8 Questions
What is the main purpose of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
To outline the philosophy of the Constitution and the objectives of the Indian State
What is the key feature of India's system of government?
Parliamentary system with a federal structure
Which of the following is an advantage of federalism in India?
Promotes national unity and diversity
What is the procedure for amending the Indian Constitution outlined in?
Article 368
What is the minimum number of States required to ratify a constitutional amendment?
At least half of the States
What is the significance of the phrase 'We, the people of India' in the Preamble?
It signifies the source of the Constitution's authority
What is the term for the division of power between the Centre and the States in India?
Federal system
What is the final step in the amendment procedure of the Indian Constitution?
Assent by the President
Study Notes
Preamble
- Defines the nature of the Indian State and the objectives of the Constitution
- Enacted on November 26, 1949
- Sets out the philosophy of the Constitution
- Inspired by the American Constitution's Preamble
- Key phrases:
- "We, the people of India"
- "Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic"
- "Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity"
Federalism
- India is a federal state with a parliamentary system
- Power is divided between the Centre and the States
- Features:
- Division of powers between Centre and States (Union List, State List, and Concurrent List)
- Dual government (Centre and States)
- Independent judiciary
- Bicameral legislature (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
- Advantages:
- Promotes national unity and diversity
- Efficient governance and administration
- Checks and balances on power
Amendment Procedure
- Procedure for amending the Constitution outlined in Article 368
- Two types of amendments:
- By simple majority in Parliament (e.g., changing the number of SC judges)
- By special majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half of the States (e.g., changing the boundaries of States)
- Steps involved:
- Introduction of a bill in Parliament
- Passage of the bill by both Houses of Parliament
- Ratification by at least half of the States (if required)
- Assent by the President
Preamble
- Enacted on November 26, 1949, defining the nature of the Indian State and the objectives of the Constitution
- Influenced by the American Constitution's Preamble
- Key phrases include "We, the people of India", "Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic", and "Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity"
Federalism
- India is a federal state with a parliamentary system, dividing power between the Centre and States
- Features of federalism:
- Division of powers between Centre and States (Union List, State List, and Concurrent List)
- Dual government (Centre and States)
- Independent judiciary
- Bicameral legislature (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
- Advantages of federalism:
- Promotes national unity and diversity
- Efficient governance and administration
- Checks and balances on power
Amendment Procedure
- Article 368 outlines the procedure for amending the Constitution
- Two types of amendments:
- By simple majority in Parliament (e.g., changing the number of SC judges)
- By special majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half of the States (e.g., changing the boundaries of States)
- Steps involved in the amendment procedure:
- Introduction of a bill in Parliament
- Passage of the bill by both Houses of Parliament
- Ratification by at least half of the States (if required)
- Assent by the President
Quiz about the Indian Constitution, including its preamble, philosophy, and federal system. Learn about the key features and principles of the Indian Constitution.
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