Complete detailed Notes on Constitution of India for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025
Indian Polity- 1
Constitution of India – Detailed Notes
1. Historical Background: Acts Before 1947
Understanding the evolution of British rule and constitutional development in India:
Regulating Act, 1773
- First step toward centralized administration.
- Governor of Bengal became Governor-General of Bengal (Warren Hastings).
- Supreme Court established in Calcutta (1774).
Pitt’s India Act, 1784
- Introduced dual control: Court of Directors & Board of Control.
- Strengthened British political control over East India Company.
Charter Acts (1833 & 1853)
- 1833: Governor-General of India created (Lord William Bentinck); End of Company’s trade monopoly.
- 1853: Open competition introduced for civil services (first step towards meritocracy).
Government of India Act, 1858
- Company rule ended post-1857 Revolt.
- British Crown took direct control.
- Secretary of State for India appointed.
Indian Councils Act, 1861 & 1892
- Introduced legislative councils with limited Indian representation.
Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)
- Introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
- First Indian in Viceroy’s Executive Council (Satyendra Prasad Sinha).
Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)
- Introduced diarchy in provinces.
- Bicameral legislature (Council of States and Legislative Assembly).
Government of India Act, 1935
- Blueprint for Indian Constitution.
- Introduced federal structure, provincial autonomy, bicameralism, and Federal Court (1937).
- Diarchy abolished at provincial level, introduced at federal level.
Indian Independence Act, 1947
- Ended British rule.
- India and Pakistan created as independent dominions.
- Constituent Assembly given legislative powers.
2. Framing of the Constitution of India : Constituent Assembly
Formation
- Based on Cabinet Mission Plan (1946).
- Total strength: 389 (later 299 after partition).
- First meeting: 9 December 1946.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad: Elected President (11 Dec 1946).
Key Committees & Members
| Committee | Chairman |
| Drafting Committee | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar |
| Union Constitution Committee | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Union Powers Committee | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Provincial Constitution Committee | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel |
| Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee | J. B. Kripalani |
| Advisory Committee | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel |
| Steering Committee | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
Important Dates
- Draft Constitution presented: 4 November 1948.
- Adopted: 26 November 1949.
- Enforced: 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day).
3. Preamble: Objectives and Significance of Constitution of India
Text of the Preamble
“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…”
Key Objectives
| Word | Meaning |
| Sovereign | India is internally and externally independent. |
| Socialist | Commitment to reduce inequality and ensure social justice. |
| Secular | No official religion; equal treatment to all religions. |
| Democratic | Government by the people, of the people, and for the people. |
| Republic | Head of state elected, not hereditary (like a king or queen). |
Ideals Secured
- Justice: Social, economic, and political.
- Liberty: Of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
- Equality: Of status and opportunity.
- Fraternity: Ensuring dignity and unity of individuals and the nation.
Significance
- Acts as an introductory statement.
- Reflects the vision and values of the Constitution.
- Can be used to interpret ambiguous provisions of the Constitution.
4. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
| Feature | Description |
| Lengthiest Written Constitution | ~448 articles, 25 parts, 12 schedules (as of now). |
| Drawn from Multiple Sources | Borrowed features from UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Australia, etc. |
| Federal Structure with Unitary Bias | Dual government (Centre & State) but strong Centre (e.g., emergency provisions). |
| Parliamentary System | Based on UK model; President is nominal head, PM is real executive. |
| Independent Judiciary | Supreme Court ensures constitutional supremacy and acts as guardian of Fundamental Rights. |
| Fundamental Rights & Duties | Part III & IV-A; Rights are justiciable, duties are moral obligations. |
| Directive Principles of State Policy | Guidelines to the State (Part IV), non-justiciable but fundamental to governance. |
| Single Citizenship | Unlike the U.S., Indian citizens have single citizenship. |
| Secular State | State has no official religion; equal respect to all religions. |
| Universal Adult Franchise | Right to vote to all citizens above 18 years of age. |
| Emergency Provisions | Centre becomes stronger in national emergency, breakdown of constitutional machinery, etc. |
| Amendment Procedure | Neither too rigid nor too flexible (Article 368). |
| Special Provisions for States | Like J&K (before abrogation of Article 370), and other northeastern states. |
