Week 1 – Introduction to the Indian

Constitution**

Week 1 – Introduction to the Indian Constitution

1. Introduction to Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India that lays down the framework for governance,
rights, and duties.

It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, led by notable members like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,
Jawaharlal Nehru, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950.

2. Introduction to Indian Constitution and the Preamble

The Preamble introduces the Constitution and its objectives. It declares India as a:

Sovereign: Independent of external control.

Socialist: Economic equality and welfare.
Secular: No state religion.

Democratic Republic: People elect their leaders.

Key Objectives:

Justice: Social, economic, political.

Liberty: Thought, expression, belief.

Equality: Opportunity for all.

Fraternity: Unity and integrity.

3. Sources of the Indian Constitution

The Constitution draws inspiration from various countries:

UK: Parliamentary system, Rule of Law.

USA: Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review.

Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy.

Canada: Federation with a strong center.

Australia: Concurrent list and trade provisions.

Germany: Emergency provisions.

4. Features of the Indian Constitution and Citizenship

Features:

1. Lengthiest Constitution: Originally had 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules.

2. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: Some parts can be easily amended, others require a special
process.

3. Federal Structure with a Unitary Bias: Power is divided between the center and states but the
center is stronger.
4. Parliamentary System: Elected representatives make laws, and the Prime Minister leads the
government.

Citizenship:

Defined under Articles 5 to 11 and governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Methods of acquiring citizenship:

By birth, descent, registration, naturalization, or incorporation of territory.

Citizenship is single, meaning Indians cannot hold dual citizenship.

Week 2 – Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

1-4. Fundamental Rights (Parts I-IV):

Enshrined in Articles 12 to 35, they are essential for protecting individual liberties.
Types of Fundamental Rights:
1. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18):

Equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination.

2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22):

Freedom of speech, assembly, and movement.

3. Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23-24):

Prohibits human trafficking, bonded labor, and child labor.

4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28):

Freedom to practice, profess, and propagate religion.

5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30):

Protects the rights of minorities.

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32):

Allows citizens to move the court for enforcement of rights.

5-6. Fundamental Duties (Part IVA):

Article 51A lists 11 Fundamental Duties, added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
 Examples:

Respect the Constitution, national flag, and anthem.

Protect the environment.

Promote harmony and common brotherhood.

Week 3 – DPSP, Federalism, and Union Government in India

1. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):

Enshrined in Articles 36-51.

Aim: Guide the state to ensure social and economic welfare.

Categories:
1. Socialist Principles: Equal pay, welfare of the poor.

2. Gandhian Principles: Village panchayats, prohibition of alcohol.

3. Liberal Principles: Uniform civil code, environmental protection.

2. Federalism - Centre-State Relationship:

India has a quasi-federal system with a strong central government.

Division of Powers:

Union List: Defense, foreign affairs.

State List: Police, health.

Concurrent List: Education, environment.

Articles 245-263 govern these relationships.

3-4. President: Role, Power, and Position:

Head of State under Articles 52-62.

Powers:

Executive: Appoints PM, Governors.

Legislative: Signs bills into laws.

Judicial: Pardons under Article 72.
Emergency: Can proclaim a national emergency.

Week 4 – Union Executive and Union Parliament in India

1-2. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha:

Lok Sabha (House of People):

Directly elected by citizens.

 Maximum strength: 552 members.

Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

Members elected by state legislatures.

Permanent body with 1/3rd retiring every two years.

3-4. Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Cabinet:

Prime Minister: Head of the government, leader of the Cabinet.

Council of Ministers: Aid and advise the President.

Cabinet: Senior ministers who make key decisions.

Week 5 – Judiciary in India and State Governments

1-2. Supreme Court and High Courts:

Supreme Court:

Apex court under Article 124.

Guardian of the Constitution.

High Courts:

Present in each state under Articles 214-231.

3-6. Governor, Chief Minister, and State Legislature:

Governor: Appointed by the President, represents the center.

Chief Minister: Leader of the state government.
State Legislature: Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad
in some states).

Week 6 – Local Government, Election Commission, and Other

Commissions

1-3. Local Administration and 73rd/74th Amendments:

73rd Amendment: Introduced Panchayati Raj institutions.

74th Amendment: Urban local bodies like Municipalities and Corporations.

4-5. Election Commission of India (ECI):

Ensures free and fair elections under Article 324.

Responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and President/Vice-
President.
6-7. NHRC and Other Commissions:

NHRC: Protects human rights.

SC/ST/OBC and Women Commissions: Safeguards rights of marginalized communities and

promotes gender equality.