Understanding the Constitution, Amendments, and Governance Structure of India
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens.
26 November 1949
26 January 1950
Parts: 25
Articles: 470
Schedules: 12
Amendments: 105 (as of 2023)
The Constitution of India has been amended several times to address evolving needs and challenges. Here are some of the most significant amendments:
Added special provisions for the advancement of socially and economically backward classes. Added Ninth Schedule to protect laws from judicial review.
Reorganization of states on linguistic basis and introduction of Union Territories.
Known as the "Mini-Constitution," it added Fundamental Duties and made several changes during the Emergency period.
Undid many changes made by the 42nd Amendment and restored the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
Constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies respectively.
Made education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years.
Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
The Constitution provides for its amendment under Article 368. Amendments can be initiated only by the introduction of a bill in either House of Parliament. The bill must be passed in each House by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting.
India follows a parliamentary system of government that is largely based on the British model. The governance structure is divided into three main branches:
Responsible for making laws. It consists of:
Responsible for implementing laws. It consists of:
Responsible for interpreting laws. It consists of:
Governs the entire country from New Delhi. Handles subjects of national importance like defense, foreign affairs, currency, etc.
Govern individual states. Handle subjects like police, public health, agriculture, etc., as per the State List.
Include Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas. Handle local administration and development.
The Constitution provides for a clear division of powers between the Union and State governments through three lists:
97 subjects where only Parliament can legislate (Defense, Foreign Affairs, Currency, etc.)
66 subjects where only State Legislatures can legislate (Police, Public Health, Agriculture, etc.)
47 subjects where both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate (Education, Marriage, Bankruptcy, etc.)