SOCIAL SCIENCE-VII (PART-1) CHAPTER 10 THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA — AN INTRODUCTION

 

SOCIAL SCIENCE-VII (PART-1)

CHAPTER 10

THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA — AN INTRODUCTION

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1.                   Introduction: Significance of 26 January

Ø The Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated every year as Republic Day. On this day marching bands, vibrant displays, and the unfurling of the tricolour at Kartavya Path.

Ø The original copy of the Constitution is preserved in a helium-filled glass case in Parliament to protect it from damage.

Ø Helium gas does not react with paper or ink, which helps preserve the document for a long time.

Ø Dr. Rajendra Prasad emphasized that the success of the Constitution depends on citizens respecting democratic values and moral responsibility.

 

 

 

 

2   .  What is a Constitution?

v Meaning of Constitution

  Ø A Constitution is a document that lays down the basic principles and laws of a nation.

  Ø It provides a framework for governance and defines how the country should function.

  Ø It acts like a rulebook for the country.

v What does a Constitution contain?

• Ø It describes the structure of government, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
• Ø It defines the roles and responsibilities of each organ of government.
• Ø It ensures checks and balances among the organs to prevent misuse of power.
• Ø It lists the rights and duties of citizens.
• Ø It outlines the long-term goals and ideals of the nation.

v Why do we need a Constitution?

• Ø A Constitution prevents conflicts by providing clear rules.
• Ø It ensures fairness, accountability, and justice.
• Ø It protects the rights of citizens.
• Ø It guides the formation and functioning of the government.
• Ø It helps maintain unity in a diverse country like India.

3.  Writing the Constitution of India

v Formation of the Constituent Assembly.

• Ø The Constituent Assembly was formed on 9 Dec1946 to draft the Constitution.
• Ø It initially had 389 members, which later became 299 after Partition. First
• Ø Fifteen members of the Assembly were women.
• Ø Members represented different regions, professions, and communities of India.

v Important Personalities.

1. Ø Dr. Sachidananda Sinha,President of the Constituent Assembly at the start of the process of the writing of the ConstitutionDr.
2. Ø Rajendra Prasad was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
3. Ø Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and played a major role in preparing the Constitution.

v Time Taken and Adoption.

• Ø The Constitution was drafted over a period of almost three years.
• Ø It was adopted on 26 November 1949.
• Ø It came into effect on 26 January 1950.

3. Influences on the Indian Constitution

v Influence of the Indian Freedom Movement.

• Ø The ideals of equality, justice, freedom, and fraternity came from the freedom struggle.
• Ø Leaders of the freedom movement were members of the Constituent Assembly.
• Ø Universal adult franchise was adopted to ensure voting rights for all adults.
• Ø Fundamental Rights were included to protect citizens from injustice.

v Influence of India’s Civilisational Heritage.

Ø The idea of unity in diversity is deeply rooted in Indian culture.

Ø Concepts like vasudhaiva kutumbakam and sarve bhavantu sukhinah inspired constitutional values.

Ø Respect for women, nature, and knowledge influenced the Constitution.

Ø The concept of Fundamental Duties reflects ancient Indian emphasis on responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

 

v Learnings from Other Countries.

• Ø The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity were inspired by France.
• Ø The Directive Principles of State Policy were inspired by the Irish Constitution.
• Ø The concept of an independent judiciary was influenced by the American Constitution.
• Ø The parliamentary system was influenced by the British system.

4. Key Features of the Constitution of India

A. Three Organs of Government.

1. Ø The Legislature makes laws.
2. Ø The Executive implements laws.
3. Ø The Judiciary interprets laws and ensures they follow the Constitution.
4. Ø Separation of powers ensures balance and accountability.

B. Three-Tier Government System.

• Ø India has Central, State, and Local governments.
• Ø Powers are divided between the Centre and States.
• Ø Panchayati Raj is part of local governance.

C. Fundamental Rights.

• Ø These are basic rights guaranteed to every citizen.
• Ø They include Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, and Right to Education.
• Ø Citizens can approach courts if these rights are violated.

D. Fundamental Duties.

• Ø Citizens must respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.
• Ø Citizens must protect the environment and preserve cultural heritage.
• Ø Parents must provide education to children between 6 and 14 years.

E. Directive Principles of State Policy.

• Ø These are guidelines for the government to achieve social and economic justice.
• Ø They include welfare measures, equal pay, environmental protection, and public health improvement.
• Ø They are not legally enforceable in courts.

5. The Constitution as a Living Document

• Ø The Constitution can be amended to meet changing needs.
• Ø Amendments are debated in Parliament before approval.
• Ø The 42nd Amendment in 1976 added Fundamental Duties and the words "Socialist" and "Secular" in the Preamble.
• Ø The 73rd Amendment in 1992 included Panchayati Raj in the Constitution.
• Ø The Supreme Court plays an important role in interpreting constitutional provisions.

6. The Preamble of the Constitution

 

v Meaning of the Preamble.

• Ø The Preamble expresses the philosophy and guiding values of the Constitution.
• Ø It begins with the words “We, the People of India,” which show that power lies with the people.

v Key Terms in the Preamble.

• Ø Sovereign means India is independent in internal and external matters.
• Ø Socialist means wealth should be distributed fairly to reduce inequality.
• Ø Secular means all religions are treated equally by the State.
• Ø Democratic means people elect their representatives.
• Ø Republic means the head of the State is elected, not hereditary.
• Ø Justice means social, economic, and political fairness.
• Ø Liberty means freedom of thought, expression, belief, and worship.
• Ø Equality means equal status and opportunity before the law.
• Ø Fraternity means brotherhood and unity among citizens.

7. Important Facts

• Ø The Indian Constitution is the longest written Constitution in the world.
• Ø Originally, it had 22 Parts and 8 Schedules.
• Ø It now has 25 Parts and 12 Schedules.
• Ø The Constitution is also a work of art, handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and illustrated by Nandalal Bose.

v Summary of the Lesson

• Ø The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country.
• Ø It provides a framework for governance and protects citizens’ rights.
• Ø It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly between 1946 and 1949.
• Ø The freedom struggle and Indian cultural heritage deeply influenced it.
• Ø It establishes three organs of government with separation of powers.
• Ø It guarantees Fundamental Rights and lists Fundamental Duties.
• Ø Directive Principles guide the government in achieving social and economic justice.
• Ø The Preamble reflects the core values of the nation.
• Ø The Constitution is a living document that can be amended as needed.
• Ø The success of the Constitution depends on citizens respecting and following its values.