Introduction

The Indian Polity section of WBCS Prelims is fundamental as it reflects your understanding of the Constitution, political system, governance, rights, and public policies. It contributes around 12–15 marks and questions are often direct, factual, and scoring.

1. The Constitution of India

Key Facts:

• Adopted: 26th November 1949

• Enforced: 26th January 1950

• Drafted by: Constituent Assembly

• Chairman of Drafting Committee: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

• World’s Longest Written Constitution

Salient Features:

• Federal System with Unitary Bias

• Parliamentary Democracy

• Secular and Socialist

• Fundamental Rights & Duties

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

2. Preamble of the Constitution

• “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic…”

• Added the words Socialist & Secular by 42nd Amendment (1976).

3. Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35)

• Article 32: Right to move the Supreme Court directly for violation of rights.

4. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

• Part IV (Articles 36–51)

• Aim: Establish Social and Economic Democracy

• Examples: Equal pay for equal work, promotion of cottage industries, environmental protection.

5. Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)

• Introduced by 42nd Amendment (1976)

• Total Duties: 11

• Example: Respect national flag, protect public property.

6. Union Government Structure

President of India

• Head of State

• Elected by: Electoral College

• Tenure: 5 years

• Powers: Executive, Legislative, Judicial, Emergency

Vice President

• Chairman of Rajya Sabha

Prime Minister

• Real Executive Authority

• Leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha

Council of Ministers

• Headed by PM

• Responsible for running various departments

7. Parliament of India

• Presiding Officers:

  • Speaker (Lok Sabha)

  • Chairman (Vice President, for Rajya Sabha)

8. State Government Structure

• Governor: Appointed by President

• Chief Minister: Real head of the State Government

• State Legislature: May be Unicameral (most states) or Bicameral (like UP, Bihar)

9. Judiciary

• Supreme Court of India (Article 124–147)

  • Chief Justice of India

  • Guardian of the Constitution

• High Courts in States

• Subordinate Courts

10. Emergency Provisions

11. Panchayati Raj System

• 73rd Amendment (1992)

• Three-Tier System:

  • Gram Panchayat

  • Panchayat Samiti

  • Zila Parishad

12. Important Amendments