Indian Polity Notes: Constitution, Fundamental Rights & Key Articles

The Indian Polity facts asked again and again in competitive exams, compiled for quick revision. THE CONSTITUTION • Adopted: 26 November 1949 (celebrated as Constitution Day) • Came into force: 26 January 1950 • Chairman, Drafting Committee: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (called the "Father of the Indian Constitution") • Borrowed features: Fundamental Rights (USA), Parliamentary system (UK), Directive Principles (Ireland), Emergency provisions (Germany) FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS (currently 6) • Right to Equality (Articles 14–18) • Right to Freedom (19–22) • Right against Exploitation (23–24) • Right to Freedom of Religion (25–28) • Cultural & Educational Rights (29–30) • Right to Constitutional Remedies (32) — called the "heart and soul" of the Constitution by Dr. Ambedkar (The Right to Property was removed as a Fundamental Right by the 44th Amendment, 1978.) IMPORTANT ARTICLES • Article 14 – Equality before law • Article 19 – Freedom of speech & expression • Article 21 – Right to life & personal liberty • Article 21A – Right to Education • Article 32 – Right to Constitutional Remedies • Article 343 – Hindi as the official language of the Union • Article 356 – President's Rule in a state • Article 280 – Finance Commission KEY NUMBERS • Fundamental Duties: 11 (added by the 42nd Amendment; the 11th by the 86th) • Schedules in the Constitution: 12 • Minimum age — President: 35 ; Lok Sabha MP: 25 ; MLA: 25 • Members nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President: 12 Revise these before every General Awareness section, and reinforce them with a quick daily quiz on Govt Exam Center.