Indian Polity for RRB Exams

Basic Facts

• • Adopted: November 26, 1949 (National Law Day)
• • Came into Force: January 26, 1950 (Republic Day)
• • Drafting Committee Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
• • Longest Written Constitution: 448 Articles, 12 Schedules (originally 395 articles, 8 schedules)
• • Borrowed from: UK (Parliamentary system), USA (Fundamental Rights), USSR (Fundamental Duties), Ireland (DPSP)

Preamble

"We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC..."

• • Sovereign: India is independent
• • Socialist: Economic equality (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976)
• • Secular: Equal respect to all religions (added by 42nd Amendment)
• • Democratic: Government by the people
• • Republic: Elected head of state

Fundamental Rights (Part III, Articles 12-35)

• • Right to Equality (14-18): Equality before law, no discrimination
• • Right to Freedom (19-22): Speech, assembly, movement, profession
• • Right against Exploitation (23-24): No human trafficking, child labor
• • Right to Freedom of Religion (25-28): Religious freedom
• • Cultural & Educational Rights (29-30): Minorities' rights
• • Right to Constitutional Remedies (32): Writs - Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto

Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)

• • Added by: 42nd Amendment (1976)
• • Total: 11 duties (originally 10, 11th added by 86th Amendment 2002)
• • Respect Constitution, National Flag, National Anthem
• • Protect sovereignty, defend country
• • Promote harmony, protect environment

Directive Principles (Part IV, Articles 36-51)

• • Non-justiciable (not enforceable by courts)
• • Guidelines for governance
• • Uniform Civil Code (Article 44)
• • Free and compulsory education for children (Article 45)
• • Protect environment and wildlife (Article 48A)