Our Constitution
Grade 9
Class Notes
Concepts Covered
1 Our Constitution
Our
Constitution
Directive Making of the
Principles of Indian
State Policy constitution
Fundamental The Preamble
Rights and and its key
Duties terms
Constitution
A constitution is a set of basic rules
that is accepted by all the people living
together in a country.
It is the supreme law of the land that
determines the relationship between
citizens and the relationship between
the citizens and the government.
Making of the Indian Constitution: A Timeline
March 1946
The Cabinet
Mission Plan was
sent to India for a
smooth transfer of May 1946
power. The Mission
recommended the
formation of
December 1946 a constituent assembly.
The Constituent
Assembly met for
the first time.
August 1947
A Drafting Committee
was constituted.
November 1949
The Indian
constitution was
adopted by
January 1950
the Constituent
The Indian
Assembly.
constitution came
into effect.
Constituent Assembly
Role: To oversee the process of
constitution-making
Members: 389 (pre-partition) and
299 (post-partition)
President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
First meeting: 9 December 1946
Working: Discussed and disposed
of 2,473 amendments, out of
the 7,635 tabled
Drafting Committee
Role: To prepare the draft
of the Indian constitution
Members: 7
Chairman: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Constitutional Advisor: Dr. B. N. Rau
Formed on: 29 August 1947
Working: Studied the constitutions of
more than 60 countries and
presented the first draft of
the Indian constitution
Did You Know?
The idea of the Preamble in
the Indian constitution is borrowed
from the Constitution of the United
States of America.
Preamble of the Indian constitution
• It is the introductory part of the Constitution.
• It indicates the source from which the Indian constitution derives
its authority.
• It states the objectives that the Indian constitution seeks to
implement and promote.
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.
We, the people of India Socialist
The Constitution has been drawn Wealth is generated and should
up and enacted by the people be shared equally by the society.
through their representatives.
Sovereign Secular
People have the supreme right Citizens have complete freedom
to make decisions on internal as to follow any religion.
well as external issues. There is no official religion.
Democratic Liberty
A form of government where Citizens are free to think and
people enjoy equal rights and express their thoughts without
elect their leaders. any restriction.
Republic Equality
The head of the State is an All are equal before the law.
elected person and not a The government should ensure
hereditary position. equal opportunities for all.
Justice Fraternity
Citizens cannot be discriminated All citizens should behave as the
against on the grounds of caste, members of the same family.
religion, or gender.
Did You Know?
The words socialist, secular, and integrity were added to the
Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976.
Important Questions
Question 1: Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly?
(1 mark)
Question 2: Briefly discuss the role of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in
framing the Indian constitution. (3 marks)
Question 3: What is the significance of the Preamble to the
Constitution? List and explain any three key terms as contained in
our preamble. (5 marks)
Existence of more than one level
Federalism
of government
Features of the Indian Constitution
Parliamentary form The executive is responsible to
of government the lower house of the legislature.
Separation Powers of the legislature, executive,
of powers and judiciary is clearly defined
Universal adult
One person, one vote, one value
franchise
Fundamental Basic rights guaranteed to all people
Rights without discrimination
Fundamental Rights
Right to Equality Right to Freedom
Ensures equal rights to all and Right to freedom of speech
prohibits discrimination based and expression, right to form
on religion, caste, or sex associations, and more
Right against Exploitation Right to Freedom of Religion
Prohibits human trafficking, Right to practise, profess, and
forced labour, and child labour propagate a religion of choice
Cultural and Right to Constitutional
Educational Rights Remedies
Protects the rights of linguistic, Citizens can approach the
cultural, and religious minorities Supreme and high courts if
Fundamental Rights are
violated.
Fundamental Duties
• To abide by the Constitution and respect the national flag and
the national anthem.
• To follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for
freedom.
• To protect the sovereignty and integrity of India.
• To defend the country and render national services when called
upon.
• To develop a spirit of common brotherhood.
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
• To preserve, protect, and improve our natural environment.
• To develop a scientific temper.
• To abjure violence and safeguard public property.
• To strive for excellence in all spheres of life.
• It is the duty of all parents/guardians to send their children in the
age group of 6-14 years to school.
Directive Principles of State Policy are a
set of guidelines which the government
usually takes into consideration while
making new laws and policies.
Their aim is to create a society that
promotes the welfare of all.
They are contained in Part IV of the Indian
constitution.
Directive Principles of State
Policy : Classification and
Implementation
Economic policy:
Gandhian principles:
Implementation of
Organisation of village
policies like the
panchayats and
Minimum Wages Act
promotion of cottage
and the Equal
industries
Remuneration Act
Directive
Principles of
State Policy
Law, justice and International peace
administration: and security:
Free legal aid is Encourage settlement
provided to people of international
who cannot afford it disputes by arbitration
Protection of environment
and monuments:
The Ancient Monuments And
Archaeological Sites
And Remains Act, 1958
Important Questions
Question 1: Which article prohibits traffic in human beings and
other forms of forced labour ? (1 mark)
Question 2: What is the purpose of Directive Principles of State
policy? List any two ways by which the Government of India has
implemented DPSPs. (3 marks)
Question 3: Draw a comparative analysis between Fundamental
Rights and DPSP. (5 marks)
