📝 Notes
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Chapter-wise summary of Indian Polity by M. Laxmikant covering all UPSC Prelims and Mains relevant topics.
Indian Polity — Key Concepts for UPSC
Part I: Constitution of India
The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950. Key facts:
- Original Constitution: 395 Articles, 8 Schedules, 22 Parts
- Currently: 448 Articles, 12 Schedules, 25 Parts (after amendments)
- Drawn from: UK (Parliamentary system), USA (Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review), Ireland (DPSP), Australia (Concurrent List), Canada (Federation with strong Centre)
- Preamble: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic (SSSDR)
Part II: Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35)
- 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) — Dr. Ambedkar called it "Heart and Soul of Constitution"
Part III: Parliament
- Rajya Sabha: Max 250 members (238 elected + 12 nominated by President); permanent body
- Lok Sabha: Max 552 members (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 nominated Anglo-Indians — now abolished by 104th Amendment)
- Money Bill can only be introduced in Lok Sabha
- Joint Session (Article 108): Presided by Speaker of Lok Sabha
Key Amendments to Remember
| Amendment | Year | Key Change |
|---|
| 42nd | 1976 | Mini Constitution — added Socialist, Secular, Integrity to Preamble |
| 44th | 1978 | Restored right to property as legal right (not fundamental) |
| 73rd/74th | 1992 | Panchayati Raj and Municipalities — constitutional status |
| 101st | 2016 | GST — Goods and Services Tax |