~Chapter 1 The Indian Constitution
 Why does a country need a Constitution?
 It tells us about the fundamental nature of the society. It lays down the ideals that form the basis of a country.
 It defines the nature of a country’s political system. The constitution plays a major role in countries having democratic forms of government.
 It prevents oppression or domination by the majority.
 It helps in protecting us against certain decisions that could have an unfavourable effect on the larger principles that the country believes in.
 Key Features of the Indian Constitution
 Federalism
 More than one level of government co-exists.
 We have a government at the Centre,
 At the State level and
 At the village level i.e., panchayat
 The constitution contains lists that describe the issues that each tier of government can make laws on.
 The states are not just the agents of the federal government but draw their authority from the Constitution as well.
 Parliamentary form of government
 Citizens of India have a direct role in electing their representatives.
 Every citizen, irrespective of his/her social background, can contest in elections.
 Separation of powers
 There are three organs of the state as per the Constitution. They are as follows:
1. The legislature: It refers to the elected representatives.
2. The executive: It refers to those responsible for implementing laws.
3. The judiciary: The system of courts.
 According to the Constitution, each organ should exercise different powers.
 Each organ checks on the other organs of the State, which ensures a balance of power among the three.
 Fundamental rights
 Right to equality
 All citizens are equal before the law.
 Each citizen will be equally protected by the laws of the
country.
 No citizen is allowed to discriminate against the others on
the basis of religion, caste and/or sex.
 Right to freedom
 This right includes the right to freedom of speech and
expression
 Right to move freely and reside in any part of the country
 Right to form associations
 Right to practice any occupation, profession or business
 Right against exploitation
 According to the Constitution, there is a prohibition on
human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.
 Right to freedom of religion
 Every citizen has the right to practice, propagate and
profess the religion of his/her choice.
 Cultural and educational rights
 The Constitution states that all minorities, linguistic or
religious, have the right to set up their own educational
institutions so as to conserve and extend their culture.
 Right to constitutional remedies
 A citizen can move the court if he/she thinks that his/her
Fundamental Rights have been violated by the State.
 Secularism
 A secular state is that which does not officially promote any
particular religion as the state religion.