The American constitution was the first constitution along with the preamble. Many countries followed the trend of a preamble and India too followed this trend after taking the inspiration of preamble from USA.
The term preamble refer to the introduction or preface to the constitution and includes a summary and important essence of the constitution.
What does the preamble state?
"WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this 26th day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION."
Meaning of the key words in the preamble
1. Sovereign - The word sovereign means that India is neither a dependency or a dominion of any other nation, infact India is an independent country, capable of taking all its decision whether it is an internal or an external matter.
2. Socialist - The term was added after the 42nd constitutional amendment 1976, however before that the 42nd constitutional amendment of the directive principle of state policy was still there which dealt with the socialist view of the nation.
3. Secular - The term was added after the 42nd constitutional amendment 1976, however before that the 42nd constitutional amendment of Article 25 and 28 guaranteed the fundamental right to freedom of religion.
4. Democratic - The refers to the power bestowed by the government on the citizens of the country. The people's right to representation in the government has been emphasized on by way of this word.
5. Republic - The term refers to the fact that our country has a elected head who goes by the name President. The elected representative stands for the promise of righteousness and transparency by way of governance.
6. Justice - The term justice in the preamble embraces three distincit form of justice – social , economical and political
a) Social – denotes the equal treatment of all citizen without any discrimination based on caste, colour, race, religion, sex and so on.
b) Economic- denotes the non-discrimination between people on the basis of any economic factor.
c) Political- it implies that all citizens should have equal political rights , equal access to all political offices and equal voice in the government.
5. Liberty - the term liberty means the absence of restraints on the activity of individuals. The preamble promise all its citizen liberty of thought , expression, belief, faith, and worship, through their fundamental right and enforceable law.
6. Equality - The preamble promise all its citizen equality of status and opportunity. This provision enforce three dimension of equality – civic, political and economical.
7. Fraternity - the preamble tries to promote brotherhood amongst the citizens. Even article 51A lays emphasis toward the promotion of brotherhood.
The preamble is said to be the heart and soul of the constitution. It is a accurate yard stick used to measure the worthiness and essence of the constitution.
Written By - Shivam Jha
Edited By - Tushna Choksey
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