Our Constitution and Its Preamble Chapter Notes | Civics Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

Our Constitution

• Constitution is a detailed document laying down rules for running a country.
• It specifies powers and duties of three government branches: executive, legislature, and judiciary.
• It safeguards citizens’ interests by controlling government powers.

The Cabinet Mission Plan

• Cabinet Mission reached India in 1946 to address freedom fighters’ demands.
• It suggested forming a Constituent Assembly with members chosen by Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
• Elections for Provincial Assemblies happened in July 1946.
• Constituent Assembly of British India had 385 members initially.
• India’s Constitution was drafted by this assembly.

Formation and Composition of the Constituent Assembly

• Muslim League boycotted assembly, demanding a separate Pakistan.
• After Pakistan’s creation was planned, assembly membership dropped to 299.
• Dr Rajendra Prasad was chosen as permanent chairman.
• Members came from different regions and professions.
• Anglo-Indians represented by Frank Anthony and S.H. Prater.
• Muslims represented by Zafar Imam and Mohammad Saadullah.
• Sikhs represented by Sardar Hukum Singh and Ujjal Singh.

Objectives Resolution

• Proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru, it set core goals for the Constitution.
• India would be an independent republic.
• Guaranteed social, political, and economic equality for all.
• Fundamental rights promised to every citizen.
• State would protect rights of minorities and backward classes.

Example: Objectives Resolution’s promise of equality means everyone, whether rich or poor, has equal voting rights in elections, ensuring political democracy.

Drafting Committee

• Constituent Assembly had eight committees.
• Dr B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee, tasked with writing the Constitution.
• First reading involved clause-by-clause discussion of the draft.
• Second reading finished on 17 October 1949.
• Third and final reading completed on 26 November 1949.
• Process took 2 years, 11 months, and 17 days.

Adoption and Enforcement

• Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950.
• C. Rajagopalachari became first Governor General of independent India.
• Constituent Assembly served as Provisional Parliament until 1951-52 elections.
• 26 January chosen as it marks ‘Poorna Swaraj’ call from 1929 Lahore Congress session.

The Preamble

• Preamble introduces Constitution, reflecting its purpose and ideals.
• Declared India a Sovereign Democratic Republic.
• ‘Secular’, ‘socialist’, and ‘integrity’ added by 1976 Amendment Act.
• Starts with “We the people of India,” showing people as source of authority.
• Words like ‘Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic’ define India’s political system.

Meaning of the Terms

• Secular: Every citizen can freely practice, share, and follow their religion; state stays neutral on religious matters.
• Socialist: State works for social and economic equality, preventing wealth concentration among few.
• Sovereign: India is free from external or internal control.
• Democratic: People elect their leaders through voting.
• Republic: Head of state is elected, not hereditary.

Example: Secularism means a Hindu can celebrate Diwali while a Christian can observe Christmas, with the government favoring neither.

Ideals

• Justice: Social, economic, and political fairness for all.
• Social Justice: Equal treatment regardless of caste, race, or gender.
• Economic Justice: State ensures fair wages, equal pay for equal work, and livelihood opportunities.
• Political Justice: Freedom to express views without fear.
• Liberty: Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, inspired by American and French revolutions.
• Fraternity: Promotes unity and unity among diverse communities for national integrity.

Example: Economic Justice ensures equal pay for a man and female teacher doing the same job, reducing wage gaps.

Significance of the Preamble

• Embodies Constitution’s core philosophy and ideals.
• Guides resolution of constitutional disputes or unclear terms.
• Declares India a Sovereign, Secular, Socialist, Democratic Republic, outlining five key principles.