Chapter 1 – Indian Constitution

Chapter 1 – Indian Constitution

 

1. What is a Constitution? (What is a Constitution?)

• A constitution is a written set of rules and laws for a country.
• It is a document that  sets out the ideals on the basis of which a country should be governed.
• This is very important for any democratic country.

 

2. Why do we need a Constitution? (Why do we need a Constitution?)

We need a Constitution for several reasons:

• I.  Set of Rules: It provides us with a set of rules that all the people living in the country can follow.
• Nature of Government: It describes the type of government (e.g. democratic, monarchical).
•   Decision-making Power: It prevents the misuse of power and states who will take the decision.
• iv.  Rights of Citizens: It protects the rights of citizens.
• V.  Ideal of Society: It expresses the ideals that we as a society want to uphold.
• vi.  Preventing Tyranny of Majority: It ensures that the majority group does not misuse its power over the minority groups.

 

3. Key Features of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is one of the longest constitutions in the world and has several important features:

1. Federalism:

• • This means that there  is more than one level of government in the  country.
  • India has the Central Government, State Governments and Local Governments (Panchayati Raj).
  • The constitution clearly defines the powers and responsibilities for each level of government.

1. Parliamentary Form of Government:

• • In this form of government, people elect their  representatives.
  • These representatives together form the government.
  • The government is accountable to the people.
  •  Universal Adult Franchise (UBF) means that all citizens aged  18 years or older have the right to vote.

iii.  Separation of Powers:

• • The constitution divides the powers among the three organs of government so that no organ misuses its power.
  •  Legislature: Makes laws (e.g. Parliament).
  •  Executive: Enforces laws (e.g. Prime Minister and Council of Ministers).
  • Judiciary : Interprets laws and dispenses justice (e.g. Supreme Court, High Court).
  • Each organ checks and balances the other organ.

1. Fundamental Rights :

• • These are the basic rights enjoyed by the citizens  .
  • They prevent the government from arbitrary and unbridled use of power.
  • The six fundamental rights are:
    1. Right to Equality: Everyone is equal before the law.
    2. Right to Freedom:  Freedom of speech, expression, association, etc.
    3.  Right Against Exploitation:  Prohibition of human trafficking, bonded labour, and child labour.
    4. Right to Freedom of Religion:  The freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion.
    5. Cultural and Educational Rights: The right of minorities to protect their culture and educational institutions.
    6. Right to Constitutional Remedies: The right to go to court if fundamental rights are violated.

1. Secularism:

• • This means that the state (country) has no official religion .
  • The state gives equal respect to all religions and does not give preference to any religion.
  • Citizens are free to profess or not follow any religion as they wish.

 

4. 4. Making of the Indian Constitution

• The Indian Constitution was drafted  by the Constituent Assembly.
• It was formed in  1946.
• Dr. b. R.  Dr. B. R. Ambedkar  is considered as the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and is often  called the father of the Indian Constitution.
• The Constituent Assembly faced the challenges of India’s diversity and division.
• The constitution took about 2 years, 11 months and 18 days  to complete.
• It was adopted on 26 November 1949  and entered into force on 26 January 1950.
  •  26 January  is celebrated as Republic Day.