Indian Constitution
Delhi Police Exams - GK Section
Introduction to Indian Constitution
A Constitution is the supreme law of a country. It defines the structure of government, distribution of powers, and rights & duties of citizens.
Simple Definition: A Constitution is a rulebook for the government and the people.
Why is Constitution Needed?
- To ensure law and order
- To limit the power of the government
- To protect citizens' rights and freedom
- To maintain equality and justice
- To provide a framework for governance
Memory Trick: Rule, Rights, Restrict — the 3Rs of Constitution.
Historical Background of Indian Constitution
India was under British rule for nearly 200 years. Several Acts laid the foundation for constitutional development.
| Act / Year | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Regulating Act, 1773 | First step towards parliamentary control by British |
| Pitt's India Act, 1784 | Established control of British Parliament |
| Government of India Act, 1858 | Ended East India Company rule; power to British Crown |
| Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) | Introduced communal representation |
| Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) | Introduced diarchy at provincial level |
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Basis of present Constitution; introduced federal structure |
| Indian Independence Act, 1947 | Granted independence; divided India and Pakistan |
Trick: 1773 began control, 1935 gave structure, 1947 gave freedom.
Making of the Indian Constitution
Constituent Assembly
Formed: December 1946 | Objective: Frame the Constitution of India
| Position | Person |
|---|---|
| Chairman (Assembly) | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| Vice President | H.C. Mukherjee |
| Drafting Committee Chairman | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Members | 389 (Later 299 after Partition) |
| First Meeting | 9 December 1946 |
| Adopted | 26 November 1949 |
| Came into Force | 26 January 1950 (Republic Day) |
| Time Taken to Frame | 2 years, 11 months, 18 days |
Memory Trick: 9-26-26 Formula → 9 Dec start, 26 Nov adopt, 26 Jan enforce.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution.
Sources of the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution borrowed its features from various countries while keeping Indian needs in mind.
| Country | Feature Borrowed |
|---|---|
| UK | Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, Cabinet responsibility |
| USA | Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Preamble |
| Canada | Federation with strong centre |
| Ireland | Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) |
| Australia | Concurrent List, Trade & Commerce provisions |
| France | Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (Preamble ideals) |
| USSR (Russia) | Fundamental Duties, Five-Year Plans |
| Japan | Procedure of amendment of Constitution |
Memory Trick: U Can Inquire About France's Red Japan (U-UK, Can-Canada, In-Ireland, About-Australia, France-France, Red-Russia, Japan-Japan)
Unique Features of Indian Constitution
India's Constitution is the longest written Constitution in the world. It blends rigidity with flexibility, federalism with unity, and rights with duties.
- Written Constitution – Detailed and comprehensive (originally 395 Articles, 22 Parts, 8 Schedules)
- Blend of Rigidity & Flexibility – Some parts need special majority, others simple
- Federal System with Unitary Bias – Dual government (Centre & State) but strong Centre
- Parliamentary Form of Government – Executive responsible to Legislature
- Secular & Democratic – No official religion, people's participation
- Fundamental Rights – Part III ensures liberty & equality
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) – Part IV guides welfare policies
- Fundamental Duties – Added by 42nd Amendment (1976)
- Independent Judiciary – Supreme Court as guardian of the Constitution
- Universal Adult Franchise – One person, one vote
Trick: FLEX FED JUD RIGHTS DUTY – India's beauty!
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
Who is known as the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution?
A) Mahatma Gandhi B) Jawaharlal Nehru C) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar D) Rajendra Prasad
Show Answer
C) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
The Constitution of India came into force on —
A) 15 August 1947 B) 26 January 1950 C) 26 November 1949 D) 2 October 1950
Show Answer
B) 26 January 1950
The Constituent Assembly was formed in —
A) 1946 B) 1947 C) 1948 D) 1950
Show Answer
A) 1946
The idea of the Directive Principles of State Policy was borrowed from —
A) USA B) Ireland C) France D) UK
Show Answer
B) Ireland
Which country's Constitution inspired the concept of Fundamental Rights in India?
A) UK B) USA C) Canada D) Australia
Show Answer
B) USA
"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" in the Preamble are inspired from —
A) USA B) France C) Russia D) Japan
Show Answer
B) France
The Constitution of India was adopted on —
A) 15 August 1947 B) 26 November 1949 C) 26 January 1950 D) 2 March 1950
Show Answer
B) 26 November 1949
The procedure of Constitutional amendment in India has been taken from —
A) USA B) Canada C) Japan D) South Africa
Show Answer
C) Japan
The term "Union of States" is mentioned in —
A) Article 1 B) Article 3 C) Article 5 D) Article 10
Show Answer
A) Article 1
Which Act is considered the foundation of the present Indian Constitution?
A) Indian Councils Act, 1909 B) Government of India Act, 1935 C) Indian Independence Act, 1947 D) Charter Act, 1853
Show Answer
B) Government of India Act, 1935
Comparison Table – Key Milestones
| Event | Date / Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Formation of Constituent Assembly | 1946 | Drafting Constitution |
| Adoption of Constitution | 26 Nov 1949 | Official approval |
| Enforcement | 26 Jan 1950 | Republic Day |
| Chairman of Drafting Committee | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | Framed the draft |
| Total Members | 389 (later 299) | Represented all regions |
Final Concept Recap
- Constitution – Supreme law of India
- Historical Acts – Laid foundation for governance
- Constituent Assembly – Drafted the Constitution (1946–1949)
- Adopted: 26 Nov 1949 | Enforced: 26 Jan 1950
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Chief Architect
- Sources: Borrowed best features globally
- Unique Features: Written, Federal, Secular, Democratic
One-Line Memory: India's Constitution — borrowed ideas, Indian ideals.
Master Indian Constitution for Delhi Police Exam!
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