Indian Polity Notes - Simplified Explanation
8. Fundamental Rights (Part III - Articles 12 to 35)
These are the basic rights guaranteed to every citizen of India.
1. Right to Equality (Art. 14-18): Equal treatment before law.
2. Right to Freedom (Art. 19-22): Freedom of speech, protection in life and liberty.
3. Right against Exploitation (Art. 23-24): No forced labour or child labour.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Art. 25-28): Practice and propagate any religion.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Art. 29-30): Preserve culture, minority institutions.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art. 32): Move to SC for rights violation.
9. Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV - Articles 36 to 51)
Non-enforceable guidelines for state policy aiming at economic and social democracy.
Examples: Equal pay, free legal aid, child welfare.
10. Fundamental Duties (Part IVA - Article 51A)
Added by 42nd Amendment. Total 11 duties including respect national symbols, promote harmony, protect
environment.
11. Preamble to the Constitution
Describes India as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
Mentions Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
12. Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368)
Process to change the Constitution via Simple, Special, or State-ratified majority.
13. Union and its Territory (Part I - Articles 1 to 4)
India is a Union of States. Parliament can form, rename or alter states.
14. Citizenship (Part II - Articles 5 to 11)
Indian Polity Notes - Simplified Explanation
Defines who is a citizen. Modes: Birth, Descent, Registration, Naturalisation, Incorporation.
15. Parliament (Part V - Articles 79 to 122)
Includes President, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha is permanent. Lok Sabha has 5-year term.
16. President of India (Articles 52 to 62)
Elected by Electoral College. Executive, legislative, judicial and emergency powers.
17. Prime Minister
Real executive, head of council of ministers, leader of Lok Sabha.
18. Council of Ministers (Article 74-75)
Cabinet + Ministers of State. Collectively responsible to Lok Sabha.
19. Parliament Procedure - Sessions
3 Sessions: Budget, Monsoon, Winter. Includes Question Hour, Zero Hour.
20. Types of Bills
Money Bill, Financial Bill, Ordinary Bill, Constitutional Amendment Bill.
21. Judicial System
Supreme Court, High Courts, Subordinate Courts. SC handles original, appellate, advisory cases.
22. Writs
5 types: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto.
23. Election Commission of India (Article 324)
Indian Polity Notes - Simplified Explanation
Conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, VP. Independent body.
24. Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha
Lok Sabha more powerful in finance. Rajya Sabha is permanent body.
25. Panchayati Raj (73rd Amendment)
Three-tier system: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad.
26. Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment)
Municipal Corporations, Councils, Nagar Panchayats for urban governance.
27. Finance Commission (Article 280)
Recommends Centre-State financial distribution every 5 years.
28. CAG (Article 148)
Audits govt. accounts. Guardian of public funds.
29. NITI Aayog
Policy think tank replacing Planning Commission. Head: PM.
30. Goods and Services Tax (GST)
One Nation One Tax. Types: CGST, SGST, IGST. GST Council decides rates.
31. Emergency Provisions
National Emergency (Art 352), President's Rule (Art 356), Financial Emergency (Art 360).
32. Schedules of the Constitution
Indian Polity Notes - Simplified Explanation
12 Schedules include state lists, official languages, panchayat powers, etc.
