Constitutional Framework

  • Historical Background – Company Rule, Crown Rule and Independence Act.
  • Making of Constitution.
  • Salient Features of the Constitution.
  • Preamble of the Constitution.
  • Union and its territories.
  • Citizenship
  • Fundamental Rights.
  • Directives Principles of state policy.
  • Fundamental Duties.
  • Amendment of Constitution.
  • Basic Structure of Constitution.

System of Government

  • Parliamentary System.
  • Federal System.
  • Centre State Relation.
  • Inter State Relation.
  • Emergency Provisions.

 

Union Government

  • President
  • Vice – President.
  • Prime Minister.
  • Central Council of Minister
  • Cabinet Committees.
  • Parliament
  • Parliamentary Committees, Forum, Groups.
  • Supreme Court.
  • Judicial Review.
  • Judicial Activism.
  • Public Interest Litigation.

 

State Government

  • Governor 
  • Chief Minister.
  • State Council of Ministers.
  • State Legislatures.
  • High court.
  • Tribunals
  • Subordinate Courts.
  • Special Provisions for Some states.

Local Government

  • Panchayati Raj and Municipal Corporation

Union Territories and Special Areas

  • Union Territories.
  • Scheduled and Tribal Areas.

Constitutional Bodies

  • Election Commission
  • UPSC
  • SPSC
  • Finance Commission
  • Goods and Services Tax Council.
  • National Commission for SCs.
  • National Commission for STs.
  • National Commission for OBCs.
  • Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.
  • Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
  • Attorney General of India.
  • Advocate General of India.

Non-constitutional Bodies

  • NITI Aayog.
  • NHRC – National Human Right Commission.
  • State Human Rights Commission.
  • Central Information Commission.
  • State Information Commission.
  • Central Vigilance Commission.
  • Central Bureau of Investigation.
  • Lokpal and Lokayuktas.
  • National Investigation Agency.
  • National Disaster Management Authority.

Other Constitutional Dimensions

  • Co-operative Societies.
  • Official Language.
  • Public Services.
  • Rights and Liabilities of the Government.
  • Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes.

Political Dynamics

  • Political Parties.
  • Role of Regional Parties.
  • Elections
  • Election Laws.
  • Electoral Reforms.
  • Voting Behaviour.
  • Coalition Government.
  • Anti-Defection Law.
  • Pressure Groups.
  • National Integration
  • Foreign Policy.

Working of the Constitution

  • National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution.
  • British came to India as traders in 1600 in form of East India Company. 
  • Company has exclusive right to trade with India under a charter granted by Queen Elizabeth 1.
  • In 1765, Company got Diwani Rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, hence changes its character from trading to territorial power in India.
  • From 1765 to 1857, Regulations were made to control the trading activities and expansionism. 
  • In 1858, Sepoy mutiny or First War of Independence happened, involving leaders like Rani Laxmi bai from Gwalior, Mangal Pandey etc.
  • From 1858 to 1947, Crown rule imposed, and rules were made to govern Indian Territory from Britain.
  • Gradually, with awakening of sense of national pride, Freedom struggle started and watch many phases.
  • Indian freedom struggle is divided into many phases i.e. Liberal, Moderate, Extremism phase, Gandhian, Revolutionary etc.
  • In 1947, India got Independence with Enactment of India Independence Act of 1947.
  • A constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 and on 26 January, 1950 Constitution of India came into being.
  • So, we can say that Indian Constitution and Polity, have roots in British rule that laid down the fundamental legal framework of India.
  • Such Events have greatly influenced Indian Constitution and we will study gradually them.

Regulating Act of 1773

  • Designated Governor of Bengal as Governor General of Bengal. Lord Warren Hasting was first Governor General.
  • Created an Executive Council of 4 members to help the Governor-General of Bengal.
  • Governor of Madras and Governor of Bombay subjugated under GG of Bengal.
  • Establishment of Supreme Court of India. Lord Impey was first Chief Justice.
  • Prohibited Company servants in any private trade, accepting bribes from natives.
  • A Governing body was formed i.e. Court of Director to strengthened control of British Government over company affairs. 
  • Now, Company had to report on revenue, civil and military affairs to Court of Directors in India.
 Importance of Act
  •  Recognized political and administrative function separately of company.
  • Initiation of Centralization in India and hence laid foundation of Centralization.

 Amending act of 1781

   This Act was implemented to rectify the defects of Act of 1773. Also known as Act of Settlement
  • Exempted Governor-General from Jurisdiction of Supreme Court and also his servants for their official actions.
  • Provided that Supreme court only to have jurisdiction over people of Calcutta.
  • Hindus govern by Hindus Laws and Muslim by Mohammedan laws.
  • Empower Governor General in Council to frame regulations for Provincial Courts and Councils.

Pitts India Act of 1784

  •  Distinguished Commercial and political functions of Company.
  • Allowed Court of Directors to manage commercial affairs.
  • Created Board of Control to administer political, civil and military functions.
This Act was remember for two reasons:
  •  Company territories called British possessions in India.
  • British Government given supreme control over Company affairs.

Act of 1786

  •  Lord Cornawallis was approached to become the Governor-General of Bengal, he requested 2 conditions to accept the position.
  • Power to override the Executive council decision
  • Supreme Commander in Chief of Military.
Both conditions were accepted under this Act of 1786.
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