The Indian Constitution and Its Crucial Facts That You Should Know About Indian Constitution
India is the second-highest populated country and the 7th largest in terms of area in the world. It has a rich history that shows the rise and downfall of many empires. It led to the foundation of the world’s largest democracies with the formation of the Constitution of India. Being the largest democracy, the constitution has been framed in a very liberal way showing various facts about India.
It was formulated and adopted on November 26th 1949. It was on November 26th 1950 when the Constitution of India was adopted by the first Government of India. Here is a list of facts about the Constitution of India that will amaze you and make you feel proud.
The Stepping Stone of the World’s Largest Democracy
There is no doubt that the Indian Constitution has been framed to serve as the vertebral column of Indian Democracy. It dictates the code of conduct and the rights of all Indians living in this country.
The Importance Of Indian Constitution can be seen in the structures and code of ethics followed in politics, procedures, power, rights and duties of everyone living in this country. This elaborate document declares sovereignty, secularism, and democracy.
It also explains how the law should be unbiased for all and should deliver justice with the same meaning. This is where Dr. B. R. Ambedkar explained that no matter how much a constitution can be good, it all depends on the ones who are using it. The implementation of a constitution will define its importance and value.
The Constitution of India
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Important Facts About the Constitution of India
1. National Constitution Day
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, declared on November 19th 2015 that November 26th will be celebrated as National Constitution Day. It is a tribute to the father of our Constitution, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
2. M. N. Roy’s Suggestion was to Develop a Constitution
It was M. N. Roy who suggested the formation of a constitution, a book of code and ethics that should define the procedures, code of conduct, and ethics on all grounds in India. He proposed this idea in 1934 and was made official by the Indian National Congress in 1935.
3. The Father of the Indian Constitution
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who has written our Indian Constitution, belonged to an untouchable family and was exposed to discrimination. He used 9 languages fluently and mastered 64 subjects. It was he who introduced equal rights for all natives in India. He also introduced various acts and laws regarding women's rights in the Indian Constitution.
4. Bag of Borrowings
This term is used to signify the Indian Constitution as a conglomeration of various provisions taken from different constitutions in the world. This criticism has been a big topic and many consider that our constitution is merely a copy or a modification of the provisions. Here is a list of countries’ constitutions that have implications for the world's largest Constitution.
Great Britain – Rule of Law, parliamentary government, legislative procedure, single citizenship, cabinet system, etc.
The United States of America – functions and impeaches the president, function of the vice president, removal of judges from the Supreme and High Courts, judicial review, judiciary independence, and fundamental rights.
The Soviet Union or Present Russia – fundamental duties and the ideals of political, social, and economical justice.
Canada – India’s federalism’s centrifugal form where the centre holds more power than states, vesting residual power to the centre, etc.
Ireland – State policies and their directive principles, election method of presidents, etc.
There are many other implications we can find in the interesting facts of the Indian Constitution showing that our Constitution has been inspired by the constitutions of many countries.
5. Writer of the Indian Constitution
You will be surprised to know that this huge document has been written, not printed. It was Prem Behari Narain Raizada who patiently wrote the entire document with his own hands. It was his calligraphy in English and Hindi that can be seen on the Constitution information of the original document published in Dehradun. It took almost 3 years to finally draft the Indian Constitution in its final form.
6. Decoration of all the Pages
The unique features of the Indian Constitution that can be seen on every page are designed by the artists of Shantiniketan. Among the famous names, Nandalal Bose and Behar Rammanohar Sinha were the epitomes of this team. This institute of fine arts was established by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengal.
7. Longest and Largest Constitution in the World
Our Constitution is the largest, as well as, the longest in the world. It comprises about 146,385 words. It has 444 articles segmented into 22 parts, and 12 schedules with 118 amendments to date. You will be surprised that the shortest one has only 3814 words and it belongs to Monaco.
8. Number of Amendments Made in the First Draft
You will be surprised to know that more than 2000 amendments were made in the first draft of the Indian Constitution. It also replaced the Government of India Act 1935 and led to the foundation of the Republic of India from the Dominion of India.
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Other Interesting Facts About the Indian Constitution
1. Adopted on January 26, 1950
The Constitution was adopted on January 26, 1950, which is now celebrated as Republic Day in India. This day marks the change of India from a British dominion to a republic with its constitution.
2. Inspiration from Various Sources
The Indian Constitution takes ideas from many countries' constitutions, including those of the USA, UK, Ireland, and Australia. This mix of ideas helps create a unique system of government.
3. Fundamental Rights
The Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights to all citizens, which include the right to equality, freedom of speech, and protection against unfair treatment. These rights ensure that people have basic freedoms and protections under the law.
4. Parliamentary System
India has a parliamentary system of government, where the Prime Minister is the head of the government and is chosen by the majority party in the Lok Sabha (House of the People). This system promotes accountability and representation.
5. Secular State
The Constitution makes India a secular state, meaning that the government treats all religions equally and does not favour any particular religion. This promotes harmony and coexistence among different communities.
6. Amendment Procedure
The Constitution has a clear process for making changes, allowing for updates as needed. This ensures that the Constitution remains relevant and can adjust to new situations in society.
7. Supreme Court as Guardian
The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority and acts as the protector of the Constitution. It has the power to explain laws and defend citizens' rights, ensuring that the Constitution is followed.
8. Directive Principles of State Policy
The Constitution includes Directive Principles of State Policy, which guide the government in creating laws and policies for social and economic welfare. These principles promote justice, equality, and the well-being of all citizens.
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More Facts about the Indian Constitution
Among the unbelievable facts about India, you will be surprised to know that Dr Ambedkar wanted to burn the constitution. He explained that he would be the first one to burn it if it did wrong to the minor communities in India.
This list of facts explains the speciality of the Indian Constitution. It is also one of the most debated documents in Indian history. Our Constitution is also the reason for inspiration among many other countries to practise secular governance.
25 Parts of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution is divided into 25 parts, each covering different aspects of governance, rights, and responsibilities. Here’s a brief overview of each part:
Part I: The Union and Its Territory
This part deals with the formation of the Indian Union and the territory of India.Part II: Citizenship
It outlines the provisions related to Indian citizenship and the rights of citizens.Part III: Fundamental Rights
This part guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, ensuring equality, freedom, and justice.Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy
It provides guidelines for the government to ensure social and economic justice.Part IV-A: Fundamental Duties
This part lists the fundamental duties of citizens towards the nation.Part V: The Union
It describes the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the President, Vice-President, and Council of Ministers.Part VI: The States
This part covers the structure and powers of state governments, including the Governor and state legislatures.Part VII: The States in the B Category (Repealed)
This part, originally dealing with certain states, has been repealed.Part VIII: The Union Territories
It outlines the administration and governance of Union Territories.Part IX: The Panchayats
This part provides for the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions for local self-governance in rural areas.Part IX-A: The Municipalities
It deals with the governance of urban areas through Municipalities.Part X: The Scheduled and Tribal Areas
This part addresses the governance of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes.Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States
It defines the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the central and state governments.Part XII: Finance, Property, Contracts, and Suits
This part covers matters related to financial distribution, property rights, and legal contracts.Part XIII: Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse within the Territory of India
It ensures free trade and commerce throughout the country.Part XIV: Services Under the Union and the States
This part deals with the establishment and regulation of civil services.Part XIV-A: Tribunals
It provides for the establishment of administrative tribunals for the adjudication of disputes.Part XV: Elections
This part outlines the conduct of elections and the powers of the Election Commission.Part XVI: Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes
It provides for special provisions for certain classes, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes.Part XVII: Official Language
This part deals with the official languages of the Union and states.Part XVIII: Emergency Provisions
It outlines the procedures and powers during national and state emergencies.Part XIX: Miscellaneous
This part includes various provisions not covered in other parts, such as the power of Parliament to make laws.Part XX: Amendment of the Constitution
It describes the process of amending the Constitution.Part XXI: Transitional Provisions
This part covers provisions related to the transition from the Government of India Act, of 1935.Part XXII: Short Title, Commencement, and Repeals
It includes the short title of the Constitution and details about its commencement and any repeals.
Find here important and interesting facts about the Indian Constitution. This overview shows what makes the Indian Constitution special. Understanding these facts can help you appreciate how the Constitution works and its role in our daily lives. It also highlights the rights and duties of citizens, making it essential for everyone to know.
FAQs on Important Facts About the Constitution of India
1. What are five facts about the Indian Constitution?
The Indian Constitution is the foundation of India's democracy and governance. Here are five key facts:
Longest Constitution: It is the longest written constitution in the world, with detailed articles and provisions.
Fundamental Rights: It guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, ensuring equality and freedom.
Secular State: The Constitution establishes India as a secular nation, promoting harmony among diverse religions.
Amendment Process: It includes a clear process for making changes, allowing the Constitution to adapt to new situations.
Federal Structure: India has a federal system, sharing powers between the central government and state governments.
2. What is the Constitution?
The Constitution is a political framework that outlines the principles and laws of a country. It describes the rights and responsibilities of citizens and explains how they relate to the government. Essentially, it serves as a guiding document for how the country is governed.
3. How old is the Indian Constitution?
The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and officially came into effect on January 26, 1950. This day marks the moment India became a republic, highlighting the Importance Of Indian Constitution of self-governance.
4. Who is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution?
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar is recognized as the Father of the Indian Constitution. On August 29, 1947, he was appointed to lead the Drafting Committee responsible for creating the Constitution, playing a crucial role in its development.
5. Who wrote the Indian Constitution?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as the chair of the Drafting Committee, is considered the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. His vision helped create a detailed and flexible framework that respects India's diverse social, cultural, and religious landscape.
6. Which constitution is the longest in the world?
The Indian Constitution holds the title of the longest-written constitution in the world, containing 146,385 words in its English version. In comparison, the Monaco Constitution is the shortest, with only 3,814 words.
7. What does Article 124 of the Indian Constitution state?
Article 124 explains the establishment and structure of the Supreme Court of India. It says there will be a Supreme Court with a Chief Justice and, until the law decides otherwise, no more than seven other judges.
8. What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?
Some important features of the Indian Constitution include a federal system of governance between the Union and the States, separation of powers among the three branches of government, free and fair elections, equality before the law, and a commitment to secularism that allows for freedom of thought and religion.
9. What does Article 75 of the Indian Constitution address?
Article 75 states that the President will appoint the Prime Minister and other ministers will be appointed based on the Prime Minister's advice. These ministers will serve at the pleasure of the President, indicating a close working relationship between the executive branches of government.
10. What is the full form of India?
The official name of the country is "Republic of India." In casual terms, "INDIA" can also be understood as "Independent Nation Declared In August," reflecting its historical significance.
11. From which countries was the Indian Constitution adopted?
The Indian Constitution is influenced by various countries:
United States: Fundamental Rights and checks and balances.
United Kingdom: Parliamentary system of governance.
Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy and fundamental duties.
Australia: Federal structure and distribution of powers.
Canada: Federal features and strong central government.
Japan: Emphasis on peace and democracy.
France: Principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
12. Which is the longest constitution in the world?
The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution globally, containing approximately 146,385 words. It has 448 articles and 12 schedules and was adopted on November 26, 1949, coming into effect on January 26, 1950. Its detailed provisions cater to India's diverse population, addressing governance, rights, and duties.
13. What Are The Key Features Of Indian Constitution?
Here are the key features of the Indian Constitution, in short, using simple words:
Fundamental Rights: Guarantees basic rights to citizens, ensuring equality and freedom.
Directive Principles: Gives guidelines for government actions to promote welfare.
Federal Structure: Shares powers between the central and state governments.
Separation of Powers: Creates three branches: Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
Secular State: Treats all religions equally, promoting peace among communities.
Independent Judiciary: Ensures the courts can protect citizens' rights.
Universal Adult Franchise: Gives voting rights to all citizens aged 18 and older.
Amendment Process: Allows for changes to the Constitution when needed.
Single Citizenship: Provides citizenship to all Indians, no matter the state.
Political Parties: Allows the formation of political parties for fair representation.
14. Indian Constitution Adopted From Which Country?
The Indian Constitution is influenced by several countries, primarily the United States for Fundamental Rights, the United Kingdom for the parliamentary system, and Ireland for Directive Principles of State Policy. It also draws from Australia for federal structure, Canada for federal features, and France for principles of liberty and equality. These influences create a unique constitutional framework suited to India's diverse society.
15. Who is referred to as the 'Godfather of India'?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is sometimes called the "Godfather of India" due to his significant role in Indian politics. He was essential in uniting the various states of India after independence and served as the country's first Deputy Prime Minister.
