Theme T77 · Constitution & Polity

Preamble, features & the 'living' Constitution

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What UPSC asks

UPSC asks you to defend each adjective of 'Republic' in the Preamble today, and to show the Constitution as a living instrument through the widening of the right to life and liberty.

Prepare these

• Sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic: meaning and present relevance
• 42nd Amendment additions and the SC's 2024 view upholding them
• Living constitution: interpretation (Maneka Gandhi, Puttaswamy), amendments
• Expanding Art 21: privacy, dignity, livelihood, environment, speedy trial

Answer writing

• Support each point with a case law

Directive words in these PYQs: Illustrate (1), Discuss (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L1 — Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

All 2 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202315 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-02-M2023-Q11

   “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special fice to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.

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2. GS22016GS2-POL-02-M2016-S01

   Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

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