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

Important Amendments of the Indian Constitution

“Amendments are changes made to the Constitution to reflect evolving socio-political needs while preserving its foundational principles.”

Key Constitutional Amendments

  • 1st Amendment (1951): Empowered the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and economically backward classes.
  • 7th Amendment (1956): Reorganization of states on a linguistic basis.
  • 26th Amendment (1971): Abolished privy purses of former princes.
  • 42nd Amendment (1976): Known as the "Mini Constitution"; added words "Socialist", "Secular" and "Integrity" to the Preamble; curtailed the powers of the judiciary.
  • 44th Amendment (1978): Restored civil liberties and reduced the right to property to a legal right.
  • 52nd Amendment (1985): Introduced Anti-defection Law (10th Schedule).
  • 61st Amendment (1989): Reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years.
  • 73rd Amendment (1992): Constitutional status to Panchayati Raj (Part IX, 11th Schedule).
  • 74th Amendment (1992): Constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Part IXA, 12th Schedule).
  • 86th Amendment (2002): Made education a fundamental right for children aged 6–14 years (Article 21A).
  • 101st Amendment (2016): Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • 103rd Amendment (2019): 10% EWS (Economically Weaker Section) reservation in education and jobs.

Previous Year Questions (Amendments)

  • SSC CGL 2020: Which amendment lowered the voting age to 18 years?
  • 61st Amendment
  • UPSC 2016: Mini Constitution is related to which amendment?
  • 42nd Amendment
  • RRB NTPC 2019: Which amendment introduced GST?
  • 101st Amendment
  • HSSC 2021: Which amendment introduced the Anti-defection Law?
  • 52nd Amendment
  • SSC CHSL 2022: Which amendment added Article 21A?
  • 86th Amendment
Tip: The 42nd, 44th, and 86th Amendments are frequently asked in competitive exams due to their significant impact on Fundamental Rights and Duties.

Conclusion

Constitutional amendments reflect the changing needs of society and politics. Memorizing landmark amendments and their effects on governance is crucial for acing Polity sections in competitive exams.

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