Constitution: Why and How? Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1 CBSE Notes 2025-26

The Indian Constitution is the foundation of our government and society, outlining how the country is run and the guiding values shared by its people. This chapter explains what a constitution is, why we need it, and how it affects our daily lives. It also covers the process of creating the Constitution of India and the important functions a constitution performs in any society.

A constitution acts as a basic set of rules that helps the diverse people of a country live together peacefully and ensures cooperation. It provides coordination and assurance that the rules everyone follows are known and enforceable, so all members of society can trust and rely on each other.

The constitution also decides who has the power to make laws and decisions for the country. In democracies like India, the people indirectly decide through their elected representatives in institutions like the Parliament. This allocation of decision-making power is a key part of what makes a constitution fundamental.

Another important function is setting limits on the power of the government. The constitution ensures that the government cannot pass laws that are unfair or violate basic rights, such as arbitrary arrest or discrimination based on religion, caste or race. Fundamental rights are protected as a check on government authority.

Modern constitutions, especially India's, do more than just allocate power. They help the government pursue positive goals for society. For example, India's Constitution enables the government to take steps to eliminate caste discrimination and promote the well-being and dignity of all citizens. Provisions like the Directive Principles of State Policy push governments to reduce inequalities and provide opportunities to everyone.

A constitution also expresses the collective identity of a nation's people. By agreeing on how they will be governed and what values are important, citizens form a united political community. Unlike some countries, India does not base citizenship on race, religion, or ethnicity, but on shared values and laws.

• Ensures coordination and provides rules for society’s functioning.
• Specifies who has the authority to make decisions and how power is divided.
• Places limitations on government power and protects individual rights.
• Empowers the government to promote social justice and fulfil the people’s aspirations.
• Shapes the fundamental and moral identity of the country.

The authority of a constitution depends on how it was made and how well it represents and serves the people. Not all countries have a single written constitution, but what matters is whether their organising principles can actually guide government actions. For a constitution to be strong and respected, it should be made by credible people, reflect society’s values, and be accepted by everyone.

Factors like the way the constitution is created, the content of its provisions, and the design of government institutions determine its effectiveness. Constitutions created after popular national movements, like India’s, enjoy higher legitimacy and acceptance.

A well-designed constitution splits power among different institutions so that no single group can easily dominate or destroy the system. India does this by dividing power among the Legislature (Parliament), the Executive, the Judiciary, and bodies like the Election Commission. This system of checks and balances prevents the abuse of authority.

Successful constitutions are flexible enough to adapt to new circumstances but firm enough to protect core principles. That is why India’s constitution is called a ‘living document’.

The Constitution of India was made by the Constituent Assembly, which first met in December 1946. Members were elected indirectly by Provincial Legislative Assemblies and represented different communities and political opinions. Despite not being based on universal adult suffrage, the Assembly included representatives from different religions, communities, and scheduled castes, reflecting India's diversity as much as possible at the time.

After India's partition in 1947, the Assembly’s membership reduced to 299. The Constitution was finalized and signed by 284 members on 24 January 1950 and came into force on 26 January 1950. Importantly, its making occurred amidst exceptional challenges, including partition-related violence, but the framers still aimed for fairness and inclusion for all citizens.

A core strength of the Constituent Assembly was the importance given to open debate and public reasoning. Members discussed every aspect in detail, mostly putting aside their personal interests for the nation’s good. The drafting process involved major committees chaired by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and B.R. Ambedkar. Provisions were debated and usually agreed by consensus, with every concern responded to in writing. The sessions were open to the public and press, emphasizing transparency.

The leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was especially influential as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, and his dedication helped produce a comprehensive document. The process was also rooted in values developed during the Indian freedom struggle, including equality, liberty, social justice, and protection for minorities.

The ‘Objective Resolution’ introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946 summed up the guiding aims of the Constitution: independence, sovereignty, justice, equality, liberty, safeguarding minorities, and promoting world peace. These objectives underline India’s vision of a just society.

• Provisions from other countries were adapted thoughtfully. For example, parliamentary government and rule of law from Britain, fundamental rights and judicial review from the USA, directive principles from Ireland, federal structure from Canada, and the values of liberty and equality from France.

India’s Constitution is a unique document that reflects the nation’s hopes and highest values. Its balanced design helps meet the aspirations of the people while protecting their rights. Over time, it has become a living reality for India, guiding the country through challenges and changes while upholding justice, liberty, and equality for all.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1 Notes – Constitution: Why and How? (CBSE)

These revision notes for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 1 cover all major points about the making and importance of the Indian Constitution. Easy explanations help you remember how power is divided and what makes a constitution effective. Perfect for last-minute study or clarifying key ideas about decision-making and rights.

With these CBSE Political Science notes, you quickly grasp the functions, values, and structure of the Constitution. The notes focus on what questions are often asked in exams, helping students to organize their answers. Using these concise points makes understanding concepts like fundamental rights and institutional balance much easier.