[Indian Polity] Preamble to the Constitution - TNPSC Indian Polity Study Materials

Preamble

Preamble means 'a short introduction', here it highlights the most important principles in the constitution of India.

Preamble to the Constitution

"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 twenty sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION."

Key Facts to remember

1. First Country to have Preamble in its constitution - America
2. Our preamble is based on the objective resolution.
• Moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on Dec 13, 1946
• Adopted by the constitution assembly on Jan 22, 1947
3. N A Palhivala called it as 'identity card of the constitution'
4. K M Munshi called it as 'horoscope of our sovereign democratic republic'
5. Number of times amended - One time - by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 (also known as mini Constitution) which added the following words
1. Socialist
2. Secular
3. and integrity
6. Date of adoption of the constitution - November 26, 1949
7. Ideals borrowed from
1. Russian Revolution (1917)- JUSTICE, social, economic and political
2. French Revolution (1789-1799) - LIBERTY, EQUALITY, FRATERNITY 

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