Social Science - Class 8
Chapter 16 : Our Constitution
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A. Tick the correct option.
1. In a parliamentary form of government —
(a)
(b) the executive is answerable to the Parliament ✅
(c)
(d)
2. The Constituent Assembly of India consisted of —
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) indirectly elected members ✅
3. Most of the provisions of Indian Constitution can be amended by —
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) special majority ✅
4. Freedom of religion makes India a —
(a)
(b) Secular state ✅
(c)
(d)
5. Which one of the following statements goes against the spirit of federalism in India?
(a)
(b)
(c) The government at the Centre is very strong ✅
(d)
B. Fill in the blanks.
1. Family is the basic unit of society.
2. India is a vast country with various physical, cultural and social diversities.
3. The Constitution provides a set of rules, principles and laws acceptable to almost all.
4. England is not a republic because its Head of the State is queen/king.
5. India has a single integrated judicial system.
C. Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements.
1. Mohan is a Gujarati but lives in Himachal Pradesh and has a dual citizenship – False
2. The President of India has the power to remove any judge of the Supreme Court – False
3. There were 15 female members in the Constituent Assembly of India – True
4. A Constitution is called rigid or flexible on the basis of the procedure for its amendments – True
5. India is a sovereign and socialist state but not secular – False
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Why are the Tropical Rain Forests known as evergreen forests?
Answer: Tropical Rainforests are called evergreen because their trees never shed all leaves at once, so they always look green.
Answer: These forests shed their leaves in summer to save water. Examples: Sal and Teak.
3. Write any three characteristic features of the trees found in the Mediterranean Forests.
Answer: Features of Mediterranean Forest trees:
a) Trees grow far apart.
b) They have long roots and thick bark.
c) Leaves are spiny, waxy, and tough.Answer:
National Park
a) Strictly protected area.
b) No cutting or collecting of forest items.
c) Public can visit but can’t use forest resources.Example: Grand Canyon (USA)
Wildlife Sanctuary
a) Protected area with limited human activity.
b) No hunting or tree cutting.
c) People may collect small amounts of herbs/firewood for research.
Example: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)5. Suggest any three important measures for the protection of forests.
Answer: Steps to protect forests:
a) Plant more trees (Afforestation).
b) Stop cutting trees in large numbers.c) Protect forests from pests and insects.
E. Answer the following questions.
1. What is meant by natural vegetation? How do temperature and rainfall affect its distribution?
Answer: Natural vegetation means the plants that grow naturally without human help.
a) Temperature and rainfall decide the type of plants in a region.
b) Heavy rainfall = dense forests (e.g., rainforests).
c) Less rain = fewer trees (e.g., grasslands).
d) Hot desert = small shrubs and thorny plants.
e) Cold places = mosses and lichens grow in patches.
2. Five differences between Tropical Deciduous Forests and Coniferous Forests:
Answer:
Tropical Deciduous Forests
a) Trees shed leaves in dry season.
b) Trees have hard wood.
c) Rainfall: 100–200 cm in summer.
d) Also called Monsoon Forests.
e) Trees: Sal, Teak, Neem, Shisham.
Coniferous Forests
a) Trees don’t shed leaves.
b) Wood is soft.
c) Snowfall in winter is main moisture.
d) Also called Taiga.
e) Trees: Pine, Spruce, Larch.
3. ‘Forests are essential for maintaining an ecological balance.’ Justify.
Answer: Forests are very important because:
a) They are homes for wild animals.
b) People get food, wood, and medicines.
c) Forests stop soil from getting washed away.
d) Dead leaves make the soil fertile (humus).
e) Trees give us oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.
4. What is the importance of wildlife?
Answer: Wildlife is important because:
a) It keeps nature balanced.
b) Animals make nature beautiful and support tourism.
c) Animal behavior helps warn during natural disasters.
d) Dead animals help make soil fertile (humus).
e) Wildlife helps in food chains and natural cycles.
5. How are human beings responsible for the loss of forests and animals?
Answer: Humans are harming nature by:
a) Cutting forests for farming.
b) Mining and construction work.
c) Using trees for wood and paper.
d) Killing animals for skin or trade.
e) Destroying animal homes by overusing nature.