Notes-Class 7-Civic-Chapter 1-Introduction to our Constitution-Maharashtra Board

Rules and norms are necessary for the smooth functioning of activities in our day-to-day life. Be it our school, family or office, rules and norms are required. Similarly, the administration of a country is carried out through a system of rules.

But the rules or provisions about the administration of a country are much wider in scope. These rules or provisions regarding the administration of a country are what form the Constitution.

Where can we find all the rules according to which the administration of the country is carried out ?

The book in which all the provisions regarding the administration of a the country are mentioned together in a systematic way is called a Constitution.

Who makes those rules ?

Government is established by the representatives elected by the people. Makes this Constitution a written document of the provisions related to the administration of the country.

Is it binding on us to follow them?

Yes. The representatives elected by the people form the government, and they are bound to carry out the administration of the country as per the provisions of the Constitution.

Since the constitution also includes the list of citizens’ duties, it fixes the responsibility of the citizens as well.

Constitution :

Meaning of Constitution

• The book in which all the provisions regarding the administration of the country are mentioned together in a systematic way is called a Constitution.
• The Constitution is the fundamental law of the land. The representatives elected by the people form the government, and they are bound to carry out the administration of the country as per the provisions of the Constitution.
• The Judiciary has been given the power to declare any law made by the government as null and void or unconstitutional if it is not as per the provisions of the Constitution.

Provision in the Constitution

The Constitution contains provisions regarding

a) Citizenship

b) Rights of citizens

c) Relationship between citizens and the State

d) Powers and jurisdiction of the government and the restrictions on the powers of the government

e) Elections

The principle of governance according to the Constitution is accepted by almost all countries. The nature of the Constitutions is different for different countries. This is because there are differences of history, social structures, culture and traditions etc. Each Constitution is created to suit the needs and objectives of the country.

Necessity (Advantages) of a Constitution

• Reduces the possibility of misuse of power and authority by the government.
• Establishes the rule of law so that there is no scope for misuse of power.
• Sets political ideals and creates an atmosphere conducive to attain world peace, security and preservation of human rights.
• Safeguards the rights and freedom of the people.
• Increases the faith of people and thereby the participation of people in their governance.
• Includes a list of citizens’ duties and fixes the responsibility of citizens.

Administration

• Governance refers to the process of making laws and taking decisions related to the day-to-day administration of the country.
• Governance is undertaken by the government.

The government makes laws relating to :

1. Defending the boundaries
2. Protecting the country from external aggression
3. Eradication of poverty
4. Creating employment opportunities and provision of education and health services
5. Encouragement of commerce and industries
6. Protection of weaker sections, progress of women, children and tribal people

The Indian Constitution

The process of making the Indian Constitution started in 1946.

Background to the making of the Indian Constitution

• The leaders of the freedom movement insisted on laws to be made by the Indians themselves.
• A committee was established to prepare the constitution of independent India. It came to be known as the Constituent Assembly.

Constituent Assembly :

• The representatives of the different provinces and the princely states were included in the Constituent Assembly.
• There were a total of 299 members in the Constituent Assembly.
• Dr Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly.
• Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was the chairman of the Drafting Committee.

Contribution of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar

• The draft of the Indian Constitution was prepared by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and was presented to the Constituent Assembly.
• He answered all the questions raised on the draft, made changes as per the suggestions of the Constituent Assembly and made the Constitution flawless.
• Due to his contribution in making of the Indian Constitution, he is called the ‘Architect of the Indian Constitution’.

Making and features of the Constitution

• The task of making the Constitution was completed in 2 years, 11 months and 18 days.
• The original Constitution of India had 22 parts, 395 articles and 8 schedules.
• Prominent members of the Constituent Assembly were Dr Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Hansaben Mehta and others.
• N. Rau, a noted legal expert, was appointed as the Constitutional Adviser on legal matters.
• The Constitution of India was enacted on 26th November 1949, and hence, 26th November is observed as ‘Constitution Day’.

The governance of the country as per the provisions of the Constitution started from 26th January 1950. The Indian Republic came into existence from this day, and therefore, we celebrate 26th January as ‘Republic Day’.