Detailed Notes – Constitutional Design (Class 9,
Democratic Politics)
1. Meaning of Constitution
• A constitution is the supreme law of a country.
• It lays down the rights of citizens, the powers and limits of the government, and how
the government will function.
• Provides a framework for governing the country.
2. Democratic Constitution in South Africa
• Apartheid = system of racial discrimination (1948–1994). Whites privileged; Blacks,
Coloureds, Indians oppressed.
• Segregation in housing, transport, schools, hospitals, etc.
• African National Congress (ANC) led protests. Nelson Mandela imprisoned 27 years.
• 1994: Apartheid ended, Mandela became President, new democratic constitution
based on equality, justice, human rights.
3. Why Do We Need a Constitution?
• Builds trust & coordination among diverse groups.
• Specifies how government is formed.
• Limits powers of government & protects rights.
• Expresses people’s aspirations of a good society.
• Constitution = set of supreme rules not easily changed.
4. Making of the Indian Constitution
• Challenges: Partition violence (~10 lakh killed), integration of princely states, deep
social divisions.
• Consensus developed during freedom struggle – Nehru Report (1928), Karachi
Resolution (1931).
• Inspirations: French Revolution, British Parliamentary Democracy, US Bill of Rights,
Russian Revolution.
• Constituent Assembly: 299 members, first met Dec 1946, adopted Constitution on 26
Nov 1949, enforced 26 Jan 1950.
• Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Assembly met 114 days (3 years),
debated thoroughly.
5. Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution
• Mahatma Gandhi: Equality, harmony, women’s rights, no untouchability.
• B.R. Ambedkar: Warned against social & economic inequality.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech, pledged to end poverty, inequality.
• Preamble values: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty,
Equality, Fraternity.
6. Institutional Design
• Constitution provides framework of institutions.
• Defines procedure for elections, distribution of powers, and Fundamental Rights.
• Constitutional Amendments allow adaptation to changing needs.
7. Key Terms (Glossary)
• Apartheid: Racial separation in South Africa.
• Constituent Assembly: Body that framed the Constitution.
• Preamble: Introductory statement of Constitution’s values & objectives.
• Constitutional Amendment: Formal change in Constitution.
• Draft: Preliminary version of a legal document.