Question

What is the meaning of philosophy of the constitution?

Hint:

The Preamble is the key to unlocking the philosophy of the Constitution. Analyzing the keywords in the Preamble is the best way to structure an answer on this topic.

Answer 1

Step 1: Key Concept:
The 'philosophy of the constitution' refers to the fundamental principles, core values, and guiding ideals upon which the entire constitutional structure is based. It represents the vision of the founding fathers for the kind of state and society they wanted to build. The philosophy provides the rationale behind the specific provisions of the Constitution.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The philosophy of the Indian Constitution is best reflected in its Preamble. The key philosophical tenets are:
1. Popular Sovereignty: The opening words, "We, the People of India," signify that the ultimate source of all authority is the people of India.
2. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic: These words define the nature of the Indian State. It is an independent nation (Sovereign), committed to social and economic equality (Socialist), treats all religions equally (Secular), has a government elected by the people (Democratic), and has an elected head of state (Republic).
3. Justice: It aims to secure social, economic, and political justice for all its citizens.
4. Liberty: It guarantees liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
5. Equality: It ensures equality of status and of opportunity.
6. Fraternity: It aims to promote a spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
These principles from the Preamble, along with the Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), together form the core philosophy of the Indian Constitution.