Concept 1 · free preview
Values of the Preamble
Understand
The Preamble begins with “We, the People of India” — the people are the ultimate source of authority of the Constitution. It declares India a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic (‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’ and ‘integrity’ were added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976).
| Ideal | What the Preamble says |
|---|---|
| Justice | Social, economic and political |
| Liberty | Of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship |
| Equality | Of status and of opportunity |
| Fraternity | Assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation |
Example
A teacher gives every child — girl or boy, rich or poor — an equal chance to answer, lead the class and play → equality of status and of opportunity.
Remember
Liberty = 5 words ‘thought-expression-belief-faith-worship’; ‘status and opportunity’ always go with equality.
Common mistake
Putting ‘status and opportunity’ under liberty or ‘dignity’ under equality. Dignity goes with fraternity.
Check yourself
What three forms of justice does the Preamble promise?