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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 – The Indian Constitution
By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 15 Sep 2025, 13:07 IST
Civics Chapter 1 The Indian Constitution is an essential part of CBSE Class 8 Social Science Syllabus. This page gives you complete, step-by-step The Indian Constitution Class 8 NCERT solutions with clear Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 questions and answers, a crisp Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 summary, and a NCERT Class 8 Civics Ch 1 solutions PDF .
With this students can revise the key features of the Indian Constitution (Class 8)—federalism, parliamentary form of government, separation of powers, and fundamental rights. This NCERT Solutions also touch on the making of the Indian Constitution, the difference between State and Government (Class 8), and other Indian Constitution Class 8 important points in simple words.
Inside, students will find answers to the exact NCERT prompts—like “why does a democratic country need a constitution” (Class 8)—plus quick revision of the three organs (legislature–executive–judiciary), minority questions, and border-states mapping. Download the Class 8 Civics exercise answers PDF (NCERT solutions free PDF download).
Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 PDF Questions Answers
Students looking for easy and clear answers for Class 8 Civics Chapter 1, this PDF guide is just what you need. It includes well-explained class 8 civics chapter 1 question answers along with helpful extra questions and answers to boost your preparation.
The PDF format makes it easy to read and revise anytime, anywhere. These class 8 civics chapter 1 PDF question answer sets follow the latest CBSE Class 8 Social Science Syllabus, helping you understand key topics like the Indian Constitution in a simple way.
Download the class 8 civics chapter 1 PDF now and make your learning smooth and stress-free!
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NCERT Exercise Questions & Answers
Q1. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
A Constitution lays down the basic rules and ideals that everyone—citizens and governments—must follow. It (i) defines the nature of the State and the goals we collectively value, (ii) limits government power so it isn’t misused, and (iii) provides rights and remedies for citizens. In short, it is the common rule-book that enables democratic decision-making while protecting people from arbitrary authority.
What is the difference in who exercises ‘Executive Power’ in the two Nepal Constitutions?
- 1990 Constitution of Nepal: Executive power vested in the King and the Council of Ministers.
- 2015 Constitution of Nepal: Executive power vested in the Council of Ministers (i.e., the elected government), marking a shift from monarchy to a democratic executive.
What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
Without constitutional limits, representatives could act arbitrarily—favour groups, silence critics, or bypass due process. This risks majority domination, rights violations, and erosion of rule of law. Constitutional checks (like Fundamental Rights and separation of powers) ensure accountability and protect citizens.
Identify the minority in each case and state why their views must be
| Situation | Minority | Why respect their views? |
| (a) School with 30 teachers; 20 are male | Female teachers (10) | Inclusivity in staff decisions; prevents gender-based marginalisation. |
| (b) City where 5% are Buddhists | Buddhists (5%) | Safeguards freedom of belief; protects small communities’ cultural rights. |
| (c) Factory mess where 80% are vegetarians | Non-vegetarians (20%) | Ensures fair choices in common facilities; avoids imposing majority preferences. |
| (d) Class of 50; 40 from well-off families | Less well-off students (10) | Guarantees equitable participation; prevents decisions skewed by privilege. |
In a democracy, minority voices are essential to fairness and preventing the tyranny of the majority.
Key Features → Why They Matter (write two sentences each)
| Key Feature | Why this matters (2 sentences) |
| Federalism | Power is shared between the Union and the States so decisions can be taken closer to people and diverse needs are addressed. It also prevents power concentration at one level by clearly listing subjects for each government. |
| Separation of Powers | Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary have distinct roles so that each checks the others. This keeps governance within the law and curbs misuse of authority. |
| Fundamental Rights | These are enforceable rights that protect individuals against arbitrary State action and against other individuals. Courts can be approached for remedies if these rights are violated. |
| Parliamentary Form of Government | The Executive is accountable to the Legislature, ensuring decisions face debate and scrutiny. This promotes responsible government and can remove a failing executive through a no-confidence vote. |
Q6. Name the Indian States that share borders with the following neighbours.
- Bangladesh:West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
- Bhutan:Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Nepal:Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim.
Q7. Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
- Common rule-book for everyone (citizens and government) A Constitution lays down the basic rules and ideals of public life—how power will be used, who can do what, and what is off-limits.Example: Elections must follow constitutional rules (universal adult franchise, independent Election Commission), not a ruler’s personal wishes.
- Limits power and prevents misuse Democracy isn’t just majority rule; it needs checks so the government can’t act arbitrarily. The Constitution fixes procedures (debate, voting, judicial review) and places boundaries on every institution.Example: Even if a government has a big majority, it cannot censor newspapers at will because free speech is protected.
- Protects Fundamental Rights of individuals and groups It clearly lists rights—equality, freedoms, protection from exploitation, religious freedom, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies—so people can challenge unfair actions.Example: If a student’s freedom of expression is violated by an authority, courts can be approached to seek a remedy.
- Manages diversity and prevents majority domination In a country with many languages, religions, regions, and cultures, the Constitution creates fair rules so no group can impose its preferences on others.Example: Policies must respect minority opinions; school or city rules can’t ignore a small group’s needs just because they are outnumbered.
- Ensures stable, predictable government It sets up institutions (Parliament, Executive, Judiciary), their roles, and how disputes are resolved. This continuity remains even when governments change.Example: After an election, the process to form a new council of ministers is already defined—no confusion or power vacuum.
Q8. Explain the key features of the Indian Constitution with one example each.
A. Federalism
What it means: Power is divided between two levels of government—the Union (national) government and the State governments—so decisions can be taken close to people while keeping national unity. Subjects are listed (Union/State/Concurrent) to avoid overlap.Why it matters: It prevents over-centralisation and allows states to address local needs.Example:Police and public order are State subjects—Rajasthan Police or Kerala Police handle law and order in their own states; defence and currency are Union subjects handled by the central government.
B. Parliamentary Form of Government
What it means: The Executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is drawn from and accountable to the Legislature (Lok Sabha). If it loses support, it must resign.Why it matters: Ensures day-to-day accountability through questions, debates, and votes.Example: A no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha can remove a government that no longer enjoys majority support.
C. Separation of Powers
What it means: The Legislature makes laws, the Executive implements them, and the Judiciary interprets them and protects the Constitution. Each can check the others.Why it matters: Prevents concentration of power and guards against arbitrary actions.Example: Courts can strike down a law or an executive order if it violates Fundamental Rights or the Constitution (judicial review).
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D. Fundamental Rights
What it includes (in simple words):
- Right to Equality (no unfair treatment; end of untouchability, equality before law)
- Right to Freedom (speech, expression, assembly, movement, occupation, etc.)
- Right against Exploitation (ban on trafficking and child labour in hazardous work)
- Right to Freedom of Religion (profess, practice, propagate religion)
- Cultural and Educational Rights (protect language and culture; minorities can run institutions)
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (move courts if rights are violated)
Why it matters: Rights are enforceable—citizens can approach the courts for protection.Example: If a peaceful protest is stopped unlawfully, people can move the High Court or Supreme Court to safeguard their freedom of expression and assembly.
Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 Short Answers Questions
Question: What is a Constitution?
Answer: A Constitution is a set of rules and principles that tells how a country is governed.
Question: Why does a country need a Constitution?
Answer: A country needs a Constitution to provide a framework for government and laws, and to protect the rights of its citizens.
Question: What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. It states the goals and values of the nation.
Question: What does the Preamble say about India?
Answer: The Preamble describes India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and promises Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity to all its citizens.
Question: What are Fundamental Rights?
Answer: Fundamental Rights are basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution to all citizens, like the right to equality, freedom, and education.
Question: Can Fundamental Rights be taken away?
Answer: No, Fundamental Rights cannot be taken away, but they can be restricted under certain conditions for the safety and security of the country.
Question: What are Directive Principles of State Policy?
Answer: Directive Principles are guidelines for the government to follow to create social and economic conditions for citizens' well-being.
Question: How does the Constitution ensure that no one has too much power?
Answer: The Constitution ensures no one has too much power by dividing government power into three branches: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary.
Question: What is the role of the Legislature?
Answer: The Legislature makes laws for the country.
Question: What is the role of the Judiciary?
Answer: The Judiciary interprets laws, protects Fundamental Rights, and ensures justice.
Chapter 1 the Indian constitution summary PDF
Students will learn about the Indian Constitution and how it has evolved into a viable governance structure for the country's people in this chapter of NCERT Civics Class 8. The author explores the importance of the Constitution in a democratic democracy in this chapter.
In this chapter, the essential characteristics of the Indian Constitution have been discussed in depth. The following are some of the key characteristics of the Indian Constitution:
- Federalism refers to the existence of multiple levels of Government.
- Parliamentary Government: Each country's citizen has the right to vote regardless of caste or creed.
- Separation of powers refers to the separation of powers between the three branches of Government: the judiciary, legislative, and Executive.
- Fundamental Rights: According to the Indian Constitution, every citizen is entitled to six fundamental rights.
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- During daily study sessions: Review concepts right after class.
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Whether it’s for class 8 civics chapter 1 question answers or understanding the Indian Constitution class 8, these NCERT solutions are a must-have for every student.
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FAQs Social and Political Life Class 8 Chapter 1
What are the key features of the Indian Constitution (Class 8)?
Four core features: Federalism (power shared between Union & States), Parliamentary form of government (executive accountable to legislature), Separation of powers (legislature–executive–judiciary have distinct roles), and Fundamental Rights (enforceable rights that protect citizens).
Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
It works as a rule-book that
(i) defines how government is formed and runs,
(ii) limits power to stop misuse, and
(iii) protects citizens’ rights so even the majority can’t act arbitrarily.
What is separation of powers?
Power is divided among Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements laws), and Judiciary (interprets laws). Example: A court can strike down a law/executive order that violates Fundamental Rights.
What is the difference between State and Government?
The State is the larger, permanent structure (territory, institutions, laws). The Government is the temporary team that runs the State for a term; it can change after elections, but the State continues.
List the Fundamental Rights.
(1) Right to Equality
(2) Right to Freedom
(3) Right against Exploitation
(4) Right to Freedom of Religion
(5) Cultural & Educational Rights
(6) Right to Constitutional Remedies (move courts if rights are violated).
Which Indian states share borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan?
- Bangladesh: West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
- Nepal: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim
- Bhutan: Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
How many exercise questions are in Chapter 1 and what do they test?
Six questions. They test: the need for a Constitution, who holds executive power in different systems, why limits on elected representatives are needed, identifying the minority and respecting its views, mapping key features → significance, and listing states bordering neighbours.