Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Salient Features of Indian Constitution
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Text book Questions
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Indian constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on :
(a) 1st May 1947
(b) 9th December 1946
(c) 26th November 1949
(d) 26th January 1950
Answer:
(c) 26th November 1949
Question 2.
The Indian constitution contains Articles:
(a) 150
(b) 395
(c) 360
(d) 147
Answer:
(b) 395
Question 3.
From which Constitution have the Directive Principles of State policy been taken?
(a) England
(b) France
(c) Ireland
(d) Australia
Answer:
(c) Ireland
Question 4.
Which words were added to the preamble by the 42nd Constitutional amendment?
(a) Republic
(b) Socialist, secular and integrity
(c) Democracy
(d) Fraternity
Answer:
(b) Socialist, secular and integrity
Question 5.
The meaning of the phrase “We the people of India” is :
(a) The members of the Constituent Assembly
(b) The members of the Drafting Committee
(c) Freedom Fighters
(d) The people of India adopting the Constitution
Answer:
(d) The people of India adopting the Constitution
Question 6.
The Preamble mentions which form of justice?
(a) Social Justice
(b) Economic Justice
(c) Political Justice
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
How much time was taken in the making of the Indian constitution?
Answer:
It took 2 years 11 months and 18 days in making the Indian constitution.
Question 2.
How many articles are there in the Indian constitution?
Answer:
Indian constitution has 395 articles.
Question 3.
What is the meaning of the preamble of the Indian constitution?
Answer:
Preamble of Indian constitution is a brief introductory statement that sets out the guiding purpose and principle of the document. The ideals before our nation are mentioned in the preamble in clear words. It may be considered as the heart and soul of the constitution.
Question 4.
How many amendments have been made in the Indian constitution?
Answer:
101 amendments have been made in the Indian constitution so far.
Question 5.
Preamble is the inspiration and the soul of the constitution. Why?
Answer:
Preamble is the inspiration and the soul of the constitution because it is the base of the constitution. There is no meaning of constitution without the preamble.
Question 6.
By whom is the Chief Justice of India appointed?
Answer:
The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India.
Question 7.
In case of an armed rebellion, on the basis of which article, is the state of emergency imposed?
Answer:
On the basis of article 352, an emergency is imposed in any part of India in case of an armed rebellion.
Question 8.
By which constitutional amendment was the word “Socialist” added to the preamble?
Answer:
By 42nd constitutional amendment the word “Socialist” was added to the preamble.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Mention any five features of Indian constitution.
Answer:
Five features of India constitution are :
- Sovereign constitution :
Indian constitution is based on popular sovereignty. The ultimate power has been given to the people of India by the constitution. - Largest constitution of the world :
It has 395 articles, 22 parts, 12 schedules and 5 appendices. This is the largest constitution of the world. - Distinguished Document :
Indian constitution is a distinguished document. South Africa has taken it as an ideal for making of their constitution. - Remarkable fusion of unitary and federal elements :
Constitution makers have made such a constitution in which central government maintains the unity of India and states enjoy autonomy also. Only one constitution, that of the centre is applicable to both the centre and the states. States cannot have their separate constitution. - Advocate of world peace :
Following the principle of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” (whole world is a family), Indian constitution has supported world peace.
Question 2.
What is the meaning of “adult franchise” as given in the constitution?
Answer:
The meaning of “Adult franchise” can be made clear on the following basis:
- The person must be the citizen of India.
- The person must have attained the age of 18 years.
- Men and women are equally given this right to vote.
- No person can be discriminated on the basis of caste, religion, gender, place of birth, etc.
- Earlier this age was 21 years. By 61st constitutional amendment, it has been reduced to 18 years.
Question 3.
What is the meaning of “secular”?
Answer:
Meaning of ‘Secular’ :
According to Shri Venkat Raman, “Secular is neither religious nor irreligious, but it is completely detached from the principles and activities of religion and is neutral in the matters of religion. Everybody has the right to choose his religion and follow it. According to article 25 of the Indian constitution, freedom has been given to every citizen in the practice of religion. The state doesn’t have any official religion. No citizen shall be discriminated on the basis of religion. The state has adopted a neutral stand in the matters of religion. The word “Secular” was added in the constitution by the 42nd amendment.
Question 4.
Write the preamble of our constitution.
Answer:
The preamble of Indian constitution is as follows :
“We the people of India solemnly resolve to constitute India into a sovereign socialist, secular, democratic republic and secure to all its citizens : justice : social, economic, and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation ; in our Constituent Assembly this twenty sixth day of November 1994, do hereby adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this constitution”.
Question 5.
Describe the article of the constitution related to the provisions of the state of emergency.
Answer:
The article related to provisions of emergency :
Emergency provisions are constained in part 18 of the constitution of India, which are as follows:
- Article 352 :
According to this article, the President of India has the power to impose emergency rule in any or all the Indian states if the security of part or all of India is threatened by “war or external aggression or armed rebellion.” - Article 356 :
According to this article, if the President, on receipt of report from the Governor of the state or otherwise is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this constitution, he may declare emergency. - Article 360 :
According this article, the state of emergency can be implemented in the whole country or a part of the country, in case of financial crisis.
Question 6.
What do you understand by sovereign democratic republic?
Answer:
Indian constitution is based on popular sovereignty. It means it is made by the people of India. The ultimate power has been given to the people of India by the constitution. The preamble of our constitution says, “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign democratic republic….” It means that the people of India are the makers of the constitution. The people have solemnly resolved to embrace and enact it. It has not been imposed by a foreign power.
Question 7.
“Indian constitution is the fusion of rigidity and flexibility.” Write a short note on it.
Answer:
The process of amendment is flexible for some parts and rigid for some other parts. The inclusion of rigidity in the Indian constitution has been taken from the constitution of the U.S. and flexibility from that of the U.K. There are three methods of making amendment in the constitution:
- Some parts of the constitution can be amended by a simple majority of both the houses of the Parliament, e.g., the reorganisation of the states establishment of legislative council in the state or abolishing it. It shows flexibility of the constitution.
- For some parts, the amendment in the constitution can be made by absolute majority of the two houses, and two-third majority of the members present in the house.
- For some subjects, the amendment can be made by absolute majority of the two houses and two-third of the members present, besides the support of at least fifty per cent of the state legislatures. The above mentioned methods show the rigidity of the constitution.
Question 8.
Explain briefly the word “socialist” as used in the preamble of the constitution.
Answer:
The word “Socialist” was added by 42nd constitutional amendment.
- This word is mentioned to improve the economic condition of the Indian people.
- Being a socialist state, mixed economy has been adopted with a view to removing economic disparity and raising the standard of life of the backward and weaker sections of the society.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Describe in detail the main features of the Indian constitution.
Answer:
Main features of Indian Constitution :
The Main features of Indian constitution are as follows:
- Sovereign constitution :
Indian constitution is based on popular sovereignty. It means it is made by the people of India. The ultimate power has been given to the people of India by the constitution. The people have solemnly resolved to embrace and enact it. - Largest Constitution of the world :
Indian constitution is the largest constitution of the world. It has 395 articles, 22 parts, 12 schedules, and 5 appendices. It has undergone 101 amendments. And this process of making amendments is still going on unobstructed. - Written and created constitution :
Indian constitution is a written document prepared by the constituent assembly. The assembly prepared it in 2 years 11 months and 18 days. A provision of amendment has been made in it, keeping in view needs and circumstances of the country. - Preamble :
The fundamental objectives and goals of the constitution have been mentioned in the preamble of the constitution. Dr K.M. Munshi has called it the political horoscope of the constitution. - Parliamentary system of government :
The evaluation of the responsibility of the government in parliamentary system is done after a fixed time. Besides this, it is done on daily basis too. In this system, the executive is collectively responsible to the legislature. - Fundamental rights and duties :
The fundamental rights of the citizens have been described in the article 12 to 35 of our constitution. In the beginning there were seven fundamental rights but right to property has been removed from the fundamental rights by the 44th constitutional amendment so now there are six fundamental rights. By the 86th amendment (December 2002) which was passed in the Parliament in 2009 and was implemented on 1 April 2010, primary education has been included in the constitution as a fundamental right. - Directive principles of state policy :
Section 4 of the constitution lays down the directive principle of state policy. These are the ideals which play the role of a guide to the governments. These are essential to a welfare state. - Socialist state :
By the 42nd constitutional amendment 1976, India has been declared a socialist republic. This word has been added to the preamble with a view to give a new direction to the Indian polity. - Adult Franchise :
Every citizen attaining the age of 18 years has been given the right to vote equally as other adult citizens. - Secular state :
According to article 25 of the Indian constitution, freedom has been given to every citizen in the practice of religion. The state has adopted a neutral stand in matters of religion. No citizen shall be discriminated on the basis of religion. The state doesn’t have any official religion. The word “secular” was added in the constitution by the 42nd amendment. - Independent Judiciary :
The judges of the Supreme court and High courts are appointed by the President of India and they can be removed only through impeachment motion passed by the Parliament. If the orders of the executive and the laws enacted by the legislative violate the constitutional provisions, the judiciary has the right to declare them unconstitutional. Judicial independence is ensured by the constitution.
Other features :
- Distinguished document.
- Remarkable fusion of unitary and federal element.
- Combination of rigidity and flexibility.
- Harmony between judicial review and parliamentary supremacy.
- Advocate of world peace.
- Emergency provisions.
- Single citizenship.
- Ideal of establishing welfare state.
- Special provisions for the welfare of minority and backward classes.
Question 2.
“The features of the Indian constitution have been helpful in making India one of the successful democracies of the world.” Explain in detail.
Answer:
The features of the India constitution have been helpful in making India one of the successful democracies of the world. It can be made clear on the basis of the following points:
- Democratic :
The sovereign power of state is used by the elected representatives of the people who are accountable to the people. In other words, it can be called the rule by the public. The ultimate power has been given to the people of India by the constitution. - Parliamentary system of government :
To make the democracy successful, parliamentary system has been adopted in India. In this system, the executive is collectively responsible to the legislature. Along with the centre, the parliamentary system has been followed in the states also where the governor is the head of the state. - Fundamental Rights and Duties:
The constitution has provided fundamental rights to protect the interests of the citizens. At the same time, ten fundamental duties of the citizens have also been laid down to make the democracy successful. - Directive Principles of state policy :
To establish a welfare state, directive principles of state policy have been mentioned in Indian constitution. These are the ideals which play the role of a guide to the governments. These are essential for a welfare state. - Socialist state :
Being a socialist state, mixed economy has been adopted in India. Its purpose is to remove economic disparity and to raise the standard of life of the backward and weaker sections of the society. - Secular state :
According to article 25 of the Indian constitution, freedom has been given to every citizen in the practice of religion. The state has adopted a neutral stand in the matters of religion. The state does not have any official religion. No citizen shall be discriminated on the basis of religion, - Independent Judiciary :
Many provisions have been made in Indian constitution to safeguard democracy and the fundamental rights of the citizens. If the orders of the executive and the laws enacted by the legislature violate the constitutional provisions, the judiciary has the right to declare them unconstitutional. The constitution has ensured judicial freedom. - Advocate of world peace :
Following the principle of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” (the whole world is a family), Indian constitution has supported world peace. India neither wants to interfere into the border or internal matters of other countries nor does it tolerate interference of other countries in its internal matters. Due to this, India has adopted the non alignment policy and Panchsheel policy. - Ideal of establishing welfare state :
Through the provision of Directive Principles of state policy, the ideal of a welfare state has been implemented by our constitution. For this, the central and the sate governments should provide nutritions, food, home, clothing, and amenities of education, health, and hygiene. For a successful democracy, a welfare state is a must. - Special provision for the welfare of Minority and Backward classes :
For the protection of the religious, linguistic, and cultural interests of minority and backward classes, special provisions have been made in the constitution. Besides this, citizens of scheduled caste and scheduled tribes have been provided with special reservations in the civil services, Parliament and state legislatures. For other backward classes, 27% reservation in the jobs of central government has been implemented from September 1993. - Source of moral education :
Democratic system is a source of moral education for its people. In a democratic system, people become more cooperative, tolerant, liberal, sympathetic. - Patriotism :
Through democracy, Indian constitution has developed feelings of patriotism in the people of India. The ultimate power has been given to the people of India by the constitution. It makes people love their country. - Equality and liberty :
In India all citizens are equal before the law. Every citizen has the right to equality and right to freedom, as their fundamental rights. Nobody shall be discriminated on the basis of religion, caste, place of birth, gender, etc. It strengthens democracy.
Thus, on the basis of the above features of Indian constitution, it can be said conclusively that “the features of the Indian constitution have been very helpful in making India one of the successful democracies of the world”.
Question 3.
‘The preamble of the constitution is the gist of Indian constitution.’ Explain.
Answer:
One of the salient features of Indian constitution is its preamble. The fundamental goals of the constitution are explained in it so that the constitution is implemented and followed as per its fundamental spirit. The glorious values of our constitution have been placed in the preamble of the constitution. According to the preamble, the Indian constitution wants to attain the goals of justice, freedom, equality, fraternity, respect of individual, unity and integrity of the nation through socialist and democratic republic based on sovereignty and secularism.
- The phrase “We the people of India”, mentioned in the Preamble includes three things:
- The ultimate power has been given to the people of India by the constitution.
- The makers of the constitution were the representatives of the people of India.
- Indian constitution is an outcome of the will of the people of India.
- In the preamble of the constitution of India, India has been, declared a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic. It means that on 26 January 1950, the dominion status of India ended.
- The preamble of the constitution contains those objectives which the constitution of India wants to establish and promote. According to it, justice, freedom, equality and fraternity are the main objectives of the constitution.
- In the preamble of the constitution, all the citizens of India have been given assurance of justice. In comparison to freedom, equality and fraternity, justice has been accorded a higher importance.
- In the preamble, justice has been defined in three ways : social justice, economic justice, and political justice. Social justice and economic justice have been given higher place (value) than the political justice.
- The meaning of the word ‘liberty’ mentioned in the preamble of Indian constitution is not only lack of control or dominance, rather this is the positive concept of freedom of thought, belief, religion and worship.
- Equality means that all the citizens of India are equal before the law. And they are equally protected by law. All the people of India have equal political right. Without any discrimination, they can take part in all the political activities.
- In the preamble o,f the constitution, resolution has been taken to encourage fraternity which ensures respect of individual, and unity and integrity of the nation.
In conclusion, it can be said that the fundamental ideals of the constitution have been mentioned in the preamble. Hence, the preamble is the gist of the constitution.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Other Important Questions
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which part of the Indian constitution, has been called by as Dr K.M. Munshi, “the political horoscope of the constitution?
(a) Preamble
(b) Fundamental rights
(c) Directive Principles of state policy
(d) Fundamental duties
Answer:
(a) Preamble
Question 2.
How many parts are there in Indian constitution?
(a) 20
(b) 22
(c) 25
(d) 29
Answer:
(b) 22
Question 3.
How many articles are there in the constitution of the U.S.?
(a) 20
(b) 27
(c) 25
(d) 7
Answer:
(d) 7
Question 4.
The salient feature of Indian constitution is :
(a) The largest constitution of the world
(b) Written and created constitution
(c) Distinguished Document
(d) All the above
Answer:
(d) All the above
Question 5.
In which article of the constitution have the fundamental right been mentioned?
(a) 10-15
(b) 12-35
(c) 12-40
(d) 12-36
Answer:
(b) 12-35
Question 6.
The right to property is a :
(a) legal right
(b) fundamental right
(c) directive principle of state policy
(d) fundamental duty
Answer:
(a) legal right
Question 7.
At present the number of fundamental rights is:
(a) 7
(b) 6
(c) 5
(d) 9
Answer:
(b) 6
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
The 101st constitutional amendment is related to which subject?
Answer:
It is related to Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Question 2.
How many fundamental rights have been provided to people by India constitution?
Answer:
6 fundamental rights.
Question 3.
Name any two fundamental rights provided by the constitution of India.
Answer:
- Right to equality.
- Right to freedom.
Question 4.
At present what is the number of fundamental duties?
Answer:
11 fundamental duties.
Question 5.
From which constitution, the directive principles of state policy have been taken?
Answer:
From the constitution of Ireland.
Question 6.
By which constitutional amendment age for adult franchise has been reduced from 21 to 18 years?
Answer:
By 61st constitutional amendment.
Question 7.
For ‘Federal’ what word is used in Indian constitution?
Answer:
In place of ‘Federal’, “Union of States” phrase has been used in Indian constitution.
Question 8.
Who has been given the residual powers?
Answer:
The central government has been given the residual powers.
Question 9.
In which article the procedure of amendment is given in Indian constitution?
Answer:
The process of amendment in Indian constitution has been given in article 368.
Question 10.
From which constitutions have rigidity and flexibility been taken in Indian constitution?
Answer:
In Indian constitution, rigidity has been taken from the constitution of the US and flexibility from that of the UK.
Question 11.
“Indian constitution maintains a very good balance between very rigid and very flexible.” Who said this?
Answer:
Dr. Wheare said this.
Question 12.
Who has been given the highest place in our constitution?
Answer:
In our constitution, Parliament has been given the highest place.
Question 13.
Under the directive principles of state policy, what is the duty of a state according to article 51?
Answer:
According to article 51 of Directive Principles of state policy, it is the duty of the state that it establishes international peace, security, just and respectful relations between the nations.
Question 14.
In which section of the constitution, emergency provisions have been mentioned?
Answer:
In section 18 of the constitution.
Question 15.
What type of state is India?
Answer:
India is a federal state.
Question 16.
What is the provision of citizenship in India?
Answer:
In India, there is provision of single citizenship.
Question 17.
In which article has the provision of reservation for scheduled castes been given?
Answer:
Under article 330 of the constitution, provision of reservation for scheduled castes has been given.
Question 18.
What is the percentage of reservation for other backward classes in central government jobs?
Answer:
In central government jobs, 27% reservation is given to other backward.classes (OBCs).
Question 19.
Which words were added in the preamble of the constitution by 42nd constitutional amendment?
Answer:
Socialist, secular, and integrity words were added.
Question 20.
The executive is collectively responsible to the legislature. What does it express?
Answer:
It expresses the parliamentary system.
Question 21.
Mention any two features of Indian constitution which express the ideal of political justice.
Answer:
- Adult franchise
- Right to constitutional remedies.
Question 22.
Why is the mixed economy adopted in India?
Answer:
Mixed economy is adopted in India to remove economic disparity in society.
Question 23.
What are bases of the ideal of fraternity?
Answer:
The ideal of fraternity is based on :
- The dignity of the individual, and
- The unity of the nation.
Question 24.
Who can declare the orders of the executive unconstitutional?
Answer:
The Supreme Court can declare the orders of the executive unconstitutional.
Question 25.
Who appoints the Governor of a state?
Answer:
The President of India appoints the Governor of a state.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Indian constitution is superior to other constitutions. Explain.
Answer:
Our constitution has its own specialities which make it different from and superior than other constitutions. Our constitution makers have adopted the best qualities of the important constitutions of the world and have avoided their shortcomings. In Indian constitution, parliamentary provisions are inspired by the constitution of Britain, provisions related to Presidential system of the US, directive principles of state policy by the constitution of Ireland, India union is inspired by the constitution of Canada. Thus, all the best qualities have been included in Indian constitution with the view of making it more useful for the people of India. Hence, Indian constitution is superior or better than other constitutions.
Question 2.
Explain the features of a sovereign democratic state.
Answer:
India is sovereign state. It is not subordinated to any foreign power regarding its internal and foreign affairs. At the same time, democratic system is adopted in India. It means the sovereign power of state is used by the elected representatives of the people who are accountable to the people. For this, Indian constitution has provided adult franchise to all its citizens attaining the age of 18 years.
Question 3.
Make parliamentary system of government in India clear.
Answer:
Parliament system of Government in India :
The parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the republic of India. The Parliament is composed of the President of India and the two houses. It is bicameral with two houses: the Rajya Sabha, and the Lok Sabha. The President in his power to summon and prorogue either house of Parliament or to dissolve the Lok Sabha. The President can exercise these powers only upon the advice of the Prime Minister and his union council of Ministers. It means the President is only a constitutional head, while the real powers are enjoyed by the cabinet. The executive is collectively responsible to the legislature. The cabinet has to resign on losing confidence in the Parliament. In this system the Prime Minister leads the cabinet. Along with the centre, the parliamentary system, has been followed in the states also, where the Governor is the head of the state.
Question 4.
Why have the Directive Principles of state Policy been laid down in Indian constitution?
Answer:
In the present time, a state is accepted as a welfare state. Our constitution makers were well acquainted of it that there are serious disparities: economic, social, and administrative, in India. If these disparities continue, there would be no meaning of right. So it was essential to make provision of a welfare state. Fulfillment of basis needs of the citizens must be the objective of every political party in power, With this view only, the constitution makers laid down the directive principles of state policy in the constitution. Inspired by the constitution of Ireland, these are mentioned in section 4 of the constitution.
Question 5.
What elements of the unitary government are mentioned in the Indian constitution?
Answer:
The biggest challenge before the constitution makers was the unity and integrity of our country. Therefore, they made the federal government powerful. In our constitution the following are the elements related to unitary government.
- In India only one constitution, that of the centre, is applicable to both the centre and the states.
- Impartial and independent judiciary.
- Supremacy of the constitution.
- Single citizenship.
- Power to Parliament to reorganise states.
- Right to union government for framing laws on residual subjects
Question 6.
What provisions have been done to achieve the goal of judicial freedom in India?
Or
Write a short note on the independence of judiciary in India.
Answer:
Independent Judiciary : In India, to attain the goal of judicial freedom, the following provisions have been made:
- The judges of the Supreme court and High courts are appointed by the President of India. They can be removed only through impeachment by the Parliament.
- The Judges have protective provisions related to salary.
- If the orders of the Executive and the laws enacted by the legislature violate the constitutional provisions, the judiciary has the right to declare them unconstitutional and void.
- To protect the fundamental rights of the citizen, under article 32, the judiciary can issue writs like Habeas carpus, Quo warranto under judicial review.
Question 7.
How is harmony between judicial review and Parliamentary supremacy maintained?
Answer:
Our constitution makers have taken the middle path between judicial review and parliamentary supremacy in our constitution. Just as :
- The Parliament has been made supreme.
- To control the parliament, the judiciary has been provided with the right to explain the constitutional provisions concurrently.
- The Supreme Court, by the power of judicial review, can declare any law enacted by the Parliament as unconstitutional if it is not as per the spirit of the constitution.
- During some last years due to judicial activism, the judiciary has become more powerful.
Question 8.
“India is a Sovereign socialist secular democratic republic.” Explain it
Answer:
The statement can be proved on the basis of the following points:
- India is a sovereign state. In other words, India is not subordinated to any foreign power regarding its internal and foreign affairs.
- Secular state has been established in India. All religions are equal in India. No citizen is discriminated on the basis of religion. There is no official religion in India. It is neutral in matters related to religion.
- India is a socialist state. Here every citizen of the society has equal right on the means of production and distribution.
- This is democratic system of government in India because the government is a group of representatives elected by the people of India.
- According to the India constitution, India is a republic state. In this system, the head of the state or sovereign person (President of India) is not hereditary, but he/she is an elected representative. It means the President of India is elected by the people of India, indirectly.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Long Answer Type Question
Question 1.
Explain the meaning of the Preamble of Indian constitution and its main elements.
Or
Explain in detail the Preamble of the constitution of India.
Answer:
Preamble :
In the beginning of every constitution, generally there is a Preamble. In this Preamble the fundamental objectives or goals of the constitution are mentioned. Its purpose is to make the ideas and objectives of the constitution clear so that in implementation of the constitution, these values can be kept in mind and put into practice.
Preamble of Indian constitution :
“We the people of India solemnly resolve to constitute India into a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic and secure to all its citizens : justice : Social, economic, and political ; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all; fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation; in our constituent assembly this twenty sixth day of November 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this constitution.” (The words socialist, secular, and integrity, given in this preamble, are added by 42nd constitutional amendment 1976).
Main elements of the Preamble :
The explanation of the main elements of the Preamble is as follows :
I. “We the people” :
These words in the preamble include three things:
- The sovereignty finally vests with the people of India.
- The constitution has been made by the representatives elected by the people of India.
- Indian constitution is an outcome of the will of the people of India.
II. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic :
These words are the basic pillars of the preamble of India constitution. Their meaning is:
- Sovereign :
India is a sovereign state. It means it is not subordinated to any foreign power regarding its internal and foreign affairs. - Socialist :
The word ‘Socialist’ was added by 42nd constitutional amendment. Under it, mixed economy has been adopted with a view to removing economic disparity and raising the standard of life of the backward and weaker sections of the society. - Secular :
This word was added by the 42nd amendment in 1976. It means in the area ‘ of religion, India is neither against any religion nor does it promote any religion. There
is no official religion in India. No citizen is discriminated on the basis of religion. - Democratic :
It means that the sovereign power of state is used by the elected representatives of the people who are accountable to the people. - Republic :
It means that the head of the state or sovereign person in India is not hereditary, but he/she is an elected representative.
III. Social, Economic and Political Justice :
On the basis of these words, the goal of the constitution is explained in the preamble.
- Social justice means all the citizens enjoy equality without discrimination. Citizens are not discriminated on the basis of religion, caste, gender, ethnicity or any other basis.
- To establish economic justice in the society, the states have been asked to implement their policies in such a way that all the citizens have an equal right to secure the means of earning a living.
- Al the citizens have equal opportunities and freedom to take part in political activities.
IV. Freedom, Equality and Fraternity :
- Freedom : Freedom of speech, belief, faith and worship has been provided in the Indian constitution.
- Equality : All the citizens have been provided the equality of opportunities and self respect in the constitution.
- Fraternity : A pledge with a view to ensuring unity and integrity and increasing fraternity has been made in the preamble of the constitution.
V. Self respect of the Individual and Unity of the Nation :
Our constitution makers were aware of the existing unity within the diverse elements of India. They wanted that our citizens should embrace the sense of unity in place of giving importance to regionalism, provincialism, lingualism and communalism. That’s why the ideal of fraternity is perched on two bases:
- Unity of India
- Self respect of the individual.
VI. Integrity :
The word “integrity” has been included in the preamble by the 42nd constitutional amendment. The main aim of it is to ensure the unity and integrity of India.