Module-13
Sources of Indian Constitution
Preamble and
Key Features of the Indian
Constitution
An Overview
• India is declared to be a sovereign, socialist,
secular, and democratic republic by the
constitution and also ensures its people liberty,
justice, equality, and endeavors to promote
fraternity. The Indian constitution is the longest
national written social code in the world.
Indian
Constitution • The Constitution was ratified on 26 November
1949 and legally validated on 26 January 1950.
There are a total of 105 amendments in the
Constitution. The main authors of the
Constitution were Dr. Ambedkar, who was the
chairman of the drafting committee, and other
members of the constituent assembly.
• There were 284 signatories who
were all members of the
constituent assembly. The
Constitution is more powerful
than the Parliament, and thus
Parliament cannot override it.
Indian
• The Constitution wasn’t created
Constitution by the Parliament rather was
created by the constituent
assembly. To honour the legal
effect of the Constitution, we
celebrate Republic Day on 26th
January every year.
The main sources of the Indian constitution are
elucidated as:
Government of India act of 1935
(During British rule)
• Emergency provisions
• Public service commission
• Judiciary system
• Federal scheme
• Office of governor
Sources of the Indian constitution
contd..
United States of America (American)
• Fundamental rights
• Judicial review
• Impeachment of the President
• Removal of the Supreme Court judge and
High Court judge
• Preamble of the Constitution
• Independence of the judiciary
Sources of the Indian
constitution contd..
The United Kingdom (British)
• Writs
• Parliamentary form of
government
• Rule of law
• Single citizenship
• Procedure of law-making
Sources of the Indian constitution contd..
Ireland Directive principles of state policy
Method of election of president and method of nominating
members to Rajya Sabha by the President
Germany Suspension of fundamental rights during emergency
South Amendment of the Constitution
Africa
Election of members and Rajya Sabha
Constitution of Soviet Union (USSR)
• Fundamental duties
• Ideals of justice
Sources of the Indian Canada
constitution contd..
• Federal structure
• Centre appoints the governors of the
state
• Residue repowers vest with the
Centre
Australia
• Concurrent list seventh schedule
• Freedom of trade and commerce
• Joint sitting of the two houses (of
parliament)
Sources of the Indian
France (French)
constitution contd..
• Ideals of fraternity, liberty, equality,
and Republic
Japan
• The procedure established by the law
The Preamble serves as an
introduction, reflecting the essence
and philosophy behind the
Constitution. It declares the
objectives and enshrines ideals of
Preamble of justice, liberty, equality, and
the Indian fraternity.
Constitution
The Preamble reads:
“We, the people of India, having
solemnly resolved to constitute
India into a Sovereign Socialist
Secular Democratic Republic and
to secure to all its citizens:
Preamble (Continued)
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and
worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to
promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual
and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
In our Constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth
day of November 1949, do hereby adopt, enact,
and give to ourselves this Constitution.”
• 1. Lengthiest Written
Constitution: One of the
lengthiest constitutions in the
world with more than 450
Key articles.
• 2. Federal System with Unitary
Features of control: Powers divided between
the center and states but allows
Indian central control in emergencies.
• 3. Parliamentary System of
Constitution Government: Real executive
power lies with the Council of
Ministers headed by the Prime
Minister.
• 4. Secularism: No official
state religion; all religions
treated equally.
• 5. Socialist: The state works
Key towards economic and
Features of social equality.
• 6. Sovereign: India is free
the Indian
from external control.
Constitution
• 7. Democratic: Government
elected by the people and
accountable to them.
• 8. Republic: Head of state
(President) is elected, not
hereditary.
• 9. Fundamental Rights:
Key Guarantees citizens rights
including equality, freedom,
Features and protection from
(Continued) exploitation.
• 10. Directive Principles of
State Policy: Guides laws
aimed at social and
economic welfare.
• 11. Fundamental Duties:
Introduced by the 42nd
Amendment, citizens are
expected to respect the
Constitution and the national
Additional symbols.
Key • 12. Independent Judiciary: The
judiciary has the power to review
Features and declare laws
unconstitutional.
• 13. Amendment Process:
Flexible and rigid amendment
process under Article 368.
• 14. Single Citizenship: All
citizens have the same
rights across states.
Additional • 15. Emergency Provisions:
Key Includes National
Features Emergency, State
Emergency, and Financial
Emergency.
