CBSE Notes Class 8 Social Science Civics
Chapter 1 - The Indian Constitution
Why Does a Country Need a Constitution?
All democratic countries are likely to have a Constitution, but on the other hand, it is not
necessary that
all countries that have a Constitution are democratic. The Constitution serves several purposes
as
listed below.
1. A Constitution tells us what the fundamental nature of our society is.
2. A Constitution helps serve as a set of rules and principles that all persons in a country can
agree upon as the basis of the way in which they want the country to be governed.
3 Significant Reasons Why We Need a Constitution
1. In democratic societies, the Constitution often lays down rules that guard against the misuse
of
authority by our political leaders.
2. The Constitution ensures that a dominant group does not use its power against less powerful
people or groups.
3. The Constitution helps to protect us against decisions that could have an adverse effect on
the
larger principles that the country believes in.
The Indian Constitution: Key Features
A group of 300 people became members of the Constituent Assembly in 1946 and had written
India’s
Constitution. While writing the Indian Constitution, these members kept in mind the different
communities who speak different languages, belong to different religions, and have distinct
cultures.
1) Federalism
This refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country. In India, we
have
governments at the state level, at the centre and Panchayati Raj at the village level. The
Constitution
contains lists that detail the issues that each tier of government can make laws on. In addition,
the
Constitution also specifies where each tier of government can get the money from, for the work
that it
does. All persons in India are governed by laws and policies made by each of these levels of
government.
2) Parliamentary Form of Government
The people of India have a direct role in electing their representatives. Also, every citizen of the
country, irrespective of his/her social background, can contest in elections.
3) Separation of Powers
There are 3 organs of government:
1. The legislature: refers to elected representatives by the people.
2. The executive: is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and
running the government.
3. The judiciary: refers to the system of courts in India.
Each organ mentioned above acts as a check on the other organs of government. This ensures
the
balance of power between all three.
4) Fundamental Rights
The constitution guarantees the rights of individuals against the State as well as against other
individuals. It also guarantees the rights of minorities against the majority.
The Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution include:
1. Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom
3. Right against Exploitation
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
5. Cultural and Educational Rights
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
Fundamental Rights have two-fold objectives:
1. Every citizen must be in a position to claim fundamental rights.
The Constitution also has a section called Directive Principles of State Policy which ensure
greater
social and economic reforms, and serve as a guide to the independent Indian State to institute
laws and
policies.
5) Secularism
A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state
religion.
