NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

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The phrase "Constitution as a Living Ideal" or "Living Document" implies that:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThere is an intrinsic flexibility allowing for new interpretations and expanding the list of rights.
BThe Constitution can be rewritten entirely every few years.
CThe Constitution is applicable only to living citizens.
DThe Constitution can only be amended by the Judiciary.

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

There is an intrinsic flexibility allowing for new interpretations and expanding the list of rights.

Explanation

The concept of the Constitution as a "Living Document" or "Living Ideal" refers to its dynamic nature. Unlike a static rulebook, a living constitution evolves over time to adapt to changing social, economic, and political realities. This vitality is maintained through a balance of durability (core values) and adaptability (amendments and interpretations).

Option Analysis

The Constitution can be rewritten entirely every few years. is Incorrect. The concept does not imply that the Constitution is temporary or needs to be rewritten entirely. Rewriting a constitution frequently indicates instability, whereas a living document evolves without discarding its original framework.
There is an intrinsic flexibility allowing for new interpretations and expanding the list of rights. is Correct. The Constitution is termed "living" because it possesses intrinsic flexibility. It allows for new interpretations by the Judiciary (e.g., expanding the scope of Article 21 to include the Right to Privacy) and amendments by the Parliament to address contemporary needs. This ensures the document remains relevant to succeeding generations.
The Constitution can only be amended by the Judiciary. is Incorrect. The power to amend the Constitution is vested in the Parliament under Article 368, not the Judiciary. While the Judiciary interprets the text to keep it "alive," it does not have the legislative power to amend the text formally.
The Constitution is applicable only to living citizens. is Incorrect. This is a literal and erroneous interpretation. The phrase refers to the document's ability to grow and function organically within the state, not to the biological status of the citizens it governs.

Key Takeaway: The Indian Constitution is a "Living Document" because it is not static; it evolves through judicial interpretation and constitutional amendments to meet the changing aspirations of society while preserving its basic structure.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of markets and economic interactions: 1. Laws are enacted solely to protect the profit margins of producers without regard for consumers. 2. State intervention is often required in markets to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable groups. 3. The chain of markets linking producers to buyers involves buying and selling at every step. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the concept of 'Minimum Wages' in India, consider the following 1. The primary objective of the minimum wage law is to ensure that workers are not underpaid by their employers. 2. Once set, the minimum wages remain fixed for a period of ten years to ensure stability. 3. This law is intended to protect the interests of various types of workers, including farm labourers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the context of the Indian textile industry, 'Power Looms' are best described as:

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With reference to the role of Workers' Unions, consider the following statements: 1. They allow workers to use combined power to demand better working conditions. 2. They are strictly prohibited by law in the informal sector such as domestic work. 3. They facilitate bargaining for fair wages. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the framework of governmental functions, which term refers to ensuring that laws enacted by the legislature are implemented and complied with?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is

There is an intrinsic flexibility allowing for new interpretations and expanding the list of rights.

Explanation

Option Analysis

The Constitution can be rewritten entirely every few years. is Incorrect. The concept does not imply that the Constitution is temporary or needs to be rewritten entirely. Rewriting a constitution frequently indicates instability, whereas a living document evolves without discarding its original framework.
There is an intrinsic flexibility allowing for new interpretations and expanding the list of rights. is Correct. The Constitution is termed "living" because it possesses intrinsic flexibility. It allows for new interpretations by the Judiciary (e.g., expanding the scope of Article 21 to include the Right to Privacy) and amendments by the Parliament to address contemporary needs. This ensures the document remains relevant to succeeding generations.
The Constitution can only be amended by the Judiciary. is Incorrect. The power to amend the Constitution is vested in the Parliament under Article 368, not the Judiciary. While the Judiciary interprets the text to keep it "alive," it does not have the legislative power to amend the text formally.
The Constitution is applicable only to living citizens. is Incorrect. This is a literal and erroneous interpretation. The phrase refers to the document's ability to grow and function organically within the state, not to the biological status of the citizens it governs.