Class 9th Political Science Constitutional Design Notes

1. What is Constitution?

• A Constitution is a set of written rules that form the basis of government.
• It defines the structure, powers, and limitations of government.
• It guarantees rights and duties of citizens.
• Every democracy works on the basis of constitutional rules.
• The Indian Constitution is one of the longest and most detailed constitutions in the world.

2. Why Do We Need a Constitution?

1. Defines fundamental rules of politics
   • Who makes laws, how governments are formed, how disputes are settled.
2. Limits government powers
   • Prevents misuse of power by leaders.
3. Guarantees rights of citizens
   • Protects minorities and weaker sections.
4. Guides government in decision-making
   • Provides a framework for policies and governance.
5. Reflects the aspirations of people
   • Based on principles of justice, equality, liberty, fraternity.

3. Making of the Indian Constitution

3.1 Historical Background

• India gained independence on 15 August 1947.
• Partition created India and Pakistan → led to communal violence and refugee crisis.
• Need for a Constitution that ensured unity, democracy, and justice.

3.2 Constituent Assembly

• Constituent Assembly formed in 1946 → members elected indirectly by provincial legislatures.
• Total members originally: 389 (later reduced to 299 after partition).
• The Assembly drafted the Constitution between December 1946 – November 1949.

3.3 Adoption

• Constitution adopted on 26 November 1949.
• Came into force on 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day).

3.4 Leadership

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar = Chairman of the Drafting Committee, known as Father of the Indian Constitution.
• Other important leaders: Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad.

4. Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution

4.1 Experiences of Struggle

• Inspired by freedom movement → values of equality, justice, freedom.
• Lessons from colonial rule (exploitation, racial discrimination).

4.2 Influence of World Events

• American Revolution → ideas of liberty, equality.
• French Revolution → principles of equality, fraternity.
• Russian Revolution → socialist ideals.
• South African struggle against apartheid → equality of races.

4.3 Objective Resolution (1946)

• Introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Laid down guiding principles: sovereignty, justice (social, economic, political), equality, freedom, and fraternity.
• Later shaped into the Preamble of the Constitution.

5. The Preamble

The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution.

It declares India to be:

1. Sovereign → free from external control.
2. Socialist → reduce inequality of wealth, provide social and economic justice.
3. Secular → no official religion; state treats all religions equally.
4. Democratic → government elected by the people.
5. Republic → head of state elected, not hereditary.

Objectives:

• Justice (social, economic, political).
• Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship).
• Equality (of status and opportunity).
• Fraternity (unity and integrity of the nation).

6. Key Features of the Indian Constitution

1. Lengthiest written Constitution
   • Detailed due to diversity of India.
2. Parliamentary form of government
   • Executive accountable to legislature.
3. Federal system with unitary bias
   • Division of powers between Centre and States.
   • But Centre has strong powers (especially during emergencies).
4. Secularism
   • Equal treatment of all religions.
5. Fundamental Rights
   • Six categories: Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural & Educational Rights, Right to Constitutional Remedies.
6. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
   • Guidelines for government to achieve social and economic democracy.
7. Independent Judiciary
   • Supreme Court and High Courts ensure justice and protect Fundamental Rights.
8. Universal Adult Franchise
   • Every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, wealth.
9. Single Citizenship
   • All Indians are citizens of India, not of individual states.
10. Amendment Procedure
    • Constitution can be amended, allowing flexibility while retaining stability.

7. Importance of the Constitution

• Brings stability and order in governance.
• Ensures unity in diversity.
• Protects rights of all, including minorities and weaker sections.
• Prevents misuse of power by leaders.
• Provides democratic values as guiding principles.

Quick Revision Points

• Constitution = supreme law, defines powers and rights.
• Making: Drafted by Constituent Assembly (1946–49), led by Ambedkar.
• Adopted: 26 Nov 1949; enforced: 26 Jan 1950.
• Preamble = introduction → Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
• Key Features = federalism, parliamentary system, secularism, rights, DPSPs, independent judiciary, universal adult franchise.