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Indian Constitution and Polity Study Handout

The document provides an overview of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its detailed structure, federal nature, and democratic principles. It discusses the functioning of the Indian political system, including the roles of political parties, pressure groups, and major institutions like the President and Parliament. Additionally, it outlines recent social schemes aimed at promoting welfare and inclusive development, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among institutions and the judiciary's role in accountability.

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22 views2 pages

Indian Constitution and Polity Study Handout

The document provides an overview of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its detailed structure, federal nature, and democratic principles. It discusses the functioning of the Indian political system, including the roles of political parties, pressure groups, and major institutions like the President and Parliament. Additionally, it outlines recent social schemes aimed at promoting welfare and inclusive development, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among institutions and the judiciary's role in accountability.

Uploaded by

kashishjain9457
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Study Handout: Constitution & Polity – Working of the Indian

Political System

1. Overview of the Indian Constitution


- Written & Lengthy Constitution – one of the most detailed in the world (448 Articles, 12
Schedules).
- Federal in Form, Unitary in Spirit – division of powers but strong Centre.
- Parliamentary Democracy – executive responsible to legislature.
- Independent Judiciary – guardian of the Constitution.
- Fundamental Rights & Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs).
- Secular, Socialist, Democratic Republic – as in the Preamble (42nd Amendment, 1976).
2. Working of the Indian Political System
a. Political Parties
National Parties: BJP, INC, BSP, CPI, CPI(M), NCP, AAP.
State Parties: TMC, DMK, BJD, TRS, etc.
Functions: Contest elections, form policies, link between people & government.
Challenges: Criminalization, dynastic politics, money & muscle power.
b. Pressure Groups
Definition: Organized groups influencing policy without contesting elections.
Examples: FICCI, CII, AITUC, BKU, NSUI.
Role: Lobby for policy changes, mobilize opinion, act as watchdogs.
3. Major Institutions of the Indian Polity
Institution Key Features / Functions
President Constitutional head; Supreme Commander; Appoints PM, Governors, Judges; can dissolve Lok Sa
Governor Head of state; acts on advice of CM; reports to President.
Prime Minister Real executive authority; leader of majority; heads Council of Ministers.
Chief Minister Real head at state level; link between Governor and State Cabinet.
Parliament Bicameral: Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha; enacts laws, controls executive, approves budgets.
State Legislature Unicameral or bicameral; similar powers at state level.
Speaker Presides over Lok Sabha; maintains order; certifies money bills.
Supreme Court Apex judicial authority; guardian of Constitution; final interpreter of law.
High Court Highest court at state level; supervises lower courts; can issue writs (Art. 226).

4. Major Social Schemes of the Central Government (Recent)


Scheme Launch Objective / Key Features
PM Awas Yojana 2015 Housing for all; financial aid for construction.
Ayushman Bharat 2018 Health insurance of ■5 lakh per family.
PM Kisan Nidhi 2019 ■6,000 per year to farmers.
Atmanirbhar Bharat 2020 Self-reliant India initiative.
Jal Jeevan Mission 2019 Tap water to every rural household.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2015 Promote girl child survival & education.
Digital India 2015 E-governance & digital infrastructure.
Skill India 2015 Vocational training & employment.
Ujjwala Yojana 2016 Free LPG to BPL households.

5. Key Takeaways:
- The Constitution balances federal and unitary features.
- Democratic functioning relies on cooperation between institutions.
- Political parties and pressure groups act as vital channels of participation.
- Social welfare schemes drive inclusive development.
- Judiciary ensures accountability through review and activism.

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