Worksheet No: 04 Subject: Political Science Month: June 2025

Name: Topic: Constitution: Why and How Class XI(Hum)

Topic: The Authority of a Constitution: Mode of Promulgation (Page 11-12)

1. Meaning of Mode of Promulgation

• It means how a constitution is created or brought
into force.
• It involves questions like: Who made it? Did they
have people's support?
2. Why It Matters
•If a constitution is created by military rulers or
unpopular leaders, people may not accept it.
• Such constitutions often fail because they don’t
represent the will of the people.
3. Successful Constitutions – India, South
Africa, USA
• These were made after big national struggles that
included ordinary people.
• The leaders involved had public trust and moral
authority.
4. Indian Example – Constituent Assembly
(1946–1949)
• Though the Constitution was officially written by
the Constituent Assembly, it was the freedom
movement before that which laid the foundation.
• These leaders weren’t writing the Constitution for
power, but for justice, unity, and democracy.
5. Why It Had Public Acceptance Without
Referendum
• Unlike some countries, India didn’t hold a public
vote (referendum) on the Constitution.
• Still, it gained massive public support because the
people trusted their leaders.
• Citizens accepted and followed the Constitution,
which gave it real power.

6. Key Message
• A constitution gets real strength when it is made by respected leaders with people’s support.
• Public trust and historical context are more powerful than just a formal vote.

Conclusion:
A Constitution survives not just by law, but by public faith and moral authority of its makers.

+91-9818573446 [email protected] © Aditi Ghosh

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Let’s understand the concept through a real-life story.
“The Hostel Rulebook – A Constitution Born Right”

In the vibrant city of Hyderabad, a co-ed student hostel named Unity Homes was home to 200 students from
across India. But unity was only in the name. The hostel was a mess of conflicts—noisy rooms, unfair laundry
schedules, broken Wi-Fi complaints, and kitchen wars.
One day, the warden decided to impose a rulebook written by the administration. It banned late-night group
studies, fixed a strict curfew, and gave some floors extra privileges. The students revolted. They said, “Why
should we follow rules that we never agreed to?”

In response, the administration backed down and called a meeting. They said,
“You create the rulebook. But remember—it should work for all, not just your gang.”

So a group of students was formed: Ayaan (sports), Ritu (cultural), Farhan (academics), Mehak (health), and
Ravi (hostel kitchen staff's son who stayed on campus). These students were known to be respected, fair, and
trustworthy.

They spent weeks talking to everyone:

• Girls complained about late-night water supply.
• North Indian students wanted curd in meals.
• Juniors wanted noise-free zones.
• The staff wanted mutual respect.

Finally, they wrote a Student Rulebook, based on inclusiveness, justice, and mutual respect.
They didn’t take a formal vote. But when the rules were announced, everyone nodded. No protests. No anger. It
felt right. The students began saying,

“We made this rulebook, it speaks for all of us.”

From that day on, Unity Homes actually became united. The rulebook wasn’t perfect, but it worked because it
had credibility and consensus.

Moral of the Story:

A constitution becomes powerful not because it is printed or forced—but because people believe it is fair,
inclusive, and crafted by those they trust.

Concept Explained Through the Story:

• Just like some real-world constitutions fail when made by dictators, the original warden rulebook failed.
• Like India’s Constitution, the student rulebook was made by respected representatives, based on shared
struggle and consensus.
• There was no formal referendum, but still public acceptance—because the creators had the moral
authority.
• That’s what makes a constitution truly effective: legitimacy, fairness, and public faith.

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Pictorial Summary of the Story

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Keyword of the Page 11-12

*Promulgation: The official act of declaring or enacting a constitution, making it known and valid for public
acceptance and application..
* Legitimacy: The public belief that the constitution and its makers are rightful, fair, and morally authorised to
govern the people.
* Constituent Assembly: A representative body of elected or nominated individuals responsible for drafting
and adopting a country's constitution through discussion and consensus.
* Public Consensus: General agreement among diverse population groups that the constitution reflects shared
values, rights, and a fair governance framework.
* Referendum: A direct vote by all citizens to accept or reject a proposed constitution or amendment to
confirm public approval.
* Endurance of Constitution: The ability of a constitution to remain relevant and effective over time due to its
inclusive roots and societal legitimacy.
* Democratic Participation: The involvement of people from different backgrounds in shaping laws or
constitutions, ensuring inclusivity and long-term acceptance
* Moral Authority: The respect and trust earned by leaders through ethical conduct, enabling them to lead
constitutional processes with wide societal acceptance.

SECTION A
ASSERTION AND REASONING
For the questions (1- 4), two statements are given – one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as
Reason (R). Read these statements carefully and choose the correct option as the answer from the options
(A), (B), (C) and (D) given below:
Options:
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reasoning (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the
Assertion (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reasoning (R) are true but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the
Assertion (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

1. A newly formed nation decides to build its Constitution through a military-appointed committee without
involving public consultations. A few months later, protests erupt, and the Constitution is rejected by the
public.
Assertion (A): A Constitution is more likely to succeed when made by respected leaders with wide
public trust.
Reason (R): Public legitimacy and moral authority of constitution-makers enhance acceptance of the
constitutional framework.
2. A constitution drafted in a country after public consultations gained immediate support even without a
national referendum.
Assertion (A): A Constitution can gain public acceptance without holding a referendum.
Reason (R): Referendums are the only way people participate in constitution-making.
3. A leader creates a constitution overnight and enforces it using police and media control, claiming it is
democratic.
Assertion (A): A constitution created without public participation always reflects national consensus.
Reason (R): Public consensus ensures that different social groups feel represented in the constitutional
process.
4. In a classroom project, students created their own rulebook after open discussion, and it was accepted by
everyone.
Assertion (A): Consensus-building in constitution-making encourages public acceptance.
Reason (R): Some constitutions are accepted only if they are formally voted on through a public
referendum.

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 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
5. Why is the Indian Constitution considered to have strong public legitimacy?
(a) Because it was passed unanimously by the Parliament
(b) Because it was created after India’s military victory
(c) Because it was written by respected leaders with people's trust
(d) Because it was reviewed by international experts
6. Which condition increases the likelihood of a constitution being accepted and followed by the people?
(a) It is drafted by legal experts alone (b) It is made in a short duration
(c) It is imposed by a stable government (d) It reflection of a national movement
7. Which of the following situations best reflects weak promulgation of a constitution?
(a) Constitution is introduced during an emergency
(b) ) Constitution is debated publicly before its release
(c) Constitution is created after years of struggle
(d) Constitution is supported by key civil society groups
8. Which of the following is not essential for a successful mode of promulgation?
(a)Moral leadership (b) Public consensus (c) Popular movements (d)Speedy enactment
9. Which scenario best depicts the failure of constitutional promulgation?
(a) Citizens participate in grassroots discussions
(b)Leaders consult marginalised groups before drafting
(c) Rulers impose rules without national consultation
(d) Constituent Assembly includes farmers and workers
10. Why is public consultation crucial to constitution-making?
(a) It helps reduce the cost of legal services
(b) It allows bureaucrats to gain popularity
(c) It ensures the constitution reflects societal realities
(d) It avoids involvement of political parties

SECTION-B
Instruction: Long Answer Type- II, answer the question in 150 to 180 words. Write the answer in
points. These are 6 marker questions.
11. Explain the term “Mode of Promulgation of a Constitution.” Why is it considered crucial for a
constitution’s success?
12. How does public participation in constitution-making impact its effectiveness and legitimacy?
13. Compare the mode of promulgation of the Indian Constitution with that of countries ruled by military
regimes.
14. Why was the Indian Constitution not subjected to a referendum, and how did it still achieve public
acceptance.
15. What makes the Constituent Assembly of India a credible body for drafting the Constitution?
16. In a country where a constitution was created after a civil war, only elite political families were
involved in drafting it. Ten years later, protests break out, claiming the Constitution doesn’t reflect
citizens’ needs. Analyse the probable reasons for public rejection and suggest how this issue could have
been avoided.
17. A constitution is drafted overnight by a newly elected government and passed through Parliament
without public discussion. Five years later, opposition parties and citizens demand a redraft.
Evaluate the mistakes in the process and suggest a constitution-making model that ensures longevity.
18. In what ways does leadership influence the success or failure of a newly drafted constitution?
19. How can a constitution remain effective even without a public referendum?
20. How does the historical background of a country influence the mode of its constitutional
promulgation?

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