The Indian Constitution - Long Answer Questions
1. To lay out certain ideals that form the basis of the country. 2. To define the nature of the country's political system. 3. To protect us from ourselves (guarding against whims). 4. To protect minorities from tyranny of majority.
Nepal was a Monarchy. People fought for decades (1990, 2006) to establish democracy. In 2008, Nepal became a democracy and wrote a new Constitution to change the constitutive rules.
The existence of more than one level of government in the country. In India, we have Centre, State, and Panchayati Raj.
The people of India directly elect their representatives to the Parliament. These representatives are accountable to the people.
Every citizen of the country, irrespective of his/her social background, has the right to vote.
The Constitution divides the state into 3 organs: Legislature (elected reps), Executive (implements laws), and Judiciary (courts). Each organ checks the other (Checks and Balances).
The conscience of the Constitution. Rights that protect citizens against the arbitrary exercise of power by the State. (Right to Equality, Freedom, Freedom of Religion, etc.).
A state which does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. He believed the Constitution would help Dalits get safeguards.
This allows citizens to move to court if they believe that any of their Fundamental Rights have been violated by the State.
An independent people/nation. No external power dictates it.
A society that has an organized political structure.
When the majority group dominates the minority and suppresses their needs/interests.
Guidelines for the government to ensure greater social and economic reform and reduce poverty.
Selling and buying of human beings, usually for illegal purposes. Prohibited under Right against Exploitation.
Government is the group of people in power (changes with elections). State represents the sovereign people who occupy a territory (Indian State).
To ensure that all states are not just agents of the centre but have autonomy to govern their own people based on local needs.
Adopted on 26 Nov 1949. Came into effect on 26 Jan 1950.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Assembly.
When nothing is fixed and is left to one's judgment or choice. Rules are meant to prevent arbitrary use of power.
The Indian Constitution - Important Facts
Constitution is a set of written rules.
Nepal adopted a new constitution in 2015.
Indian National Congress demanded Constituent Assembly in 1934.
Constituent Assembly met between 1946 and 1949.
Dr. Ambedkar was Chairman of Drafting Committee.
Fundamental Duties were added later (42nd Amendment).
Right to Equality: All are equal before law.
Right to Freedom: Speech, expression, association.
Right against Exploitation: No child labour (under 14).
Right to Freedom of Religion: Practice any faith.
Cultural and Educational Rights: Minorities can run schools.
Right to Constitutional Remedies: Go to court.
Begar is forced labour without payment.
State has no religion in India.
USA has separation of Church and State.
Fundamental Rights protect against State and Individuals.
Dr. Ambedkar called Article 32 the 'Soul of Constitution'.
Panchayati Raj represents the 3rd tier.
Voting age is 18 years.
Partition of India/Pakistan was a bloody event.
Princely states had to be integrated.
Socio-economic condition was poor in 1947.
Constitution ensures social justice.
Legislature makes laws.
Executive implements laws.
Judiciary applies laws.
Minority rights are protected.
Constitution is a living document.
Inter-state council resolves disputes.
Emergency powers exist.
President is the Head of State.
Prime Minister is Head of Government.
Nepal's struggle was for democracy.
King Gyanendra took over power in 2005.
Maoist insurgency happened in Nepal.
Constitution limits the power of leaders.
Misuse of authority is checked.
Dalits faced discrimination for centuries.
Reservations help disadvantaged groups.
Trafficking is illegal.
Forced labour is illegal.
Children cannot work in factories/mines.
Secularism is key to unity.
Diversity is India's strength.
Unity in Diversity.
We the People gives authority.
The Indian Constitution - Important Dates/Terms
Constituent Assembly formed
Constitution Adopted
Constitution Enforced
Nepal becomes Democracy