Öffentliches Deck

Indian Constitution: Foundations

Preamble, Parts, Schedules, sources of the Constitution, and key structural features. Anchored in the Constitution of India and Laxmikanth's Indian Polity.

Autor
von NeverCram Editorial
Karten
38 Karten
Aufrufe
0 Aufrufe
Veröffentlicht
Veröffentlicht am 25.04.2026
UPSCPolityConstitutionGS-IIPrelims

Speichere dieses Deck und lerne mit Spaced Repetition

Klone dieses Deck in deine NeverCram-Bibliothek. Lerne mit FSRS, halte deine Streak und vergiss nie, was du gelernt hast.

Alle Karten (38)

  1. #1

    Vorderseite

    When was the Constitution of India adopted, and when did it come into force?

    Rückseite

    Adopted: 26 November 1949. Came into force: 26 January 1950.

    Erklärung

    26 November is observed as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) since 2015. 26 January was chosen to commemorate the 1930 Purna Swaraj declaration of the Indian National Congress. Source: Constitution of India, Preamble & Article 394.

  2. #2

    Vorderseite

    Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?

    Rückseite

    Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

    Erklärung

    The Drafting Committee was set up on 29 August 1947 with seven members: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Chairman), N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, Dr. K. M. Munshi, Syed Mohammad Saadulla, N. Madhav Rao (replaced B. L. Mitter), and T. T. Krishnamachari (replaced D. P. Khaitan). Source: Constituent Assembly Debates.

  3. #3

    Vorderseite

    Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly?

    Rückseite

    Dr. Rajendra Prasad

    Erklärung

    Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha served as the temporary (interim) Chairman; Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected permanent President on 11 December 1946. Constitutional Adviser: Sir B. N. Rau.

  4. #4

    Vorderseite

    How many Articles, Parts, and Schedules did the original Constitution contain?

    Rückseite

    395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules.

    Erklärung

    As of the latest enacted amendment (106th, 2023), the Constitution effectively contains over 450 Articles (original numbering retained, with insertions like 21A, 39A, 51A and the 243A–243ZT Panchayat/Municipalities series), 25 Parts (Part VII repealed; IVA, IXA, IXB, XIVA added later), and 12 Schedules. Source: Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Ch. 'Salient Features'.

  5. #5

    Vorderseite

    How long did the Constituent Assembly take to draft the Constitution?

    Rückseite

    2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.

    Erklärung

    The Constituent Assembly held 11 sessions and met for 165 days. The drafting cost approximately ₹64 lakh. Source: Constituent Assembly of India Debates, Vol. XII.

  6. #6

    Vorderseite

    What does the Preamble of the Indian Constitution declare India to be? (List all six adjectives)

    Rückseite

    Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic — securing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

    Erklärung

    Original Preamble (1949): 'Sovereign Democratic Republic'. The 42nd Amendment (1976) added 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble. Source: Constitution of India, Preamble.

  7. #7

    Vorderseite

    Which amendment added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble?

    Rückseite

    42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.

    Erklärung

    The 42nd Amendment is also called the 'Mini-Constitution' due to the scale of changes. It was enacted during the Emergency (1975–77) under PM Indira Gandhi.

  8. #8

    Vorderseite

    Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution? What does Supreme Court hold?

    Rückseite

    Yes. The Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be amended under Article 368, but the basic structure cannot be altered.

    Erklärung

    In Berubari Union case (1960), SC held the Preamble was NOT part of the Constitution. This was overturned in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), where SC ruled the Preamble IS part of the Constitution and is subject to amendment, but the basic structure is inviolable. Source: AIR 1973 SC 1461.

  9. #9

    Vorderseite

    What is the source of the Preamble's philosophy?

    Rückseite

    The Objectives Resolution moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946 and adopted on 22 January 1947.

    Erklärung

    The Objectives Resolution outlined the ideals of the Constitution and formed the basis of the Preamble.

  10. #10

    Vorderseite

    List the major sources borrowed from foreign constitutions.

    Rückseite

    UK: Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, Single citizenship, Cabinet system. USA: Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Independent Judiciary, Impeachment of President, Removal of SC/HC judges, Vice-President. Ireland: DPSP, Method of Presidential election, Nomination to Rajya Sabha. Canada: Federation with strong Centre, Residuary powers, Appointment of Governors. Australia: Concurrent List, Joint sitting of Parliament, Trade & commerce. Weimar Germany: Emergency provisions. USSR: Fundamental Duties, Ideal of justice. France: Republic, Liberty/Equality/Fraternity. South Africa: Amendment procedure, Election of RS members. Japan: Procedure established by law.

    Erklärung

    Government of India Act 1935 contributed the largest single share — federal scheme, judiciary, public service commissions, emergency provisions, administrative details. Source: Laxmikanth, 'Salient Features of the Constitution'.

  11. #11

    Vorderseite

    List all 22 original Parts of the Constitution and their subjects.

    Rückseite

    I: The Union and its Territory (Arts 1–4). II: Citizenship (5–11). III: Fundamental Rights (12–35). IV: DPSP (36–51). V: The Union (52–151). VI: The States (152–237). VII: [Repealed by 7th Amendment, 1956 — was Part B States]. VIII: The Union Territories (239–242). IX: The Panchayats (243–243O). X: The Scheduled and Tribal Areas (244–244A). XI: Relations between Union and States (245–263). XII: Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits (264–300A). XIII: Trade, Commerce, Intercourse (301–307). XIV: Services under the Union and States (308–323). XV: Elections (324–329A). XVI: Special provisions for SC, ST, OBC, Anglo-Indian (330–342). XVII: Official Language (343–351). XVIII: Emergency Provisions (352–360). XIX: Miscellaneous (361–367). XX: Amendment of the Constitution (368). XXI: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions (369–392). XXII: Short title, commencement, authoritative text in Hindi, repeals (393–395).

    Erklärung

    Added later: Part IVA Fundamental Duties (51A) by 42nd Amendment, 1976; Part IXA Municipalities (243P–243ZG) by 74th Amendment, 1992; Part IXB Co-operative Societies (243ZH–243ZT) by 97th Amendment, 2011; Part XIVA Tribunals (323A, 323B) by 42nd Amendment, 1976.

  12. #12

    Vorderseite

    What does the First Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Names of States and Union Territories and their territorial extent.

    Erklärung

    As of 2024: 28 States and 8 Union Territories. Source: Constitution of India, First Schedule.

  13. #13

    Vorderseite

    What does the Second Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Salaries, allowances, and emoluments of: President, Vice-President, Speaker/Deputy Speaker, Governors, Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, and the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

  14. #14

    Vorderseite

    What does the Third Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Forms of Oaths and Affirmations for Ministers, MPs, MLAs, judges, and the CAG.

  15. #15

    Vorderseite

    What does the Fourth Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to each State and Union Territory.

  16. #16

    Vorderseite

    What does the Fifth Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes (in States other than the Sixth Schedule areas).

  17. #17

    Vorderseite

    What does the Sixth Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Provisions for the administration of Tribal Areas in the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (via Autonomous District Councils).

  18. #18

    Vorderseite

    What does the Seventh Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Three lists distributing legislative powers between Union and States — Union List (List I, 97 subjects originally; ~100 currently), State List (List II, 66 originally; ~61 currently), Concurrent List (List III, 47 originally; ~52 currently).

    Erklärung

    Subjects can shift between lists via constitutional amendment. Education, Forests, Weights & Measures, Wildlife & Birds, Administration of Justice were moved from State List to Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment. Source: Article 246, Seventh Schedule.

  19. #19

    Vorderseite

    What does the Eighth Schedule contain? Name the languages.

    Rückseite

    22 official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.

    Erklärung

    Sindhi added by 21st Amendment (1967); Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali by 71st Amendment (1992); Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali by 92nd Amendment (2003).

  20. #20

    Vorderseite

    What does the Ninth Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Acts and Regulations (mostly relating to land reforms and abolition of zamindari) which cannot be challenged in court for violating Fundamental Rights.

    Erklärung

    Added by the 1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951. In I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007), SC held that any law placed in the 9th Schedule after 24 April 1973 (Kesavananda Bharati judgment date) is open to judicial review if it violates the basic structure. Source: AIR 2007 SC 861.

  21. #21

    Vorderseite

    What does the Tenth Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    Provisions relating to disqualification of MPs and MLAs on grounds of defection (Anti-Defection Law).

    Erklärung

    Added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985. The 91st Amendment (2003) deleted the provision exempting splits (1/3 defection rule) and now requires a merger of 2/3rd members.

  22. #22

    Vorderseite

    What does the Eleventh Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    29 functional items of the Panchayats (rural local self-government).

    Erklärung

    Added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (in force 24 April 1993).

  23. #23

    Vorderseite

    What does the Twelfth Schedule contain?

    Rückseite

    18 functional items of the Municipalities (urban local self-government).

    Erklärung

    Added by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (in force 1 June 1993).

  24. #24

    Vorderseite

    Which is the longest written constitution in the world? Approximately how many words?

    Rückseite

    The Constitution of India, with approximately 145,000 words in the English version.

    Erklärung

    For comparison: US Constitution ~7,500 words; Australian Constitution ~12,000 words. The detailed nature owes to incorporation of administrative provisions, peculiarities of India, and provisions for SCs/STs.

  25. #25

    Vorderseite

    Why is the Indian Constitution described as 'partly rigid, partly flexible'?

    Rückseite

    Because Article 368 prescribes three different procedures for amendment: simple majority (for some provisions), special majority of Parliament, and special majority plus ratification by half the State Legislatures.

    Erklärung

    Detailed by K. C. Wheare. Compare USA (very rigid: 2/3 Congress + 3/4 States) and UK (very flexible: simple majority).

  26. #26

    Vorderseite

    What are the three pillars of the basic structure doctrine?

    Rückseite

    Established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973). Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution under Article 368, but cannot destroy its 'basic structure' or essential features.

    Erklärung

    Examples of basic features identified across cases: Supremacy of Constitution, Republican & Democratic form of government, Secular character, Federalism, Separation of powers, Judicial review, Free & fair elections, Rule of law, Independence of judiciary, Parliamentary system, Welfare state. Citation: AIR 1973 SC 1461.

  27. #27

    Vorderseite

    What is the difference between citizenship by birth and by descent under Indian law?

    Rückseite

    By birth (Sec 3, Citizenship Act 1955): Person born in India between 26 Jan 1950 and 1 July 1987 is a citizen by birth (regardless of parents' nationality). After 1 July 1987, at least one parent must be Indian. After 3 Dec 2004, both parents must be Indian or one parent Indian and the other not an illegal migrant. By descent (Sec 4): Person born outside India whose parent(s) are Indian citizens at the time of birth.

    Erklärung

    Source: Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended). Constitutional basis: Articles 5–11.

  28. #28

    Vorderseite

    Does India recognize dual citizenship?

    Rückseite

    No. India recognizes only single citizenship. The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status is not full citizenship — it is a long-term visa with specific rights.

    Erklärung

    Article 9: Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship causes loss of Indian citizenship. OCI was introduced via the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003.

  29. #29

    Vorderseite

    Article 1 of the Constitution: How does it describe India?

    Rückseite

    'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.'

    Erklärung

    Dr. Ambedkar explained 'Union of States' (rather than 'Federation') signifies that (a) the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement among states, and (b) states have no right to secede. Source: Constituent Assembly Debates.

  30. #30

    Vorderseite

    Article 2 vs Article 3 — what's the difference?

    Rückseite

    Article 2 deals with admission/establishment of NEW States (i.e., territory not part of India earlier — e.g., Sikkim in 1975). Article 3 deals with formation, alteration, name change, or boundary alteration of EXISTING States.

    Erklärung

    Under Article 3, a Bill must be introduced only on the President's recommendation, and the President must refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views (not concurrence). Source: Articles 2, 3, 4.

  31. #31

    Vorderseite

    Which are the territories of India under Article 1?

    Rückseite

    (a) The territories of the States, (b) The Union Territories specified in the First Schedule, (c) Such other territories as may be acquired.

    Erklärung

    Note: 'Territory of India' is a wider term than 'Union of India'. Acquired territories don't automatically become States or UTs; their status is decided by Parliament.

  32. #32

    Vorderseite

    How many fundamental features make Indian federalism 'quasi-federal'?

    Rückseite

    Indian federalism has both federal features (dual polity, written constitution, division of powers, supremacy of Constitution, rigid Constitution, independent judiciary, bicameralism) AND unitary features (strong Centre, single Constitution, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, all-India services, emergency provisions, appointment of Governors by President, Governor as Centre's agent, residuary powers with Centre, Parliament's power to alter State boundaries).

    Erklärung

    K. C. Wheare called it 'quasi-federal'. Granville Austin called it 'co-operative federalism'. SC in S. R. Bommai (1994) declared federalism part of basic structure.

  33. #33

    Vorderseite

    What is the philosophy of the Constitution as expressed in the Objectives Resolution?

    Rückseite

    To proclaim India as an Independent Sovereign Republic, guarantee justice (social, economic, political), liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), equality (of status and opportunity), and fraternity (assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation).

    Erklärung

    Moved by Pt. Nehru on 13 Dec 1946; adopted on 22 Jan 1947. Forms the basis of the Preamble.

  34. #34

    Vorderseite

    Match: 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity' is borrowed from which country's constitution?

    Rückseite

    France (the French Revolution).

  35. #35

    Vorderseite

    What is meant by 'Republic' in the Preamble?

    Rückseite

    The head of the state (President) is elected — directly or indirectly — for a fixed term, and there is no hereditary ruler. All public offices are open to every citizen without discrimination.

  36. #36

    Vorderseite

    What is the meaning of 'Secular' in the Indian context?

    Rückseite

    India treats all religions equally and does not have a state religion (positive secularism). Articles 25–28 guarantee religious freedom; the State maintains equidistance from all religions.

    Erklärung

    Indian secularism differs from Western (separation of state and church) — it is one of equal respect for all religions. SC in S. R. Bommai (1994) declared secularism a basic feature.

  37. #37

    Vorderseite

    Which case ruled that the Preamble can be amended?

    Rückseite

    Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) — 13-judge bench, 7:6 majority.

    Erklärung

    The same case birthed the Basic Structure Doctrine. The 42nd Amendment subsequently amended the Preamble (added 'Socialist', 'Secular', 'Integrity'). Citation: AIR 1973 SC 1461.

  38. #38

    Vorderseite

    What are the salient features of the Indian Constitution?

    Rückseite

    (1) Lengthiest written constitution. (2) Drawn from various sources. (3) Blend of rigidity and flexibility. (4) Federal system with unitary bias. (5) Parliamentary form of government. (6) Synthesis of Parliamentary sovereignty and Judicial supremacy. (7) Rule of law. (8) Integrated and independent judiciary. (9) Fundamental Rights. (10) Directive Principles. (11) Fundamental Duties. (12) Indian secularism. (13) Universal adult franchise. (14) Single citizenship. (15) Independent bodies (EC, CAG, UPSC). (16) Emergency provisions. (17) Three-tier government (Centre-State-Local).

    Erklärung

    Source: Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Ch. 4.

Indian Constitution: Foundations — Karteikarten von NeverCram Editorial | NeverCram | NeverCram