The Preamble (Indian Polity and Governance)

The term "Unity of the Nation" was changed to "Unity and Integrity of the Nation." The Preamble's declaration of India as a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic" encapsulates the fundamental principles that shape the nature and functioning of the Indian state.

Sovereignty: The term "Sovereign" signifies the independent and supreme authority of the Indian state. Internally, it means that the Indian government has the ultimate decision-making power within its territorial boundaries. Externally, it implies that India is not subject to control or interference by any external power.

Socialism: The addition of "Socialist" through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 reflects India's commitment to achieving social and economic equality. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and providing basic amenities to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. It is reflected in the DPSPs of the Constitution.

Secularism: The declaration of India as a "Secular" state in the Preamble emphasises that the state does not have an official religion. It ensures that all religions are treated with equal respect. Citizens have the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion without discrimination.

Democracy: The characterisation of India as a "Democratic" republic underscores the principle of government by the people, for the people, and of the people. Regular, free and fair elections allow citizens to actively participate in the political process. Every citizen has an equal right to vote and choose their representatives.

Republic: The term "Republic" signifies that the head of the state (the President) is an elected official, not a hereditary monarch. This form of government ensures that the power and authority of the state are derived from the people's mandate.

The term "Unity of the Nation" was changed to "Unity and Integrity of the Nation." The Preamble's declaration of India as a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic" encapsulates the fundamental principles that shape the nature and functioning of the Indian state.

Sovereignty: The term "Sovereign" signifies the independent and supreme authority of the Indian state. Internally, it means that the Indian government has the ultimate decision-making power within its territorial boundaries. Externally, it implies that India is not subject to control or interference by any external power.

Socialism: The addition of "Socialist" through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 reflects India's commitment to achieving social and economic equality. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and providing basic amenities to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. It is reflected in the DPSPs of the Constitution.

Secularism: The declaration of India as a "Secular" state in the Preamble emphasises that the state does not have an official religion. It ensures that all religions are treated with equal respect. Citizens have the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion without discrimination.

Democracy: The characterisation of India as a "Democratic" republic underscores the principle of government by the people, for the people, and of the people. Regular, free and fair elections allow citizens to actively participate in the political process. Every citizen has an equal right to vote and choose their representatives.

Republic: The term "Republic" signifies that the head of the state (the President) is an elected official, not a hereditary monarch. This form of government ensures that the power and authority of the state are derived from the people's mandate.

The Preamble's declaration of India as a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic" encapsulates the fundamental principles that shape the nature and functioning of the Indian state.

Sovereignty: The term "Sovereign" signifies the independent and supreme authority of the Indian state. Internally, it means that the Indian government has the ultimate decision-making power within its territorial boundaries. Externally, it implies that India is not subject to control or interference by any external power.

Socialism: The addition of "Socialist" through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 reflects India's commitment to achieving social and economic equality. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and providing basic amenities to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. It is reflected in the DPSPs of the Constitution.

Secularism: The declaration of India as a "Secular" state in the Preamble emphasises that the state does not have an official religion. It ensures that all religions are treated with equal respect. Citizens have the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion without discrimination.

Democracy: The characterisation of India as a "Democratic" republic underscores the principle of government by the people, for the people, and of the people. Regular, free and fair elections allow citizens to actively participate in the political process. Every citizen has an equal right to vote and choose their representatives.

Republic: The term "Republic" signifies that the head of the state (the President) is an elected official, not a hereditary monarch. This form of government ensures that the power and authority of the state are derived from the people's mandate.

The Preamble's declaration of India as a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic" encapsulates the fundamental principles that shape the nature and functioning of the Indian state.

Sovereignty: The term "Sovereign" signifies the independent and supreme authority of the Indian state. Internally, it means that the Indian government has the ultimate decision-making power within its territorial boundaries. Externally, it implies that India is not subject to control or interference by any external power.

Socialism: The addition of "Socialist" through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 reflects India's commitment to achieving social and economic equality. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and providing basic amenities to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. It is reflected in the DPSPs of the Constitution.

Secularism: The declaration of India as a "Secular" state in the Preamble emphasises that the state does not have an official religion. It ensures that all religions are treated with equal respect. Citizens have the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion without discrimination.

Democracy: The characterisation of India as a "Democratic" republic underscores the principle of government by the people, for the people, and of the people. Regular, free and fair elections allow citizens to actively participate in the political process. Every citizen has an equal right to vote and choose their representatives.

Republic: The term "Republic" signifies that the head of the state (the President) is an elected official, not a hereditary monarch. This form of government ensures that the power and authority of the state are derived from the people's mandate.

Interesting Facts about Preamble of Indian Constitution

• It was enacted after the enactment of the entire Constitution of India
• The term 'secular' was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
• The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of belief, faith and worship
• Ideal of justice (social, economic and political) in the Preamble are borrowed from the Soviet Union (Russia) Constitution
• Republic and the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity are borrowed from the French Constitution
• Preamble, in itself, has been first introduced through the American Constitution

Interesting Facts about Preamble of Indian Constitution

• It was enacted after the enactment of the entire Constitution of India
• The term 'secular' was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
• The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of belief, faith and worship
• Ideal of justice (social, economic and political) in the Preamble are borrowed from the Soviet Union (Russia) Constitution
• Republic and the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity are borrowed from the French Constitution
• Preamble, in itself, has been first introduced through the American Constitution

Significance of the Preamble The Preamble to the Indian Constitution holds immense significance as it serves as the moral and philosophical foundation of the document. It outlines the guiding principles and aspirations that shape the Indian state and society.

Guiding principles: The Preamble serves as the moral compass of the Indian Constitution. It provides the guiding principles that help interpret the provisions of the Constitution. For instance, the principle of 'Secularism' in the Preamble guides the interpretation of laws related to religious practices, ensuring that the state maintains neutrality in matters of religion.

Unity in Diversity: The Preamble emphasises the principle of 'Fraternity', promoting unity among India's diverse cultural, linguistic, religious, and social groups. For example, the term 'Fraternity' in the Preamble underscores the need for harmony among various linguistic groups in states like Kerala, Punjab, and Assam, each with its unique language and culture.

Constitutional identity: The Preamble defines the essential identity of the Indian Constitution. It sets the tone for the entire legal framework and the subsequent articles and provisions in the Constitution. For instance, the term 'Sovereign' in the Preamble signifies that India is free from external control, which is reflected in India's foreign policy decisions.

International influence: The Preamble reflects the influence of international ideals and principles. Words like 'Justice', 'Liberty', and 'Equality' highlight India's commitment to global values of human rights, social justice, and equality.

For example, the term 'Equality' aligns with Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone is equal before the law.

Reflection of Historical Struggles: The Preamble pays homage to the sacrifices and struggles of the Indian people in their fight for independence and justice. It encapsulates the spirit of the freedom movement and the principles for which the freedom fighters fought.

For instance, the term 'Justice' in the Preamble reflects the long-standing struggle against colonial rule and the aspiration for a just and equitable society.

Significance of the Preamble The Preamble to the Indian Constitution holds immense significance as it serves as the moral and philosophical foundation of the document. It outlines the guiding principles and aspirations that shape the Indian state and society.

Guiding principles: The Preamble serves as the moral compass of the Indian Constitution. It provides the guiding principles that help interpret the provisions of the Constitution. For instance, the principle of 'Secularism' in the Preamble guides the interpretation of laws related to religious practices, ensuring that the state maintains neutrality in matters of religion.

Unity in Diversity: The Preamble emphasises the principle of 'Fraternity', promoting unity among India's diverse cultural, linguistic, religious, and social groups. For example, the term 'Fraternity' in the Preamble underscores the need for harmony among various linguistic groups in states like Kerala, Punjab, and Assam, each with its unique language and culture.

Constitutional identity: The Preamble defines the essential identity of the Indian Constitution. It sets the tone for the entire legal framework and the subsequent articles and provisions in the Constitution. For instance, the term 'Sovereign' in the Preamble signifies that India is free from external control, which is reflected in India's foreign policy decisions.

International influence: The Preamble reflects the influence of international ideals and principles. Words like 'Justice', 'Liberty', and 'Equality' highlight India's commitment to global values of human rights, social justice, and equality. For example, the term 'Equality' aligns with Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone is equal before the law.

Reflection of Historical Struggles: The Preamble pays homage to the sacrifices and struggles of the Indian people in their fight for independence and justice. It encapsulates the spirit of the freedom movement and the principles for which the freedom fighters fought.

For instance, the term 'Justice' in the Preamble reflects the long-standing struggle against colonial rule and the aspiration for a just and equitable society.

JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION. The word federal is not mentioned in the preamble. So option (d) is correct.

Interesting Facts about Preamble of Indian Constitution

• It was enacted after the enactment of the entire Constitution of India
• The term 'secular' was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
• The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of belief, faith and worship
• Ideal of justice (social, economic and political) in the Preamble are borrowed from the Soviet Union (Russia) Constitution
• Republic and the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity are borrowed from the French Constitution
• Preamble, in itself, has been first introduced through the American Constitution