Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Glossary of Constitutional Terms

This glossary provides simple and clear definitions of important constitutional terms that frequently appear in the study of the Indian Constitution.

Terms and Definitions

Amendment
A formal change or addition made to the Constitution to update or improve its provisions.
Article
A specific clause or provision within the Constitution outlining rights, duties, or procedures.
Bill
A proposal for a new law or amendment presented for discussion in the Parliament.
Constituent Assembly
The body elected to draft and adopt the Constitution of India (1946-1950).
Directive Principles of State Policy
Guidelines for the government to promote social welfare and economic justice (non-justiciable).
Emergency Provisions
Special powers given to the central government to deal with national crises or threats.
Fundamental Duties
Basic moral obligations of citizens towards the nation, added by the 42nd Amendment (1976).
Fundamental Rights
Basic rights guaranteed to all citizens to ensure freedom and equality, enforceable by courts.
Governor
The constitutional head of a state appointed by the President of India.
Judicial Review
The power of courts to examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions.
Legislature
The law-making body of the government, consisting of Parliament at the Union and Legislative Assemblies at the States.
Ordinance
A temporary law promulgated by the President or Governor when the legislature is not in session.
Preamble
The introductory statement that outlines the objectives and philosophy of the Constitution.
Quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for the legislature to conduct business.
Reservation
The system of allotting seats in education, jobs, or legislatures to socially disadvantaged groups.
Rule of Law
The principle that everyone is subject to the law, including government authorities.
Separation of Powers
The division of government responsibilities into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Sovereignty
The supreme authority of the state to govern itself without external interference.
State
A political entity with defined territory, population, government, and sovereignty.
Union
The federal structure of India, combining the central government and states under one Constitution.

Previous Year Questions on Constitutional Terms

  • SSC CGL 2019: What is meant by 'Judicial Review'?
  • Answer: The power of courts to examine the constitutionality of laws.
  • HSSC 2018: Define 'Fundamental Rights'.
  • Answer: Basic rights guaranteed to citizens, enforceable by courts.
  • RRB JE 2020: What is an 'Ordinance'?
  • Answer: A temporary law promulgated by the President or Governor when the legislature is not in session.
  • SSC CHSL 2017: What is the significance of the 'Preamble' of the Constitution?
  • Answer: It outlines the objectives and philosophy of the Constitution.
  • UPSC 2021: Explain the term 'Reservation' in the Indian Constitution.
  • Answer: System of allotting seats for socially disadvantaged groups in education, jobs, or legislatures.
Did You Know? The word "Constitution" is derived from the Latin word "Constitutio" meaning 'to set up' or 'establish'.

Conclusion

Understanding these constitutional terms helps grasp the structure and functioning of India’s political and legal system, vital for any competitive exam preparation.

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