Introduction to Indian Polity
Delhi Police Exams - GK Section
1. Meaning of Constitution and Polity
A Constitution is the supreme law of the land that defines the framework of governance, distributes powers among institutions, and guarantees rights to citizens.
It is the foundation of a nation’s political and legal system.
Memory Trick: Constitution = Control + Structure.
It acts as the rulebook for both rulers and citizens, ensuring everyone follows the Rule of Law.
Definition
“The Constitution is a set of fundamental principles that determine how a government is formed, what powers it has, and how citizens’ rights are protected.”
Constitution of India (1950)
World’s oldest written Constitution (1789)
Unwritten Constitution (customs + laws)
Meaning of Polity
Polity refers to the organized political system of a country — how power is structured and exercised.
Trick: Constitution writes, Polity acts.
| Aspect | Constitution | Polity |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Legal document | Working system |
| Nature | Theoretical | Practical |
| Scope | Structure, rights, duties | Functioning of government |
| Example | Indian Constitution | Indian Government |
2. Making of the Indian Constitution
After independence in 1947, India needed its own governing law. Hence, a Constituent Assembly was formed to draft the Constitution of India.
Trick: Freedom gave us birth, Constitution gave us identity.
Formation of the Constituent Assembly
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed by | M.N. Roy (1934) |
| Accepted by | Indian National Congress (1935) |
| Formed under | Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) |
| Total Members | 389 (later 299 after Partition) |
| First Meeting | 9 December 1946 |
| Adopted Constitution | 26 November 1949 |
| Enforced on | 26 January 1950 |
Trick: M.N. Roy imagined it, British approved it, Ambedkar drafted it.
Composition of the Assembly
| Category | Seats (Before Partition) |
|---|---|
| Provincial Assemblies | 292 |
| Princely States | 93 |
| Chief Commissioner’s Provinces | 4 |
| Total | 389 (later 299) |
Key Personalities
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Temporary President | Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha |
| Permanent President | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| Vice-President | H.C. Mukherjee |
| Drafting Committee Chairman | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
Trick: Sinha started, Prasad presided, Ambedkar drafted.
Important Milestones
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Meeting | 9 Dec 1946 |
| Objective Resolution by Nehru | 13 Dec 1946 |
| Drafting Committee formed | 29 Aug 1947 |
| Constitution adopted | 26 Nov 1949 |
| Constitution enforced | 26 Jan 1950 |
Trick: 9–13–29–26–26 → India’s Constitutional Timeline.
3. Constituent Assembly and Its Role
The Constituent Assembly was the soul of India’s democracy, responsible for giving legal life to the freedom movement’s dreams.
- Framed the Constitution of India
- Declared India a Republic
- Adopted the National Flag, Anthem, and Emblem
- Appointed Dr. Ambedkar’s Drafting Committee
- Debated every article openly and democratically
Trick: Debate → Draft → Deliver → Democracy.
2 years, 11 months, 18 days
11
₹6.4 crore
4. Preamble – Philosophy and Objectives
Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution — it expresses its philosophy, values, and goals. It begins with “We, the People of India…” showing that the power lies with the people.
“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: Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity...”
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sovereign | India is free to make its own laws |
| Socialist | Aims for equal wealth distribution |
| Secular | No official religion |
| Democratic | People elect their government |
| Republic | Head of state is elected |
Trick: SSSDR – Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Justice | Social, Economic, Political equality |
| Liberty | Freedom of speech, belief, expression |
| Equality | Equal rights for all |
| Fraternity | Brotherhood among citizens |
Trick: JLEF → Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
Amendment: The 42nd Amendment (1976) added Socialist and Secular. Declared India as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
5. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
India’s Constitution is unique, combining flexibility of a modern democracy and stability of ancient values.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Written & Detailed | Longest written constitution (448 Articles, 12 Schedules) |
| Blend of Rigidity & Flexibility | Can be amended but not easily |
| Parliamentary System | Executive responsible to legislature |
| Federal Structure with Unitary Bias | Power divided between Centre & States |
| Independent Judiciary | Supreme Court ensures justice |
| Secular State | Equal respect to all religions |
| Fundamental Rights & Duties | Core of democracy |
| Directive Principles | Welfare goals for the State |
Trick: W-B-F-J-S-F-D → Written, Blend, Federal, Judiciary, Secular, Fundamental, Directive.
6. Union of States – Nature of Indian Federalism
India is described as a Union of States (Article 1). It means India is one nation with states that cannot secede.
Trick: Unity in Diversity → Federal in Form, Unitary in Spirit.
Features of Indian Federalism
| Aspect | India’s Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Division of Powers | Between Centre & States (7th Schedule) |
| Written Constitution | Defines powers clearly |
| Supremacy of Constitution | Both must follow it |
| Independent Judiciary | Guardian of Constitution |
| Strong Centre | Emergency powers & single citizenship |
Trick: W-D-S-J-C → Written, Division, Supremacy, Judiciary, Centre strong.
Why “Union of States” not “Federation”?
- States cannot leave the Union
- India’s unity is indestructible
- Centre has greater power during emergencies
Trick: Federal look, Unitary heart.
7. PYQs (Delhi Police + SSC + State Exams)
Who is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution?
A) Mahatma Gandhi B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar C) Jawaharlal Nehru D) Rajendra Prasad
Category: Key Personalities
Show Answer
B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
The Constitution of India was adopted on —
A) 15 August 1947 B) 26 November 1949 C) 26 January 1950 D) 2 October 1948
Category: Important Dates
Show Answer
B) 26 November 1949
The term “We, the People of India” signifies —
A) Sovereignty of Parliament B) Popular Sovereignty C) Supremacy of the President D) Judicial Supremacy
Category: Preamble
Show Answer
B) Popular Sovereignty
Which Amendment added the words “Socialist” and “Secular” in the Preamble?
A) 44th B) 42nd C) 40th D) 43rd
Category: Amendments
Show Answer
B) 42nd
The nature of the Indian Constitution is —
A) Unitary B) Federal C) Federal with Unitary bias D) Confederal
Category: Nature
Show Answer
C) Federal with Unitary bias
Which Article describes India as “Union of States”?
A) Article 1 B) Article 5 C) Article 10 D) Article 14
Category: Important Articles
Show Answer
A) Article 1
The words “Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” in the Preamble are inspired from —
A) USA B) France C) UK D) Ireland
Category: Preamble Source
Show Answer
B) France
The Constitution of India came into force on —
A) 15 August 1947 B) 26 January 1950 C) 2 October 1949 D) 26 November 1949
Category: Enforcement Date
Show Answer
B) 26 January 1950
8. Quick Comparison Summary
| Concept | Key Point | Memory Trick |
|---|---|---|
| Constitution | Supreme Law | Rulebook |
| Polity | System of governance | Action Book |
| Preamble | Soul of Constitution | “We, the People” |
| Federalism | Centre + States | Federal in form, Unitary in spirit |
| Drafting | Ambedkar’s leadership | 2 yrs 11 months 18 days |
| Adoption | 26 Nov 1949 | Enforced 26 Jan 1950 |
9. Exam Mnemonics & Tricks
Came to Life Trick:
Adopted on Nov 26 → Born on Jan 26.
Federal Formula:
Centre strong, States steady, People supreme.
Core Values Trick:
JLEF = Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
Five Words of Power:
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
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