Constitution of India facts for kids

The Constitution of India is the most important law in India. Think of a constitution as a special rulebook that guides how a country is run. It sets out the main ideas, rules, and powers for the government. It also explains the rights and duties of citizens.

India's Constitution is the longest in the world! When it was first written, it had 395 articles (like chapters) and 8 schedules (like extra lists). Today, after many changes, it has about 448 articles and 12 schedules. The Constitution was finished on 26 November 1949, and it officially became the law on 26 January 1950. This day, January 26, is celebrated every year as 'Republic Day' in India.

After India became independent, it faced many challenges. One big task was to create a strong set of rules to govern the country. Leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel helped bring together many small states into the Union of India. This made it even more important to have a clear constitution.

How the Constitution Was Made

The idea for a constitution started with suggestions from important leaders. A special group called the Constituent Assembly was formed to write it.

The Constituent Assembly

The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was on 9 December 1946. Another important meeting happened on 11 December 1946. At this meeting, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was chosen as the chairman. Many famous leaders were part of this assembly. These included Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Sarojini Naidu.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the head of the Drafting Committee. This committee was in charge of writing the actual text of the Constitution. Because of his huge role, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is often called the "father of the Indian Constitution."

Writing the Rules

The Constituent Assembly had 389 members. They formed many smaller committees to look at all the important issues for the country. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Drafting Committee was one of the most important. Other members included N. Gopalaswamy Iyengar and Alladi Krishnaswamy.

The Constituent Assembly held 145 meetings to discuss everything. They looked at laws from other countries, too. For example, they studied the British parliamentary system and the American Bill of Rights. They also learned from the Social Directive Policies of Ireland. They took the best ideas from these and included them in India's Constitution.

Finally, the Indian Constitution was approved on 26 November 1949. It officially started working on 26 January 1950.

What's Inside the Constitution?

The Constitution is divided into different parts, each covering an important topic. Here are some of the main sections:

• Preamble: This is like the introduction. It explains the main goals and values of the Constitution, like justice, liberty, equality, and brotherhood.
• Part I – Union and its Territory: This part talks about India as a country and its different states and union territories.
• Part II – Citizenship: This explains who is a citizen of India and how to become one.
• Part III – Fundamental Rights: These are very important rights for all citizens. They include rights like freedom of speech, equality, and the right to live freely.
• Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for the government. They tell the government what it should try to do to make India a better place for everyone.
• Part IVA – Fundamental Duties: These are the duties that every citizen should follow, like respecting the Constitution and protecting the environment.
• Part V – The Union: This part explains how the central government works, including the President, Parliament, and Supreme Court.
• Part VI – The States: This part describes how the state governments work.
• Part VIII – The Union Territories: This explains the rules for India's union territories.
• Part IX – The Panchayats: This part is about local self-government in villages.
• Part IXA – The Municipalities: This part is about local self-government in cities.
• Part XV – Elections: This section explains how elections are held in India.
• Part XX – Amendment of the Constitution: This part tells how the Constitution can be changed or updated in the future.

Related pages

• Constitution
• Constitutionalism

Images for kids

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  Babasaheb Ambedkar and Constitution of India on a 2015 postage stamp of India

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  Babasaheb Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee, presenting the final draft of the Indian constitution to Constituent Assembly president Rajendra Prasad on 25 November 1949

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  1950 Constituent Assembly meeting

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  Jawaharlal Nehru signing the constitution

See also

In Spanish: Constitución de India para niños