Page 202 - SST Class 08

g LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, in a vicious cycle of poverty. For the proper
faith and worship; development of our country, it is important to

g EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; bridge the gap between the rich and the poor by
and to promote among them all; achieving both social and economic equality.
g FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the SECULARISM
individual and the unity and integrity of the The Preamble states that India is a secular
Nation; country. This means that there will be no state
g IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this religion. All religions will be treated equally. The
twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do constitution also guarantees the Right to
HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO Freedom of Religion as a Fundamental Right.
OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION. This includes the freedom to profess, propagate
and practice any religion. Hence, every religious
The terms socialist and secular were added to the
group in India can practice and propagate its
original Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act
faith. The government has the duty to protect the
of 1976.
life, liberty and property of all its citizens without
A careful study of the Preamble reveals that it is
discriminating against them on the basis of caste,
the people of India who are stating their aims
creed, religion or sex.
and giving power to themselves. It, thus, depicts
DEMOCRACY
the hopes and aspirations of the people of India.
Every government must keep the main principles Democracy is one of the most important features
or our constitution in mind while framing the of our constitution. Democracy refers to the
laws. Let us read about some such principles. government wherein people have the power to
vote and elect their representatives to the govern-
SOVEREIGNTY
ment. These representatives then make laws on
Sovereignty is the freedom to govern oneself
behalf of the people. In India, citizens who are 18
within a territory and to be free from any external
years and above have the right to vote. This is
control. All the Indians are free to govern them-
known as Universal Adult Franchise.
selves and to make laws. There should be no
Elections are held every five years. If the people
external interference of any kind in the function-
are dissatisfied it the government, they can vote
ing of the government.
it out. Thus, the ultimate power lies in the hands
SOCIALISM
of the people.
Socialism means that everyone must enjoy social
FEDERALISM
and economic equality. Under social equality,
India has a federal form of government. This
everyone must have equal status and opportuni-
means that our county is governed at two levels,
ties. Economic equality refers to equal distribu-
i.e., at the center and at the state. The President
tion of wealth and a decent standard of living for
is the head of our country. The Prime Minister
all.
heads the government at the center and the
Our society is an inequal society. There exists a
Parliament makes laws for the country. At the
wide gap between the rich and the poor. Poverty
state level, the Governor is the nominal head
prevents many people from receiving good
while the Chief Minister heads the government
education, which in turn prevents them from
the Vidhan Sabha or the State Legislature makes
getting well-paid jobs. Thus, the poor are caught
laws for the state. The powers and functions of

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