CBSE Class 9 Political Science Chapter 2 Constitutional Design Notes

Understanding Constitutional Design is an important part of Class 9 Political Science. These Constitutional Design Class 9 Notes explain how a country’s constitution is structured to ensure justice, equality, liberty, and democracy. 

The notes cover key topics like the philosophy of the Indian Constitution, the Preamble, the guiding values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, and the role of institutions in governance. They also provide examples, such as South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, to help students understand how constitutions protect citizens’ rights and organise government. These notes are designed to make complex concepts simple and easy to revise for exams.

Constitutional Design Class 9 Notes

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Chapter 2 Constitutional Design, an important topic that helps students understand how a democratic government functions and why constitutions are essential. 

Introduction to Constitutional Design

Constitutional design refers to the way a country’s constitution is drafted, organised, and implemented to ensure justice, equality, and democracy. It is not just a legal document but a blueprint for governance. For Class 9 students, understanding the constitutional design class 9 notes is crucial because it explains how governments are formed, how powers are divided, and how citizens’ rights are protected.

Democracy in South Africa: A Case Study

A clear example of constitutional design in action is South Africa.

Nelson Mandela fought against the apartheid system, a form of racial discrimination that divided people based on skin colour. Blacks, who made up three-fourths of the population, along with Coloureds and Indians, were treated as inferior and denied voting rights. Mandela and seven other leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964 for opposing apartheid and spent decades in prison.

After years of struggle, South Africa adopted democracy on 26 April 1994, and a new constitution was introduced two years later, granting extensive rights to citizens. This case demonstrates the crucial role of a constitution in safeguarding equality, liberty, and justice.

Why Do We Need a Constitution?

According to class 9 constitutional design notes, a constitution is necessary because:

1. Trust and Coordination: It allows people from diverse backgrounds to live together peacefully.

2. Government Structure: It specifies how the government will be formed and who has the power to make decisions.

3. Limits on Power: It ensures that government power is not misused and protects citizens’ rights.

4. Aspirations of Society: It reflects the people’s vision for a fair and just society.

A constitution is more than rules; it is a reflection of the values and aspirations of a nation.

Making of the Indian Constitution

Like South Africa, India faced challenges while creating its constitution. The country’s birth through partition in 1947 made the process even more difficult.

Steps in Constitution-Making:

• 1928: Motilal Nehru and eight Congress leaders drafted a preliminary constitution.

• 1931: The Indian National Congress discussed how independent India’s constitution should look.

• July 1946: Elections for the Constituent Assembly were held.

• December 1946: The first Constituent Assembly meeting was held with 299 members.

• 26 November 1949: The Indian Constitution was adopted.

• 26 January 1950: The Constitution came into effect, celebrated as Republic Day.

Key Figures:

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad – Chairman of the Constituent Assembly

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Head of Drafting Committee

The Constituent Assembly worked openly and systematically, considering over 2,000 amendments to ensure a fair and inclusive constitution.

Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution

The notes of the constitutional design class 9 highlight that the Constitution begins with a Preamble, which is like the soul of the Constitution.

Key Terms in the Preamble:

• We the People of India: The Constitution is made by the people, not imposed by kings or foreign powers.

• Sovereign: India has full control over internal and external matters.

• Socialist: Wealth should be distributed fairly to reduce inequalities.

• Secular: Citizens are free to follow any religion; there is no official religion.

• Democratic: People elect their representatives and hold them accountable.

• Republic: The head of state is elected, not hereditary.

Core Values – Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity:

• No discrimination based on caste, gender, or religion.

• Social inequalities should be reduced.

• Equal opportunity for all citizens.

• Freedom to think, express ideas, and follow one’s beliefs.

• Unity among citizens, treating each other like family.

These principles ensure that the Constitution guides India toward a fair and just society.

Philosophy of the Indian Constitution

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is like its guiding light. It outlines the fundamental principles and values on which the entire Constitution is based. By studying the Preamble, we can understand what the Constitution aims to achieve and how it envisions a fair and just society.

Key Terms in the Preamble Explained

1. We, the People of India

• The Constitution is made by the people through their elected representatives.

• It is not imposed by a king or foreign power.

• Citizens have the ultimate authority to make decisions for the country.

2. Sovereign

• India is independent and can make its own decisions about internal and external matters.

• No foreign power can control or dictate India’s governance.

3. Socialist

• Wealth in the country is produced collectively by society.

• It should be shared fairly to reduce economic inequalities.

• The government works to ensure the welfare of all citizens, especially the disadvantaged.

4. Secular

• Citizens have the freedom to follow any religion of their choice.

• India does not have an official religion.

• The government treats all religions equally and respects their practices.

5. Democratic

• Citizens have equal political rights and can elect their leaders.

• People can hold elected representatives accountable for their actions.

• Policies and decisions are made according to the will of the people.

6. Republic

• The head of the country (President) is elected and not born into power.

• Leadership is based on merit and election, not heredity.

Core Values of the Constitution

The Indian Constitution also highlights four key values that guide governance and society:

1. Justice – Ensuring fairness in social, economic, and political life.

2. Liberty – Citizens have the freedom to think, speak, and act without unreasonable restrictions.

3. Equality – Everyone is equal before the law, and discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or social status is prohibited.

4. Fraternity – Citizens should treat each other like members of the same family, promoting unity and harmony.

Institutional Design

A constitution is not just about values; it creates institutions to put those values into practice. According to the constitutional design class 9 notes:

• It specifies how leaders are chosen.

• It defines the powers and limits of government.

• It protects citizens’ rights that cannot be violated by the state.

The Indian Constitution is a living document, regularly amended to stay relevant and adapt to social, political, and economic changes.

CBSE Class 9 Constitutional Design Notes​ PDF Download

For Class 9 students, understanding the fundamentals of Constitutional Design is essential for Political Science. These Class 9 Constitutional Design Notes provide a clear explanation of the philosophy, guiding values, and institutional framework of the Indian Constitution. They cover key topics like the Preamble, the concepts of justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, and the importance of a democratic, sovereign, socialist, and secular republic. 

Students can use these notes to strengthen their understanding of how the Constitution protects citizens’ rights and structures the government. Download the Notes of Constitutional Design Class 9 PDF below for comprehensive and easy-to-revise study material.

Constitutional Design Class 9 Notes PDF