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

Procedure of Amending the Constitution

“The Constitution provides a flexible but structured method to incorporate changes while maintaining its core principles.”

Introduction

The power to amend the Constitution is provided under Article 368. Amendments allow the Constitution to evolve with changing needs without compromising its fundamental structure.

Types of Amendments

  • Simple Majority: Amendments related to the procedure of the Parliament or the functioning of the government (not altering fundamental rights or federal features).
  • Special Majority: Most amendments require a special majority of both Houses of Parliament (at least 2/3rd members present and voting).
  • Special Majority with State Ratification: Some amendments affecting federal structure require ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures.

Procedure Steps

  1. The amendment is introduced as a Bill in either House of Parliament.
  2. The Bill must be passed by a special majority in both Houses.
  3. If required, ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures.
  4. Presidential assent is necessary for the Bill to become an amendment.

Basic Structure Doctrine

The Supreme Court, through landmark judgments like Kesavananda Bharati (1973), has ruled that the Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution, ensuring its fundamental principles remain intact.

Previous Year Questions

  • HSSC 2018: Under which article is the procedure for amendment of the Constitution mentioned?
  • Article 368
  • SSC JE 2016: What is the Basic Structure Doctrine?
  • The doctrine that the Parliament cannot alter the basic structure of the Constitution.
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