Notes Chapter 10 Class 7 Social Science

The Constitution of India — An Introduction

Introduction

The Constitution of India is like a rulebook for our country. It tells us how the government works, what rights citizens have, and what values India stands for.
It came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is why we celebrate Republic Day every year.
The Constitution is kept safe in a helium-filled glass case in Parliament to protect it from damage.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, said that following the Constitution can make India great, but it needs hard work, respect for others’ views, and moral values.

What is a Constitution?

A Constitution is a document that lists a country’s basic rules and laws. It explains:
How the government is formed and works (divided into legislature, executive, and judiciary).
Checks and balances to ensure fairness among these three parts.
The rights and duties of citizens.
The country’s long-term goals and values, like equality and justice.
Example: Just like a rulebook in a kabaddi game settles disputes, the Constitution is the rulebook for India.

Why Do We Need a Constitution?

It ensures the country runs smoothly by setting clear rules.
It protects citizens’ rights and ensures fairness.
It guides the government on how to make laws and work for the people.
Activity Example: Imagine a kabaddi match without rules. There would be fights and confusion. Similarly, a country needs a Constitution to avoid chaos.

How Was the Indian Constitution Made?

The Constitution was written by a group called the Constituent Assembly.
Facts about the Constituent Assembly:
Formed on 9 December 1946 with 389 members (later reduced to 299 after India’s partition).
Included 15 women and people from different regions, professions, and communities.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the Chairman.
A Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, prepared the initial text.
The process took almost 3 years, and the Constitution was completed on 26 November 1949.
It was adopted on 26 January 1950, marking the start of India as a Republic.

What Influenced the Indian Constitution?

The Constitution was shaped by three main sources:

1. Indian Freedom Struggle

Leaders of the freedom movement, like those in the Constituent Assembly, brought their ideas.

Key values included:

Equality for all.
Justice for everyone.
Freedom and fraternity (brotherhood).
Preserving India’s cultural heritage.

The struggle answered questions like:

How to ensure every adult can vote?
How to keep the government’s powers balanced?
How to protect citizens’ rights?

2. India’s Civilisational Heritage

India’s ancient culture and traditions influenced the Constitution.

Examples of Indian values included:

Accepting different viewpoints.
Respecting nature and women.
The idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (well-being for all).

Ancient governance ideas, like Kautilya’s Saptānga and Rājadharma, emphasized the role of people in governance. This led to the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Constitution.

3. Learnings from Other Countries

The Constitution makers studied other democratic countries’ constitutions, like:
France: Adopted ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity.
Ireland: Inspired the Directive Principles of State Policy.
USA: Shaped the idea of an independent judiciary.
UK, Australia, and others were also studied.
This reflects the Indian tradition of “Let noble thoughts come from every side”.

Key Features of the Constitution

The Constitution defines how India’s government and society work. Its main features are:

1. Structure of Government

India has three organs of government:
Legislature: Makes laws (e.g., Parliament).
Executive: Implements laws (led by the Prime Minister).
Judiciary: Ensures laws follow the Constitution and settles disputes (e.g., Supreme Court).
Separation of Powers: Each organ has its own role to ensure fairness.

India has a three-tier government:

Central Government (for national issues).
State Government (for state issues).
Local Government (Panchayati Raj for villages).

2. Fundamental Rights

These are promises that protect citizens’ freedoms. Examples:
Right to Equality (Article 14): Everyone is equal before the law.
Right to Freedom (Article 21): Protects life and personal liberty.
Right to Education (Article 21-A): Free education for children aged 6–14.
Right against Exploitation: Bans forced labor and child labor.
If these rights are violated, citizens can go to court for justice.

3. Fundamental Duties

These are responsibilities of citizens. Examples:
Respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.
Protect the environment (forests, rivers, wildlife).
Defend the country if needed.
Ensure children aged 6–14 get education.
Strive for excellence in all activities.

4. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

These are guidelines for the government to make India better. Examples:
Provide welfare and justice (Article 38).
Protect the environment and wildlife (Article 48-A).
Improve nutrition and public health (Article 47).
Protect monuments and cultural heritage (Article 49).
Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSP are not enforceable in court but guide the government’s actions.

5. Preamble

The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. It lists India’s core values:
Sovereign: India makes its own decisions, free from outside control.
Socialist: Wealth should be shared to reduce inequality.
Secular: No official religion; all religions are equal.
Democratic: People elect their leaders and hold them accountable.
Republic: The head of state (President) is elected, not a king.
Justice: No discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender.
Liberty: Freedom to think, speak, and act (within limits).
Equality: Equal opportunities for all.
Fraternity: Treat everyone like family, with respect.
Note: The words Socialist and Secular were added in 1976 by the 42nd Amendment.

The Constitution as a Living Document

The Constitution can be changed through amendments to meet new needs.
Examples of changes:
Fundamental Duties were added in 1976.
Panchayati Raj was included in 1992 (73rd Amendment).
In 2004, the Supreme Court allowed citizens to fly the National Flag at home as part of the Right to Freedom of Expression.
Amendments are debated in Parliament and sometimes in state assemblies. Public opinions may also be considered.
This flexibility keeps the Constitution relevant even after 70 years.

Special Features of the Constitution

It is the world’s largest written Constitution, with 25 parts and 12 schedules (originally 22 parts and 8 schedules).
It is a work of art:
Handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada.
Illustrated by Nandalal Bose with scenes from Indian history (e.g., Mohenjo-daro, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Mughal era, Nalanda University).
It reflects India’s diversity and unity, inspired by the idea of “Unity in Diversity”.

Why is the Constitution Still Relevant?

It protects citizens’ rights and ensures fairness.
It adapts to changing times through amendments.
It reflects India’s values of equality, justice, and fraternity.
It balances the powers of the government and promotes democracy.