Class 8 Exam  >  Class 8 Questions  >  what does the word equality mean in the pream... Start Learning for Free
what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution
?
Verified Answer
what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution R...
1. Sovereign:-
This word implies that India is neither a dependence nor a dominion of any other nation but an independent state. There is no authority above it, and it is free to conduct its own affairs (both internal and external). Being a sovereign state, India can either acquire a foreign territory or cede a part of its territory in favour of a foreign state.

2. Socialist:-
Even before the term was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, the Constitution had a socialist content in the form of certain Directive Principles of State Policy.

3. Secular:-
The term 'secular' too was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. However, as the Supreme Court said in 1974, although words 'secular state' is not mentioned in the Constitution, there can be no doubt that Constitution-makers wanted to establish such a state and accordingly Articles 25 to 28 (guaranteeing the fundamental rights to freedom of religion) have been included in the constitution. The Indian Constitution embodies the positive concept of secularism i.e., all religions in our country (irrespective of their strength) have the same status and support from the state.

4. Democratic:-
A democratic polity, as stipulated in the Preamble, is based on the doctrine of popular sovereignty, that is, possession of supreme power by the people.

The Indian Constitution provides for representative parliamentary democracy under which the executive is responsible to the legislature for all its policies and actions. Universal adult franchise, periodic elections, rule of law, independence of judiciary, and absence of discrimination on certain grounds are the manifestations of the democratic character of the Indian polity.
The term 'democratic' is used in the Preamble in the broader sense embracing not only political democracy but also social and economic democracy.

5. Republic:-
A democratic polity can be classified into two categories—monarchy and republic. In a monarchy, the head of the state (usually king or queen) enjoys a hereditary position, that is, he comes into office through succession, eg, Britain. In a republic, on the other hand, the head of the state is always elected directly or indirectly for a fixed period, eg, USA.
Therefore, the term 'republic' in our Preamble indicates that India has an elected head called the president. He is elected indirectly for a fixed period of five years.

6. Justice:-
The term 'justice' in the Preamble embraces three distinct forms—social, economic and political, secured through various provisions of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. Social justice denotes the equal treatment of all citizens without any social distinction based on caste, colour, race, religion, sex and so on. It means absence of privileges being extended to any particular section of the society, and improvement in the conditions of backward classes (SCs, STs and OBCs) and women.

7. Liberty:-
The term 'liberty' means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals, and at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities.
The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, through their Fundamental Rights, enforceable in court of law, in case of violation.

Liberty as elaborated in the Preamble is very essential for the successful functioning of the Indian democratic system. However, liberty does not mean `license' to do what one likes, and has to be enjoyed within the limitations mentioned in the Constitution itself. In brief, the liberty conceived by the Preamble or fundamental rights is not absolute but qualified.

8. Equality:-
The term 'equality' means the absence of special privileges to any section of the society, and the pro-vision of adequate opportunities for all individuals without any discrimination.
The Preamble secures to all citizens of India equality of status and opportunity. This provision embraces three dimensions of equality—civic, political and economic.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 8 courses
Most Upvoted Answer
what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution R...
The Meaning of Equality in the Preamble of the Constitution:
Equality is a fundamental principle that is highlighted in the Preamble of the Constitution. It refers to the concept of treating all individuals impartially, irrespective of their gender, race, religion, or social status. The word "equality" in the Preamble emphasizes the commitment to creating a society where every citizen is guaranteed equal rights and opportunities.

Why Does a Country Need a Constitution?
A constitution serves as the supreme law of a country, providing a framework for governance and protecting the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Here are some key reasons why a country needs a constitution:

1. Establishing a System of Government: A constitution outlines the structure and functions of the government, including the separation of powers between different branches such as the executive, legislative, and judicial. It defines the roles and responsibilities of each branch, ensuring a balance of power and preventing any abuse of authority.

2. Protecting Individual Rights: A constitution enshrines the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, guaranteeing their protection against any infringement by the government or other individuals. These rights include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to a fair trial. The constitution acts as a shield for individuals, ensuring their liberties are safeguarded.

3. Promoting Social Order and Stability: A constitution establishes a set of rules and principles that govern the conduct of individuals and institutions within a society. By providing a legal framework, it helps maintain social order and stability, preventing chaos and ensuring the smooth functioning of the country.

4. Defining the Relationship Between the State and its Citizens: A constitution outlines the rights, duties, and obligations of both the state and its citizens. It establishes the parameters within which the government can exercise its authority and ensures that the government is accountable to the people.

5. Ensuring a Peaceful Transition of Power: A constitution typically includes provisions regarding the election and succession of leaders, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. It provides guidelines for conducting elections, setting term limits, and establishing procedures for the transition of power, preventing political instability and potential conflicts.

6. Protecting Minority Rights: A constitution plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of minority groups. It ensures that the majority does not dominate or oppress minorities and guarantees their inclusion and representation in the decision-making process.

In summary, a constitution is essential for a country as it establishes a system of government, protects individual rights, promotes social order, defines the relationship between the state and its citizens, ensures a peaceful transition of power, and safeguards minority rights. It serves as a crucial document that upholds the principles of democracy, equality, and justice in a nation.
Community Answer
what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution R...
What dose the word Equality mean in the preamble of the of the constitution
Attention Class 8 Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 8 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 8.
Explore Courses for Class 8 exam

Top Courses for Class 8

what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution?
Question Description
what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution? for Class 8 2024 is part of Class 8 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 8 exam syllabus. Information about what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution? covers all topics & solutions for Class 8 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution?.
Solutions for what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 8. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 8 Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution?, a detailed solution for what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution? has been provided alongside types of what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice what does the word equality mean in the preamble of the constitution Related: Why Does A Country Need A Constitution? tests, examples and also practice Class 8 tests.
Explore Courses for Class 8 exam

Top Courses for Class 8

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev