The primary contribution of the national movement was its tangible political practice. The concepts of parliamentary democracy, republicanism, civil freedoms, and social and economic fairness, which were among the fundamental ideas of the Constitution, were popularised as a result of this. To preserve peace and justice, each nation has certain sets of rules for its people to obey. These rules describe that country, and together they form that nation’s constitution.
The right to equality, the right to citizenship, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, the right against exploitation, and the right to constitutional redress are the basic rights of the Indian people.
Long Speech on Constitution
Hello everyone,
Today, I am here to deliver a speech on the constitution of India. Like any game with some rules of its own, each state has a constitution of its own. The Constitution lays down a set of rules to which the ordinary laws of the country must conform. It also includes a list of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. The process of the evolution of the constitution began many decades before 26 January 1950 and has continued unabated since. Its roots may be traced back to the princely states’ struggle for independence from Britain and efforts for responsible and constitutional administration.
Historical Background
The drafting of the Constitution was entrusted to the Constituent Assembly, which was formed in 1946. The assembly was chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, while the Drafting Committee was led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often referred to as the Father of the Indian Constitution. It took the assembly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to finalize the document.
The Indian Constitution draws inspiration from various global sources:
- Parliamentary system from the United Kingdom.
- Fundamental Rights from the U.S. Constitution.
- Directive Principles of State Policy from Ireland.
- Federal structure with a strong center from Canada.
Key Features of the Constitution
- Length and Detail
- The Constitution of India is one of the longest in the world, originally consisting of 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules. Over time, it has been amended multiple times and now includes 470 articles and 12 schedules.
- Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
- The Preamble declares India as a sovereign state, emphasizing its independence.
- “Socialist” and “Secular” were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976), affirming social justice and religious neutrality.
- Federal Structure with Unitary Bias
- India has a federal structure where powers are divided between the Union Government and State Governments. However, in extraordinary circumstances, the central government holds overriding authority.
- Parliamentary Democracy
- The government operates on the principle of parliamentary democracy, with the President as the constitutional head and the Prime Minister as the executive head.
- Fundamental Rights
- Enshrined in Articles 12 to 35, these rights protect citizens’ liberties, including:
- Right to Equality
- Right to Freedom
- Right against Exploitation
- Right to Freedom of Religion
- Cultural and Educational Rights
- Right to Constitutional Remedies
- Enshrined in Articles 12 to 35, these rights protect citizens’ liberties, including:
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Outlined in Articles 36 to 51, these principles guide the government in policy-making to ensure social and economic justice.
- Amendability
- The Constitution is flexible and allows for amendments, enabling it to evolve with changing needs. The first amendment was made in 1951, and over 100 amendments have been made to date.
Importance of the Constitution
- Rule of Law: It ensures that no one, not even the government, is above the law.
- Unity in Diversity: It accommodates India’s cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity.
- Rights and Responsibilities: It balances citizens’ rights with fundamental duties.
- Framework for Governance: It provides the blueprint for the country’s administrative machinery.
Challenges and Adaptability
The Indian Constitution has proven resilient, addressing challenges like regionalism, political instability, and socio-economic disparities. Amendments, judicial interpretations, and evolving policies have allowed it to remain relevant in a dynamic world.
Conclusion
The Constitution of India is not merely a legal document but a symbol of the country’s democratic ethos and aspirations. It ensures justice, equality, and liberty for all citizens, guiding India on its path as a vibrant and diverse nation.
Historical Background
The drafting of the Constitution was entrusted to the Constituent Assembly, which was formed in 1946. The assembly was chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, while the Drafting Committee was led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often referred to as the Father of the Indian Constitution. It took the assembly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to finalize the document.
The Indian Constitution draws inspiration from various global sources:
- Parliamentary system from the United Kingdom.
- Fundamental Rights from the U.S. Constitution.
- Directive Principles of State Policy from Ireland.
- Federal structure with a strong center from Canada.
Key Features of the Constitution
- Length and Detail
- The Constitution of India is one of the longest in the world, originally consisting of 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules. Over time, it has been amended multiple times and now includes 470 articles and 12 schedules.
- Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
- The Preamble declares India as a sovereign state, emphasizing its independence.
- “Socialist” and “Secular” were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976), affirming social justice and religious neutrality.
- Federal Structure with Unitary Bias
- India has a federal structure where powers are divided between the Union Government and State Governments. However, in extraordinary circumstances, the central government holds overriding authority.
- Parliamentary Democracy
- The government operates on the principle of parliamentary democracy, with the President as the constitutional head and the Prime Minister as the executive head.
- Fundamental Rights
- Enshrined in Articles 12 to 35, these rights protect citizens’ liberties, including:
- Right to Equality
- Right to Freedom
- Right against Exploitation
- Right to Freedom of Religion
- Cultural and Educational Rights
- Right to Constitutional Remedies
- Enshrined in Articles 12 to 35, these rights protect citizens’ liberties, including:
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Outlined in Articles 36 to 51, these principles guide the government in policy-making to ensure social and economic justice.
- Amendability
- The Constitution is flexible and allows for amendments, enabling it to evolve with changing needs. The first amendment was made in 1951, and over 100 amendments have been made to date.
Importance of the Constitution
- Rule of Law: It ensures that no one, not even the government, is above the law.
- Unity in Diversity: It accommodates India’s cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity.
- Rights and Responsibilities: It balances citizens’ rights with fundamental duties.
- Framework for Governance: It provides the blueprint for the country’s administrative machinery.
Challenges and Adaptability
The Indian Constitution has proven resilient, addressing challenges like regionalism, political instability, and socio-economic disparities. Amendments, judicial interpretations, and evolving policies have allowed it to remain relevant in a dynamic world.
Conclusion
The Constitution of India is not merely a legal document but a symbol of the country’s democratic ethos and aspirations. It ensures justice, equality, and liberty for all citizens, guiding India on its path as a vibrant and diverse nation.