The Constitution of India — An Introduction
Chapter 10 — Governance and Democracy · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 7, Part 1
What is a Constitution?
The Constitution of India is the supreme document of our country — the document that many important officials pledge to uphold. The President takes an oath to preserve, protect, and defend it. The Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Judges promise to follow its provisions.
A simple definition: A constitution is a document that spells out a nation’s basic principles and laws. It lays out:
- The framework of the three organs of government (Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary) and their roles and responsibilities
- Checks and balances amongst the three organs to ensure fairness, responsibility, and accountability
- The rights and duties of citizens
- An outline of the long-term goals and aspirations of the nation
The Constitution of India has 25 Parts and 12 Schedules. It is the world’s largest written constitution. When it came into effect in 1950, it had 22 Parts and 8 Schedules. The increase is due to Constitutional Amendments over time.
Many constitutions, including the Indian Constitution, also state the values and ideals the country is committed to — such as equality and justice for all, fraternity, pluralism, and freedom. These values and ideals form the basis for the laws and principles in the constitution.
| Element | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Values & Ideals | Equality, justice, fraternity, freedom, pluralism — the moral foundation of the nation |
| Political System | Type of government, how it is formed and run |
| Rights & Duties of Citizens | Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties |
| Structure of Government | Legislature, Executive, Judiciary — formation, powers, accountability |
| Functions of Government Parts | How laws are made, who elects whom, how disputes are decided |
| Guiding Principles | DPSP — long-term social and economic goals for governance |
Why Do We Need a Constitution?
The NCERT textbook uses a Kabaddi match analogy to explain why a constitution is needed. Without a rulebook, disputes cannot be settled fairly. Similarly, without a constitution, a country would have no agreed-upon rules for governance, and power could be misused arbitrarily.
In a state-level Kabaddi tournament final, a dispute broke out about whether a player was out. The referee used the official rulebook to settle it — both captains agreed to abide by those rules. Our Constitution is something like a rulebook for the country. Just as players need to agree to follow the rulebook, citizens and government officials must agree to follow the Constitution.
Key reasons we need a constitution:
- To establish the basic rules of governance that everyone must follow
- To protect rights of all citizens against arbitrary government action
- To ensure peaceful transfer of power and resolve disputes
- To reflect the shared values and aspirations of the people
- To provide checks and balances so no single organ of government becomes all-powerful
Writing the Constitution of India — The Constituent Assembly
While India was struggling for independence from British rule, leaders began planning for self-governance. Key questions needed answering: What type of government? What rules? Who can vote? How to settle disputes?
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Formed on | 9 December 1946 |
| Initial Members | 389 members (reduced to 299 after Partition of India) |
| Women Members | 15 women |
| How Elected | Members elected by legislative assemblies of the provinces (who were themselves elected by the people) |
| Chairman | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| Drafting Committee Chairman | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
| Drafting Completed & Adopted | 26 November 1949 |
| Came into Effect | 26 January 1950 — celebrated as Republic Day |
| Time Taken | Almost 3 years |
| Representation | India’s diverse regions, professions, and social groups |
- 9 Dec 1946: Constituent Assembly formed
- 26 Nov 1949: Constitution adopted (celebrated as Constitution Day / Samvidhan Divas)
- 26 Jan 1950: Constitution came into effect — Republic Day
The original Constitution is preserved in a helium-filled glass case in Parliament. Helium is used because it is an inert gas that does not react with paper or ink, helping preserve the document over time.
The Constitution was handwritten by calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada. The pages were illustrated by Nandalal Bose and his team with scenes from Indian history — from Mohenjo-daro to the freedom movement, including scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Nataraja, Nalanda, Mahabalipuram, Mughal architecture (Akbar), and Orissan sculptures.
What Shaped and Influenced the Indian Constitution?
The Indian Constitution drew from three major sources:
Many leaders of India’s freedom movement were members of the Constituent Assembly and carried their experience and ideas to the Constitution. The values and ideals of the freedom struggle that were enshrined include:
- Equality of all citizens
- Justice for all — social, economic, political
- Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship
- Fraternity — treating all citizens as members of one family
- Preservation of India’s cultural heritage
- Using the Constitution as a tool for achieving these ideals
The freedom struggle also answered practical questions: universal adult franchise, separation of powers, fundamental rights, amendment procedures, and Centre-State relations.
Several fundamental principles embedded in India’s ancient culture found their way into the Constitution:
- Acceptance of diverse viewpoints — pluralism
- Nature as sacred — reflected in environmental protection provisions
- Pursuit of learning and knowledge
- Respect for women
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The world is one family”)
- Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (an invocation for the well-being of all creatures)
- Ancient governance traditions: janapadas, sanghas, Kauṭilya’s saptānga, rājadharma
- Fundamental Duties — inspired by the civilisational emphasis on people’s duties in governance
The Constitution makers followed the Indian tradition of “ā no bhadrāh kratavo yantu viśhwatah” — meaning “Let noble thoughts come to me from every side” — and studied constitutions of other democracies to adapt best practices.
| Feature Borrowed | Source Country / Document |
|---|---|
| Liberty, Equality, Fraternity | France (enshrined via the French Revolution of 1789) |
| Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) | Ireland |
| Concept of an Independent Judiciary | United States of America |
| Parliamentary Form of Government | United Kingdom |
Key Features of the Constitution of India
| Organ | Function | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Legislature | Makes laws | Parliament at Centre; Legislative Assemblies at State level |
| Executive | Implements laws | Headed by the Prime Minister at Centre |
| Judiciary | Interprets laws; ensures Constitutional compliance | Decides if laws are Constitutional; settles disputes; prescribes punishment |
India has a three-tier system of government — Central, State, and Local (Panchayati Raj System). Some functions are reserved for the Centre; others are assigned to States.
| Feature | Nature | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Rights | Enforceable in court — promises that must be kept | Right to Equality (Art. 14); Right to Freedom / Life & Personal Liberty (Art. 21); Right Against Exploitation; Right to Education (Art. 21-A) |
| Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) | Not enforceable in court — guidelines / goals for governance; aspirational | Art. 41 (Welfare Government); Art. 44 (Uniform Civil Code); Art. 38 (Social, Political & Economic Justice); Art. 48-A (Environment & Wildlife); Art. 49 (Monuments Protection); Art. 47 (Nutrition, Standard of Living, Public Health) |
| Fundamental Duties | Added in 1976 via 42nd Constitutional Amendment (Part IV-A) | Abide by the Constitution & respect national symbols; Defend the country; Preserve cultural heritage; Protect natural environment; Strive for excellence; Provide education opportunities for children aged 6-14 |
DPSP vs Fundamental Rights: Directive Principles are goals the government should try to achieve — if not followed, you CANNOT go to court. Fundamental Rights are legally enforceable — if violated, you CAN approach the court for remedy. The framers intentionally created this two-tier system: immediate enforceable rights + longer-term aspirational goals.
The Constitution laid down the electoral system ensuring that every eligible adult citizen can vote. India is notable for having provided Universal Adult Franchise from the very beginning — unlike many other countries that introduced it gradually. This means every citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic status.
The Constitution as a Living Document
The Constitution makers anticipated that new laws and rules would be needed over time. Therefore, they provided for a mechanism of Constitutional Amendments.
| Amendment Process | Detail |
|---|---|
| Process | Rigorously debated in Parliament; some require debate in Legislative Assemblies too; public opinion often sought; can be initiated by popular movements |
| 42nd Amendment (1976) | Added ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ to the Preamble; also added Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A) |
| 73rd Amendment (1992) | Integrated the Panchayati Raj System into the Constitution |
| Flag Flying Right (2004) | Supreme Court ruled that flying the national flag at home is part of the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Expression — a citizen challenged the previous restriction |
The government also creates opportunities for people to provide feedback on proposed laws or changes in rules (e.g., public consultations on draft amendments).
Understanding the Preamble
The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Constitution. It is the essence of the Constitution’s core values — the guiding principles for policies and decision-making that the government is expected to follow, and which citizens should practise.
Key Terms of the Preamble — Explained
The Constitution has been drawn up and enacted by the people through their representatives — not handed down by a king or any outside power.
The people have supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters. No external power can dictate the government of India.
Wealth is generated socially and should be shared by society. Government should regulate the ownership of land and industry to reduce socio-economic inequalities. (Added by 42nd Amendment, 1976)
Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion. There is no official religion. Government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect. (Added by 42nd Amendment, 1976)
A form of government where people enjoy equal political rights, elect their rulers and hold them accountable. Government is run according to basic rules.
The head of state is an elected person — not a hereditary position.
Citizens cannot be discriminated on grounds of caste, religion, and gender. Social inequalities must be reduced. Government should work for welfare of all, especially less advantaged groups.
There are no unreasonable restrictions on citizens in what they think, how they express their thoughts, and how they follow up their thoughts in action.
All are equal before the law. Social inequalities must be ended. Government should ensure equal opportunity for all.
All of us should behave as if we are members of the same family. No one should treat a fellow citizen as inferior. It assures the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation.
The terms ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added to the Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. Similarly, Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A) were also added by this same amendment.
“The women of India are happy to step into their rightful heritage of complete equality with men in all spheres of life and activity… this is no new concept which has been postulated for the purposes of this Constitution, but is an ideal that has long been cherished by India…”
— Begum Aizaz Rasul, 22 November 1949, Constituent Assembly debates
Key Facts & Quick Revision
Must-Remember Facts for UPSC & State PCS
- Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 — Republic Day
- Adopted on 26 November 1949 — now celebrated as Constitution Day / Samvidhan Divas
- Constituent Assembly formed on 9 December 1946
- World’s largest written constitution: 25 Parts, 12 Schedules
- Original: 22 Parts, 8 Schedules (when it came into effect)
- Chairman, Constituent Assembly: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- Chairman, Drafting Committee: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — also India’s first Law & Justice Minister
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Eminent social reformer + First Law & Justice Minister of independent India
- Constitution preserved in a helium-filled glass case in Parliament
- Handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada; illustrated by Nandalal Bose and team
- 42nd Amendment (1976): Added Socialist, Secular to Preamble + Fundamental Duties
- 73rd Amendment (1992): Panchayati Raj System constitutionally integrated
- DPSP inspired by Ireland; Liberty-Equality-Fraternity from France; Independent Judiciary from USA
- Universal Adult Franchise: India granted it from the very beginning (rare globally)
- Constituent Assembly had 15 women members out of 299
- Preamble begins: “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA…”
- Fundamental Duties added in Part IV-A via 42nd Amendment
- Right to Education: Article 21-A
- Right to Life and Personal Liberty: Article 21
- Equality before Law: Article 14
Practice MCQs
Chapter 10 — The Constitution of India: An Introduction
