History & Civics [3 Mark Question Answer]

Fundamental Rights must be enjoyed by every citizen to satisfy the public opinion and the Directive Principles of State Policy ensure constant interaction between people and state which are basic roots to be successful for the successive governments in each and every type of circumstances i.e. the key to success is undoubtedly is to follow the constitution for proper guidance.

‘We The People’. It has perhaps been inspired by a similar expression in the American Constitution. The words ‘ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION’ makes the people the holders of this authority. Speaking about this purpose and intention of the Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar said in the Constituent Assembly: “This Constitution has its roots in the people and it derives its authority from the people.”

The Resolution proposed:

1. Republic of India
2. Ideals of social, political, and economic democracy would be granted to all.
3. Fundamental Rights of citizens.
4. Safeguard the rights of minorities and backward classes.

The given term in the context of the Preamble to the Constitution is answered as under:

Equality: A person is ensured of equality before the law. Social equality and equality of opportunity in matters of public employment are yet another level of Equality. But, equality is seen on the criterion which reveals “equality among equals”. A poor is no match to a rich. So, at this juncture, equality differs in its meaning. The Constitution too overlooks such discrimination and rules out any violation while discriminating the both. Hence, the State can make special provisions for women, children, and the backward classes of citizens.

The given term in the context of the Preamble to the Constitution is answered as under:

Liberty: In the preamble, there is a provision of freedom or relaxation over certain issues under the name of ‘Liberty’, that goes for the welfare of common mass. The liberty mentioned in the context of the Preamble to the Constitution relates to Liberty of Thought, Expression Belief, Faith, and Worship. Freedom of thought and expression means, the right to speak or write freely on any subject, provided the speaker abides by the restrictions imposed on this right. A person has freedom of religion and conscience. The State gives equal freedom to all religions.

The first sitting of the Constituent Assembly was held on December 9, 1946. It was held at the present Central Hall of the Parliament and was presided over by Dr. Sachidananda Sinha, the oldest sitting member of the Central Assembly. The wide-ranging membership of the Constituent Assembly gave representation to all shades of public opinion. The Cabinet Mission plan had ensured representation to only three categories the General category, Muslims and Sikhs. The Congress leaders had, however, ensured that other communities like Anglo-Indians, Indian Christians, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes got representation.

A Republic country is that, where equality, liberty, and fraternity go hand in hand. Such a country is ruled over by the representatives that are nominated and elected from and by amongst the common mass. There is no hereditary monarch in such a state. The President of India holds office for a term of five years. He is the elected Head of the State. The legislators (the MPs and MLAs) are also elected by the people. As India enjoys all these relaxations, hence we can say India is a Republic.

While speaking in the context of ‘Equality’, the distinction made in the Preamble goes on two levels. On one hand, Equality serves equality for all before the law, status, and opportunity in matters of public employment, while on the other hand, equality always means “equality among equals”. There can be no equality between paupers and princes. To discriminate between them is not a violation of the Constitution. Consequently, the state can make special provisions for women, children, and the backward classes of citizens.

Two features illustrating the nature of Indian Polity or State are as follows:

1. India is a Sovereign State: India is Independent both internally and externally. She can frame her own socio­economic policies and develop her resources the way she likes. No foreign State can claim her control over her. She is free to frame her foreign policies and choose her allies in peace and war alike.
2. Socialist Order of Society: The word ‘Socialist’ was inserted in the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. Socialism guarantees “fair distribution of wealth” and “securing a decent standard of life to the people”. The Directive Principles laid down in view of State Policy ensure for its people adequate means of livelihood, fair distribution of wealth, equal pay for equal work for both men and women, protection of children, and the working people against exploitation. The conditions of work in mines and factories are regulated by the Equal Remuneration Act and Workmen’s Compensation Act. The Minimum Wages Act provides for fixation and revision of wages from time to time.

‘Secularism’ means the quality of having oneness while looking into other religions. The country like-India incorporates a number of religions. There is no restrain in following the denomination. Everyone is free to adopt any religion, but side by side, one is to show respect for other religions too. Hence, the Constitution of India seeks uniformity on the religious level. The ideology of uniformity in the perspective of religion makes India a Secular State.

A Democratic government, as promised by the Preamble to the Constitution, it implies that the formed government is the government made by the people, of the people, and for the people. In other words, a democratic government is fully devoted to the citizens of the country. It promises the citizens to provide physical and social security. If the citizens of the country feel dissatisfied with the government, they can dissolve such government through the Franchise process. Thus, public welfare is the sole motive of a Democratic Government.

After a long trail of freedom-struggle and innumerable sacrifices, ultimately India succeeded in attaining the freedom from at the hands of ‘Union Jack’. It was on the 26th of January, 1950 when India got Complete Independence or Purna Swaraj that was absolutely free from the influence of the British government. This very day embodied the dream of freedom of the great freedom-fighters and patriots.