ACL Constitutional History 01

Summary

Dr. Anne Japanese Singh from National Law University Delhi introduces a MOOCs program on advanced constitutional law, focusing on the Indian Constitution. The course is divided into three parts: the introduction and need for the Constitution, its making, and its adoption. It highlights the founding fathers' ideals of unity, democracy, and social revolution, and how they were influenced by various global constitutions. The Indian Constitution, initially with 395 articles, has evolved into one of the world's longest, reflecting the nation's diverse needs and aspirations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 International law defines a state as an independent political entity with defined territory and a population that seeks to maintain both external sovereignty and internal order.
• 🏛️ Law and order are essential for any civilized society, with laws encompassing rules, regulations, bylaws, orders, principles, and more.
• 🇮🇳 In India, legislative power resides with the legislature, which derives its authority and has specific powers and privileges.
• 🤔 The creation of laws must adhere to certain principles to avoid contradictions that could lead to societal chaos.
• 📜 The Indian Constitution is the cornerstone of the Indian legal system, providing a framework for governance and societal order.
• 👩‍🏫 Dr. Anne Japanese Singh from the National Law University Delhi introduces a MOOCs program on advanced constitutional law, focusing on the Indian Constitution's history and making.
• 🏛️ The Indian Constitution was drafted with three main ideals in mind: unity and integrity, democracy, and social revolution.
• 🔍 The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution were inspired by various global constitutions, incorporating elements such as single citizenship, parliamentary government, and rule of law from the British constitution, among others.
• 📚 The original Indian Constitution consisted of 395 articles, 22 parts, and has since been amended to include around 448 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules, making it one of the longest constitutions in the world.
• 🤔 The success and perfection of the Indian Constitution are subjects of ongoing discussion and analysis, with the MOOCs program aiming to delve deeper into these aspects.

Q & A

What is the definition of a state under international law?

A state, under international law, is defined as an independent political entity occupying a defined territory whose members collectively have the desire to resist external forces while preserving internal order.

Why is law and order necessary for a civilized society?

Law and order are necessary for any civilized society to function as they provide rules, regulations, and principles that guide behavior and maintain social cohesion and stability.

Who has the power to make laws in India?

In India, the power to make laws is vested with the Legislature, which is composed of the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies.

What is the source of authority for the Indian Legislature?

The authority of the Indian Legislature is derived from the Constitution of India, which serves as the supreme legal document outlining the powers and functions of the legislative body.

What are the powers and privileges of the Indian Legislature?

The Indian Legislature has the power to enact laws, amend the Constitution, impeach the President, and hold the executive accountable, among other privileges.

How does the Indian Constitution address potential conflicts between laws?

The Indian Constitution provides a framework for law-making that ensures consistency and coherence, preventing conflicts by establishing principles that all laws must adhere to.

Who is Dr. Anne Japanese Singh and what is her role?

Dr. Anne Japanese Singh is a faculty member at the National Law University Delhi, and she teaches advanced constitutional law, including the making and history of the Indian Constitution.

What were the three ideals that the founding fathers of India had in mind while drafting the Constitution?

The three ideals that the founding fathers of India had in mind while drafting the Constitution were unity and integrity, democracy, and social revolution.

How did the political and cultural diversity during India's independence influence the Constitution?

The political and cultural diversity during India's independence led the founding fathers to focus on achieving social, economic justice, and equality for all sections of society, which are reflected in the Constitution.

Which foreign constitutions inspired the Indian Constitution?

The Indian Constitution was inspired by various foreign constitutions, including the British, French, U.S., Canadian, Irish, Soviet Union, and Australian constitutions.

How has the Indian Constitution evolved since its drafting?

The Indian Constitution, initially with 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules, has evolved through various amendments to around 448 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules, making it one of the longest constitutions in the world.