Introduction to Indian Constitution

Historical Background of the Indian Constitution

Various legislative acts influenced the evolution of the Indian Constitution, including the Regulating Act of 1773 and the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
The Regulating Act of 1773 marked the first attempt by the British Parliament to regulate the East India Company's affairs and created an Executive Council for the Governor-General.
The Pitt's India Act of 1784 separated the commercial and political functions of the East India Company, introducing the Court of Directors and the Board of Control.
The Charter Act of 1813 ended the East India Company's trade monopoly except for tea and opium, opening trade to all British subjects.
The Charter Act of 1833 designated the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India, stripping Bombay and Madras of their legislative powers and transforming the company into an administrative body.
The Charter Act of 1853 separated legislative and executive powers in the Governor-General's Council and established a Central Legislative Council with appointed members.
Following the 1857 revolt, the Government of India Act of 1858 transferred authority from the East India Company to the British Crown, establishing the office of the Secretary of State for India.
The Indian Councils Act of 1861 allowed for the inclusion of Indians in the Viceroy's Councils and initiated decentralization by restoring legislative powers to Madras and Bombay presidencies.
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 introduced indirect elections and expanded legislative council functions, enhancing their role in budget discussions and executive questioning.
The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 facilitated direct elections to legislative councils and established separate communal electorates, expanding council membership significantly.
The Government of India Act of 1919 introduced the diarchy system, separating central and provincial subjects.

Key Components of the Indian Constitution

Philosophical foundations rooted in democracy, social justice, and equality.
The Preamble outlines the objectives of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties and equality before the law.
Directive Principles of State Policy guide the state in policymaking towards social and economic welfare.
Fundamental Duties set out the moral obligations of citizens towards the nation.

Historical Background of the Indian Constitution

Various legislative acts influenced the evolution of the Indian Constitution, including the Regulating Act of 1773 and the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
The Regulating Act of 1773 marked the first attempt by the British Parliament to regulate the East India Company's affairs and created an Executive Council for the Governor-General.
The Pitt's India Act of 1784 separated the commercial and political functions of the East India Company, introducing the Court of Directors and the Board of Control.
The Charter Act of 1813 ended the East India Company's trade monopoly except for tea and opium, opening trade to all British subjects.
The Charter Act of 1833 designated the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India, stripping Bombay and Madras of their legislative powers and transforming the company into an administrative body.
The Charter Act of 1853 separated legislative and executive powers in the Governor-General's Council and established a Central Legislative Council with appointed members.
Following the 1857 revolt, the Government of India Act of 1858 transferred authority from the East India Company to the British Crown, establishing the office of the Secretary of State for India.
The Indian Councils Act of 1861 allowed for the inclusion of Indians in the Viceroy's Councils and initiated decentralization by restoring legislative powers to Madras and Bombay presidencies.
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 introduced indirect elections and expanded legislative council functions, enhancing their role in budget discussions and executive questioning.
The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 facilitated direct elections to legislative councils and established separate communal electorates, expanding council membership significantly.
The Government of India Act of 1919 introduced the diarchy system, separating central and provincial subjects.

Key Components of the Indian Constitution

Philosophical foundations rooted in democracy, social justice, and equality.
The Preamble outlines the objectives of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties and equality before the law.
Directive Principles of State Policy guide the state in policymaking towards social and economic welfare.
Fundamental Duties set out the moral obligations of citizens towards the nation.