LIWA

The Constitution of India

ICSE Class 7 · History & Civics · Chapter 11

What this chapter covers

Key definitions

A constitution is the set of basic rules and principles according to which a country is governed.

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India, the written document that sets up the government of the country and lays down the rights and duties of its citizens.

An amendment is a change made to the Constitution by Parliament according to the special procedure the Constitution itself lays down.

The Constituent Assembly is the name given to the body of elected representatives that met to frame, or write, the Constitution of India.

The Drafting Committee is the name given to the committee of the Constituent Assembly that prepared the written draft of the Constitution.

The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution of India, which states the source of the Constitution's authority, the nature of the Indian State and the goals the Constitution aims to achieve.

The State is a community of people living in a fixed territory under a government of their own that is free to make its own decisions.

Sovereign means having supreme power, free from the control of any other country or outside authority.

A socialist State is a State that works to reduce the gap between rich and poor and to make sure that wealth and opportunities are shared fairly.

A secular State is a State that has no official religion of its own and treats all religions with equal respect.

Democracy is a form of government in which the people rule themselves, either directly or by electing representatives.

Universal adult franchise is the right of every adult citizen to vote, without any difference of religion, caste, sex, wealth or education.

Key points

Questions answered

What is a constitution?
A constitution is the set of basic rules and principles according to which a country is governed. It explains how the government is formed, what powers it has and what rights and duties the people have.
Why is the Constitution of India called the supreme law of the land?
Every other law in India must agree with it. A law that goes against the Constitution can be declared invalid by the courts.
Give any three reasons why a country needs a constitution.
A constitution sets up the government and says how it is chosen; it limits the power of the government so that it cannot be misused; and it protects the rights of citizens, including minorities.
What was the Constituent Assembly? When did it first meet?
The Constituent Assembly was the body of elected representatives that framed the Constitution of India. It first met on 9 December 1946 in New Delhi.
Why is Dr B.R. Ambedkar called the architect of the Constitution?
He was the chairman of the Drafting Committee. He guided the draft through the Constituent Assembly, explained its Articles and defended them in the debates.
Why is 26 January celebrated as Republic Day?
The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, and India became a republic on that day. The date was chosen because on 26 January 1930 Indians had pledged themselves to complete independence.
What do the words "We, the people of India" in the Preamble show?
They show that the Constitution gets its authority from the people of India, who gave it to themselves through their representatives.
Explain the meaning of the word "secular" in the Preamble.
India has no official religion. The State treats all religions with equal respect, and every citizen is free to follow any religion or none.