Question

Q1. Read the following extract from a conduct book for 'married women', published in 1912. 'God has made the female species delicate and fragile both physically and emotionally, pitiably incapable of self-defence. They are destined thus by God to remain in male protection of father, husband and son all their lives. Women should, therefore, not despair, but feel obliged that they can dedicate themselves to the service of men'

1)Do you think the values expressed in this para reflected the values underlying our constitution? Or does this go against the constitutional values?
2)Read the following statements about Consnstitution. Give reasons why each of these is true or not true.
(a) The authority of the rules of the constitution is t same as that of any other law.
(b) Constitution lays down how different organs of the government will be

formed.

(c) Rights of citizens and limits on the power of the government are laid down in

the constitution.

(d) A constitution is about institutions, not about values.
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Answer 1

1) The values expressed in the given paragraph do not reflect the values underlying our constitution. The constitution promotes equality, freedom, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of gender. The paragraph, on the other hand, promotes gender stereotypes, inequality, and the subordination of women. The constitution upholds principles of gender equality and prohibits discrimination based on sex, which contradicts the views expressed in the paragraph.

2) (a) True. The authority of the rules of the constitution is the same as that of any other law. The constitution is the supreme law of the land and all other laws must be in accordance with it.

(b) True. The constitution does lay down how different organs of the government will be formed. It establishes the structure and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

(c) True. The rights of citizens and limits on the power of the government are indeed laid down in the constitution. It guarantees fundamental rights to citizens and sets limits on the powers of the government to protect those rights.

(d) Not true. A constitution is not just about institutions; it also embodies and reflects the values, principles, and aspirations of a society. It establishes the framework for governance, but it also sets out the fundamental rights, freedoms, and values that the society holds dear. A constitution is a document that encompasses both institutions and values.