UGC NET Resources: Unit X: Higher Education System 18
Resources compiled by Dr. K. Thiyagu, CUKerala
Polices, Governance and Administrations
Constitution of India
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework
defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers and
duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles and
the duties of citizens.
It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. The nation is
governed on the basis of this Constitution. B. R. Ambedkar is regarded as the chief
architect of the Indian Constitution
Originally, the constitution adopted on November 26, 1949, contained a Preamble, 395 articles
in 22 parts and eight schedules. Currently, the number of articles has since increased to 448
due to 104 amendments since its enactment in 1950. Also, the constitution now has 25 parts
and 12 schedules.
Various Sources of our Constitutions:
Government of India Act of 1935 – Federal Scheme, Office of Governor, Judiciary,
Public Service Commission, Emergency provisions and administrative details.
British Constitution – Parliamentary System, Rule of law, Legislative Procedure,
Single Citizenship, Cabinet System, Prerogative Writs, Parliamentary Privileges and
Bicameralism.
US Constitution – Fundamental rights, independence of judiciary, judicial review,
impeachment of president, removal of Supreme court and high court judges and post
of vice president.
Irish Constitution– Directive Principles of State Policy, nomination of members of
Rajya Sabha and method of election of president
Canadian Constitution– Federation with a strong centre, vesting of residuary power
in the centre, appointment of state Governor by the centre and advisory jurisdiction
of Supreme Court.
Australian Constitution– Concurrent list, joint sitting of two houses of Parliament.
Constitution of Germany– Suspension of fundamental rights during emergency.
French Constitution– Republic and ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity in the
Preamble.
South African Constitution- Procedure for amendment of the constitution and
election of members of Rajya Sabha.
Japanese Constitution- Procedure established by Law.
Constitution of former USSR: Procedure of five-year plan, fundamental duties,
ideals of justice in Preamble
Constitution of India, 1949 – 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