Preamble Flashcards
What is the preamble?
It is the introductory chapter of the Indian Constitution
What does “give ourselves” means in the Constitution?
It means that the Constitution is a contract better the people of the land and the land and it holds the people accountable.
Which case added the Preamble as a part of the Constitution?
Keshavnanda Bharthi Case
Why is the Preamble important?
- Precious part of the constitution as it defines the natures and objects of the constitution
- Soul of Constitution as it highlights the ideals of the leaders
- It is the yardstick used to measure the worth of the constitution
What are the natures and objectives of the Constitution?
Nature of the Constitution
1. Sovereign
2. Secular
3. Socialist
4. Democratic Republic
Objectives of the Constitution
1. Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship
2. Equality of status and opportunity;
3. Justice- social, economic, and political
4. Fraternity- assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation
What does Sovereign mean?
-India is no longer under the control of any other nation.
-It denotes the end of British Rule in India and testifies that India does not come under the British Crown.
-When British Rule ended in India on the 15th of August, the Constituent Assembly acted as the legislature.
-After the adaptation of the Constitution, India emerged as a sovereign state.
-Thus, the Preamble proclaims India as a sovereign independent state [internally and externally] of India.
What does Secular mean?
-It means the equitable distribution of wealth and resources.
-It reflects the fact that India is committed to securing Justice for all people by ending all forms of exploitation and by securing equitable distribution of wealth and resources among individuals.
What does Socialist mean?
-India does not give special status to a religion
-It means India has no state religion.
-It guarantees equal freedom to all religions and the right to freedom of religion to all citizens
What does a Democratic Republic mean?
-It means the authority of the government rests upon the sovereignty of the people.
-They enjoy rights like
Universal Adult Sufferage
Right to contest elections
Right to hold public office
Right to form associations
Right to criticize and oppose the policies of the government.
-Freedom of Speech and Expression, Freedom of Press and Media, and Freedom to Assemble Peacefully has been guaranteed to all citizens.
-Right to Information is also a part of the Freedom of Speech and Expression.
- It is based on these rights that people participate in politics.
-The Supreme Court is responsible to safeguard the right of the people.
What does Republic mean?
-It means India has an elected head that wields the power for a fixed term.
-They are trusted to secure the authority of the Constitution.
What does Justice mean?
Political Justice
-It stands for equal political rights to all citizens without discrimination.
-Equal, free, and fair opportunities for political participation for all people
Social Justice
-The absence of special privileged classes in society and the absence of discrimination among citizens
Economic Justice
-Equitable distribution of wealth and resources and no discrimination based on income, wealth, and economic value
What does Liberty mean?
-It means the liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
-It is vital in the development of the mind of an individual. It is a condition of living.
-Liberty of faith and worship strength secularism.
What does Equality mean?
-It has been described in terms of 2 variables
Equality of Status
and Equality of Opportunity
-Equality before the law and the absence of discrimination are important factors for securing equality.
-It is constitutionally sanctioned.
What does Fraternity mean?*
-A feeling of spiritual and psychological unity and brotherhood.
-It is designed to secure the dignity of the individuals and the unity and integrity of the nation.
What is the prime feature of the State of India?
that India is Socialist.
