constitution why and how

Constitution

A fundamental legal document that outlines the framework of government, establishing structure, powers, and duties of institutions.

Rule of Law

The principle that laws apply equally to all individuals, ensuring protection of rights.

Preamble

Introduction to the Constitution, stating the objectives of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity among citizens.

Federalism

A system of government in which powers are divided between a central authority and various constituent units.

Fundamental Rights

Rights guaranteed by the Constitution to individuals, ensuring civil liberties and protection from state actions.

Directive Principles of State Policy

Guidelines for the state to achieve socio-economic justice, not justiciable but meant to shape public policy.

Constituent Assembly

A body formed to draft the Constitution of India, consisting of elected representatives.

Emergency Provisions

Articles that allow the central government to assume greater powers during times of national emergency.

Amendment

A formal change or addition proposed to the Constitution, requiring specific procedures for approval.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to review laws and government actions to determine their constitutionality.

Basic Structure Doctrine

The principle that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered or destroyed by amendments.

Sovereignty

The full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without external interference.

Secularism

The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, ensuring freedom of religion.

Equality before law

The principle that all individuals, regardless of social or economic status, are treated equally under the law.

Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so represented.

Right to Constitutional Remedies

The right to approach the Supreme Court or High Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system that allocates seats to parties in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

First Past the Post

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a single-member constituency wins.

Electoral Reforms

Changes to electoral systems or laws intended to improve democracy and transparency in elections.

Parliamentary System

A system of government where the executive derives its legitimacy from and is directly accountable to the legislature.

Municipal Corporation

An administrative body that governs a city or town and is responsible for providing basic services.

Panchayati Raj

The system of local self-government in rural areas of India.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Legal action initiated for the protection of the public interest, especially for marginalized groups.

Right to Life and Personal Liberty

A fundamental right ensuring every individual’s right to live in dignity and freedom.

Reservation of Seats

A policy of setting aside a certain number of seats for specific groups like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in legislative bodies.

Social Justice

The concept of fair and just relations between an individual and society, including the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges.

Judiciary

The judicial system of the country, responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

State Election Commission

A body responsible for overseeing and conducting elections to the local government in India.

National Identity

A sense of belonging to the nation state based on shared values, culture, and citizenship.

Asymmetric Federalism

A federal structure where different regions have varying degrees of power and autonomy.

Judicial Activism

The judicial philosophy that the courts should interpret the Constitution to ensure social justice and protect individual rights.

Legislative Function of Parliament

The primary role of Parliament to make laws.

Financial Control by Parliament

The power of Parliament to approve government budgets and expenditures.

Collective Responsibility

The principle that the entire cabinet must resign if the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against one of its members.

Article 370

Provided special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own Constitution and greater self-governance.

Cultural and Educational Rights

Rights ensuring the protection of interests of minorities in matters of education and culture.

Separation of Powers

The principle dividing government responsibilities into different branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Political Democracy

A system of governance in which power resides with the citizens and is exercised through elected representatives.