Indian Constitution Basics

Preamble

• The Preamble is the introductory part of the Indian Constitution
• It sets out the objectives of the Constitution
• It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic

Fundamental Rights

• Guaranteed by the Constitution, these are basic human rights
• Articles 12-35: Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies
• Can be enforced by the courts

Directive Principles of State Policy

• Guidelines for the government to implement policies for the welfare of citizens
• Non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by the courts
• Articles 36-51: socioeconomic development, international peace and security, and strengthening the Indian economy

Fundamental Duties

• Introduced by the 42nd Amendment in 1976
• Articles 51A: duties of citizens, including respecting the Constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem

Government of India

• Parliamentary System: President as the Head of State, Prime Minister as the Head of Government
• Three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
• Bicameral Parliament: Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House)

Amendments

• Procedure for amending the Constitution: Article 368
• Can be initiated by the introduction of a Bill in either House of Parliament
• Requires a special majority (2/3 majority in each House and ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures)

Emergency Provisions

• Article 352: National Emergency, can be declared by the President if the security of India is threatened
• Article 356: State Emergency, can be declared by the President if the government of a State cannot function in accordance with the Constitution
• Article 360: Financial Emergency, can be declared by the President if the financial stability of India is threatened