PPT: Constitution as a living document | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING 
DOCUMENT
Page 2


CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING 
DOCUMENT
INTRODUCTION
1
The Indian Constitution can be amended according to the needs 
of the time
2
Though many amendments have taken place, the Constitution has 
remained intact and its basic premises have not changed
3
The judiciary has played an important role in protecting and 
interpreting the Constitution
4
The Constitution is a document that keeps evolving and 
responding to changing situations
Page 3


CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING 
DOCUMENT
INTRODUCTION
1
The Indian Constitution can be amended according to the needs 
of the time
2
Though many amendments have taken place, the Constitution has 
remained intact and its basic premises have not changed
3
The judiciary has played an important role in protecting and 
interpreting the Constitution
4
The Constitution is a document that keeps evolving and 
responding to changing situations
ARE CONSTITUTIONS STATIC?
It is not uncommon for nations to rewrite their 
constitutions in response to changed circumstances 
or change of ideas within the society or even due to 
political upheavals. The Soviet Union had four 
constitutions in its life of 74 years (1918, 1924, 1936 and 
1977). In 1991, the rule of the Communist Party of Soviet 
Union came to an end and soon the Soviet federation 
disintegrated. After this political upheaval, the newly 
formed Russian federation adopted a new constitution 
in 1993.
But look at India. The Constitution of India was 
adopted on 26 November 1949. Its implementation 
formally started from 26 January 1950. More than 69 
years after that, the same constitution continues to 
function as the framework within which the 
government of our country operates. Is it that our 
Constitution is so good that it needs no change? Was it 
that our Constitution makers were so farsighted and 
wise that they had foreseen all the changes that would 
take place in the future? In some sense both the 
answers are correct.
Page 4


CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING 
DOCUMENT
INTRODUCTION
1
The Indian Constitution can be amended according to the needs 
of the time
2
Though many amendments have taken place, the Constitution has 
remained intact and its basic premises have not changed
3
The judiciary has played an important role in protecting and 
interpreting the Constitution
4
The Constitution is a document that keeps evolving and 
responding to changing situations
ARE CONSTITUTIONS STATIC?
It is not uncommon for nations to rewrite their 
constitutions in response to changed circumstances 
or change of ideas within the society or even due to 
political upheavals. The Soviet Union had four 
constitutions in its life of 74 years (1918, 1924, 1936 and 
1977). In 1991, the rule of the Communist Party of Soviet 
Union came to an end and soon the Soviet federation 
disintegrated. After this political upheaval, the newly 
formed Russian federation adopted a new constitution 
in 1993.
But look at India. The Constitution of India was 
adopted on 26 November 1949. Its implementation 
formally started from 26 January 1950. More than 69 
years after that, the same constitution continues to 
function as the framework within which the 
government of our country operates. Is it that our 
Constitution is so good that it needs no change? Was it 
that our Constitution makers were so farsighted and 
wise that they had foreseen all the changes that would 
take place in the future? In some sense both the 
answers are correct.
FLEXIBILITY OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
1
Acceptance of Modifications
Our Constitution accepts the necessity of modifications according to changing needs of the society.
2
Flexibility of Interpretations
In the actual working of the Constitution, there has been enough flexibility of interpretations.
3
Maturity in Implementation
Both political practice and judicial rulings have shown maturity and flexibility in implementing the 
Constitution.
4
Living Document
These factors have made our Constitution a living document rather than a closed and static rulebook.
Page 5


CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING 
DOCUMENT
INTRODUCTION
1
The Indian Constitution can be amended according to the needs 
of the time
2
Though many amendments have taken place, the Constitution has 
remained intact and its basic premises have not changed
3
The judiciary has played an important role in protecting and 
interpreting the Constitution
4
The Constitution is a document that keeps evolving and 
responding to changing situations
ARE CONSTITUTIONS STATIC?
It is not uncommon for nations to rewrite their 
constitutions in response to changed circumstances 
or change of ideas within the society or even due to 
political upheavals. The Soviet Union had four 
constitutions in its life of 74 years (1918, 1924, 1936 and 
1977). In 1991, the rule of the Communist Party of Soviet 
Union came to an end and soon the Soviet federation 
disintegrated. After this political upheaval, the newly 
formed Russian federation adopted a new constitution 
in 1993.
But look at India. The Constitution of India was 
adopted on 26 November 1949. Its implementation 
formally started from 26 January 1950. More than 69 
years after that, the same constitution continues to 
function as the framework within which the 
government of our country operates. Is it that our 
Constitution is so good that it needs no change? Was it 
that our Constitution makers were so farsighted and 
wise that they had foreseen all the changes that would 
take place in the future? In some sense both the 
answers are correct.
FLEXIBILITY OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
1
Acceptance of Modifications
Our Constitution accepts the necessity of modifications according to changing needs of the society.
2
Flexibility of Interpretations
In the actual working of the Constitution, there has been enough flexibility of interpretations.
3
Maturity in Implementation
Both political practice and judicial rulings have shown maturity and flexibility in implementing the 
Constitution.
4
Living Document
These factors have made our Constitution a living document rather than a closed and static rulebook.
HOW TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION?
1
2
3
4
Balance
The Constitution must be 
amended if required, but 
protected from unnecessary 
changes.
Flexibility
Some parts can be easily changed 
or modified.
Rigidity
Some parts are more difficult to 
amend, described as rigid.
Combination
The Indian Constitution combines 
both flexible and rigid 
characteristics.