Legal Vocabulary from Indian Constitution Lecture

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the Indian Constitution and its interpretation as discussed in the lecture.

Cabinet Mission

A mission that came to India in March 1946 aiming to discuss constitutional reforms.

Constituent Assembly

A body of representatives elected to draft the Constitution of India, formed on December 6, 1946.

Indian Independence Act 1947

Legislation passed by the British Parliament that led to the end of British rule in India.

Drafting Committee

A committee established on August 29, 1947, under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to draft the Constitution of India.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; in the context of the Indian Constitution, it means India is not subject to any external authority.

Socialism

A political and economic theory advocating for means of production and distribution to be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.

Secularism

The principle of separation of church and state; in India, it means that the state treats all religions equally.

Emergency Provisions

Articles 352 to 360 in the Indian Constitution that outline the procedures and powers available to the government during a national emergency.

Fundamental Rights

Basic human rights guaranteed to all citizens of India as enshrined in Part III of the Constitution.

Directive Principles of State Policy

Guidelines for the framing of laws by the government, aimed at ensuring social and economic welfare, as found in Part IV of the Constitution.

Article 368

The article in the Indian Constitution that outlines the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution.

Basic Structure

The doctrine established by the Supreme Court which holds that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered or destroyed by amendments.

Preamble

The introductory statement in the Constitution of India that outlines its objectives, which include justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Quasi-Federal

A term used to describe a system that has features of both federal and unitary systems, as characterized in the Indian Constitution.

Majority

The number of votes or members required to pass a motion, usually more than half of the total.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Article 12

Defines 'state' to include the Government and Parliament of India, State Governments, and other authorities.

Article 14

Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all persons.

Article 19

Guarantees six fundamental freedoms to citizens including freedom of speech, assembly, and profession.

Article 21

Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

Article 32

Provides the right to constitutional remedies for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

Article 370

Provision that granted special autonomy to the region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Article 356

Allows the President to take over the administration of a state under certain conditions, known as President's rule.

Public Interest Litigation

Legal action initiated in a court of law for the protection of public interest.

Habeas Corpus

A writ requiring a person to be brought before a judge, often used to ensure that a prisoner can be released from unlawful detention.

Mandamus

A writ issued by a court to compel a government official to fulfill their official duties.

Abolition of Untouchability

The prohibition of untouchability as stated in Article 17.

Discretionary Power

The power exercised by an executive branch to make decisions based on its judgement.

Political Accountability

The principle that governmental officials must be responsible for their actions to the public or the electorate.