Class 8 Indian Constitution worksheet

Class 8 Indian Constitution worksheet for CBSE Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 (Social and Political Life – III) is a printable, exam-style practice set with answers PDF. Built to match the Social and Political Life Class 8 Chapter 1 worksheet format, it packs MCQs, fill in the blanks, true or false, assertion–reason, case-based questions, and important questions to revise the Preamble (justice, liberty, equality, fraternity), Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Fundamental Duties along with core key features of the Indian Constitution—federalism, parliamentary system, and separation of powers. 

This Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 worksheet with answers supports quick classwork, homework, and test prep; students can also attempt short and long answer items for deeper understanding. Download “The Indian Constitution Class 8 worksheet PDF” or use the online quiz section to practice time-bound tests and self-evaluate using the included answer key.

CBSE Class 8 Worksheet — The Indian Constitution (With Answers)

Class: 8  Subject: Civics (Social & Political Life – III)
Chapter: 1 – The Indian Constitution
Time: 40–50 minutes  Max Marks: 40

Instructions

• Read each question carefully.
• Attempt all questions.
• For Assertion–Reason, use the options: (A) Both A and R are true, R explains A; (B) Both true, R does not explain A; (C) A true, R false; (D) A false, R true; (E) Both false.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — 15 × 1 = 15

• A Constitution is primarily a document that
  a) lists school rules b) sets fundamental principles for governing a country
  c) records festivals d) only describes elections
• India adopted its Constitution on
  a) 26 January 1950 b) 15 August 1947 c) 26 November 1949 d) 2 October 1949
• The Preamble promises justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. These are called
  a) Fundamental Duties b) Directive Principles c) Constitutional ideals d) State subjects
• The Chairman of the Drafting Committee was
  a) Jawaharlal Nehru b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad c) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar d) Sardar Patel
• “India is a __________ Republic.”
  a) monarchic b) democratic c) aristocratic d) theocratic
• The feature federalism means
  a) only one level of government b) power shared between centre and states
  c) military rule d) rule by courts alone
• The Right to Constitutional Remedies allows citizens to
  a) write textbooks b) approach courts if rights are violated
  c) frame laws d) conduct elections
• Separation of powers mainly divides government into
  a) army, police, navy b) legislature, executive, judiciary
  c) village, town, city d) centre, state, panchayat only
• The Indian system where the executive is drawn from the legislature is called
  a) presidential system b) parliamentary system
  c) unitary system d) judicial system
• The Preamble word “Secular” means the State
  a) promotes one religion b) is neutral towards all religions
  c) bans all religions d) funds only minority religions
• Directive Principles of State Policy guide
  a) courts to punish b) citizens to obey traffic rules
  c) the government in making policies for welfare d) exams in schools
• The Constitution came into effect on
  a) 15 August 1947 b) 26 January 1950 c) 26 November 1949 d) 2 October 1950
• Fundamental Duties are contained in
  a) the Preamble b) a separate part of the Constitution
  c) the Budget d) Court judgments only
• Equality before law means
  a) different laws for rich and poor b) same laws apply to all
  c) only adults have laws d) no laws at all
• Article 21A (Right to Education) ensures free and compulsory education for ages
  a) 3–10 b) 6–14 c) 14–18 d) 10–16

Fill in the Blanks — 10 × 1 = 10

1. The Constituent __________ drafted the Indian Constitution.
2. The guiding introduction to the Constitution is called the __________.
3. India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, __________, Democratic Republic.
4. Federalism divides power between the Union and the __________ governments.
5. The judiciary is independent of the __________ and the executive.
6. The Right to Constitutional __________ allows people to move the courts to protect their rights.
7. Directive Principles are __________ to the government for making laws and policies.
8. The Constitution safeguards minority languages and cultures under __________ and Educational Rights.
9. Separation of powers prevents __________ of power in one organ.
10. The Constitution was enforced on __________ (date), celebrated as Republic Day.

True or False — 8 × 1 = 8

1. The Preamble is enforceable in a court of law. (T/F)
2. Fundamental Rights are available to protect citizens’ freedoms. (T/F)
3. Federalism means all power is only with the central government. (T/F)
4. The parliamentary system makes the executive responsible to the legislature. (T/F)
5. The Constitution is a fixed document and can never be amended. (T/F)
6. Equality before law is a part of the idea of justice. (T/F)
7. Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights are exactly the same. (T/F)
8. Courts can be approached if Fundamental Rights are violated. (T/F)

D. Match the Following — 6 × 1 = 6

Match Column A with Column B.

E. Assertion–Reason — 6 × 1 = 6

For each, choose (A)–(E) as per instruction.

1. A: India is a Secular state.
   R: The State does not favour any religion.
2. A: Separation of powers limits misuse of authority.
   R: Powers are distributed among legislature, executive and judiciary.
3. A: Fundamental Rights are optional suggestions to the government.
   R: They are non-enforceable in courts.
4. A: In a parliamentary system, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
   R: Ministers remain in office only while they enjoy the confidence of the House.
5. A: Directive Principles aim to promote social and economic welfare.
   R: They direct the State to make policies like public health, education and livelihoods.
6. A: The Preamble reflects the core values of the Constitution.
   R: It declares India to be Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic and lists ideals like justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

F. Case / Source-Based Questions — 3 × 3 = 9

Passage 1 (Equality in Practice)
A school adopts a rule that students from certain neighbourhoods must sit in separate rows during assembly. Some students feel this is unfair and humiliating.
Q1. Which constitutional ideal/right is being violated?
Q2. How could the students seek a remedy using the Constitution?
Q3. Suggest one policy-level change aligned with Directive Principles to promote equality.

Passage 2 (Freedom of Religion)
A local festival procession seeks permission to use a public park for a prayer meet. Another group insists the park is only for sports and that the prayer is of a different faith than theirs.
Q1. Which feature of the Constitution helps maintain neutrality here?
Q2. Name one Fundamental Right relevant to this situation.
Q3. What role can the administration and courts play to balance rights?

Passage 3 (Separation of Powers)
A new law empowers a department to issue fines and also decide appeals against its own orders. Citizens object that this concentrates power.
Q1. Which constitutional principle is at risk?
Q2. Which organ should ideally decide disputes about fines?
Q3. Mention one benefit of maintaining separation among organs.

G. Short Answer (30–50 words each) — 6 × 2 = 12

1. Why do we need a Constitution in a democracy?
2. What does “We, the People of India” signify?
3. Distinguish between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles (one point each).
4. How does federalism prevent concentration of power?
5. In what way is the judiciary independent?
6. Give two examples of how the Preamble ideals guide real policies.

H. Long Answer (80–120 words each) — 3 × 3 = 9

1. Explain how the Preamble acts as a guiding light for interpreting the Constitution. Give examples.
2. Describe the parliamentary system in India. How does collective responsibility ensure accountability?
3. “Rights and Duties are two sides of the same coin.” Discuss with Class-8 appropriate examples.

Answer Key

A. MCQs

1. b 2) c 3) c 4) c 5) b 6) b 7) b 8) b 9) b 10) b
2. c 12) b 13) b 14) b 15) b

B. Fill in the Blanks

1. Assembly 2) Preamble 3) Republic 4) state
2. legislature 6) Remedies 7) guidelines
3. Cultural 9) concentration 10) 26 January 1950

C. True or False

1. False (Preamble guides interpretation; not directly enforceable)
2. True 3) False 4) True 5) False (amendable)
3. True 7) False 8) True

D. Match the Following

1. c 2) a 3) b 4) d 5) f 6) e

E. Assertion–Reason

1. A 2) A 3) E (both false; Rights are enforceable)
2. A 5) A 6) A

F. Case / Source-Based 

Passage 1:

• Q1: Equality before law / Right to Equality (no discrimination).
• Q2: Move court under Right to Constitutional Remedies.
• Q3: Inclusive policies—uniform rules for all; sensitisation per equality, scholarships, etc.

Passage 2:

• Q1: Secularism (State neutrality).
• Q2: Freedom of religion / freedom of assembly (reasonable restrictions).
• Q3: Admin sets neutral, time-bound, non-discriminatory rules; courts ensure rights balance.

Passage 3:

• Q1: Separation of powers.
• Q2: Judiciary (independent adjudication).
• Q3: Prevents abuse; ensures fairness and checks & balances.

G. Short Answers 

1. Provides rules, powers, rights, limits; ensures stability & fairness.
2. Popular sovereignty—authority comes from the people.
3. FRs: enforceable rights; DPs: non-enforceable guidance.
4. Divides powers Centre/States; lists subjects, limits overlap.
5. Security of tenure, fixed procedures, review powers.
6. Justice → welfare laws; Equality → anti-discrimination; Liberty → free speech limits; Fraternity → unity policies.

Great—here are the fully worked, detailed answers for every section of the worksheet.

Detailed MCQs (15 × 1) — with explanations

1. b) sets fundamental principles for governing a country
   A constitution lays down the basic framework—powers, limits, rights, and institutions—not day-to-day rules like school codes.
2. c) 26 November 1949
   That is the day the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution. It came into effect on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).
3. c) Constitutional ideals
   Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity in the Preamble are the guiding ideals of our Constitution.
4. c) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
   He chaired the Drafting Committee that prepared the draft Constitution.
5. b) democratic
   The Preamble declares India a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
6. b) power shared between centre and states
   Federalism divides powers between Union and States to prevent concentration.
7. b) approach courts if rights are violated
   The Right to Constitutional Remedies lets citizens move the courts for protection of Fundamental Rights.
8. b) legislature, executive, judiciary
   Separation of powers assigns law-making, law-application, and law-interpretation to different organs.
9. b) parliamentary system
   In this system, the executive (PM and Council of Ministers) is drawn from and responsible to the legislature.
10. b) is neutral towards all religions
    Secular means the State does not favour any religion and treats all equally.
11. c) the government in making policies for welfare
    Directive Principles are non-enforceable guidelines to the State for social & economic justice.
12. b) 26 January 1950
    That is the enforcement date, celebrated as Republic Day.
13. b) a separate part of the Constitution
    Fundamental Duties are listed separately (for Class-8 level, know they exist and guide responsible citizenship).
14. b) same laws apply to all
    Equality before law ensures no one is above the law.
15. b) 6–14
    Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education for children in the 6–14 age group.

Fill in the Blanks (10 × 1) — with brief notes

1. Constituent Assembly — the elected body that framed the Constitution.
2. Preamble — the introductory statement of ideals and objectives.
3. Republic — head of State is elected (not a monarch).
4. state — federalism shares power between Union and state governments.
5. legislature — judiciary is independent of legislature and executive.
6. Remedies — Right to Constitutional Remedies protects rights via courts.
7. guidelines — Directive Principles are guidelines for the State.
8. Cultural — Cultural and Educational Rights protect minority culture/education.
9. concentration — separation of powers prevents concentration of power.
10. 26 January 1950 — enforcement date; India’s Republic Day.

True or False (8 × 1) — with reasons

1. False. The Preamble guides interpretation but isn’t directly enforceable in court.
2. True. Fundamental Rights safeguard citizens’ freedoms and dignity.
3. False. Federalism divides power between Centre and States.
4. True. In a parliamentary system, the executive is answerable to the legislature.
5. False. The Constitution can be amended following due process.
6. True. Equality before law is part of ensuring justice.
7. False. Directive Principles are non-justiciable; Rights are justiciable.
8. True. Courts can be approached if Fundamental Rights are violated.

Match the Following (6 × 1) — with explanations

1. Preamble → (c) Ideals & vision of the Constitution
2. Federalism → (a) Shares power: Union & States
3. Judiciary → (b) Independent interpreter of the Constitution
4. Parliamentary system → (d) Government answerable to legislature
5. Fundamental Rights → (f) Safeguards citizen freedoms
6. Directive Principles → (e) Non-enforceable guidance for policy

Assertion–Reason (6 × 1) — answers with explanations

Key: (A) Both true, R explains A; (B) Both true, R doesn’t explain A; (C) A true, R false; (D) A false, R true; (E) Both false.

1. A — Both are true; State neutrality explains secularism.
2. A — Both are true; distribution of powers explains the limit on misuse.
3. E — Both false. Rights are not optional and are enforceable.
4. A — Both true; confidence of the House explains collective responsibility.
5. A — Both true; welfare aims are achieved via policy directions.
6. A — Both true; the Preamble’s declarations explain its guiding role.

Case Based Answers — model answers

Passage 1 — Equality in Practice

Q1.Right to Equality is violated; separating students by neighbourhood amounts to unfair discrimination.
Q2. Students can approach the courts under the Right to Constitutional Remedies seeking withdrawal of the discriminatory rule.
Q3. Replace the rule with uniform, non-discriminatory assembly practices; add sensitisation activities and ensure equal participation opportunities—consistent with equality and fraternity.

Passage 2 — Freedom of Religion

Q1. The feature is Secularism—the State remains neutral towards all religions.
Q2. Relevant rights include Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Assembly (subject to reasonable restrictions for public order/health).
Q3. Authorities should frame neutral, time-sharing guidelines (e.g., slot bookings) and ensure non-discriminatory use of public spaces; courts can review disputes to balance competing rights.

Passage 3 — Separation of Powers

Q1. The principle at risk is Separation of Powers—one body shouldn’t impose fines and judge appeals.
Q2. Appeals should be decided by an independent judiciary or a legally independent appellate body.
Q3. Separation improves fairness, checks & balances, and public trust by preventing concentration of power.

Short Answers (6 × 2) — model responses (≈40–60 words each)

1. Why a Constitution?
   A Constitution sets the rules of the game: how governments are formed, their powers and limits, and the rights people enjoy. It prevents misuse of authority, ensures equality and justice, and provides a stable framework so that changes in leaders don’t erase citizens’ basic protections.
2. Meaning of “We, the People of India”
   This phrase shows popular sovereignty. The people are the real source of authority. The Constitution is made by and for the people, and governments must work within limits laid down by the people’s supreme law.
3. Fundamental Rights vs Directive Principles
   Fundamental Rights are enforceable in courts (e.g., equality, freedom). Directive Principles are non-enforceable guidelines for the State to promote welfare (e.g., health, education). Together, they aim at a just and humane society.
4. How federalism prevents concentration
   Federalism shares power between Union and States, assigning subjects to different levels. This division creates multiple centres of decision-making, making it harder for any single authority to control everything and allowing policies to suit local needs.
5. Judicial independence
   Courts function independently of legislature and executive. Judges follow constitutional law, have security of tenure, and use judicial review to check unconstitutional actions. Independence helps ensure fairness and protection of rights.
6. Preamble ideals guiding policy
   Justice encourages welfare schemes and fair procedures; Equality supports anti-discrimination measures; Liberty protects free expression and belief (with reasonable limits); Fraternity promotes unity and respect among diverse communities.

Long Answers (3 × 3) — model responses (≈100–130 words each)

1. Preamble as a guiding light
   The Preamble states the Constitution’s core ideals—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—and the nature of the State: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. Courts often read the Preamble to interpret constitutional provisions, especially when words are broad or two interpretations are possible. For instance, equality in the Preamble supports laws against discrimination; justice guides welfare measures and fair procedures; liberty frames how we see free speech with reasonable restrictions to protect public order and fraternity. Thus, the Preamble acts like a compass, ensuring that laws and policies remain faithful to the Constitution’s spirit.
2. Parliamentary system & collective responsibility
   India’s parliamentary system draws the executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) from the legislature. Ministers must enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha and are collectively responsible—they stand or fall together. This means if the House passes a no-confidence motion, the Council must resign. Tools like Question Hour, debates, and committees keep ministers answerable. Collective responsibility discourages blame-shifting, promotes team decisions, and ensures that major policies reflect the majority’s will inside the elected House—creating a strong link between public representatives and those who exercise power.
3. Rights and Duties: two sides of a coin
   Fundamental Rights protect personal freedoms—speech, equality, religious choice, and legal remedies—so individuals can grow with dignity. Fundamental Duties remind citizens to respect the Constitution, promote harmony, protect the environment, and value public property. Rights cannot thrive if duties are ignored: for example, free speech works best when citizens avoid hate and respect others’ dignity; the right to life gains meaning when we follow safety rules and keep surroundings clean. Together, rights empower us, and duties guide us to use that power responsibly for the good of all.