Indian Polity Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Constitution: A set of fundamental principles governing a state ✅

• Fundamental Rights: Basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution ✅

• Directive Principles of State Policy: Guidelines for the State to ensure social and economic justice ✅

• Preamble: Introductory statement outlining the guiding values of the Constitution ✅

Important Concepts

Federal Structure

• Division of Powers: Central and State lists define jurisdiction (Union, State, Concurrent) ✅

• Inter-State Relations: Article 262 provides for the adjudication of disputes between states ✅

Fundamental Rights vs. Directive Principles

• Rights: Justiciable and enforceable in courts ✅

• Principles: Non-justiciable but fundamental in governance ✅

Amendments

• Basic Structure Doctrine: Established by Kesavananda Bharati case, prevents alteration of essential features of the Constitution ✅

• Recent Amendments: 104th Amendment (2019) on OBC reservations ⚠️

Key Formulas

• Central: List of subjects exclusive to the Union government ✅

• State: List of subjects exclusive to State governments ✅

• Concurrent: Subjects shared by both levels of government ✅

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing Fundamental Rights with Directive Principles; remember that one is enforceable, the other is not.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "FREEDOM" —

• F: Freedom of Speech

• R: Right to Equality

• E: Right Against Exploitation

• E: Right to Religion

• D: Cultural and Educational Rights

• O: Right to Constitutional Remedies

• M: Right to Privacy (recently recognized) ⚠️

Key Diagrams

   +------------------+
   |   Constitution    |
   +------------------+
          /  \
         /    \
  +--------+  +--------+
  |  Union |  |  State  |
  +--------+  +--------+
       |          |
       +----------+
         Concurrent