PRAYAS GS2 Day 01 Model Answers

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PRAYAS GS2 Day 01
Q.1 Mention the reason behind framers of the Constitution of India adopting the federal system of
government in India. Also, mention the key federal features of the Constitution. (150 words 10
Marks)
Approach:
● Giving a brief idea about federalism, mention the main reasons behind adoption of federal system of
● government in India.
● Enlist key federal features along with some unitary features of the Indian Constitution and conclude
● accordingly.
Model Answer:
The Constitution of India provides for a federal system of government where the powers are divided
between the central and state governments for better coordination.
Reasons for adopting federal system of government in India

● The makers of the Constitution opted for a federal system instead of a unitary one owing to the
subcontinental size of the country and the extent of socio-cultural diversity present in India.
● Further the trauma of partition, problem of integration of princely states and need for planned
economic development for removing backwardness and poverty prompted them to establish a
strong Centre within the federal system.
Key federal features of Constitution

● Division of Powers: Constitution provided for a division of powers between Centre and State in
terms of Union List, State List and Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule.
● Supremacy of the Constitution: Every law enacted has to confirm to the provisions of the
Constitution and all the organs of the Government must operate within the broad jurisdiction as
prescribed by it.
● Written Constitution: It specifies the division of powers between the centre and the states and
their structure, organisation and functions.
● Rigid Constitution: All the provisions of the Constitution concerning federal state relations can be
amended only by the joint actions of the State Legislatures and the Union Parliament.
● Judiciary independent from the Centre: Constitution has provided for a Supreme Court which has
the power declare a law as unconstitutional if it contravenes any provisions of the Constitution and
even settle disputes between the Centre and the States.
● Bicameralism at Centre: It maintains federal equilibrium by providing for a bicameral legislature,
consisting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha where the former consists of the elected
representatives of people and the latter mainly consists of representatives elected by State
Legislative Assemblies.
Nonetheless, Indian Constitution also has several unitary features as well viz. single citizenship, stronger
centre, emergency provisions, All-India Services, integrated judicial system etc.
Hence, Indian federalism is sui-generis in its outlook as well as practice.
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Q.2 Discuss the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution. How does it reflect the core
values and principles of the Constitution? (250 Words 15 Marks)
Approach
1. Question Tag: Discuss

2. Keywords: Significance, Preamble, Indian Constitution, core values, principles
3. How to Answer: The question requires a detailed discussion on the significance of the Preamble and
how it encapsulates the core values and principles of the Indian Constitution.
4. Key Elements:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the Preamble and its purpose.
- Body:
- Significance of the Preamble: Explain the importance of the Preamble in the context of the
Constitution.
- Core Values and Principles Reflected in the Preamble: Discuss each key term in the Preamble and
how it reflects the Constitution’s core values and principles.
- Conclusion: Summarize the overall importance of the Preamble in understanding and interpreting the
Constitution.
Model Answer
Introduction:
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution serves as an introduction to the Constitution, outlining its
objectives and the underlying philosophy. It reflects the aspirations and ideals of the people of India and
provides a guiding light for interpreting the Constitution.
Body:
Significance of the Preamble:
1. Reflects Sovereign Will:

- The Preamble declares that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India, emphasizing
popular sovereignty.
- Example: The phrase “We, the people of India” underscores that the ultimate power lies with the
citizens.
2. Sets Ideals and Goals:

- It sets forth the fundamental values and goals that the Constitution aims to achieve, such as justice,
liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Example: The Preamble articulates the aim of securing social, economic, and political justice for all
citizens.
3. Guides Interpretation:
- The Preamble serves as a key to open the minds of the framers regarding the intentions and principles
underlying the Constitution.
- Example: The Supreme Court has referred to the Preamble while interpreting various constitutional
provisions, as seen in cases like Kesavananda Bharati.
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4. Provides Framework for Policies:
- It provides a framework within which laws and policies are formulated, ensuring they align with
constitutional values.
- Example: Policies aimed at promoting social justice, such as reservations and affirmative action, derive
legitimacy from the Preamble.
5. Ensures Unity and Integrity:

- The Preamble emphasizes the unity and integrity of the nation, which is crucial for maintaining national
cohesion.
- Example: Measures to promote national integration and counter secessionist tendencies.
6. Foundation for Fundamental Rights and Duties:

- It lays the groundwork for the Fundamental Rights and Duties enshrined in the Constitution.
- Example: Articles 12 to 35 (Fundamental Rights) and Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) reflect the
principles in the Preamble.
7. Inspirational and Aspirational Document:

- The Preamble serves as an inspirational and aspirational document for citizens and lawmakers alike.
- Example: It continually motivates efforts towards achieving a more just and equitable society.
8. Balancing Rights and Duties:

- Emphasizes the balance between individual rights and collective duties.
- Example: Promoting a harmonious society where rights are enjoyed with a sense of duty towards
others.
9. Source of Constitutional Amendments:

- Acts as a reference point for constitutional amendments, ensuring they adhere to the core values.
- Example: The Supreme Court’s use of the Preamble to test the validity of amendments under the basic
structure doctrine.
10. Articulation of India’s Identity:

- Defines the fundamental identity and ethos of the Indian nation-state.
- Example: The terms “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic” articulate the nature of the
Indian state.
Core Values and Principles Reflected in the Preamble:
1. Sovereign:
- India is a sovereign state, implying that it is free from external control and has the authority to govern
itself.
- Example: India’s ability to conduct its foreign policy and make decisions without external interference.
2. Socialist:
- The term "socialist" reflects the commitment to achieve social and economic equality, aiming for a
welfare state.
- Example: Directive Principles of State Policy promote equitable distribution of wealth and resources.
3. Secular:
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- The Constitution ensures that the state has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
- Example: Articles 25 to 28 guarantee freedom of religion and prohibit discrimination based on religion.
4. Democratic:
- India is a democracy where the government is elected by the people, ensuring participation and
representation.
- Example: Regular free and fair elections and the existence of fundamental rights like the right to vote.
5. Republic:
- India is a republic, meaning the head of the state is elected and not a hereditary monarch.
- Example: The President of India is elected by an electoral college.
6. Justice:
- The Preamble emphasizes social, economic, and political justice for all citizens.
- Example: Implementation of various social welfare schemes and legal provisions to protect
marginalized communities.
7. Liberty:
- It guarantees liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, ensuring individual freedoms.
- Example: Fundamental Rights under Articles 19, 21, and 25 safeguard these liberties.
8. Equality:
- The Preamble stresses equality of status and opportunity, aiming to eliminate discrimination.
- Example: Provisions for affirmative action and the right to equality under Articles 14 to 18.
9. Fraternity:
- It promotes a sense of brotherhood among all citizens, ensuring the dignity of the individual and the
unity and integrity of the nation.
- Example: Measures to protect the rights of minorities and promote communal harmony.
Conclusion:
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution encapsulates the core values and principles that guide the nation’s
governance and legal framework.

PRAYAS GS2 Day 01 Model Answers

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1

PRAYAS GS2 Day 01

Reasons for adopting federal system of government in India

Key federal features of Constitution

1. Question Tag: Discuss

Significance of the Preamble:

1. Reflects Sovereign Will:

2. Sets Ideals and Goals:

5. Ensures Unity and Integrity:

6. Foundation for Fundamental Rights and Duties:

7. Inspirational and Aspirational Document:

8. Balancing Rights and Duties:

9. Source of Constitutional Amendments:

10. Articulation of India’s Identity:

Core Values and Principles Reflected in the Preamble:

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