GS Paper II - Polity

A comprehensive NCERT series

A Presentation by Kinjal Garg

Overview
Basics, Class 11 & 12 NCERT’s, PYQs and Question Banks
Constitution -
How and Why
NCERT Class 11, Chapter 1
 Constitution

Body of fundamental principles according to

which the state is constituted and governed

Need Critical questions

Large, diverse group with shared and varied What are the rules, what makes them
interests fundamental, who gets to decide them?

Purpose Democratic Constitution

Publically promulgated, basic, enforeceable rules How should the people decide? - direct and
to ensure a minimal degree of coordination indirect democracy
 1) Authority that constitutes
the government

Functions of 2) Specifies who has the

power to make decisions

the
Constitution 3) Set fundamental limits that
the government cannot
a fundamental, collective tresspass
identity - political and moral

4) Enables the government to

work towards a just society
and fulfil its aspirations
 The Feb 2002- July 2003 October 29, 2004

European Convention on the Future

held to develop a draft
Treaty Establishing a
Constitution for Europe,
constitution for the EU. signed by the heads of state

Union’s tryst
with a
Constitution
June 2005 December 1, 2009
Ratified by fifteen
Treaty of Lisbon enforced,
countries, defeated in
replacing the Constitution
France and the *existing treaties were amended, not replaced/repealed
Netherlands and the idea of a single codified constitution dropped
 Iraq's first constitution established a constitutional monarchy,
entered into force under a British military occupation in 1925
until the 1958 revolution established a republic.

In 1990, a draft constitution was prepared but never

The Iraqi promulgated due to the onset of the Gulf War. Interim
constitutions were adopted in 1958, 1964, 1968, and 1970.

Constitution After the Iraq war and subsequent fall of Saddam Hussein in
2003, the Transitional Administrative Law came into effect in
June 2004. (Conflict b/w Shia, Sunni and native Kurds)

In May 2006, TAL was superseded by the permanent, current

constitution with the formation of the government. It was
approved by a referendum that took place in October 2005
 Constitutions around the globe

United Kingdom Indonesia

Series of documents and decisions National education system, poor
collectively comprising the children to be looked after by the
constitution government.

South Africa Germany

History of racial discrimination,
The constitution expresses the ethnic
constitution enabled the
German identity.
government to end it.
 Nepal has had 5 constitutions in 1948, 1951,
1959, 1962 and 1990 - all ‘granted’ by the King

The 1990 Constitution introduced a multi-

party system, but the monarch continued to
have the final say in several matters.

1990 Constitution introduced a multi-party

Nepal’s system, but the king continued to have the
final say in many matters and took up all

Constitutional powers in October 2002.

The 1990 Constitution introduced a multi-

History party system, but the king continued to have

the final say in many matters and took up all
powers in October 2002.

Political agitation and demands for a limited

monarchy/republic ultimately led to the
formation of a democratic republic in 2008. A
new Constitution was adopted in 2015.
Features of the Indian Constitution
Drafted by the Constituent Assembly b/w
Dec. 1946 and Nov. 1949 BALANCE
Blend of complex historical traditions and a Rigid, authoritative
massive nationalist movement features- Fundamental
Rights and duties; Basic
Weaves together diverse groups, ethnic Structure Doctrine
identity is not a citizenship criteria A living document -
Flexibility to adapt to a
Reflected broad consensus but was not
dynamic world order and
subjected to any referendum at the time.
changing demographic
System of Checks and Balances - Horizonal needs - Amendments.
distribution of power and independent
statutory bodies.
 Constituent Assembly
Elected in an undivided India, by an indirect election by the members
of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies established by the
Government of India Act, 1935.

It first met on December 9, 1946 and later on August 14, 1947 in

divided India. It was composed roughly along the lines of the British
Cabinet Mission

Cabinet Mission - Seat allotment proportional to population, 1 :

10,00,000. 292 members from British Provinces (seats divided b/w
Muslims, SIkhs and General in each province, proportional to the
population) and minimum 93 from the Princely States
 Constituent Assembly
In the Provincial Legislative Assembly, members of each community elected
their representatives by proportional representation with single
transferable vote. In Princely states, method of selection to be decided by
consultation.

28 SC members,
Post partition, number of members reduced to 299. The Constitution was 82% Congress
adopted on November 26, 1949; signed on 24 Jan. 1950 in the presence of members - post
284 members and finally enforced on January 26, 1950 marking the partition

Republic Day.

Had 8 major Committees on various Subjects. Ambedkar chaired the

Drafting Committee. The Assembly met for 166 days over 2y 11mos.;
sessions open to press and public.
 Principle of Deliberation
**passed almost without debate - Universal Suffrage

Inheritance of the
nationalist movement
Objectives Resolution moved by Nehru in 1946.

Institutional Arrangement
Parliamentary form (legislature-executive) and federal
arrangement(centre-state)

International Integration
Borrowed provisions, moulded to suit the country’s
developmental and demographic needs.
Related PYQs
Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day:

Statement-I: The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to

promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II: On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a

Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a
Draft Constitution of India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct
explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct
explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
2023 Prelims
What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

(a) A Democratic Republic

(b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic
(c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
(d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

Constitutional government means-

(a) a representative government of a nation with federal structure

(b) a government whose Head enjoys nominal powers
(c) a government whose Head enjoys real powers
(d) a government limited by the terms of the Constitution

2021 Prelims
We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our
model differ from that model?

1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India,

the power of the Parliament to legislate is limited.

2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of

the Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2021 Prelims
A constitutional government by definition is a

(a) government by legislature

(b) popular government
(c) multi-party government
(d) limited government 2020 Prelims

A Constitutional Government is one which

1. Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority

2. Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of
individual liberty

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 2012, 2017 Prelims
Right to vote and to be elected in India is a

(a) Fundamental Right

(b) Natural Right
(c) Constitutional Right
(d) Legal Right

Which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) Rights are claims of the State against the citizens.

(b) Rights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State.
(c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State.
(d) Rights are privileges of a few citizens against the many.

2017 Prelims
There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

(a) Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people

(b) Parliament can amend the Constitution
(c) Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved
(d) Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha

Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India?

(a) The President of India

(b) The Prime Minister of India
(c) The Lok Sabha Secretariat
(d) The Supreme Court of India

2012 Prelims
 Thank you!

Suggestions and feedback are appreciated