🟩 1. Introduction to Indian Politics
- Indian Politics refers to the system of governance and political activities in India.
- India is the largest democracy in the world.
- The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, which came into effect on 26 January 1950.
- India follows a Parliamentary system similar to Britain, with a federal structure and unitary bias.
🟩 2. Features of Indian Constitution
- Written and Lengthy Constitution
- Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic (as per the Preamble)
- Parliamentary form of government
- Fundamental Rights and Duties
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
- Independent Judiciary
- Federal structure with a strong Centre
- Universal Adult Franchise (everyone 18+ can vote)
🟩 3. Structure of Government
🔹 Union Government
Divided into three organs:
- Legislature – makes laws (Parliament)
- Executive – implements laws (President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers)
- Judiciary – interprets laws (Supreme Court)
🔹 State Government
- Similar structure: Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature, and High Court
🟩 4. The Three Wings of Government
⚖️ (1) Legislature
- Parliament of India = Lok Sabha (Lower House) + Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
- Lok Sabha → directly elected by people (5-year term)
- Rajya Sabha → members elected by State Legislatures (permanent body)
🏛️ (2) Executive
- President → Head of State (ceremonial)
- Prime Minister → Head of Government (real power)
- Council of Ministers → assists the PM
⚖️ (3) Judiciary
- Supreme Court at the top, then High Courts, then District Courts
- Ensures justice and protects Fundamental Rights
- Has powers of Judicial Review
🟩 5. Political System
- Federal System: Powers divided between Centre and States
- Bicameral Legislature: Two Houses – Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
- Multi-Party System: Many political parties contest elections
- Universal Adult Franchise: All citizens 18+ can vote
🟩 6. Major Political Parties
🔹 National Parties
- Indian National Congress (INC)
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
- Communist Party of India (CPI)
- Communist Party of India (Marxist)
- National People’s Party (NPP)
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
🔹 Regional Parties
- Operate only in specific states (e.g., DMK, TMC, BJD, TRS, Shiv Sena)
🟩 7. Election System in India
- Conducted by Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Uses Universal Adult Suffrage (one person, one vote)
- Elections held every 5 years for Lok Sabha & State Assemblies
- Voting is done using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
🟩 8. Fundamental Rights (Part III of Constitution)
| Right | Article Range | Example |
|---|
| Right to Equality | 14–18 | Equal before law |
| Right to Freedom | 19–22 | Freedom of speech |
| Right against Exploitation | 23–24 | No child labour |
| Right to Freedom of Religion | 25–28 | Freedom to practice any religion |
| Cultural & Educational Rights | 29–30 | Protection of minorities |
| Right to Constitutional Remedies | 32 | Right to approach Supreme Court |
🟩 9. Fundamental Duties
- Added by 42nd Amendment (1976)
- Citizens’ duties toward nation – e.g. respect the flag, protect the environment, promote harmony, etc.
🟩 10. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
- Non-enforceable guidelines for the government to achieve social and economic justice.
- Inspired by the Irish Constitution.
Examples:
- Equal pay for equal work
- Free education for children
- Promotion of village panchayats
🟩 11. Important Political Institutions
| Institution | Head | Function |
|---|
| President | Head of State | Signs bills into law |
| Prime Minister | Head of Government | Real executive power |
| Parliament | Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha | Makes laws |
| Supreme Court | Chief Justice of India | Highest court |
| Election Commission | Chief Election Commissioner | Conducts elections |
🟩 12. Local Government (Panchayati Raj System)
- Introduced by 73rd Amendment (1992)
- Three-tier system:
- Gram Panchayat – village level
- Panchayat Samiti – block level
- Zila Parishad – district level
- Promotes grassroot democracy
🟩 13. Challenges in Indian Politics
- Corruption
- Caste-based politics
- Communalism
- Regionalism
- Political instability
- Criminalization of politics
🟩 14. Recent Political Developments
- Rise of coalition governments
- Digitization in elections
- Women and youth participation increasing
- Public movements for transparency (RTI, anti-corruption)
🧾 Quick Recap Table
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|
| Constitution | Supreme law; 1950 |
| System | Democratic, Federal, Parliamentary |
| Government | Legislature, Executive, Judiciary |
| Rights | 6 Fundamental Rights |
| Parties | Multi-party system |
| Elections | Every 5 years by ECI |
| Local Govt | Panchayati Raj (73rd Amendment) |
