The Preamble: India's Mission Statement
Key terms, dates and ideas from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and its 1976 amendment.
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Questions Covered in This Set
10 cards to master
When did the Constituent Assembly adopt the Constitution, as stated in the Preamble?
26 November 1949 — the Preamble's 85 words end with 'this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949'.
Which resolution inspired the Preamble?
Nehru's Objectives Resolution, moved in the Constituent Assembly.
Why is 'We, the People of India' radical?
It shows authority flows upward from Indians (popular sovereignty), unlike the Government of India Act 1935, which was a grant from the British Parliament.
Which words were added to the Preamble in 1976?
'Socialist' and 'Secular' (plus 'integrity' in the fraternity clause), by the 42nd Amendment.
What does 'Sovereign' mean in the Preamble?
India takes orders from no external power; joining the UN/Commonwealth or signing treaties are exercises of sovereignty, not surrenders of it.
What kind of socialism does the Preamble envisage?
Democratic socialism — a mixed economy with private enterprise, aiming to reduce inequality of income, status and opportunity; read with Articles 38 and 39.
How is Indian secularism different from French secularism?
It is equal respect for all religions (sarva dharma sambhava), not a strict wall of separation; the State has no religion but may regulate secular aspects of religion.
Difference between 'Democratic' and 'Republic'?
Democratic = universal adult franchise, periodic elections, rule of law, independent judiciary. Republic = elected, non-hereditary head of State.
What are the four objectives of the Preamble?
Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship), Equality (of status and opportunity), and Fraternity (dignity of the individual, unity and integrity of the Nation).
What did Ambedkar mean by 'a life of contradictions'?
India would have political equality (one person, one vote) alongside deep social and economic inequality — which the Preamble's objectives aim to remove.
