Chapter 1: Our Constitution
What is a Constitution?
A Constitution is a set of rules and regulations according to which a country is governed.
Three Organs of the Government
1. The Executive - Implements laws (e.g., Prime Minister, President, Ministers)
2. The Legislature - Makes laws (e.g., Parliament)
3. The Judiciary - Interprets laws and delivers justice (e.g., Courts)
Formation of the Constituent Assembly
- In 1938, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru demanded a Constituent Assembly.
- British government sent Cabinet Mission to India, which arrived on 24 March 1946.
- The Assembly had 389 members; after partition, 299 remained for India.
26 January 1950
- The Constitution came into effect on this day.
- Date chosen because Congress had passed 'Purna Swaraj' resolution in 1929 to observe independence
day on 26 Jan.
Written Constitution
- India has a written constitution with 395 Articles and 8 Schedules initially.
- Everything was written clearly without depending on traditions.
Lengthy Constitution
- It's the lengthiest constitution in the world due to:
- Inclusion of features from other countries
- India's diversity
- Detailed division of powers between center and state
- Inclusion of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
The Preamble
- Introduction to the Constitution.
- Not legally enforceable, but reflects spirit of the Constitution.
- 1973 SC judgement declared it an integral part of the Constitution.
Constituent Assembly
- Included members from all sections of Indian society.
- First session on 9 Dec 1946, chaired temporarily by Sachidanand Sinha.
What is a Constitution?
A Constitution is a set of rules and regulations according to which a country is governed.
Three Organs of the Government
1. The Executive - Implements laws (e.g., Prime Minister, President, Ministers)
2. The Legislature - Makes laws (e.g., Parliament)
3. The Judiciary - Interprets laws and delivers justice (e.g., Courts)
Formation of the Constituent Assembly
- In 1938, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru demanded a Constituent Assembly.
- British government sent Cabinet Mission to India, which arrived on 24 March 1946.
- The Assembly had 389 members; after partition, 299 remained for India.
26 January 1950
- The Constitution came into effect on this day.
- Date chosen because Congress had passed 'Purna Swaraj' resolution in 1929 to observe independence
day on 26 Jan.
Written Constitution
- India has a written constitution with 395 Articles and 8 Schedules initially.
- Everything was written clearly without depending on traditions.
Lengthy Constitution
- It's the lengthiest constitution in the world due to:
- Inclusion of features from other countries
- India's diversity
- Detailed division of powers between center and state
- Inclusion of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
The Preamble
- Introduction to the Constitution.
- Not legally enforceable, but reflects spirit of the Constitution.
- 1973 SC judgement declared it an integral part of the Constitution.
Constituent Assembly
- Included members from all sections of Indian society.
- First session on 9 Dec 1946, chaired temporarily by Sachidanand Sinha.
