Gujarat Police Constable – General Awareness
Topic: Constitution
(Indian Constitution – Key Facts & Facts for Current Affairs)
1. Simple Explanation
The Constitution is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework for the political, social, and economic system of the country. It defines the powers and duties of the three branches of government, guarantees fundamental rights and duties to citizens, and provides guidelines for the functioning of the state.
Why it matters for a Constable
• You will be upholding the law, so knowing what the Constitution says about your duties, rights of citizens, and the limits of state power is essential.
• Many recruitment questions test basic knowledge of constitutional provisions.
2. Key Points
| Section | Key Facts | Important Articles / Amendments |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Features | • Written and rigid (needs special procedure for amendment). • Supremacy of the Constitution. • Federal structure with a unitary bias (strong central government). • Separation of powers: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary. |
Constitution (Amendment) Acts, 1971 (Article 368). |
| Preamble | • Introduces the Constitution’s purpose: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. • Emphasises justice, liberty, equality, fraternity. |
Preamble – 1st 6 words. |
| Fundamental Rights | • Inalienable rights of every citizen. • Five groups: 1) Right to Equality, 2) Freedom, 3) Protection of Life & Property, 4) Cultural & Educational, 5) Right to Constitutional Remedies. |
Articles 14‑18, 19‑22, 23‑24, 25‑28, 32‑35. |
| Fundamental Duties | • Moral obligations of citizens; added by 42nd Amendment (1976). | Articles 51A (a) – (k). |
| Directive Principles | • Non‑binding guidelines for state policy; aims for social justice. | Articles 39‑40, 44, 45, 47. |
| Amendments | • 100+ amendments so far. • 42nd Amendment (1976) – “Constitution of India (Amendment) Act, 1976” (added Fundamental Duties). • 73rd & 74th Amendments – Local Governance (Panchayats & Municipalities). |
73rd (1992), 74th (1992). |
| Basic Structure Doctrine | • Supreme Court’s 1973 decision (Kesavananda Bharati case) – certain features cannot be altered. | Article 368 & Supreme Court case law. |
| Executive | • President (Head of State) + Vice‑President. • Prime Minister + Council of Ministers. |
Articles 52‑83. |
| Legislature | • Parliament: Lok Sabha (House of People) + Rajya Sabha (Council of States). | Articles 86‑123. |
| Judiciary | • Supreme Court + High Courts + Subordinate Courts. • Judicial review powers. |
Articles 124‑147. |
| Election Commission | • Independent body to conduct free and fair elections. | Articles 324‑329. |
| Emergency Provisions | • National, State, Financial emergencies. | Articles 352‑360. |
3. Worked Example
Q: Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Right?
A) Right to equality (Article 14)
B) Right to freedom of speech (Article 19)
C) Right to form a trade union (Article 24)
D) Right to life (Article 21)
Answer: C) Right to form a trade union (Article 24)
Explanation:
- Article 24 protects the right to life for children and prohibits child labor.
- Trade union rights are covered under Article 19(3) (freedom of trade unions).
- Thus, Option C is incorrectly stated—it describes a right to life, not to form a union.
Quick Calculation Example: Number of Amendments up to 2024
| Year | Amendment Act | Total Amendments (as of that year) |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 1st Amendment | 1 |
| 1976 | 42nd Amendment | 42 |
| 1992 | 73rd & 74th Amendments | 74 |
| 2023 | 104th Amendment (Data Protection) | 104 |
Answer: As of 2024, the Constitution has 104 amendments.
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Supreme Law: Constitution of India – supreme, rigid, written, and federal.
- Key Features: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic; separation of powers.
- Preamble: Establishes purpose – justice, liberty, equality, fraternity.
- Fundamental Rights: Articles 14‑32; guarantee equality, freedom, life, education, etc.
- Fundamental Duties: Articles 51A (a)–(k); moral obligations of citizens.
- Directive Principles: Articles 39‑40, 44, 45, 47 – guide state policy.
- Amendments: 104 as of 2024; notable – 42nd (fundamental duties), 73rd/74th (local governance).
- Basic Structure Doctrine: Certain features (like separation of powers) cannot be amended.
- Branches of State:
- Executive: President, PM, Council of Ministers (Articles 52‑83).
- Legislature: Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) (Articles 86‑123).
- Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts (Articles 124‑147).
- Election Commission: Independent body for elections (Articles 324‑329).
- Emergency Powers: National, State, Financial emergencies (Articles 352‑360).
Quick Self‑Check Questions
-
What article declares the Constitution’s supremacy?
Answer: Article 5. -
Which articles are the “Fundamental Rights”?
*Answer: Articles