Overview
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land. It lays down the framework of government, the rights of citizens, and the relationship between the state and citizens. With 448 articles, 12 schedules, and 25 parts (as amended), it is the longest written constitution of any sovereign nation in the world.
Understanding the Constitution is essential for TNPSC Group 4 — polity questions typically cover the Preamble, features, sources, key articles, and amendments.
Constituent Assembly
The Constituent Assembly was set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| First meeting | 9 December 1946 |
| Temporary President | Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha |
| Permanent President | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| Drafting Committee Chairman | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
| Time taken to draft | 2 years, 11 months, 18 days |
| Adopted | 26 November 1949 |
| Came into force | 26 January 1950 |
| Total members | 299 (at time of adoption) |
Key Members
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — Chairman, Drafting Committee ("Father of the Constitution")
- Jawaharlal Nehru — Moved the Objectives Resolution (the vision statement)
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — Headed committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities
- B.N. Rau — Constitutional Adviser; drafted first complete draft
- K.M. Munshi, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar — Key members of Drafting Committee
The Preamble
The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. The Supreme Court (in Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973) held that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and reflects its basic structure.
"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..."
Key terms explained:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sovereign | India is internally and externally independent; no foreign power controls it |
| Socialist | State will reduce inequality; mixed economy (both public and private sectors) |
| Secular | No state religion; all religions treated equally |
| Democratic | People elect their rulers; government accountable to people |
| Republic | Head of state is elected (President), not hereditary |
Note: "Socialist" and "Secular" were not in the original Preamble — they were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976.
Sources of the Constitution
India's Constitution borrowed features from many countries:
| Country | Feature Borrowed |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Parliamentary government, Cabinet system, Rule of Law, Speaker |
| United States | Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Independence of Judiciary, Preamble idea |
| Ireland | Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) |
| Canada | Federal system with strong Centre, residuary powers with Centre |
| Australia | Concurrent List, joint sitting of Parliament |
| Germany (Weimar) | Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency |
| South Africa | Amendment procedure (Article 368) |
| USSR (Soviet Union) | Fundamental Duties, Five Year Plans idea |
| France | Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (in Preamble) |
| Japan | Procedure established by law |
Key Features of the Indian Constitution
1. Longest written constitution in the world 2. Federal system with unitary bias — strong Centre (unlike USA's strict federalism) 3. Parliamentary form of government — executive responsible to legislature 4. Fundamental Rights — Part III (Articles 12–35) — justiciable 5. Directive Principles — Part IV (Articles 36–51) — non-justiciable but fundamental 6. Independent Judiciary with Judicial Review powers 7. Single Citizenship (unlike USA's dual citizenship) 8. Universal Adult Franchise — every citizen 18+ can vote (originally 21+; changed by 61st Amendment 1989) 9. Secular state — no state religion 10. Fundamental Duties — Part IVA (Article 51A) — added by 42nd Amendment 1976
Schedules of the Constitution
| Schedule | Subject |
|---|---|
| 1st | List of States and Union Territories |
| 2nd | Salaries of constitutional functionaries |
| 3rd | Oaths and Affirmations |
| 4th | Allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha |
| 5th | Administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribes |
| 6th | Tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| 7th | Union List, State List, Concurrent List |
| 8th | 22 official languages |
| 9th | Land reform laws (immune from judicial review — added 1951) |
| 10th | Anti-Defection Law (added 1985) |
| 11th | Panchayati Raj functions (added by 73rd Amendment) |
| 12th | Municipalities functions (added by 74th Amendment) |
Important for Exam - Constitution adopted: 26 November 1949; in force: 26 January 1950 - Drafting Committee Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar - Constituent Assembly President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad - "Socialist" + "Secular" added by 42nd Amendment, 1976 - Longest written constitution; 12 Schedules, 448 Articles - DPSP borrowed from Ireland; Fundamental Rights from USA - Parliamentary system from United Kingdom - 8th Schedule = 22 official languages; 7th Schedule = three legislative lists
Previous Year TNPSC Questions
Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.
Q1
When was the Indian Constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly?
Q2
Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
Q3
Which words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976)?
Q4
From which country did India borrow the concept of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
Q5
Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the three legislative lists — Union, State, and Concurrent?
Q6
The Indian Constitution is described as the longest written constitution in the world. How many articles does it currently have?