Chapter 8: The Constitution

📜 Complete Chapter for PSTET Paper II (Social and Political Life)

🎯 Learning Objectives for PSTET Aspirants

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

Define a constitution and explain its need and functions in a democratic society
Trace the historical making of the Indian Constitution and the role of the Constituent Assembly
Analyze the Preamble and explain its key words and philosophical vision
Describe the salient features of the Indian Constitution
Explain the six Fundamental Rights and their importance
List the 11 Fundamental Duties and understand their significance
Differentiate between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy
Understand the amendment procedure and types of amendments
Apply pedagogical strategies to teach the Constitution effectively in classrooms

8.1 What is a Constitution?

8.1.1 Definition and Meaning

📚 Understanding Constitution

A constitution is the supreme law of the land—a fundamental set of principles, rules, and regulations that determines how a country shall be governed. It establishes the nature of the political system, the powers and functions of the government, and the relationship between the state and its citizens.

💡 Definition: "A constitution is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed."

🔑 Key Characteristics of a Constitution

Characteristic	Description
Supreme Law	Highest legal authority; all laws must conform to it
Fundamental	Deals with basic structures of governance
Written/Unwritten	May be codified (like India) or uncodified (like UK)
Rigid/Flexible	Amendment procedure may be difficult or easy
Legitimacy	Derives authority from the people

8.1.2 Need for a Constitution: Why Do We Need Rules?

🌍 Why Every Country Needs a Constitution

Reason	Explanation
Provide Basic Rules	Establishes the framework for governance and decision-making
Limit Government Power	Prevents arbitrary rule by defining what governments can and cannot do
Protect Citizens' Rights	Guarantees fundamental rights that cannot be violated
Establish National Goals	Articulates the vision and values of the nation (e.g., justice, liberty, equality)
Create Trust	Citizens trust a system based on known rules
Ensure Stability	Provides continuity even when governments change

💭 What If There Were No Constitution?

Imagine a country with:

No rules about who can become a ruler
No guarantee of your rights
No limits on government power
No independent courts
No fixed election schedule

This would be a state of arbitrary rule, where citizens have no security and no recourse against oppression.

8.1.3 Functions of a Constitution

⚙️ What Does a Constitution Do?

Function	Description
Provide a Framework for Governance	Establishes the three organs of government—legislature, executive, judiciary
Distribute Power	Divides power between central and state governments (federal system)
Protect Fundamental Rights	Guarantees basic rights to citizens
Establish Rule of Law	Ensures everyone, including rulers, is subject to law
Articulate National Values	Expresses the philosophy and aspirations of the nation (Preamble)
Provide for Amendment	Allows the Constitution to adapt to changing times

8.2 Making of the Indian Constitution

8.2.1 Historical Background: Government of India Act 1935

📜 Pre-Independence Constitutional Developments

Year	Development	Significance
1858	Government of India Act	Ended East India Company rule; Crown assumed direct control
1861	Indian Councils Act	Indians first included in legislative councils
1892	Indian Councils Act	Expanded legislative councils
1909	Morley-Minto Reforms	Separate electorates for Muslims introduced
1919	Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms	Dyarchy (dual government) in provinces; responsible government
1935	Government of India Act	Provided blueprint for federal structure; provincial autonomy

🏛️ Government of India Act, 1935: The Blueprint

The Government of India Act, 1935 was the longest and most detailed act passed by the British Parliament. It served as the primary source for many provisions of the Indian Constitution.

Feature	Impact on Indian Constitution
Federal Scheme	Adopted with modifications
Provincial Autonomy	Basis for state governments
Bicameral Legislature	Some states adopted bicameral system
Emergency Provisions	Largely borrowed
Public Service Commissions	Retained
Federal Court	Evolved into Supreme Court

📝 PSTET Focus Point: The Government of India Act 1935 was the most important predecessor of our Constitution. Many features were borrowed from it .

8.2.2 Constituent Assembly: Composition and Working

👥 Composition of Constituent Assembly

Aspect	Details
Formation	Under Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946
Total Members	389 (later reduced to 299 after Partition)
Election Method	Indirect election by provincial assemblies
Representation	Seats allocated to provinces and princely states
First Meeting	December 9, 1946
Last Meeting	November 26, 1949

📊 Community Representation

Community	Seats Allotted
General (Hindu)	212
Muslim	79
Sikh	4
Other (Christians, Anglo-Indians, etc.)	94
Total	389

⚙️ Working of the Constituent Assembly

Aspect	Details
Time Taken	2 years, 11 months, 18 days
Total Sessions	11
Total Meetings	165
Drafting Committee Meetings	141
Total Amendments Considered	7,635
Total Amendments Passed	2,373

📋 Key Committees

Committee	Chairman
Drafting Committee	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Union Powers Committee	Jawaharlal Nehru
Union Constitution Committee	Jawaharlal Nehru
Provincial Constitution Committee	Sardar Patel
Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights	Sardar Patel
Rules of Procedure Committee	Rajendra Prasad

8.2.3 Key Personalities

👤 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891-1956)

Role	Chairman of the Drafting Committee
Contribution	"Father of the Indian Constitution"; principal architect
Legal Expertise	Leading jurist, economist, and social reformer
Vision	Champion of social justice and dignity for marginalized communities
Constituent Assembly Role	Guided the drafting process; defended provisions against criticism

🗣️ Granville Austin on Ambedkar: "He piloted the Constitution through the Assembly with a determination that his colleagues should not stray from the goal of social revolution."

👤 Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)

Role	First Prime Minister of India
Contribution	Moved the Objectives Resolution on December 13, 1946, which became the basis for the Preamble
Vision	Modern, scientific, democratic, secular India
Key Speeches	"Tryst with Destiny" on the eve of Independence

👤 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875-1950)

Role	First Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister
Contribution	Chairman of Provincial Constitution Committee; integrated 565 princely states into India
Vision	Strong, united India
Role in Assembly	Guided provisions relating to administrative machinery

👤 Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1884-1963)

Role	President of Constituent Assembly
Contribution	Presided over the Assembly with impartiality and wisdom
Role	Ensured smooth functioning and consensus-building
Later	First President of India

8.2.4 Timeline: 1946-1950

📅 Key Dates in Constitution-Making

Date	Event
December 9, 1946	First meeting of Constituent Assembly
December 13, 1946	Nehru moved Objectives Resolution
January 22, 1947	Objectives Resolution adopted
August 15, 1947	India becomes independent
August 29, 1947	Drafting Committee appointed; Ambedkar as Chairman
February 21, 1948	First draft submitted
November 4, 1948	Draft placed before Assembly for discussion
November 26, 1949	Constitution signed and adopted
January 24, 1950	Final session; 284 members signed
January 26, 1950	Constitution came into force (Republic Day)

8.3 Preamble to the Constitution

8.3.1 Text of the Preamble

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

📝 Note: The words "SOCIALIST" and "SECULAR" were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 . The original Preamble read "SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC."

8.3.2 Key Words Explained

👑 Sovereign

Meaning	India is independent and free from external control. No foreign power can dictate its internal or external affairs.
Implications	• Can join international organizations freely • Can make treaties • Can acquire foreign territory

🌱 Socialist

Meaning	Commitment to social and economic equality. Wealth should be distributed equitably, and the means of production should be socially controlled.
Indian Context	Not "nationalization" of all industries, but democratic socialism—welfare state with mixed economy

🕉️ Secular

Meaning	All religions are equal before the state. No official religion. State treats all religions with equal respect.
Implications	• Freedom of religion (Articles 25-28) • No discrimination based on religion • State can regulate religious activities for social reform

🗳️ Democratic

Meaning	Government derives its authority from the will of the people.
Features	• Universal adult franchise (one person, one vote) • Periodic free and fair elections • Responsible government

🏛️ Republic

Meaning	The head of state is elected, not hereditary.
Implication	President of India is elected, unlike the British monarch

8.3.3 Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

⚖️ Justice

Type	Meaning
Social Justice	No discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, religion; equal access to social opportunities
Economic Justice	No exploitation; fair distribution of wealth
Political Justice	Equal participation in political processes; equal voting rights

🕊️ Liberty

Aspect	Meaning
Thought	Freedom to think independently
Expression	Freedom to express opinions
Belief	Freedom to hold any belief
Faith and Worship	Freedom to practice any religion

⚖️ Equality

Type	Meaning
Of Status	Equal dignity as human beings
Of Opportunity	Equal chances in education, employment, public life

🤝 Fraternity

Meaning	Sense of brotherhood among all Indians; feeling of "we are one nation"
Assuring Dignity	Every individual's worth is recognized and protected
Unity and Integrity	Promoting national unity; ensuring India remains united

8.3.4 Importance of Preamble

🌟 Why the Preamble Matters

Importance	Explanation
Source of Constitution	Declares that the Constitution derives authority from "We, the People of India"
Philosophy and Vision	Contains the fundamental values and objectives of the Constitution
Key to Interpretation	Helps courts interpret ambiguous provisions
Basic Structure Doctrine	Part of the Constitution's "basic structure" that cannot be amended
Inspiration	Inspires citizens and guides governance

📚 Learning Values: The Preamble embodies core values like justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, and democracy. These are essential for building a just society .

8.4 Salient Features of Indian Constitution

8.4.1 Lengthiest Written Constitution

Feature	Detail
Original	395 Articles, 22 Parts, 8 Schedules
Current	Over 450 Articles, 25 Parts, 12 Schedules
Reason for Length	• Detailed provisions • Borrowed from many sources • Covers both center and states • Special provisions for various groups

🌍 Global Comparison: The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world .

8.4.2 Federal System with Unitary Bias

Federal Features	Unitary Features
Written Constitution	Single Constitution
Division of Powers (Union, State, Concurrent Lists)	Strong Centre
Independent Judiciary	Single Citizenship
Bicameral Legislature	Parliament supremacy in emergencies
Dual Government (Center and States)	Union can reorganize states (Article 3)

💡 Verdict: "Federal in form but unitary in spirit"—during normal times federal, during emergencies unitary.

8.4.3 Parliamentary Form of Government

Feature	Description
Nominal Head	President (for Union); Governor (for States)
Real Executive	Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Collective Responsibility	Ministers collectively responsible to Parliament
Bicameral Legislature	Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

8.4.4 Fundamental Rights and Duties

Part	Articles	Subject
Part III	Articles 12-35	Fundamental Rights
Part IVA	Article 51A	Fundamental Duties

8.4.5 Directive Principles of State Policy

Part	Articles	Nature
Part IV	Articles 36-51	Non-justiciable; guidelines for governance

8.4.6 Independent Judiciary

Feature	Description
Integrated System	Supreme Court at apex, High Courts, subordinate courts
Separation of Powers	Judiciary independent from executive and legislature
Judicial Review	Courts can strike down laws violating Constitution
Power to Interpret	Final authority on constitutional interpretation

8.4.7 Universal Adult Franchise

Feature	Detail
Voting Age	18 years (61st Amendment, 1988)
No Discrimination	All adults can vote regardless of caste, creed, gender, education, wealth
Significance	Promotes political equality and democratic participation

8.4.8 Secular Character

Aspect	Provision
No State Religion	India has no official religion
Equal Treatment	State treats all religions equally
Freedom of Religion	Articles 25-28 guarantee religious freedom
Religious Tolerance	State promotes harmony among religions

📝 PSTET Focus Point: Secularism was part of the Constitution from inception, but the word was added in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment .

8.5 Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35)

📜 Introduction to Fundamental Rights

Fundamental Rights are basic human rights guaranteed to all citizens. They are justiciable—enforceable by courts. They act as limitations on state power and protect individual liberty.

Article	Subject
12	Definition of State
13	Laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights void

8.5.1 Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)

Article	Provision
14	Equality before law and equal protection of laws
15	Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth
15(3)	State can make special provisions for women and children
15(4)	State can make special provisions for SC/ST and backward classes
16	Equality of opportunity in public employment
16(4)	Reservation for backward classes
17	Abolition of untouchability
18	Abolition of titles (except military and academic)

8.5.2 Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)

Article	Provision
19	Protection of six freedoms: speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, profession
20	Protection in respect of conviction for offences
21	Protection of life and personal liberty
21A	Right to education (6-14 years)
22	Protection against arrest and detention

💡 Key Insight: Article 21 is the most important—interpreted expansively to include right to livelihood, health, privacy, clean environment, etc.

8.5.3 Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)

Article	Provision
23	Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
24	Prohibition of employment of children in factories, mines, etc.

8.5.4 Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)

Article	Provision
25	Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, propagation of religion
26	Freedom to manage religious affairs
27	Freedom from taxation for promotion of any religion
28	Freedom from religious instruction in certain educational institutions

8.5.5 Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)

Article	Provision
29	Protection of interests of minorities (right to conserve language, script, culture)
30	Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions

8.5.6 Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

Article	Provision
32	Right to move Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights

🗣️ Dr. Ambedkar on Article 32: "If I was asked to name any particular article in this Constitution as the most important—an article without which this Constitution would be a nullity—I could not refer to any other article except this one. It is the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it."

📝 Types of Writs

Writ	Meaning	Purpose
Habeas Corpus	"To have the body"	Release person from illegal detention
Mandamus	"We command"	Command public official to perform duty
Prohibition	"To forbid"	Prevent lower court from exceeding jurisdiction
Certiorari	"To be certified"	Quash order of lower court/tribunal
Quo Warranto	"By what authority"	Question legality of person holding public office

8.6 Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)

8.6.1 List of 11 Fundamental Duties

Added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 (recommendations of Swaran Singh Committee). The 11th duty was added by 86th Amendment Act, 2002.

No.	Duty
(a)	To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions
(b)	To cherish and follow the noble ideals of the freedom struggle
(c)	To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India
(d)	To defend the country and render national service when called upon
(e)	To promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood among all people
(f)	To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
(g)	To protect and improve the natural environment
(h)	To develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry
(i)	To safeguard public property and abjure violence
(j)	To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity
(k)	To provide opportunities for education to children between 6-14 years (added 2002)

8.6.2 Added by 42nd Amendment (1976)

Aspect	Detail
Year	1976
Committee	Swaran Singh Committee
Original Duties	10
Later Addition	11th duty added in 2002

8.6.3 Importance of Duties along with Rights

🤝 Rights and Duties: Two Sides of Same Coin

Principle	Explanation
Correlative	Every right has corresponding duty
Balance	Rights without duties lead to anarchy; duties without rights lead to oppression
Social Responsibility	Duties remind citizens of their obligations to society
Constitutional Culture	Fosters constitutional morality and citizenship values

💡 Key Insight: The Constitution originally emphasized rights. Duties were added later to remind citizens that they also have obligations .

8.7 Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)

8.7.1 Meaning and Classification

📚 What are Directive Principles?

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are guidelines to the central and state governments to keep in mind while framing laws and policies. They are non-justiciable—not enforceable by courts, but are "fundamental in the governance of the country" (Article 37).

🌍 Source: Borrowed from the Irish Constitution .

📊 Classification of DPSP

Category	Articles	Aim	Examples
Socialistic	38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 47	Welfare state; reduce inequality	Equal pay; living wage; maternity relief
Gandhian	40, 43, 46, 47, 48	Promote Gandhian ideals	Village panchayats; prohibition; cottage industries
Liberal-Intellectual	44, 45, 48A, 49, 50, 51	Progressive reform	Uniform civil code; environment protection; international peace

📝 Important Directive Principles

Article	Provision
38	Promote welfare of people; secure social order for justice
39	Equal right to livelihood; equal pay; health of workers; protection of children
40	Organize village panchayats
41	Right to work, education, public assistance
42	Just and humane work conditions; maternity relief
43	Living wage; decent standard of life
43A	Worker participation in management
44	Uniform civil code
45	Early childhood care and education (for children below 6 years)
46	Promote educational and economic interests of SC/ST, weaker sections
47	Improve nutrition; raise living standards; prohibit intoxicating drinks
48	Organize agriculture and animal husbandry; prohibit cow slaughter
48A	Protect and improve environment
49	Protect monuments and places of national importance
50	Separate judiciary from executive
51	Promote international peace and security

8.7.2 Difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles

Basis	Fundamental Rights	Directive Principles
Part of Constitution	Part III	Part IV
Nature	Negative (prohibit state from doing certain things)	Positive (direct state to do certain things)
Justiciability	Justiciable—enforceable by courts	Non-justiciable—cannot be enforced
Purpose	Protect individual liberty	Establish social and economic democracy
Sanction	Legal sanction (court can strike down violating laws)	Political sanction (public opinion, elections)
Basis	Political democracy	Social and economic democracy

🤝 Relationship

The Supreme Court in Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980) held that the Indian Constitution is founded on the bedrock of the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. Together, they constitute the conscience of the Constitution .

8.7.3 Implementation through Government Policies

Many Directive Principles have been implemented through laws and policies:

DPSP	Implementing Legislation/Policy
Article 39(b) (equal distribution of resources)	Land reforms, zamindari abolition
Article 39(c) (prevent concentration of wealth)	Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act
Article 40 (village panchayats)	73rd and 74th Amendments
Article 41 (right to work)	MGNREGA
Article 43 (living wage)	Minimum Wages Act
Article 45 (early childhood care)	Right to Education Act, 2009
Article 47 (nutrition)	Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Article 48A (environment)	Environment Protection Act, 1986

8.8 Amendment of the Constitution

8.8.1 Procedure for Amendment (Article 368)

📜 Article 368: Power to Amend

"Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article."

📝 Amendment Process

    ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
    │   Bill introduced in either House   │
    │      (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha)     │
    └─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
                      ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
    │   Passed by majority of total       │
    │   membership AND by majority of     │
    │   not less than 2/3 of members      │
    │   present and voting                 │
    └─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
                      ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
    │   If amendment affects federal      │
    │   provisions → ratification by      │
    │   at least 1/2 of state legislatures│
    └─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
                      ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
    │   Presented to President for assent │
    └─────────────────┬───────────────────┘
                      ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
    │   Constitution stands amended       │
    └─────────────────────────────────────┘

8.8.2 Types of Amendments

Type	Procedure	Examples
Simple Majority	Passed by simple majority of Parliament (outside Article 368)	Creation of new states (Article 3); changes in salaries; rules of procedure
Special Majority	Majority of total membership + 2/3 of members present and voting	Most amendments (Fundamental Rights, DPSP, etc.)
Special Majority + State Ratification	Special majority + ratification by at least 50% states	Federal matters: election of President, Supreme Court powers, division of powers between Union and States, representation in Parliament

8.8.3 Important Amendments and Their Significance

Amendment	Year	Key Provisions
1st	1951	Added Ninth Schedule; protected land reforms; restrictions on freedom of speech
7th	1956	Reorganization of states on linguistic basis
24th	1971	Affirmed Parliament's power to amend Fundamental Rights
42nd	1976	"Mini Constitution"; added Socialist, Secular to Preamble; added Fundamental Duties; made DPSP override FR
44th	1978	Reversed many 42nd Amendment provisions; right to property removed as FR
52nd	1985	Anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule)
61st	1988	Reduced voting age from 21 to 18 years
73rd	1992	Panchayati Raj institutions; constitutional status
74th	1992	Municipalities; constitutional status
86th	2002	Made education fundamental right (Article 21A); added 11th Fundamental Duty
101st	2016	Goods and Services Tax (GST)
103rd	2019	10% reservation for economically weaker sections
106th	2023	33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies

8.9 Pedagogical Focus: Teaching the Constitution

🧒 Understanding the Learner (Classes VI-VIII)

Upper primary students:

Are beginning to understand concepts of rules, rights, and responsibilities
Can grasp abstract ideas if connected to concrete examples
Benefit from experiential learning activities
Need to see the Constitution as relevant to their daily lives

📖 Reading and Discussing the Preamble

Activity 1: Preamble Reading and Explanation

Step	Instructions
1. Read Aloud	Students read the Preamble together
2. Word-by-Word	Explain each key word: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic
3. Connect to Life	Ask: "What does justice mean in our classroom?" "What does equality look like in our school?"
4. Preamble in Action	Discuss the Dholpur example where 50,000 students engage with the Preamble daily through debates, Constitution Clubs, and Bal Sansads

Activity 2: Preamble in Your Own Words

Task	Instructions
Rewrite	Students rewrite Preamble in their own simple language
Illustrate	Draw pictures representing justice, liberty, equality, fraternity
Share	Present to class

📊 Making a Chart of Fundamental Rights and Duties

Activity: Rights and Duties Wall Chart

Right	Corresponding Duty
Right to Freedom of Speech	Duty to speak responsibly; not spread hatred
Right to Equality	Duty to treat others equally
Right to Education (21A)	Duty to attend school regularly
Right to Religion	Duty to respect others' religions
Cultural Rights	Duty to preserve our composite culture

📝 Sample Chart Format

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│               FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS & DUTIES                   │
│                     (Class VI - Section A)                  │
├───────────────┬──────────────────────────┬──────────────────┤
│ Right Article │         Right            │ Corresponding    │
│               │                          │ Duty             │
├───────────────┼──────────────────────────┼──────────────────┤
│ 14-18         │ Equality                  │ Treat everyone   │
│               │                           │ equally          │
├───────────────┼──────────────────────────┼──────────────────┤
│ 19-22         │ Freedom                   │ Use freedom      │
│               │                           │ responsibly      │
├───────────────┼──────────────────────────┼──────────────────┤
│ 21A           │ Education                 │ Attend school    │
│               │                           │ regularly        │
└───────────────┴──────────────────────────┴──────────────────┘

💬 Class Discussion: "What Would Happen If There Were No Fundamental Rights?"

Discussion Framework

Question	Purpose
"What if the government could arrest you without telling you why?"	Importance of Article 22
"What if you were stopped from speaking your opinion?"	Importance of Article 19
"What if only rich people could vote?"	Importance of political equality
"What if children were forced to work in factories?"	Importance of Article 24
"What if you were treated differently because of your caste?"	Importance of Article 15

🌟 Connecting to Real Examples

Share examples of how Fundamental Rights protect people:

Right	Real-Life Protection
Article 21	Right to live with dignity; includes right to health, environment
Article 23	Prevents bonded labour
Article 17	Untouchability abolished
Article 32	Anyone can go directly to Supreme Court for rights violation

📚 Innovative Pedagogical Approaches

🌟 The Dholpur Model: Living the Constitution

In Dholpur, Rajasthan, over 50,000 students participate in:

Activity	Description
Bal Sansads (Children's Parliaments)	Students elect health minister, education minister, sanitation minister; practice democracy
Constitution Clubs	Debate constitutional values; discuss justice, equality, liberty
Preamble Discussions	Students ask: "What does justice look like in classroom?"
Library Movement	18 functional libraries where students read about Ambedkar, Gandhi, Nehru
Girls' Empowerment	Girls who once dropped out now preparing for careers in safe library spaces

💬 IAS Officer Avahad Nivrutti Somnath: "The Preamble is both seed and compass—plant it in young minds, and it will guide them as citizens."

🌟 Teaching Constitution to Younger Children

Author Sakshi Vijay's book "The Great Book of Rules of India" uses simple analogies:

Concept	Analogy
Equality	Three children of different heights—equal opportunity
Affirmative Action	Ambulance can cross red light (special provisions)
Democracy	Choosing what game to play by voting
Fundamental Duties	Switching off lights and fans as responsible citizen

📝 Sample Lesson Plan: "Our Constitution"

Component	Description
Topic	Introduction to the Indian Constitution
Class	VII-VIII
Duration	4 class periods
Learning Objectives	Students will: (1) Understand what a constitution is (2) Explain the Preamble (3) Identify Fundamental Rights (4) Appreciate Fundamental Duties
Day 1: What is Constitution?	Discussion: "What rules do we need to live together?" Explain need for constitution
Day 2: Preamble	Read Preamble; explain key words; students illustrate each value
Day 3: Fundamental Rights	Explain 6 rights; discuss real-life applications
Day 4: Rights and Duties	Connect rights with duties; make Rights-Duties chart
Assessment	Preamble explanation; Rights-Duties chart; class participation

📝 Chapter Summary: Key Points for PSTET Revision

🔑 Constitution: Definition and Need

Supreme law of the land
Needed for: rules, limit government power, protect rights, national goals
Functions: framework for governance, distribute power, protect rights, rule of law

🔑 Making of Constitution

Aspect	Detail
Constituent Assembly	Formed 1946; 299 members
Time Taken	2 years 11 months 18 days
Adopted	November 26, 1949
Effective	January 26, 1950
Key Personalities	Ambedkar, Nehru, Patel, Prasad

🔑 Preamble

Keyword	Meaning
Sovereign	Independent
Socialist	Economic equality
Secular	Equal respect for all religions
Democratic	People's rule
Republic	Elected head of state
Justice	Social, economic, political
Liberty	Thought, expression, belief, faith, worship
Equality	Status and opportunity
Fraternity	Dignity and unity

🔑 Fundamental Rights

Category	Articles
Right to Equality	14-18
Right to Freedom	19-22
Right against Exploitation	23-24
Right to Freedom of Religion	25-28
Cultural and Educational Rights	29-30
Right to Constitutional Remedies	32

🔑 Fundamental Duties

11 duties (Article 51A)
Added by 42nd Amendment (1976) ; 11th added 2002
Include: respect Constitution, national unity, protect environment, scientific temper, education of children

🔑 Directive Principles

Category	Examples
Socialistic	Equal pay, living wage, maternity relief
Gandhian	Panchayats, cottage industries, prohibition
Liberal-Intellectual	Uniform civil code, environment, international peace

🔑 Amendment Procedure

Type	Procedure
Simple Majority	Simple majority
Special Majority	2/3 of members present + majority of total
Special + States	Special majority + 50% states ratification

🔑 Important Amendments

Amendment	Key Change
42nd (1976)	Added Socialist, Secular; added Fundamental Duties
44th (1978)	Reversed 42nd provisions; right to property removed
61st (1988)	Voting age reduced to 18
73rd/74th (1992)	Panchayati Raj and Municipalities
86th (2002)	Right to Education; 11th duty
101st (2016)	GST
106th (2023)	Women's reservation (33% in Lok Sabha and Assemblies)

📝 Practice Questions for PSTET Preparation

Multiple Choice Questions

The Indian Constitution was adopted on:
a) January 26, 1950
b) November 26, 1949
c) August 15, 1947
d) January 26, 1930
Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Sardar Patel
c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
How many Fundamental Duties are mentioned in the Indian Constitution? [RRB NTPC 2021]
a) 10
b) 11
c) 12
d) 9
Which Amendment added the words "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble?
a) 44th Amendment
b) 42nd Amendment
c) 24th Amendment
d) 86th Amendment
Article 32 is called the "heart and soul of the Constitution" by:
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Mahatma Gandhi
c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
d) Sardar Patel
Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Right?
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom
c) Right to Property
d) Right against Exploitation
Directive Principles of State Policy are borrowed from the Constitution of:
a) USA
b) UK
c) Ireland
d) Canada
The 61st Amendment (1988) is related to:
a) Right to Education
b) Voting age reduced to 18 years
c) GST
d) Women's reservation
Which Article deals with the amendment procedure?
a) Article 356
b) Article 360
c) Article 368
d) Article 370
How many languages are recognized in the Eighth Schedule?
a) 18
b) 22
c) 24
d) 15

Short Answer Questions

Define a constitution. Why do we need a constitution?
Write the full text of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.
Explain any four Fundamental Rights.
List any six Fundamental Duties.
Differentiate between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.

Long Answer Questions

Discuss the salient features of the Indian Constitution.
Explain the procedure for amendment of the Constitution under Article 368.
Describe the composition and working of the Constituent Assembly.
Analyze the importance of the Preamble in the interpretation of the Constitution.
As a teacher, how would you make the Constitution interesting for Class VII students? Describe any three pedagogical activities.

✅ Chapter Completion Checklist

Before moving to Chapter 9, ensure you can:

Define constitution and explain its need
List key dates in constitution-making (1946, 1949, 1950)
Identify key personalities (Ambedkar, Nehru, Patel, Prasad)
Recite Preamble and explain key words
List 6 Fundamental Rights with article ranges
List 11 Fundamental Duties
Differentiate between FR and DPSP
Explain Directive Principles with classification
Describe amendment procedure (3 types)
Recall important amendments (42nd, 44th, 61st, 73rd, 74th, 86th, 101st, 106th)
Plan Preamble reading activity
Create Rights-Duties chart
Design discussion on "What if no Fundamental Rights?"

🔗 Online Resources for Further Learning

Resource	Description	Link/How to Find
Constitution of India	Full text, articles, amendments	constitutionofindia.net
PRS India	Legislative analysis, constitutional amendments	prsindia.org
NCERT Social and Political Life (Class IX)	Detailed chapter on Constitution	ncert.nic.in
Ministry of Law and Justice	Constitutional documents	lawmin.gov.in
Legal Information Institute of India	Constitution database	liiofindia.org

🎓 Prepared for PSTET Aspirants

This chapter provides comprehensive coverage of "The Constitution" as per PSTET Paper II syllabus. Understanding the Constitution—its making, philosophy, provisions, and significance—is fundamental to Social and Political Life. The pedagogical activities will help you bring the Constitution alive in your classroom, turning it from a dry document into a living guide for citizenship. Remember the inspiring example from Dholpur, where 50,000 students are learning to "live the Constitution" every day . As teachers, you are not just teaching about the Constitution—you are nurturing the constitutional culture of our democracy.

Teacher Eligibility Test

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Ch 8: The Constitution