Indian Polity and Constitutional Development

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Indian polity, constitutional development, and the structure of governance.

East India Company

A British trading company established in 1600 that came to India for trade and eventually became a political power.

Royal Firman

A royal decree or order issued by the Mughal Emperor allowing the East India Company to establish a factory.

Charter Act of 1600

An act that granted the East India Company the monopoly of trade and limited legislative powers.

Diwani Rights

Grant by Shah Alam in 1765 to the East India Company for revenue collection in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Regulating Act of 1773

An act that asserted the right of Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company and reformed governance in India.

Pits India Act 1784

An act that separated commercial and political functions of the East India Company and established a Board of Control.

Charter Act of 1813

An act that ended the monopoly of the East India Company, allowed education funding, and acknowledged missionary activities.

Charter Act of 1833

An act that strengthened central governance in India and initiated the idea of codification.

Government of India Act 1858

An act that transferred control of India from the East India Company to the British Crown.

Indian Independence Act of 1947

An act that established India and Pakistan as independent dominions and provided for the transfer of power.

Fundamental Rights

A set of rights enshrined in the Constitution of India that guarantee civil liberties to all citizens.

Directive Principles of State Policy

Guidelines for the State to achieve socio-economic justice, included in Part IV of the Constitution.

Emergency Provisions

Provisions in the Constitution that allow for special powers to the government during times of national or constitutional emergency.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate actions of the legislature and executive if they violate the Constitution.

Constitutional Amendment

The process by which changes are made to the Constitution of India, requiring different levels of majorities.

Preamble of the Constitution

An introductory statement that outlines the guiding principles and philosophy of the Constitution.

Governor's Power

A constitutional head of a State with certain discretionary powers over the administration of the State.

Local self-governments

Decentralized governance structures established for local administration in rural and urban areas.

Election Commission of India

The constitutional body responsible for administering election processes in India.

NITI Aayog

A non-constitutional body aimed at cooperative federalism and policy planning in India.

Anti-Defection Law

A law to prevent elected members from switching parties post-elections.

Sarkaria Commission

A commission established to recommend measures for healthy center-state relations.

Finance Commission

A constitutional body that reviews and recommends the distribution of financial resources between the central and state governments.

Right to Education

A fundamental right in India mandating free and compulsory education for children aged six to fourteen.