Constitution – SBI PO Study Notes
(General Awareness & Current Affairs)
1. Simple Explanation
The Constitution is the supreme law of a country.
- It lays out the structure of government, the powers of each branch, and the rights of citizens.
- In India, the Constitution is a written, permanent yet amendable document that defines a federal, parliamentary democracy with a guided‑by‑law ethos.
Key point: No law or executive order can override the Constitution; it is the ultimate legal authority.
2. Key Points
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Preamble | Declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic and outlines its core values. |
| Structure | 22 Articles, 8 Schedules, 12 Parts, 395 Articles (currently). |
| Basic Features | • Written, comprehensive. • Federal system with a strong centre. • Parliamentary form of government. • Separation of powers but with inter‑checks. • Directive Principles & Fundamental Rights. |
| Amendment Process | 1. Draft proposal in either House. 2. Requires 2/3 majority of members present (in Lok Sabha) and 3/5 of total membership (in Rajya Sabha). 3. Some amendments need ratification by at least half of state legislatures (e.g., federal structure, judiciary). |
| Fundamental Rights | 1. Right to Equality. 2. Freedom of Speech & Expression. 3. Freedom of Religion. 4. Freedom of Assembly. 5. Freedom of Movement. 6. Right to Constitutional Remedies. |
| Directive Principles | Non‑justiciable guidelines for state policy (e.g., welfare, education, health). |
| Basic Structure Doctrine | Supreme Court ruling (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973) that certain features—federalism, secularism, separation of powers—cannot be altered. |
| Key Amendments (Recent) | • 86th (2002) – Right to Education (Article 21A). • 93rd (2015) – National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). • 94th (2016) – 13th and 14th Amendment Act (National Commission for Minorities). • 95th (2016) – National Commission for Women (NCW). • 100th (2021) – 14th Amendment (National Commission for Women). • 101st (2021) – 14th Amendment (National Commission for Women). • 102nd (2022) – 14th Amendment (National Commission for Women). • 103rd (2022) – 14th Amendment (National Commission for Women). • 104th (2023) – Increased Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 545. • 105th (2024) – Redefines the definition of “minority” for certain benefits. |
| Important Judicial Pronouncements | • Kesavananda Bharati (1973) – Basic Structure. • Maneka Gandhi (1978) – Expands due process. • S. R. Bommai (1994) – Limits on dismissal of state governments. • Arunachal Pradesh (2024) – Clarifies “state” vs “union territory”. |
| Constitution Day | 26 November (Preamble Day). Celebrated nationally with awareness programmes. |
| Constitution Week | 12–18 November. |
3. Worked Example
Question (SBI PO style)
Which amendment to the Constitution of India added the Right to Education as a Fundamental Right?
A) 75th Amendment
B) 86th Amendment
C) 95th Amendment
D) 102nd Amendment
Answer: B) 86th Amendment
Explanation
- Right to Education (RTE) was not part of the original 1950 Constitution.
- The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 (enacted 30‑May‑2002) inserted **Article