Preamble and Salient Features of the Constitution

Preamble: Text and Key Concepts

The Basics

The Preamble is the introductory paragraph placed at the very start of the Constitution. It summarises the Constitution's source of authority, the nature of the Indian state, its objectives, and the date of adoption. It has been called the Constitution's 'identity card'. It is widely seen as reflecting the mind of the makers of the Constitution, since it distils what the framers hoped to achieve through the document.

Indian Secularism versus Western Secularism

The Basics

Secularism means the state has no official religion of its own. It treats all religions without bias. In the Indian Constitution this is a positive concept. The state keeps an equal distance from every religion while also engaging with all of them, rather than shutting religion out of public life entirely.

Preamble: Significance and Amendability

The Basics

The Preamble is the opening statement of the Constitution. It announces where the Constitution's authority comes from and what ideals it serves. But two separate questions trouble students: does it carry legal force, and can Parliament change its words.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

The Basics

The Indian Constitution is the written document that lays down how India is governed. It describes in detail the structure, powers and functions of the Union and the states. It fixes the limits within which every organ of government must act. Because it is written and so detailed, it is called the lengthiest written constitution in the world.

Parts, Articles and Schedules of the Constitution at a Glance

The Basics

The Constitution's text is divided into three layers for easy reference. Parts group related Articles under one subject. Articles are the actual numbered provisions. Schedules are lists or tables attached at the end giving details too lengthy for the main text.

Classification of Constitutions: Written/Unwritten, Rigid/Flexible

Note coming soon.

Constitution as a Living Document

The Basics

A living document is a constitution that keeps responding to new situations. It does not stay frozen in the words it was written with. The Indian Constitution is treated this way. It can be formally amended. Even without amendment, courts can read its provisions broadly to meet present needs.

Criticism of the Indian Constitution's Features

Note coming soon.