Definition of Constitution
For any country, its constitution is of the highest importance. It is greater than anything else—greater than any religion, greater than any ideology. If we talk about the definition of a constitution, it is a structure of rules, laws, and ethics that apply to a country. It is based on these rules and laws that every citizen of a nation is granted the right to live their life. The constitution is above any ideology. Whether a country’s constitution is good or bad is a separate issue, but how the country’s government and its people function depends largely on the constitution.
Indian Constitution
The Constitution of India is the largest written constitution in the world. India is also known as the world’s largest democracy. The Indian Constitution is considered both rigid and flexible, and it is regarded as highly practical. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is recognized as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. It took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete the Constitution. It was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950.
At present, the Constitution of India contains:
- 470 Articles
- 25 Parts
- 12 Schedules
Preamble of the Indian Constitution:
“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA,
having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
and to secure to all its citizens:JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949,
do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”
India adopted several important provisions from other countries’ constitutions, such as:
- United Kingdom: Parliamentary system of government, Rule of Law, Single Citizenship, Legislative Procedure, Writs (like Habeas Corpus)
- United States of America: Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary, Judicial Review, Written Constitution, Impeachment of the President, Removal of Judges of Supreme and High Courts
- Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy, Method of Presidential Election
- Australia: Concurrent List, Freedom of Trade and Commerce between States, Joint Sitting of Parliament
- Canada: Quasi-federal structure, Residuary powers with the Centre, Appointment of Governors
- Germany: Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency
- Soviet Union: Fundamental Duties, Five-Year Plans
- France: Ideas of Republic in the Preamble—Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
- South Africa: Procedure for Constitutional Amendments, Election of Rajya Sabha members
- Japan: Procedure for establishing Law and Order through Due Process of Law
Why is a Constitution Necessary?
A constitution is essential for any nation because it determines the future of that country.
- A constitution reveals the ideology and core mentality of a nation.
- If a constitution is being written, it strongly indicates the presence or possibility of democracy—because no dictator writes a constitution.
- It provides a framework or a formula for how a country should function.
- It defines the future and accelerates development.
- It protects the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
- It helps reduce the possibilities of corruption within the government.
- It provides stability to the nation, offering a system of governance over chaos.
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