Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction — Class 7 Social Science
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Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction
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What is a constitution?
Summary
This chapter introduces the Constitution of India, the document that lays down the nation's basic principles and laws and that key officials, including the President and Prime Minister, pledge to uphold. It explains that a constitution sets out the framework of the three organs of government, the checks and balances among them, the rights and duties of citizens, and the nation's long-term goals, like a rulebook that everyone agrees to follow. The Constitution was written by a Constituent Assembly formed in 1946, with Dr Rajendra Prasad as Chairman and a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr B.R. Ambedkar; it was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated as Republic Day. Three influences shaped it: the ideals of the Indian freedom movement (equality, justice, freedom, fraternity), India's civilisational heritage (ideas like vasudhaiva kutumbakam), and useful learnings from the constitutions of countries like France, the USA and Ireland. The chapter explains key features — Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and the Directive Principles of State Policy — and stresses that it is a 'living document' that can be amended. It closes with the Preamble, explaining terms like Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
What a constitution isWriting the ConstitutionInfluences on the ConstitutionFundamental Rights, Duties and Directive PrinciplesThe Preamble
Key terms
Constitution
A document that lays down a nation's basic principles and laws, the framework of government, and the rights and duties of citizens.
Constituent Assembly
The body formed in 1946 that developed and wrote the Indian Constitution over almost three years.
Fundamental Rights
Basic rights of citizens, such as the rights to equality, freedom and against exploitation, that are promises which must be kept and can be defended in court.
Directive Principles of State Policy
Guidelines reflecting the social and economic vision the Constitution-makers had for India, which the government should try to achieve but are not enforceable in court.
Preamble
The introductory statement of the Constitution that expresses its core values and guiding ideals.
Amendment
A change made to the Constitution, rigorously debated in Parliament before being accepted, reflecting that it is a living document.
Important questions
LET'S REMEMBER
LET'S EXPLORE
DON'T MISS OUT
LET'S EXPLORE
LET'S EXPLORE
LET'S EXPLORE
LET'S EXPLORE
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A document that lays down a nation's basic principles and laws, the framework of government, and the rights and duties of citizens.
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Practice quiz · The Constitution of India — An Introduction
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