Indian Constitution Preamble, History, Features, Objectives

The largest constitution of the world, Indian Constitution, features, history, details

Preamble:-

The Preamble to Indian constitution is based on “Objective Resolution” of Nehru. Jawaharlal Nehru introduced an objective resolution on December 13, 1947, and it was adopted by Constituent Assembly on 22 January 1947. The preamble is an elaborate statement at the beginning of any document. It gives the underlying philosophy of the document and objectives enshrined in it. The preamble to the constitution of India gives the source of authority to the constitution, the ideals and objectives of the constitution, type of polity of the Indian union.

History:-

1946

Britain decides on to grant independence to India and cabinet mission is dispatched to India to discuss modalities for transfer of power

14 August 1947

Proposal for the creation of committees is tabled

29 August 1947

Drafting committee is established

6 December 1947

Constituent Assembly formally convenes for the first time, following elections, to start the process of writing a constitution.

4 November 1947

Draft is finalized and submitted

1948 – 1949

Constituent Assembly meets in sessions open to the public

26 November 1949

Constituent Assembly adopts final draft making it official

26 January 1950

Entry into force of the new constitution

The objective of the Constitution of India is to establish a society where there is:

Justice - social, economic and political

Liberty - thought, expression, faith, belief, and worship

Equality - of status and of opportunity, and

Fraternity - among all

Feature:-

The bulkiest constitution of the world

Rigidity and flexibility

The parliamentary system of government

A federal system with a unitary bias

Fundamental rights and fundamental duties

Directive principles of state policy

Secularism

Independent judiciary

Single citizenship

The Indian constitution provides a single citizenship for all the people residing in different parts of the country and there is no separate citizenship for the states (Article 5–11).

Bicameral legislatures

The Indian constitution provides bicameral legislatures at center consisting of Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and Lok Sabha (House of the People)(Article 79).

Emergency powers

The constitution vests extraordinary powers, known as Emergency Powers in the President during emergencies out of armed rebellion or external aggression or due to the failure of constitutional machinery in the state (Article 352–360).