🔎 The Big Questions
What is a constitution?
Why do nations need one?
Who wrote India’s Constitution?
What influenced it?
Key features & structure
Why is it still relevant?
🇮🇳 Why 26 January Matters
Every Republic Day, India celebrates the coming into effect of the Constitution on 26 January 1950. The original handwritten book is preserved in a helium-filled glass case in Parliament to protect its paper and ink for future generations.
Remember: The President, Prime Minister, Ministers and Judges take an oath to uphold the Constitution.
📘 What Is a Constitution?
A Constitution is a nation’s supreme rulebook. It:
- Defines the three organs: Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements), Judiciary (interprets & protects rights).
- Builds checks & balances so no organ becomes all-powerful.
- Lists citizens’ rights & duties.
- Sets long-term goals & national values.
World’s largest written Constitution: India’s Constitution today has 25 Parts and 12 Schedules (it began with 22 Parts & 8 Schedules in 1950). Changes over time reflect evolving needs.
| Constitution contains… | Examples in India |
|---|---|
| Values & ideals | Preamble: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity; “We, the People…” |
| Political system | Parliamentary democracy; federal structure (Union, States, Local) |
| Government structure | President, Parliament, PM & Council, Judiciary; Elections |
| Rights & duties | Fundamental Rights; Fundamental Duties |
| Guiding principles | Directive Principles of State Policy |
🎯 Why Do We Need a Constitution?
Like the official rulebook in a kabaddi final, a Constitution ensures clear rules, fair play, and peaceful dispute resolution. It secures agreement on how we make laws, elect leaders, protect rights, and settle disagreements.
Think: Without a shared rulebook, teams (or groups) may never agree on outcomes. A nation’s Constitution creates that common ground.
🛠️ How India Wrote Her Constitution
📅 Timeline
- 9 Dec 1946: Constituent Assembly (CA) meets (initially 389 members; later 299 after Partition; ~15 women).
- Drafting Committee: chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
- 26 Nov 1949: CA completes work; Constitution adopted.
- 26 Jan 1950: Constitution comes into effect (Republic Day).
👥 Key People
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad — Chairman, Constituent Assembly; later India’s first President.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar — Chair, Drafting Committee; first Law & Justice Minister.
- Dr. Sachidananda Sinha — First CA President (pro tem) at the start.
“I wish your labours success… marked by wisdom, toleration, justice, and fairness to all.” — Dr. Sachidananda Sinha
🌏 What Shaped India’s Constitution?
1) 🇮🇳 The Freedom Movement
- Embedded ideals: equality, justice, freedom, fraternity, cultural heritage, and using the Constitution to achieve these.
- Guided “how to”: universal adult franchise, separation of powers, fundamental rights, amendment process, Centre-State relations, etc.
2) 🪷 India’s Civilisational Heritage
- Unity in diversity; respect for differing viewpoints; Nature held sacred; value of knowledge; respect for women.
- Ethos like vasudhaiva kutumbakam (world is one family), sarve bhavantu sukhinah (well-being of all).
- Governance traditions: janapadas & sanghas, rājadharma, Kauṭilya’s saptāṅga. → Reflected in Fundamental Duties & democratic design.
3) 📚 Learnings from Other Constitutions
- France: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (French Revolution).
- Ireland: Idea of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
- USA: Independent Judiciary & judicial review.
- UK, Australia and others: useful practices adapted to Indian context.
Artistic heritage inside the Constitution: Hand-calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada; illustrated by Nandalal Bose’s team — scenes from Mohenjo-daro, Gurukula, Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata, Naṭarāja, Mahabalipuram (descent of Gaṅgā), Mughal art, Nālandā, and more.
🧭 Key Features of the Constitution of India
🔁 Separation of Powers
- Legislature makes laws (Parliament: Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha).
- Executive implements laws (President; PM & Council of Ministers; administration).
- Judiciary interprets laws & protects rights (independent courts; Supreme Court at top).
🗺️ Federal Structure (Three-Tier)
- Union, States, and Local self-government (Panchayati Raj, Municipalities).
- Subjects allocated across levels for clarity & efficiency.
🛡️ Fundamental Rights (FR)
- Equality — Article 14 (equality before law) + related articles.
- Freedom — includes Article 21 (life & personal liberty).
- Against Exploitation — prohibits trafficking, child labour, etc.
- Education — Article 21-A (Right to education, 6-14 yrs).
- Remedies via courts if rights are violated.
🎯 Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
- Non-justiciable goals guiding governance & policy.
- Examples: Article 38 (social, political, economic justice), 41 (welfare), 47 (nutrition & public health), 48-A (environment), 49 (heritage protection), 44 (Uniform Civil Code — directive).
🤝 Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A)
- Respect the Constitution, National Flag & Anthem.
- Defend the country, render national service when called upon.
- Value & preserve our composite culture.
- Protect environment: forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife; compassion for living creatures.
- Provide education to children (6–14 years) if parent/guardian.
- Strive for excellence in all fields.
| Fundamental Rights | Directive Principles | |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Legally enforceable in courts | Guiding goals; not enforceable in courts |
| Purpose | Protect individual liberties & equality | Shape social-economic policy for common good |
| Example | Article 21 – Protection of life & personal liberty | Article 47 – Improve nutrition & public health |
Voices from the CA: Begum Aizaz Rasul affirmed that women’s equality is India’s rightful heritage — the Constitution affirms and protects it in law.
🌱 The Constitution Is a Living Document
- It can be amended after rigorous debate (sometimes by Parliament & State legislatures).
- 1976: Fundamental Duties added; “Socialist” & “Secular” added to Preamble (42nd Amendment).
- 1992: 73rd Amendment — Panchayati Raj strengthened.
- 2004: Supreme Court held that respectfully flying the National Flag is part of freedom of expression.
- Public feedback is often invited on proposed laws & rules.
🧩 The Preamble — India’s Guiding Values (Decoded)
We, the People
Ultimate authority rests with people; the Constitution is enacted by their representatives.
Republic
Head of State is elected, not hereditary.
Sovereign
India is independent in internal & external matters.
Democratic
Equal political rights; periodic elections; accountable government.
Socialist*
Reduce inequalities; share social wealth fairly; regulate ownership for common good.
Secular*
No State religion; all faiths treated with equal respect; freedom of religion.
Justice
Social, economic, political justice for all.
Liberty
Reasonable freedoms of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship.
Equality
Equal status & opportunity; end social inequalities; equality before law.
Fraternity
Promote brotherhood — dignity of the individual & unity & integrity of the Nation.
* “Socialist” and “Secular” were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976).
📝 Quick Recap
- The Constitution is India’s rulebook safeguarding rights, powers, and values.
- It was drafted by a diverse Constituent Assembly (1946–49), chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad; Drafting Committee led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
- Shaped by the freedom struggle, civilisational heritage, and global learnings.
- Key pillars: Separation of Powers, Federalism, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Fundamental Duties, and the Preamble.
- It is a living document — adaptable through amendments.
🎯 Mini-Activities (Try in class or at home)
Map the Makers: Find two CA members from your State/region. What did they speak for in debates?
Preamble in Practice: List one daily-life example each for Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
📚 Glossary
- Legislature: Law-making body (Parliament).
- Executive: Implements laws (PM & Council, administration).
- Judiciary: Interprets laws; protects rights (courts).
- Fundamental Rights (FR): Enforceable basic freedoms & protections.
- Directive Principles (DPSP): Non-justiciable goals for the State.
- Fundamental Duties: Moral duties of citizens listed in Part IV-A.
- Amendment: A formal change to the Constitution.
- Preamble: Introductory statement of guiding values.
Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction
Exercise answers + extra practice sets (one-word, fill-ups, T/F, very short & short answers). Mobile-friendly, Comic Sans, and classroom-ready.
1) Exercise Questions — with Answers
Q1. “The Constituent Assembly had representatives from diverse backgrounds in India.” Why was this important?
Answer: India is vast and diverse. A broadly representative Assembly ensured voices from different regions, languages, classes, castes, genders and professions were heard. This made the Constitution inclusive, practical and acceptable to “We, the People”, strengthening legitimacy and unity.
Q2. Identify the key constitutional value/feature in each statement.
- Standing in line to cast first vote. — Democracy & Universal Adult Franchise (political equality).
- Children studying in the same class/school. — Right to Education (Art. 21A) & Equality of opportunity.
- Parents must ensure children’s education. — Fundamental Duty (to provide opportunities for education 6–14 yrs) and support to Right to Education.
- All castes, genders, religions can use the village well. — Right to Equality (equal access), abolition of untouchability (Art. 17), and spirit of Fraternity.
Q3. “All citizens in India are equal before the law.” Is this a fact? Explain.
Answer: Yes, constitutionally (Art. 14) everyone is equal before the law and enjoys equal protection of laws. In practice, inequalities may persist, but courts can enforce equality, strike down discrimination, and offer remedies—making equality a binding legal promise, not just an ideal.
Q4. India provided universal adult franchise from the very beginning. Why?
Answer: The freedom struggle valued equality, dignity and people’s participation. The makers trusted citizens’ capacity to govern themselves and wanted immediate political inclusion to deepen unity across a diverse nation—so voting rights were not phased in but granted to all adults at once.
Q5. How did (a) the freedom struggle and (b) India’s civilisational heritage inspire the Constitution?
Answer: (a) The movement embedded justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, non-discrimination, and democratic participation—seen in FR, elections, separation of powers. (b) Heritage of unity in diversity, rājadharma, duties, knowledge, tolerance shaped features like Fundamental Duties, protection of culture, and respect for pluralism.
Q6. Have we achieved all constitutional ideals? If not, what can citizens do?
Answer: Ideals guide us; work remains on inequality, discrimination, environment, corruption and access to justice. Citizens can vote responsibly, follow Fundamental Duties, raise awareness, use RTI/legal remedies, volunteer, and hold institutions accountable through peaceful, constitutional means.
Q7. Crossword — Answers
Across:
- Legislature
- Fundamental Duties
- Supreme Court
- Republic
- Amendment
Down:
- Constituent Assembly
- Preamble
- Constitution
- Helium
- Fundamental Rights
2) One-Word Answer Questions (10)
- Who chaired the Drafting Committee? Ambedkar
- What is the intro statement of values called? Preamble
- Highest court in India? Supreme Court
- India’s head of state is elected. India is a…? Republic
- Change made to the Constitution is an… Amendment
- Right to education article (number)? 21A
- Book of basic rules for a nation? Constitution
- Core non-justiciable goals for the State? DPSP
- Gas preserving the original book? Helium
- First President of India? Rajendra Prasad
3) Fill in the Blanks (10)
- The Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950.
- “We, the People of India” signifies that ultimate authority rests with citizens.
- Fundamental Rights are enforceable in a court of law.
- Directive Principles guide the State but are non-justiciable.
- “Socialist” and “Secular” were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976).
- The legislature that makes laws at the Union level is called Parliament.
- The Constitution is preserved in a helium-filled case.
- Article 14 guarantees equality before the law.
- Local self-government in villages is called Panchayati Raj.
- The introductory statement of aims and ideals is the Preamble.
4) True/False with Explanation (10)
- India’s Constitution is the smallest written constitution in the world. — False. It is one of the largest written constitutions.
- Fundamental Duties were part of the original Constitution in 1950. — False. Added later by the 42nd Amendment (1976).
- Directive Principles can be directly enforced by courts. — False. They are goals, not legally enforceable.
- “Republic” means the head of state is elected. — True. Not a hereditary monarch.
- Separation of powers helps prevent concentration of authority. — True. It creates checks and balances.
- Universal Adult Franchise means only literate adults can vote. — False. All eligible adults can vote, literacy is not a condition.
- Article 21A provides the Right to Education. — True. For children 6–14 years.
- The Supreme Court safeguards the Constitution. — True. Through judicial review and enforcing rights.
- The Preamble has no connection with constitutional values. — False. It states the guiding values.
- “We, the People” indicates sovereignty lies with citizens. — True. Authority flows from the people.
5) Very Short Answer Questions (2–3 lines each) — 10
- What is a Constitution?
It is the supreme rulebook of a country. It sets up institutions, divides powers, protects rights and lays down national values and goals. - Why do we need a Constitution?
To ensure clear rules, fair governance, peaceful dispute resolution and protection of citizens’ rights in a diverse democracy. - Who wrote India’s Constitution?
The Constituent Assembly (1946–49), with the Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, adopted it on 26 Nov 1949. - What does “We, the People” convey?
That the Constitution is made by the people’s representatives and sovereignty ultimately rests with citizens. - What are Fundamental Rights?
Enforceable basic freedoms (equality, liberty, etc.). Courts can protect them if violated. - What are Directive Principles?
Non-justiciable policy goals for the State—like justice, health, environment—to guide governance. - What are Fundamental Duties?
Civic obligations like respecting the Flag/Anthem, protecting environment, and educating children 6–14. - What is meant by “Republic”?
India’s head of state is elected (not hereditary); offices derive authority from the people. - When did the Constitution come into force?
On 26 January 1950, celebrated as Republic Day. - Why is it called a “living document”?
Because it can be amended to meet new needs, after democratic debate and due process.
6) Short Answer Questions (3–4 lines each) — 10
- Explain separation of powers.
Power is divided among the Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements), and Judiciary (interprets). This prevents concentration of power and creates checks and balances to safeguard liberty. - How did the freedom struggle shape the Constitution?
It embedded equality, dignity, non-discrimination, participation and justice—reflected in universal adult franchise, Fundamental Rights, and democratic institutions. - Give two examples of constitutional learnings from other countries.
From France—Liberty, Equality, Fraternity; from Ireland—Directive Principles; from the USA—independent judiciary. All were adapted to India’s context. - Differentiate FR and DPSP.
FR are enforceable rights protecting individual freedoms; DPSP are non-enforceable policy goals guiding the State to build a just social order. - What makes India a federal country?
Powers are distributed between Union, States, and Local bodies. Subjects are allocated to levels, enabling shared governance across a vast, diverse nation. - Why is universal adult franchise significant?
It gives every adult an equal political voice from the start, strengthens legitimacy, and binds a diverse people into a participatory democracy. - State three values in the Preamble with brief meanings.
Justice (social, economic, political fairness), Liberty (freedoms of thought, expression, belief), Equality (equal status/opportunity and before law). - What civic actions help realise constitutional ideals?
Voting responsibly, following duties, lawful activism, community service, environmental care, and using legal processes to protect rights. - Why protect culture and heritage?
It preserves India’s composite identity and continuity; the Constitution urges protection of monuments and cultural diversity as national wealth. - What is judicial review?
The power of courts (esp. Supreme Court) to test laws/executive actions against the Constitution and strike down what violates it—protecting rights and supremacy of the Constitution.
Grade 7
Civics
Constitution
Exam-Ready