10. The Constitution of India:
An Introduction
1. REPUBLIC DAY AND THE CONSTITUTION
Republic Day
India celebrates Republic Day
on 26 January every year.
Importance
- The Constitution of India
came into effect on 26 January 1950.
- This day marks India becoming
a republic.
Important Fact
The original Constitution is
carefully preserved in a helium-filled glass case in Parliament.
2. WHAT IS A CONSTITUTION?
Definition
A Constitution is a document
containing the basic principles and laws of a country.
It acts as the rulebook of
the nation.
Main Features of a Constitution
A constitution lays down:
1. Structure of Government
- Legislature
- Executive
- Judiciary
2. Roles and Responsibilities
It explains what each organ of
government does.
3. Checks and Balances
It prevents misuse of power by
any organ.
4. Rights and Duties of Citizens
It defines:
- Fundamental Rights
- Fundamental Duties
5. Goals and Aspirations of the Nation
It reflects ideals like:
- Equality
- Justice
- Freedom
- Fraternity
3. WHY DO WE NEED A CONSTITUTION?
The chapter explains this
through the example of a kabaddi match.
Importance of Rules
Without rules:
- Conflicts cannot be
solved fairly.
- People may disagree
constantly.
- No proper system will
exist.
Constitution as Rulebook
Just as games need rules,
countries also need rules.
The Constitution:
- Maintains order
- Ensures fairness
- Defines powers
- Protects rights
4. IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Features
- World’s largest written
Constitution.
- Presently has:
- 25 Parts
- 12 Schedules
Originally
When adopted in 1950:
- 22 Parts
- 8 Schedules
Why Numbers Increased?
Because amendments were added
over time.
5. WHAT DOES THE CONSTITUTION CONTAIN?
A. Values
and Ideals
The Constitution promotes:
- Equality
- Justice
- Freedom
- Fraternity
- Pluralism
B. Political System
It explains:
- Type of government
- Election process
- Powers of institutions
C. Rights and Duties
It defines:
- Fundamental Rights
- Fundamental Duties
D. Government Structure
Explains:
- Formation of government
- Functions of organs
E. Guiding Principles
It guides governments in
policy-making.
6. WRITING OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Constituent Assembly
A Constituent Assembly was
formed in 1946 to draft the Constitution.
Membership
- Initially: 389 members
- After Partition: 299
members
- Included 15 women
Representation
Members represented:
- Different regions
- Professions
- Social groups
Chairman of Constituent Assembly
Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Drafting Committee Chairman
B. R. Ambedkar
Important Facts
|
Event |
Date |
|
Constituent Assembly formed |
9 December 1946 |
|
Constitution adopted |
26 November 1949 |
|
Constitution came into
effect |
26 January 1950 |
Why Republic Day is Celebrated?
Because Constitution came into
force on 26 January 1950.
7. INFLUENCES ON THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
The Constitution was influenced
by:
- Indian Freedom Movement
- Indian Civilisational
Heritage
- Constitutions of Other
Countries
8. INFLUENCE OF THE FREEDOM MOVEMENT
Leaders of freedom struggle
carried their ideals into the Constitution.
Important Ideals Included
Equality
Equal treatment for all
citizens.
Justice
Fairness in society.
Freedom
Protection of liberty.
Fraternity
Brotherhood among citizens.
Cultural Heritage
Protection of India’s
traditions and diversity.
Questions Addressed by Constitution
- Who can vote?
- How should powers be
separated?
- How are rights protected?
- How can Constitution be
amended?
- Relationship between
Centre and States?
9. INDIA’S CIVILISATIONAL HERITAGE
The Constitution reflects
Indian cultural values.
Important Indian Ideas Included
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
“The world is one family.”
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Well-being of all people.
Respect for Nature
Protection of environment and
wildlife.
Respect for Diversity
Acceptance of different
beliefs and views.
Rajadharma Influence
Ancient Indian idea that
rulers must govern fairly.
Fundamental Duties
Inspired by Indian traditions
emphasizing duties.
10. LEARNINGS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
The Constitution borrowed
useful ideas from other democracies.
From France
Ideas of:
- Liberty
- Equality
- Fraternity
From Ireland
Directive Principles of State
Policy (DPSP)
From USA
Independent judiciary
From UK
Parliamentary system
11. KEY FEATURES OF THE CONSTITUTION
Three Organs of Government
|
Organ |
Function |
|
Legislature |
Makes laws |
|
Executive |
Implements laws |
|
Judiciary |
Gives justice |
Separation of Powers
All three organs work
independently.
Purpose:
- Prevent misuse of
authority.
Three-Tier Government System
- Central Government
- State Government
- Local Government
(Panchayati Raj)
12. FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Meaning
Basic rights guaranteed to
citizens.
Important Fundamental Rights
Right to Equality
Equality before law.
Article 14: Equality before
law
Right to Freedom
Protection of liberty and
expression.
Article 21:Protection of life
and personal liberty
Right against Exploitation
Protection against forced
labour and abuse.
Right to Education
Children’s right to education.
Article 21A: Right to
education
Importance of Fundamental Rights
- Protect citizens
- Ensure equality
- Prevent injustice
- Safeguard freedom
13. FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES
Meaning
Duties every citizen should
follow.
Important Duties
- Respect Constitution,
Flag, and National Anthem.
- Protect the country.
- Preserve cultural
heritage.
- Protect environment and
wildlife.
- Strive for excellence.
- Provide education to
children (6–14 years).
Importance
Fundamental Duties encourage
responsible citizenship.
14. DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (DPSP)
Meaning
Guidelines for government to
achieve social and economic welfare.
Important DPSPs
Article 38
Social, economic, and
political justice.
Article 41
Welfare state.
Article 44
Uniform Civil Code.
Article 47
Nutrition and public health.
Article 48A
Protection of environment.
Article 49
Protection of monuments.
Difference Between Fundamental Rights and DPSP
|
Fundamental Rights |
DPSP |
|
Enforceable in court |
Not enforceable |
|
Must be protected |
Guidelines for government |
|
Immediate rights |
Long-term goals |
15. THE CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT
Meaning
The Constitution can change
according to needs of society.
Amendments
Changes made to Constitution
are called amendments.
Example
Fundamental Duties added in
1976.
Important Amendment
73rd Constitutional Amendment
Act (1992):
- Added Panchayati Raj
system.
Process of Amendment
- Debated in Parliament
- Sometimes discussed in
State Assemblies
- Public opinion may also
be considered
16. THE CONSTITUTION AS A WORK OF ART
Calligrapher
Prem Behari Narain Raizada
handwrote the Constitution.
Illustrations
Nandalal Bose and his team
illustrated it with scenes from Indian history.
17. PREAMBLE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Meaning
The Preamble is the
introduction to the Constitution.
It contains the guiding values
and ideals of India.
IMPORTANT TERMS IN THE PREAMBLE
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA
Meaning:
- Constitution made by
people through representatives.
SOVEREIGN
Meaning:
- India is independent.
- No external power
controls India.
SOCIALIST
Meaning:
- Wealth should benefit
society.
- Government should reduce
inequality.
SECULAR
Meaning:
- No official religion.
- Equal respect for all
religions.
DEMOCRATIC
Meaning:
- People elect government.
- Government accountable to
citizens.
REPUBLIC
Meaning:
- Head of state is elected.
- No hereditary ruler.
JUSTICE
Meaning:
- Fair treatment for all.
- Reduction of
inequalities.
LIBERTY
Meaning:
- Freedom of thought and
expression.
EQUALITY
Meaning:
- Equal opportunities and
equality before law.
FRATERNITY
Meaning:
- Brotherhood and unity
among citizens.
18. IMPORTANT ARTICLES
|
Article |
Subject |
|
Article 14 |
Equality before law |
|
Article 21 |
Protection of life and liberty |
|
Article 21A |
Right to Education |
|
Article 38 |
Social and economic justice |
|
Article 41 |
Welfare state |
|
Article 44 |
Uniform Civil Code |
|
Article 47 |
Public health |
|
Article 48A |
Environment protection |
|
Article 49 |
Protection of monuments |
19. IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES
|
Personality |
Contribution |
|
B. R. Ambedkar |
Drafting Committee Chairman |
|
Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
Chairman of Constituent Assembly |
|
Prem Behari Narain Raizada |
Handwrote Constitution |
|
Nandalal Bose |
Illustrated Constitution |
**************
Questions and Activities
1.
“The Constituent Assembly had representatives from diverse backgrounds in
India.” Why do you think it was important to have a diverse set of
representatives from all over India?
Answer
It was important to have
diverse representatives because:
- India is a country of different religions,
languages, cultures, and regions.
- Representatives from different backgrounds
could express the needs and problems of all sections of society.
- It helped in making a fair and inclusive
Constitution.
- Diverse representation ensured equality and
justice for all citizens.
- It strengthened national unity and democracy.
- The Constitution became acceptable to people
across the country.
2.
Read the statements carefully and identify which key features / values in the
Constitution are reflected.
(a) Sheena, Rajat, and Harsh
are standing in a line to cast their first vote.
Feature / Value:
✅ Universal Adult Franchise
✅ Democracy
(b) Radha, Imon, and Harpreet
study in the same class in the same school.
Feature / Value:
✅ Equality
✅ Secularism
(c) Parents must make
arrangements to ensure their children’s education.
Feature / Value:
✅ Fundamental Duty
✅ Right to Education
(d) People of all castes,
genders, and religions can use the village well.
Feature / Value:
✅ Right to Equality
✅ Equality before Law
Article\ 14:\ Equality\
before\ law
3.
“All citizens in India are equal before the law.” Do you think this is a fact?
Give reasons.
Answer
Yes, it is a fact because:
- The Constitution guarantees equality to all
citizens.
- Article 14 provides equality before law.
- No person can be discriminated against based
on caste, religion, gender, or status.
- Courts give equal protection to every citizen.
- Every citizen has equal legal rights and
opportunities.
- Even government officials are subject to law.
However:
Sometimes inequality still
exists in society because of:
- Poverty
- Discrimination
- Social injustice
Citizens and government must
work together to remove these problems.
4.
India provided universal adult franchise from the beginning. Why?
Answer
India provided universal adult
franchise because:
- Leaders believed in equality and democracy.
- Every adult citizen was considered capable of
choosing representatives.
- It ensured participation of all sections of
society.
- It ended discrimination based on wealth,
caste, gender, or education.
- It strengthened democracy and people’s rights.
- Freedom struggle leaders wanted political
equality for all Indians.
5. How
did the freedom struggle and India’s civilisational heritage influence the
Constitution?
Answer
Influence of Freedom Struggle
- Freedom movement inspired ideals of liberty,
equality, and justice.
- Leaders wanted democratic government and
fundamental rights.
- It inspired universal adult franchise.
- Separation of powers was included to prevent
misuse of authority.
- The Constitution became a tool for social
justice and welfare.
Influence of India’s
Civilisational Heritage
- Ancient Indian ideas of welfare and dharma
influenced the Constitution.
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam inspired unity and
fraternity.
- Respect for diversity and different beliefs
influenced secularism.
- Importance of duties inspired Fundamental
Duties.
- Respect for nature influenced environmental
protection principles.
6.
Have we achieved all the ideals of the Constitution? What can citizens do?
Answer
No, we have not fully achieved
all constitutional ideals.
Problems still existing:
- Corruption
- Poverty
- Gender discrimination
- Social inequality
- Illiteracy
What Citizens Can Do
- Respect the Constitution and laws.
- Promote equality and harmony.
- Vote responsibly in elections.
- Protect public property and environment.
- Speak against injustice and corruption.
- Help others and work for national unity.
7.
Crossword Activity
Across
2. The branch of government that
makes laws.
✅ Legislature
7. The part of the Constitution that
outlines the duties of citizens towards the country.
✅ Fundamental Duties
8. The highest court in India that
protects the Constitution.
✅ Supreme Court
9. A system where the head of state
is elected, not hereditary.
✅ Republic
10. The process by which the
Constitution can be changed over time.
✅ Amendment
Down
1. The group of people who wrote the
Indian Constitution.
✅ Constituent Assembly
3. The statement at the beginning of
the Constitution that tells us the values it upholds.
✅ Preamble
4. The document that lays out the
rules and laws of a country.
✅ Constitution
5. The gas used to preserve the
original Constitution safely.
✅ Helium
6. Basic rights given to every
citizen, like freedom and equality.
✅ Fundamental Rights
*******