Introduction to the Constitution of India | Meaning, Features & Importance | UGC NET & UPSC Polity

Summary

This video provides an insightful introduction to the Constitution of India, covering its significance, structure, and historical context. It explains that the Constitution is a supreme document that defines the government’s powers and citizens' rights. Adopted in 1949 and enforced in 1950, it was crafted by the Constituent Assembly. The Constitution blends flexibility and rigidity, taking inspiration from global models like the British and U.S. systems. Key highlights include its federal structure with unitary tilt, importance in protecting rights, and role in promoting national values. The video also addresses the need for constitutional evolution and practical questions on its relevance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Constitution of India is the supreme document that defines the structure of the government and the rights and duties of citizens.
• 😀 It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day.
• 😀 The Constitution was created by the Constituent Assembly, not through a revolution or violence, and is designed to reflect India's diverse society.
• 😀 India’s Constitution is written and enacted, unlike the UK's evolved constitution based on customs and traditions.
• 😀 The Constitution includes concepts like justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, and social transformation (e.g., abolishing untouchability).
• 😀 Initially, the Constitution had 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules. Today, it has 470+ articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules.
• 😀 The Constitution of India is hand-written in calligraphy by Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada in both English and Hindi.
• 😀 Although the Constitution is powerful, its rights are not absolute and have reasonable restrictions.
• 😀 It has a federal structure with a unitary tilt, meaning it divides powers in normal times, but during an emergency, the central government becomes stronger.
• 😀 The Constitution is both rigid and flexible, allowing amendments through Article 368, but some argue that a full review might lead to political interference.
• 😀 The Constitution is the supreme law, and any laws passed must align with it. Laws are subordinate to the Constitution, which is created by the people, whereas laws are created by the legislature.

Q & A

What is the Constitution of India?

The Constitution of India is the supreme document that defines the structure of the government, the powers of various organs like the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, and the rights and duties of the citizens. It serves as the rulebook for the nation.

What are the two types of constitutions mentioned?

The two types of constitutions are 'Evolved' and 'Incorporated.' An evolved constitution, like that of the UK, develops from customs and traditions, while an incorporated constitution, like India's, is written, debated, and adopted.

When was the Constitution of India adopted and enforced?

The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, and it came into force on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day.

Was the Constitution of India a result of revolution or violence?

No, the Constitution of India was created by the Constituent Assembly, a representative body that included diverse voices. It was not a result of any revolution or violence.

What are some of the influences on the Indian Constitution?

The Indian Constitution was influenced by multiple global constitutions. For example, it adopted the parliamentary structure from the British system, Fundamental Rights from the USA, and Directive Principles of State Policy from Ireland.

Why is the Constitution of India important?

The Constitution of India is important because it defines the powers and limits of government, maintains checks and balances, protects citizens' rights, promotes national values, and ensures social transformation, like abolishing untouchability.

How many articles, parts, and schedules did the original Constitution of India have?

The original Constitution of India had 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules.

What is the significance of Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada in relation to the Indian Constitution?

Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada was responsible for hand-writing the original Constitution of India in both English and Hindi in calligraphy.

What does the Constitution of India allow in terms of amendments?

The Constitution of India allows amendments through Article 368, which makes it both rigid and flexible, meaning it can be altered when necessary but requires a special procedure.

What is the difference between the Constitution and laws in India?

The Constitution is the supreme law, while laws are subordinate to the Constitution. The Constitution has a broad scope, and its amendments require a special procedure, whereas laws have a narrower scope and are created through an ordinary procedure.