3. The Preamble and Features of the Indian Constitution
Complete solutions to the Exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Six History and Civics.
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About the chapter
This chapter explains the Preamble, which is the introduction to our Constitution. It explains the words Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic. It also explains the values of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. It shows that every right comes with a duty.
Key points
- The Preamble is called the soul of the Constitution.
- It came from the Objectives Resolution presented by Pandit Nehru on 13th December 1946.
- Secular means the State has no official religion of its own.
- Democratic means the people are the ultimate source of power.
- Every citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote.
- Rights and duties must be kept in balance.
Words to remember
- Preamble – the introduction to the Constitution
- Secular – giving equal respect to all religions, with no State religion
- Republic – no public office is hereditary; office holders are elected
- Fraternity – the feeling that all Indians are one
- Universal Adult Franchise – the right to vote for every citizen aged 18 and above
Exercise
(1) “I am the beginning of the Constitution. I am called the ‘Soul’ of the Constitution. Who am I?”
The Preamble
It explains the values and objectives of the Constitution.
(2) “I am a book; I contain the rules and laws for governing the country. Who am I?”
The Constitution
| ‘A’ Group | ‘B’ Group |
|---|---|
| 1. Liberty | (c) Receiving a conducive environment for one’s own development |
| 2. Equality | (a) Not discriminating between ‘oneself’ and ‘others’ |
| 3. Fraternity | (b) The feeling that “We, all Indians, are one” |
Option (d) is the extra one. Liberty does not mean doing anything without any restriction.
(1) Right: ‘I have the right to play in a public garden.’ But what is my duty?
- I should not pluck flowers or damage plants.
- I should throw waste only in the dustbin.
- I should use the swings by turn.
- I should not disturb elderly people resting there.
(2) Right: ‘I have the right to use public property, for example a public transport bus.’ But what is my duty?
- I should buy a ticket and travel honestly.
- I should board the bus in a queue.
- I should give my seat to the elderly and those in need.
- I should not damage or dirty the seats and windows.
Every right comes with a duty. That is why the Constitution gives Fundamental Duties along with Fundamental Rights.
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(1) Secularism
Secular means that the State, that is the country, has no official religion of its own. All religions are given equal respect. Every citizen is free to follow his or her own religion.
People of many religions live together in India. Because of secularism, everyone can celebrate festivals according to his or her faith. This creates unity in society.
(2) Democracy
Democratic means that the people are the ultimate source of power. The people elect their own representatives. Democracy is ‘government of the people, by the people and for the people’.
India follows a parliamentary democracy. Voters elect representatives. The Prime Minister is chosen from among them. Every Indian citizen aged 18 years or above has the right to vote. This is called Universal Adult Franchise.
My dream India ten years from now will follow the values of the Preamble. There will be justice for all. No one will face injustice because of caste, religion, gender or language. Every boy and girl will get good education. This will bring true equality.
People will enjoy liberty and use it responsibly. All Indians will feel that they are one. This is fraternity. My India will be clean and healthy. Every village will have schools, hospitals and clean water. Above all, citizens will remember their duties along with their rights.
The Activities — writing down the Fundamental Duties from a copy of the Constitution, and making slogans on the words ‘Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic’ — are to be done at school with your teacher’s guidance.