THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Hey Mumbai University FYBA IDOL students! Today, we dive into the world of Foundation Course focusing on -“THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION”. Get ready to embark on an adventure filled with intriguing facts, important dates, and fundamental principles that shape the very fabric of our society. In our session today, we’ll be exploring a variety of captivating topics that will give you a solid understanding of the Indian Constitution.
From the historic first meeting of the Constituent Assembly to the intricate process of drafting this remarkable document, we’ll cover it all! Ever wondered who chaired the Drafting Committee or how many articles the Constitution had initially? We’ve got you covered! And let’s not forget about the momentous occasion when India officially adopted its Constitution.
But wait, there’s more! We’ll delve into the concept of justice and the different types of justice that every Indian deserves. Plus, we’ll break down the structure of the Constitution, including its parts, articles, and the intriguing content of the Seventh Schedule. And what about Judicial Review? We’ll demystify this crucial aspect of our legal system and explore its significance in ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law.
But hey, let’s not forget about the heart and soul of our Constitution: the Preamble. We’ll unravel its profound words and understand the essence of our nation’s ideals and aspirations. And for all you responsible citizens out there, we’ll delve into the fundamental duties of Indian citizens and discuss why they’re essential for the progress and prosperity of our country.
But wait, there’s more! We’ll also shine a spotlight on the cherished Fundamental Rights enshrined in our Constitution, ensuring that every citizen enjoys certain freedoms and protections. And finally, we’ll journey through the fascinating process of making the Indian Constitution, exploring the contributions of our visionary leaders and the principles that guided their deliberations. So, FYBA IDOL Mumbai University students, get ready to learn about –“THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION” with customized idol notes just for you. Let’s jump into this exploration together
ONE LINERS
1.When was the first meeting of Constituent Assembly held?
The first session of the Constituent Assembly was held on 9th December 1946 under the provisional Chairmanship of Sachidan and Sinha.
2.Who was the chairman of Drafting Committee?
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, a legal luminary and a constitutional expert, was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee on August 29, 1947.
3.How many articles in the beginning the constitution had?
The Constitution of India had 395 articles in the beginning.
4.When did India adopt Constitution?
The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949
5. What kind of justice Indians should get?
The preamble of the Constitution of India lays emphasis that the Indian citizens should get justice in three forms such as Social Justice, Economic Justice, and Political Justice.
6.How many parts articles and the Constitution of India has?
The Constitution of India had 395 articles, 9 schedules, and 12 parts in the beginning. According to the Constitutional Amendment no 92 in the year 2003, the Indian constitution is consisted of 447 Articles, 12 schedules, and 26 parts.
7.What does seventh schedule contain?
The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. The Union List contains 100 subjects, the State List contains 61 subjects, and the Concurrent List contains 52 subjects.
8.What is Judicial Review?
Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches of government and declare them unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution. The Indian Constitution provides for Judicial Review under Article 13, which states that any law that is inconsistent with or in derogation of the Fundamental Rights shall be void. The Supreme Court and High Courts have the power of Judicial Review in India.
9.What is the content of our Preamble?
“WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST*, SECULAR*, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to 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.”
10 . State any five fundamental duties of Indian Citizen.
Here are the five fundamental duties of Indian citizens as per Article 51-A of the Indian Constitution:
1. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so
5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities.
11. Enlist the Fundamental Rights embodied in our Constitution?
The Fundamental Rights embodied in the Indian Constitution: The Constitution of India guarantees the Fundamental Rights to every individual irrespective of birth, caste, creed, sex, religion, race, language, region, age, education, rich, poor, etc. Articles from 12 up to 35 mention the Fundamental Rights.
The Fundamental Rights are as follows:
1. Right to Equality (equality before law for everyone).
2. Right to Liberty (includes freedoms of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession).
3. Right against Exploitation (prohibits trafficking, forced labor, and child labor).
4. Right to Freedom of Religion (includes freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate any religion).
5. Cultural and Educational Rights (protects the rights of minorities to conserve their culture, language, and script, and to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice).
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (ensures that the Fundamental Rights are protected and enforced by the courts).
EXERCISE QUESTIONS :-
QUESTION 1 :- Describe the process of making of Indian constitution
Introduction:
Crafting the Indian Constitution was like building the roadmap for a democratic nation, a task that demanded leadership, wisdom, and a shared commitment. This journey unfolded through key steps, each contributing to the careful creation of this foundational document.
Process of Making the Indian Constitution:
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Origins of the Constituent Assembly:
- The idea of a Constituent Assembly took root in 1934 when M.N. Roy proposed it.
- In 1935, the Indian National Congress embraced this idea, laying the foundation for a special body dedicated to shaping India’s future.
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Formation of the Constituent Assembly:
- In 1946, the Constituent Assembly became a reality, bringing together 389 members elected by provincial assemblies, including representatives from both British India and princely states.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad led the Assembly, supported by eminent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and B.R. Ambedkar.
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Drafting Process:
- Starting on December 9, 1946, the Constituent Assembly devoted three years to crafting the Constitution.
- Under the guidance of the drafting committee, led by B.R. Ambedkar, extensive consultations, discussions, and interactions with experts and stakeholders shaped the document.
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Adoption and Implementation:
- The collaborative effort culminated in the adoption of the Constitution on November 26, 1949.
- On January 26, 1950, the Constitution officially came into effect, marking the birth of the Republic of India.
Conclusion:
The journey of making the Indian Constitution was a remarkable one, highlighting the dedication of India’s leaders to form a democratic and inclusive nation. The Constituent Assembly, through its tireless efforts, crafted a document reflecting the diverse perspectives of the Indian people, laying the foundation for a robust democracy. The Indian Constitution, with its visionary principles, continues to guide and govern the nation, embodying the spirit of unity in diversity.
QUESTION 2 :-Elaborate the fundamental duties of Indian Citizen?
Introduction:
Beyond the rights bestowed upon citizens, the Indian Constitution also outlines certain duties, known as Fundamental Duties, added in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment Act. These duties act as guidelines for responsible citizenship and contribute to the overall well-being of the nation. In this exploration, let’s break down these Fundamental Duties in a simple and organized manner.
Fundamental Duties of Indian Citizens (Article 51A):
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Respect the Constitution and National Symbols: Citizens are urged to honor and abide by the Constitution, akin to a rulebook, and show reverence to national symbols such as the flag and anthem, representing the essence of our nation.
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Follow Freedom Struggle Ideals: Living by the noble ideals that fueled our fight for independence, including justice, equality, and freedom, is a duty for responsible citizens.
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Protect India’s Unity and Sovereignty: Safeguarding India’s sovereignty, ensuring independence, and working towards national unity is a collective responsibility.
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Defend the Nation: Being prepared to serve the nation’s defense when called upon is an essential duty, encompassing national service if the need arises.
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Promote Harmony and Brotherhood: In a diverse country like India, citizens are obligated to promote harmony and unity, setting aside differences related to religion, language, and regions.
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Preserve Our Cultural Heritage: Respecting and protecting India’s rich cultural heritage, a blend of traditions and art from various regions, is a duty for every citizen.
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Care for the Environment: Responsible environmental stewardship involves caring for the country’s natural resources, including forests, lakes, rivers, and the creatures that inhabit them.
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Develop a Scientific Temper: Citizens are encouraged to foster curiosity, openness to learning, and a spirit of inquiry, embracing science and humanism to contribute to progress.
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Protect Public Property: Public property, including government buildings and parks, belongs to everyone, necessitating responsible care and refraining from destructive activities.
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Strive for Excellence: In all endeavors, citizens should aim for excellence, whether in studies, work, or any other activity, fostering personal growth and contributing to national progress.
Conclusion:
The Fundamental Duties outlined in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution serve as a set of guidelines for responsible and contributing citizenship. By adhering to these duties, citizens contribute to maintaining India’s unity, diversity, and harmony. It is crucial to recognize that rights and duties go hand in hand – when citizens uphold their duties, they simultaneously protect and promote their rights. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to follow these principles and actively contribute to the well-being and progress of our country.
QUESTION 3 :- Review the basic features of our constitution
Introduction:
The Indian Constitution is like a giant rulebook that shapes the way our country functions. It’s a bit like solving a puzzle, with each piece contributing to the bigger picture. Let’s take a simple journey to explore the fundamental features of this constitution.
Basic Features of the Indian Constitution:
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Lengthy and Detailed: Our constitution is like a long and detailed book with 22 parts, 395 articles, and 12 schedules. It’s one of the most intricate constitutions globally, covering a wide range of aspects.
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Federal System with Unitary Bias: India follows a federal system, dividing power between the central (national) government and state governments. However, the central government holds a bit more authority, creating a slight tilt towards a more dominant central power.
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Parliamentary Form of Government: Elected representatives run our government. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of the government. Our Parliament consists of two vital houses – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
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Fundamental Rights: The constitution guarantees fundamental rights to every citizen, ensuring freedoms like the right to speak, equality, and the right to live freely. These rights form the cornerstone of individual liberties.
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Directive Principles of State Policy: These are like goals for the government, providing guidance on creating a fair and just society, especially in social and economic aspects. They outline the government’s responsibility towards the welfare of the people.
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Independent Judiciary: The constitution establishes an independent legal system, with the Supreme Court as the highest authority. It holds the power to review and reject any law that goes against the constitution, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
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Secularism: India embraces secularism, meaning the government doesn’t favor any particular religion. It treats all religions equally, fostering an environment of religious harmony and equality.
Conclusion:
In essence, the Indian Constitution serves as the blueprint for our nation. These basic features ensure that India is a fair, democratic, and secular country, safeguarding the rights and well-being of all citizens. It acts as the foundation that keeps our diverse and vast nation united and just. Understanding these features helps us appreciate the principles that guide our country’s governance.
Important Note for Students :– Hey everyone! All the questions in this chapter are super important!