Indian Constitution Preamble
Delhi Police Exams & SSC - GK Section
Meaning and Importance of the Preamble
Preamble is the introductory statement of the Indian Constitution, reflecting its philosophy, vision, and purpose.
Definition: The Preamble is considered the soul and spirit of the Constitution.
It begins with the phrase:
“We, the people of India…”
This emphasizes that ultimate authority lies with the people, not with the government or parliament.
- Expresses ideals and values of the Constitution.
- Declares the people of India as the source of authority.
- States objectives: Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
- Guides interpretation of the Constitution.
- Acts as the identity card of the Constitution.
Memory Trick: The Preamble tells WHO made it, WHAT it is for, and WHY it exists.
Key Words in the Preamble
Sovereign
India is free and independent, not under foreign control; can make its own laws and decide internal/external policies.
Socialist
Added by 42nd Amendment Act (1976). India aims for fair resource distribution and promotes a welfare state.
Secular
Added by 42nd Amendment (1976). India has no official religion. Equal respect for all; freedom to profess, practice, propagate any religion (Art. 25–28).
Democratic
Government by the people, for the people, through elections and universal adult franchise.
Republic
Head of State (President) is elected, not hereditary; chosen by indirect election.
Objectives Stated in the Preamble
| Objective | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Justice | Social, economic, and political justice for all citizens. |
| Liberty | Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. |
| Equality | Equal status and opportunity for all. |
| Fraternity | Brotherhood ensuring dignity and unity of the nation. |
Memory Trick: Just Liberate Equal Friends (Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)
Preamble Text (Full Version)
“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, social, economic and political;
Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
Equality of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.”
“In our Constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.”
Supreme Court Interpretation – Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
Background
The landmark case (Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala, 1973, by 13-judge bench) concerned the Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution, even the Fundamental Rights.
Judgment Highlights
- Parliament can amend the Constitution under Article 368.
- But it cannot alter the “Basic Structure”.
- The Preamble is a part of the Constitution and reflects its Basic Structure.
Key features in Basic Structure Doctrine: Supremacy of Constitution, Rule of Law, Independence of Judiciary, Fundamental Rights, Federalism, Secularism, Democracy.
Memory Trick: FRIENDS Rule India – Fundamental Rights, Independence, Equality, National Democracy, Secularism.
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution begins with —
A) In the name of God B) We, the people of India C) Sovereign India D) Preamble of Law
Answer
B) We, the people of India
The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added by —
A) 42nd Amendment, 1976 B) 44th Amendment, 1978 C) 52nd Amendment, 1985 D) 61st Amendment, 1989
Answer
A) 42nd Amendment, 1976
Which case declared the Preamble as part of the Constitution?
A) Golaknath Case B) Kesavananda Bharati Case C) Indira Gandhi vs. Raj Narain D) Shankari Prasad Case
Answer
B) Kesavananda Bharati Case
“We, the people of India” signifies —
A) Sovereignty of Parliament B) Sovereignty of People C) Sovereignty of States D) Supremacy of President
Answer
B) Sovereignty of People
Which of the following is not mentioned in the Preamble?
A) Justice B) Liberty C) Equality D) Independence
Answer
D) Independence
The term “Republic” in the Preamble means —
A) Power of the king B) Hereditary rule C) Elected head of the state D) None of these
Answer
C) Elected head of the state
Which amendment added the words ‘Unity and Integrity of the Nation’ to the Preamble?
A) 42nd Amendment, 1976 B) 44th Amendment, 1978 C) 73rd Amendment, 1992 D) 86th Amendment, 2002
Answer
A) 42nd Amendment, 1976
The “Basic Structure Doctrine” was laid down in —
A) 1967 B) 1973 C) 1975 D) 1980
Answer
B) 1973
Which of the following is a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution?
A) Parliamentary Privileges B) Rule of Law C) Judicial Review D) Both B and C
Answer
D) Both B and C
The Preamble was adopted on —
A) 26 January 1950 B) 15 August 1947 C) 26 November 1949 D) 2 October 1950
Answer
C) 26 November 1949
Summary Table – The Preamble at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Adopted On | 26 November 1949 |
| Came Into Force | 26 January 1950 |
| Introduces India As | Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic |
| Key Objectives | Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity |
| Amended By | 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 |
| SC Case | Kesavananda Bharati (1973) – Basic Structure Doctrine |
Final Concept Recap
- Preamble = Identity card of the Constitution
- Introduced India as: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic
- Added by 42nd Amendment: Socialist, Secular, Integrity
- Objectives: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Declared Preamble part of Constitution & introduced Basic Structure Doctrine
One-Line Memory: Preamble shows the spirit, Kesavananda protects it.
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