Basics of the Indian Constitution and Polity — Patwari GK Notes
This page brings together, in one place, the basic polity facts most often asked in Patwari's GK-India section — from the formation of the Constituent Assembly to Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and the three organs of government.
- GK-India · Political Developments
- 7 min read
From the Constituent Assembly to Implementation
The Constituent Assembly to draft India's Constitution was formed in 1946, and held its first meeting on 9 December 1946. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected its permanent President, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar chaired the Constitution's Drafting Committee.
The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, which is now observed as Constitution Day. It came into full force on 26 January 1950 — the day India became a Republic, which is why this day is celebrated as Republic Day. India's Constitution is one of the largest written constitutions in the world.
Numbers at a Glance
- First meeting of the Constituent Assembly
- 9 December 1946
- Constitution adopted
- 26 November 1949 (Constitution Day)
- Constitution came into force
- 26 January 1950 (Republic Day)
- Chairman of the Drafting Committee
- Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar
- Permanent President of the Constituent Assembly
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad
The Three Organs of Government
| Organ | Main Role | Head |
|---|---|---|
| Legislature | Makes laws — Parliament (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha) | The President is part of Parliament, but the Prime Minister leads the House |
| Executive | Implements laws — President, Prime Minister & Council of Ministers | President (Head of State), Prime Minister (Head of Government) |
| Judiciary | Interprets laws and delivers justice — Supreme Court at the top | Chief Justice of India (CJI) |
The Supreme Court was also established on 26 January 1950 — the same day the Constitution came into force.
Fundamental Rights vs Fundamental Duties
Fundamental Rights
Place in the ConstitutionPart III, Articles 12–35
When addedPart of the original Constitution itself (1950)
NumberOriginally 7, now 6 (the Right to Property ceased to be a Fundamental Right after the 44th Amendment, 1978)
EnforceabilityCan be enforced in courts (Justiciable)
Fundamental Duties
Place in the ConstitutionPart IV-A, Article 51A
When addedAdded by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976 (on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee)
NumberOriginally 10, now 11 (one more added by the 86th Amendment, 2002 — related to education)
EnforceabilityMoral guidance — cannot be directly enforced in courts
A Trick to Remember
Order for remembering the 6 Fundamental Rights — "Equality, Freedom, Exploitation, Religion, Culture-Education, Constitutional Remedies" (Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, Right to Constitutional Remedies). Dr. Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32) the "soul" of the Constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Indian Constitution come into force?+
On 26 January 1950 — this day is celebrated as Republic Day. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949, which is called Constitution Day.
Who chaired the Constitution's Drafting Committee?+
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar — which is why he is also called the "Father/Architect of the Indian Constitution", while the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly was Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
When were the Fundamental Duties added to the Constitution?+
Through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976), added as Part IV-A (Article 51A) during the Emergency, on the recommendation of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee.