Indian Polity
Indian Polity - Constitution and Government
Indian Polity is an essential topic for RRB exams, covering the constitutional framework and governance structure.
Constitution Basics
Preamble
- Sovereign: Independent in internal and external matters
- Socialist: Economic and social equality
- Secular: Equal respect for all religions
- Democratic: Elected representative government
- Republic: Head of state elected, not hereditary
Fundamental Rights
- Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
- Respect Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem
- Cherish noble ideals of freedom struggle
- Protect sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India
- Defend country and render national service
Government Structure
Union Government
President
- Head of State
- Elected by Electoral College
- 5-year term
- Executive, Legislative, Financial, Emergency powers
Prime Minister
- Head of Government
- Leader of majority party in Lok Sabha
- Real executive authority
Council of Ministers
- Cabinet Ministers: 15% of Lok Sabha strength
- Ministers of State
- Deputy Ministers
Parliament
Lok Sabha (Lower House)
- Maximum 552 members
- 543 elected + 2 nominated
- 5-year term
- Speaker presides
Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
- Maximum 250 members
- 238 elected + 12 nominated
- 6-year term (1/3 retire every 2 years)
- Vice President is ex-officio Chairman
Important Articles
Union and States
- Article 1: Name and territory of India
- Article 3: Formation of new states
- Article 245: Extent of laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures
Emergency Provisions
- Article 352: National Emergency
- Article 356: President’s Rule
- Article 360: Financial Emergency
Constitutional Amendments
Important Amendments
- 1st Amendment (1951): Ninth Schedule
- 42nd Amendment (1976): “Socialist, Secular” added
- 44th Amendment (1978): Right to Property removed
- 73rd & 74th Amendments (1992): Panchayati Raj and Municipalities
- 101st Amendment (2016): GST
Practice Questions
Question 1
Who is known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution”?
Question 2
The concept of Judicial Review in Indian Constitution is taken from which country?
Question 3
How many members are nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President?
Question 4
Which Article deals with the Right to Constitutional Remedies?
Question 5
The minimum age required to become a member of Lok Sabha is:
BETA
