Contents

Preface to the Sixth Edition

Preface to the First Edition
Acknowledgements
Year-Wise Break-up of the UPSC Questions on Indian Polity
(General Studies—Prelims)
Year-Wise Break-up of the UPSC Marks on Indian Polity (General
Studies—Mains)
About the Civil Services Examination
List of Tables

PART-I
Constitutional Framework

1 Historical Background
The Company Rule (1773–1858)
The Crown Rule (1858–1947)
Notes and References

2 Making of the Constitution

Demand for a Constituent Assembly
Composition of the Constituent Assembly
Working of the Constituent Assembly
Committees of the Constituent Assembly
Enactment of the Constitution
Enforcement of the Constitution
Experts Committee of the Congress
Criticism of the Constituent Assembly
Important Facts
Hindi Text of the Constitution
Notes and References
3 Salient Features of the Constitution
Salient Features of the Constitution
Criticism of the Constitution
Notes and References

4 Preamble of the Constitution

Text of the Preamble
Ingredients of the Preamble
Key Words in the Preamble
Significance of the Preamble
Preamble as Part of the Constitution
Amendability of the Preamble
Notes and References

5 Union and its Territory

Union of States
Parliament’s Power to Reorganise the States
Exchange of Territories with Bangladesh
Evolution of States and Union Territories
Notes and References

6 Citizenship
Meaning and Significance
Constitutional Provisions
Citizenship Act, 1955
Single Citizenship
Overseas Citizenship of India
Notes and References

7 Fundamental Rights
Features of Fundamental Rights
Definition of State
Laws Inconsistent with Fundamental Rights
Right to Equality
Right to Freedom
 Right Against Exploitation
Right to Freedom of Religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right to Constitutional Remedies
Writs—Types and Scope
Armed Forces and Fundamental Rights
Martial Law and Fundamental Rights
Effecting Certain Fundamental Rights
Present Position of Right to Property
Exceptions to Fundamental Rights
Criticism of Fundamental Rights
Significance of Fundamental Rights
Rights Outside Part III
Notes and References

8 Directive Principles of State Policy

Features of the Directive Principles
Classification of the Directive Principles
New Directive Principles
Sanction Behind Directive Principles
Criticism of the Directive Principles
Utility of Directive Principles
Conflict Between Fundamental Rights and Directive
Principles
Implementation of Directive Principles
Directives Outside Part IV
Notes and References

9 Fundamental Duties
Swaran Singh Committee Recommendations
List of Fundamental Duties
Features of the Fundamental Duties
Criticism of Fundamental Duties
Significance of Fundamental Duties
 Verma Committee Observations
Notes and References

10 Amendment of the Constitution

Procedure for Amendment
Types of Amendments
Criticism of the Amendment Procedure
Notes and References

11 Basic Structure of the Constitution

Emergence of the Basic Structure
Elements of the Basic Structure
Notes and References

PART-II
System of Government

12 Parliamentary System
Features of Parliamentary Government
Features of Presidential Government
Merits of the Parliamentary System
Demerits of the Parliamentary System
Reasons for Adopting Parliamentary System
Distinction between Indian and British Models
Notes and References

13 Federal System
Federal Features of the Constitution
Unitary Features of the Constitution
Critical Evaluation of the Federal System
Notes and References

14 Centre–State Relations
Legislative Relations
Administrative Relations
 Financial Relations
Trends in Centre–State Relations
Notes and References

15 Inter-State Relations
Inter-State Water Disputes
Inter-State Councils
Public Acts, Records and Judicial Proceedings
Inter-State Trade and Commerce
Zonal Councils
Notes and References

16 Emergency Provisions
National Emergency
President’s Rule
Financial Emergency
Criticism of the Emergency Provisions
Notes and References

PART-III
Central Government

17 President
Election of the President
Qualifications, Oath and Conditions
Term, Impeachment and Vacancy
Powers and Functions of the President
Veto Power of the President
Ordinance-Making Power of the President
Pardoning Power of the President
Constitutional Position of the President
Notes and References

18 Vice-President
Election
 Qualifications, Oath and Conditions
Term and Vacancy
Powers and Functions
Indian and American Vice-Presidents Compared
Notes and References

19 Prime Minister
Appointment of the Prime Minister
Oath, Term and Salary
Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister
Role Descriptions
Relationship with the President
Chief Ministers who became Prime Ministers
Notes and References

20 Central Council of Ministers

Constitutional Provisions
Nature of Advice by Ministers
Appointment of Ministers
Oath and Salary of Ministers
Responsibility of Ministers
Composition of the Council of Ministers
Council of Ministers vs Cabinet
Role of Cabinet
Role Descriptions
Kitchen Cabinet
Notes and References

21 Cabinet Committees
Features of Cabinet Committees
List of Cabinet Committees
Functions of Cabinet Committees
Groups of Ministers
Notes and References
22 Parliament
Organisation of Parliament
Composition of the Two Houses
System of Elections to Lok Sabha
Duration of Two Houses
Membership of Parliament
Presiding Officers of Parliament
Leaders in Parliament
Sessions of Parliament
Devices of Parliamentary Proceedings
Legislative Procedure in Parliament
Joint Sitting of Two Houses
Budget in Parliament
Multifunctional Role of Parliament
Ineffectiveness of Parliamentary Control
Position of Rajya Sabha
Parliamentary Privileges
Sovereignty of Parliament
Notes and References

23 Parliamentary Committees
Meaning
Classification
Financial Committees
Departmental Standing Committees
Committees to Inquire
Committees to Scrutinise and Control
Committees Relating to the Day-to-Day Business of the
House
House-Keeping Committees
Consultative Committees
Notes and References

24 Parliamentary Forums
 Establishment of the Forums
Objectives of the Forums
Composition of the Forums
Functions of the Forums
Notes and References

25 Parliamentary Group
Rationale of the Group
Composition of the Group
Objectives of the Group
Functions of the Group
The Group and IPU
The Group and CPA
Notes and References

26 Supreme Court
Composition and Appointment
Qualifications, Oath and Salaries
Tenure and Removal
Acting, Adhoc and Retired Judges
Seat and Procedure
Independence of Supreme Court
Jurisdiction and Powers of Supreme Court
Supreme Court Advocates
Notes and References

27 Judicial Review
Meaning of Judicial Review
Importance of Judicial Review
Constitutional Provisions for Judicial Review
Scope of Judicial Review
Judicial Review of the Ninth Schedule
Notes and References

28 Judicial Activism
 Meaning of Judicial Activism
Judicial Review and Judicial Activism
Justification of Judicial Activism
Activators of Judicial Activism
Apprehensions of Judicial Activism
Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint
Notes and References

29 Public Interest Litigation

Meaning of PIL
Features of PIL
Scope of PIL
Principles of PIL
Guidelines for Admitting PIL
Notes and References

PART-IV
State Government

30 Governor
Appointment of Governor
Conditions of Governor’s Office
Term of Governor’s Office
Powers and Functions of Governor
Constitutional Position of Governor
Notes and References

31 Chief Minister
Appointment of Chief Minister
Oath, Term and Salary
Powers and Functions of Chief Minister
Relationship with the Governor
Notes and References

32 State Council of Ministers

 Constitutional Provisions
Nature of Advice by Ministers
Appointment of Ministers
Oath and Salary of Ministers
Responsibility of Ministers
Composition of the Council of Ministers
Cabinet
Notes and References

33 State Legislature
Organisation of State Legislature
Composition of Two Houses
Duration of Two Houses
Membership of State Legislature
Presiding Officers of State Legislature
Sessions of State Legislature
Legislative Procedure in State Legislature
Position of Legislative Council
Privileges of State Legislature
Notes and References

34 High Court
Composition and Appointment
Qualifications, Oath and Salaries
Tenure, Removal and Transfer
Acting, Additional and Retired Judges
Independence of High Court
Jurisdiction and Powers of High Court
Notes and References

35 Tribunals
Administrative Tribunals
Tribunals for Other Matters
Notes and References
36 Subordinate Courts
Constitutional Provisions
Structure and Jurisdiction
National Legal Services Authority
Lok Adalats
Permanent Lok Adalats
Family Courts
Gram Nyayalayas
Notes and References

37 Special Provisions for Some States

Provisions for Maharashtra and Gujarat
Provisions for Nagaland
Provisions for Assam and Manipur
Provisions for Andhra Pradesh or Telangana
Provisions for Sikkim
Provisions for Mizoram
Provisions for Arunachal Pradesh and Goa
Provisions for Karnataka
Notes and References

PART-V
Local Government

38 Panchayati Raj
Evolution of Panchayati Raj
73rd Amendment Act of 1992
Compulsory and Voluntary Provisions
PESA Act of 1996 (Extension Act)
Finances of Panchayati Raj
Reasons for Ineffective Performance
Notes and References

39 Municipalities
 Evolution of Urban Bodies
74th Amendment Act of 1992
Types of Urban Governments
Municipal Personnel
Municipal Revenue
Central Council of Local Government
Notes and References

PART-VI
Union Territories and Special Areas

40 Union Territories
Creation of Union Territories
Administration of Union Territories
Special Provisions for Delhi
Advisory Committees of Union Territories
Notes and References

41 Scheduled and Tribal Areas

Administration of Scheduled Areas
Administration of Tribal Areas
Notes and References

PART-VII
Constitutional Bodies

42 Election Commission
Composition
Independence
Powers and Functions
Vision, Mission and Principles
Notes and References

43 Union Public Service Commission

Composition
 Removal
Independence
Functions
Limitations
Role
Notes and References

44 State Public Service Commission

Composition
Removal
Independence
Functions
Limitations
Role
Joint State Public Service Commission
Notes and References

45 Finance Commission
Composition
Functions
Advisory Role
Notes and References

46 Goods and Services Tax Council

Establishment of the Council
Vision and Mission of the Council
Composition of the Council
Working of the Council
Functions of the Council
Other Functions of the Council
Notes and References

47 National Commission for SCs

Evolution of the Commission
Functions of the Commission
 Report of the Commission
Powers of the Commission
Notes and References

48 National Commission for STs

Separate Commission for STs
Functions of the Commission
Other Functions of the Commission
Report of the Commission
Powers of the Commission
Notes and References

49 National Commission for BCs

Establishment of the Commission
Functions of the Commission
Report of the Commission
Powers of the Commission
Notes and References

50 Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities

Constitutional Provisions
Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities
Role of the Commissioner
Vision and Mission
Functions and Objectives
Notes and References

51 Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Appointment and Term
Independence
Duties and Powers
Role
Cag and Corporations
Appleby’s Criticism
Notes and References
52 Attorney General of India
Appointment and Term
Duties and Functions
Rights and Limitations
Solicitor General of India
Notes and References

53 Advocate General of the State

Appointment and Term
Duties and Functions
Notes and References

PART-VIII
Non-Constitutional Bodies

54 NITI Aayog
Establishment
Rationale
Composition
Specialised Wings
Objectives
Functions
Guiding Principles
Cooperative Federalism
Criticism
Attached Offices
Erstwhile Planning Commission
National Development Council
Notes and References

55 National Human Rights Commission

Establishment of the Commission
Composition of the Commission
Functions of the Commission
 Working of the Commission
Role of the Commission
Performance of the Commission
Notes and References

56 State Human Rights Commission

Composition of the Commission
Functions of the Commission
Working of the Commission
Human Rights Courts
2019 Amendment Act
Notes and References

57 Central Information Commission

Composition
Tenure and Service Conditions
Powers and Functions
Notes and References

58 State Information Commission

Composition
Tenure and Service Conditions
Powers and Functions
RTI Amendment Act, 2019
Notes and References

59 Central Vigilance Commission

Establishment
Composition
Organisation
Functions
Jurisdiction
Working
Vigilance Units in the Ministries
Whistle Blowers Protection Act (2014)
 Notes and References

60 Central Bureau of Investigation

Establishment of CBI
Motto, Mission and Vision of CBI
Organisation of CBI
Composition of CBI
Functions of CBI
Provision of Prior Permission
CBI vs. State Police
CBI Academy
Notes and References

61 Lokpal and Lokayuktas

Global Scenario
Position in India
Lokpal
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013)
Lokayuktas
Notes and References

62 National Investigation Agency

Establishment of the NIA
Rationale of the NIA
Functions of the NIA
Vision of the NIA
Mission of the NIA
Jurisdiction of the NIA
NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019
Notes and References

63 National Disaster Management Authority

Establishment of the NDMA
Objectives of the NDMA
Functions of the NDMA
 Additional Functions of the NDMA
State Disaster Management Authority
District Disaster Management Authority
Notes and References

PART-IX
Other Constitutional Dimensions

64 Co-operative Societies
Constitutional Provisions
Reasons for the 97th Amendment
Notes and References

65 Official Language
Language of the Union
Regional Languages
Language of the Judiciary and Texts of Laws
Special Directives
Committee of Parliament on Official Language
Classical Language Status
Notes and References

66 Public Services
Classification of Services
Constitutional Provisions
Notes and References

67 Rights and Liabilities of the Government

Property of the Union and the States
Suits by or Against the Government
Suits Against Public Officials
Notes and References

68 Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes

Rationale of Special Provisions
 Specification of Classes
Components of Special Provisions
Notes and References

PART-X
Political Dynamics

69 Political Parties
Meaning and Types
Party System in India
Recognition of National and State Parties
Notes and References

70 Role of Regional Parties

Features of Regional Parties
Classification of Regional Parties
Rise of Regional Parties
Role of Regional Parties
Dysfunctions of Regional Parties
Notes and References

71 Elections
Electoral System
Election Machinery
Election Process
Notes and References

72 Election Laws
Representation of the People Act, 1950
Representation of the People Act, 1951
Delimitation Act, 2002
Other Acts Relating to Elections
Rules Relating to Elections
Orders Relating to Elections
Notes and References
73 Electoral Reforms
Committees Related to Electoral Reforms
Electoral Reforms Before 1996
Electoral Reforms of 1996
Electoral Reforms After 1996
Electoral Reforms Since 2010
Notes and References

74 Voting Behaviour
Meaning of Voting Behaviour
Significance of Voting Behaviour
Determinants of Voting Behaviour
Role of Media in Elections and Voting Behaviour
Notes and References

75 Coalition Government
Meaning of Coalition Government
Features of Coalition Government
Formation of Coalition Governments
Merits of Coalition Government
Demerits of Coalition Government
Notes and References

76 Anti-Defection Law
Provisions of the Act
Evaluation of the Act
91st Amendment Act (2003)
Notes and References

77 Pressure Groups
Meaning and Techniques
Pressure Groups in India
Notes and References

78 National Integration
 Meaning of National Integration
Obstacles to National Integration
National Integration Council
National Foundation for Communal Harmony
Notes and References

79 Foreign Policy
Principles of Indian Foreign Policy
Objectives of Indian Foreign Policy
Gujral Doctrine of India
Nuclear Doctrine of India
Connect Central Asia Policy of India
Act East Policy of India
Notes and References

PART-XI
Working of the Constitution

80 National Commission to Review the Working of the

Constitution
I. Terms of Reference of the Commission
II. Fifty Years of Working of the Constitution
III. Areas of Concern: Commission’s Perception
IV. Recommendations of the Commission
V. Earlier Efforts to Review the Constitution
Notes and References

Appendices

Appendix I: Articles of the Constitution (1–395)

Appendix II: Subjects of Union, State and Concurrent Lists
Appendix III: Table of Precedence
Appendix IV: Constitutional Amendments at a Glance
Appendix V: Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Prime Ministers, etc.
Appendix VI: Chairpersons of the National Commissions
Appendix VII: UPSC Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies
—Prelims 2010–2019)
Appendix VIII: Practice Questions on Indian Polity (General
Studies—Prelims)
Appendix IX: UPSC Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies
—Mains 2010–2019)
Appendix X: Practice Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies
—Mains)

Additional reading material available at the weblink given below:

http://www.mhhe.com./indianpolity6e

1. Oath by the Constitutional and Other Authorities

2. Definitions Under the Constitution
3. Allied Amending Acts at a Glance
4. Model Code of Conduct Relating to Elections
5. Representation of the People Act, 1950 at a Glance
6. Representation of the People Act, 1951 at a Glance
7. Flag Code of India
8. UPSC Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies—
Prelims 2000–2009)
9. UPSC Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies—Mains
2000–2009)
 List of Tables

Table 1.1 Interim Government (1946)

Table 1.2 First Cabinet of Free India (1947)
Table 2.1 Allocation of seats in the Constituent Assembly of
India (1946)
Table 2.2 Results of the Elections to the Constituent Assembly
(July–August 1946)
Table 2.3 Community-wise Representation in the Constituent
Assembly (1946)
Table 2.4 State-wise Membership of the Constituent Assembly
of India as on December 31, 1947
Table 2.5 Sessions of the Constituent Assembly at a Glance
Table 2.6 Time Taken by the Framers of Other Constitutions
Table 2.7 Articles Related to Short Title, Commencement, Hindi
Text and Repeals at a Glance
Table 3.1 The Constitution of India at a Glance
Table 3.2 Important Articles of the Constitution at a Glance
Table 3.3 Schedules of the Constitution at a Glance
Table 3.4 Sources of the Constitution at a Glance
Table 5.1 Territory of India in 1950
Table 5.2 Original Parts of the Constitution Dealing with States
and Territories
Table 5.3 Territory of India in 1956
Table 5.4 Territory of India in 2019
Table 5.5 Laws Made by Parliament Under Article 3 of the
Constitution
Table 5.6 Articles Related to Union and its Territory at a Glance
Table 6.1 Comparing NRI, PIO and OCI Cardholder
Table 6.2 Articles Related to Citizenship at a Glance
Table 7.1 Fundamental Rights at a Glance
Table 7.2 Fundamental Rights (FR) of Foreigners
Table 7.3 Martial Law Vs National Emergency
Table 7.4 Articles Related to Fundamental Rights at a Glance
Table 8.1 Distinction Between Fundamental Rights and
Directive Principles
Table 8.2 Articles Related to Directive Principles of State Policy
at a Glance
Table 11.1 Evolution of the Basic Structure of the Constitution
Table 12.1 Comparing Parliamentary and Presidential Systems
Table 13.1 Comparing Features of Federal and Unitary
Governments
Table 14.1 Articles Related to Centre-State Legislative Relations
at a Glance
Table 14.2 Articles Related to Centre-State Administrative
Relations at a Glance
Table 14.3 Articles Related to Centre-State Financial Relations
at a Glance
Table 15.1 Inter-State Water Dispute Tribunals Set-up So Far
Table 15.3 Articles Related to Inter-State Relations at a Glance
Table 15.2 Zonal Councils at a Glance
Table 16.1 Comparing National Emergency and President’s
Rule
Table 16.2 Imposition of President’s Rule (1951–2019)
Table 16.3 Articles Related to Emergency Provisions at a
Glance
Table 17.1 Elections of the Presidents (1952–2017)
Table 17.2 Veto Power of the President At a Glance
Table 17.3 Articles Related to President at a Glance
Table 18.1 Elections of the Vice-Presidents (1952–2017)
Table 18.2 Articles Related to Vice-President at a Glance
Table 19.1 Articles Related to Prime Minister at a Glance
Table 20.1 Distinction Between Council of Ministers and Cabinet
Table 20.2 Articles Related to Central Council of Ministers at a
Glance
Table 22.1 Adjournment vs Prorogation
Table 22.2 Censure Motion vs No Confidence Motion
Table 22.3 Public Bill vs Private Bill
Table 22.4 Ordinary Bill vs Money Bill
Table 22.5 Allocation of Seats in Parliament for States and
Union Territories (2019)
Table 22.6 Seats Reserved for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha
(2019)
Table 22.7 Durations of the Lok Sabha (from First Lok Sabha to
Present Lok Sabha)
Table 22.8 Speakers of the Lok Sabha (from First Lok Sabha to
Present Lok Sabha)
Table 22.9 Articles Related to Parliament at a Glance
Table 23.1 Departmental Standing Committees and their
Jurisdiction (2019)
Table 26.1 Comparing Indian and American Supreme Courts
Table 26.2 Articles Related to Supreme Court at a Glance
Table 27.1 Number of Acts and Regulations Included in the
Ninth Schedule
Table 30.1 Comparing Veto Powers of President and Governor
Table 30.2 Comparing Ordinance-Making Power of President
and Governor
Table 30.3 Comparing Pardoning Powers of President and
Governor
Table 30.4 Articles Related to Governor at a Glance
Table 31.1 Articles Related to Chief Minister at a Glance
Table 32.1 Articles Related to State Council of Ministers at a
Glance
Table 33.1 Comparing Legislative Procedure in the Parliament
and State Legislature
Table 33.2 Strength of Legislative Assemblies and Legislative
Councils (2019)
Table 33.3 Seats Reserved for SCs and STs in the Legislative
Assemblies (2019)
Table 33.4 Articles Related to State Legislature at a Glance
Table 33.5 Laws made by Parliament under Article 169 of the
Constitution
Table 34.1 Name and Jurisdiction of High Courts
Table 34.2 Articles Related to High Courts at a Glance
Table 35.1 Name and Jurisdiction of Benches of CAT
Table 35.2 Circuit Sittings of Benches of CAT
Table 35.3 Articles Related to Tribunals at a Glance
Table 36.1 Articles Related to Subordinate Courts at a Glance
Table 37.1 Articles Related to Special Provisions for some
States at a Glance
Table 38.1 Study Teams and Committees on Panchayati Raj
Table 38.2 Articles Related to Panchayats at a Glance
Table 38.3 Name of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the States
(2019)
Table 38.4 Milestones in the Evolution of Panchayati Raj
Table 38.5 Committees Related to Panchayati Raj (After
Constitutionalisation)
Table 39.1 Committees and Commissions on Urban Local
Governments
Table 39.2 Classification of Cantonment Boards
Table 39.3 Articles Related to Municipalities at a Glance
Table 39.4 Name of Urban Local Bodies in the States (2019)
Table 40.1 Administrative System of Union Territories at a
Glance
Table 40.2 Comparing States and Union Territories
Table 40.3 Articles Related to Union Territories at a Glance
Table 41.1 Tribal Areas at a Glance (2019)
Table 41.2 Articles Related to Scheduled and Tribal Areas at a
Glance
Table 41.3 Parliamentary Laws Related to the Fifth and Sixth
Schedules of the Constitution
Table 43.1 Articles Related to UPSC at a Glance
Table 44.1 Articles Related to SPSC at a Glance
Table 45.1 Finance Commissions Appointed so far
Table 45.2 Articles Related to Finance Commission at a Glance
Table 51.1 Articles Related to Comptroller and Auditor-General
of India at a Glance
Table 52.1 Articles Related to Attorney-General of India at a
Glance
Table 53.1 Articles Related to Advocate-General of the state at a
Glance
Table 53.2 Articles Related to Constitutional Bodies at a Glance
Table 57.1 National Commissions / Central Bodies and the
Related Ministries
Table 61.1 Establishment of Lokayukta in States (Chronological
Order)
Table 64.1 Articles Related to Co-operative Societies at a
Glance
Table 65.1 Languages conferred with Classical Language
Status
Table 65.2 Articles Related to Official Language at a Glance
Table 66.1 Articles Related to Public Services at a Glance
Table 67.1 Articles Related to Rights and Liabilities of the
Government at a Glance
Table 68.1 Articles Related to Special Provisions for Certain
Classes at a Glance
Table 69.1 Recognised National Parties and State Parties (First
to Seventeenth General Elections)
Table 69.2 Recognised National Parties and their Symbols
(2019)
Table 69.3 Recognised State Parties and their Symbols (2019)
Table 69.4 Formation of Political Parties (Chronological Order)
Table 71.1 Results of Lok Sabha Elections
Table 71.2 Prime Ministers after each Lok Sabha General
Election
Table 71.3 Participation in Lok Sabha Elections
Table 71.4 Women in Lok Sabha Elections
Table 71.5 Cost of Lok Sabha Elections
Table 71.6 Largest and Smallest (Area-wise) Lok Sabha
Constituencies in Fourteenth General Elections
(2004)
Table 71.7 Largest and Smallest (Electors-wise) Lok Sabha
Constituencies in Sixteenth General Elections (2014)
Table 71.8 Articles Related to Elections at a Glance
Table 73.1 Limit on Election Expenditure (As declared in 2014)
Table 75.1 Formation of Coalition Governments at the Centre
Table 78.1 Meetings of the National Integration Council