Polity Class 01

Polity Syllabus,Need of constitution ,Historical Underpinnings

Introduction to the Polity Syllabus

• (1) Indian Constitution
• (a) Historical underpinnings
• (b) Evolution of our constitution
• (c) Important features of our constitution, amendments, significant provisions, and doctrine of basic structure.
• (2) Functions and Responsibilities of Union and State governments
• (3) Problems in the federal structure
• (4) Separation of Powers between various organs of the state
• (5) Local Self Governments
• (6) Constitutional Bodies
• (7) Statutory Bodies

Sources for the Polity 

• Indian Polity by Laxmikanth
• VisionIAS study material
• Class Notes
• Newspaper

Need of constitution 

• The natural tendency of any society is to move towards "entropy", i.e. towards destruction, anarchy, or lawlessness.
• Human beings are always guided by self-interest.
• There is every possibility that this self-interest can easily transform itself into a selfish interest.
• It can lead to exploitation, manipulation, and so on.
• To prevent societies from entropy, and also to prevent exploitation and manipulation, a constitution is necessary.
• It can protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, prevent exploitation, and make governments accountable to people for their performance.
• It can ultimately ensure strict implementation of rule of law.
• The survival of any civilization depends on the ability of its administrative systems to protect and promote the welfare of its citizens.
• It is possible only with a written constitution.

Historical Underpinnings

• Regulating acts were introduced to exert the control of the British Parliament over the East India Company. 
• Under Morley Minto Reforms, introduced in 1909 communal electorates were introduced.
• Under the Government of India, act, of 1919 transferred and reserved subjects were introduced.
• Simon commission's recommendation led to round table conferences.
• Outcomes of round table conferences led to the introduction of the Government of India Act of 1935.
• It introduced these:
• (a) Parliamentary form of democracy
• (b) Federal form of government
• (c) bicameral legislature
• (d) Independent Judiciary
• (e) Division of Power