973) case. The Court held that while Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution, it cannot alter its "basic structure" — features like democracy, secularism, federalism, fundamental rights, rule of law, and judicial review.
A "living document" means a constitution that can be interpreted and adapted to meet contemporary social realities. The Supreme Court's dynamic interpretation of Fundamental Rights (e.g., expanding Article 21 to include right to education, right to health, right to livelihood) shows that India's Constitution grows with the nation.
Three Types of Constitutional Amendments (Article 368)
| Type | Majority Required | Examples |
| Simple Majority | More than 50% of members present and voting | New states, citizenship, 5th/6th Schedule |
| Special Majority | 2/3 of members present + 50% of total house strength | Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles |
| Special Majority + State Ratification | Above + at least 50% of state legislatures | Federal provisions, election of President |
Landmark Constitutional Amendments
| Amendment | Year | Key Change |
| 1st Amendment | 1951 | Added 9th Schedule; restricted FR in land reform |
| 42nd Amendment | 1976 | Added 'Socialist' & 'Secular' to Preamble; 'Mini Constitution' |
| 44th Amendment | 1978 | Removed Right to Property as FR; restored some rights |
| 61st Amendment | 1989 | Reduced voting age from 21 to 18 years |
| 73rd & 74th Amendment | 1992 | Constitutional status to Panchayats & ULBs |
| 86th Amendment | 2002 | Right to Education (Art. 21A) for children 6–14 |
| 101st Amendment | 2016 | Introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) |
Chapter 9 reveals that India's Constitution is not a static document but one that has grown and adapted with the nation. Understanding the amendment process, landmark amendments, and the Basic Structure Doctrine is essential for board exams and beyond. Myclass24 NCERT Solutions make these complex topics accessible and answer-ready.