Civics (social studies)

6. The Constitution of India is
the Supreme Law of India. It
lays down the framework
defining fundamental political
principles, establishes the
structure, procedures, powers,
Constitution of India
and duties of government institutions, and
sets out fundamental rights, directive
principles, and the duties of citizens. It is the
longestwritten constitution of any sovereign
country in the world.

7. It lays down the basic structure of the government under which its
people are to be governed. It establishes the main organs of the
government - the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
The constitution not only defines the powers of each organ, it
demarcates the responsibilities of each. It regulates the relationship
between the different organs and between the government and the
people.
The constitution is superior to all the laws of the country. Every law
enacted by the government has to be in conformity with the constitution.
Constitution lays down the national goals of India - Democracy,
Socialism, Secularism and National Integration.
It spells out the rights and duties of the citizen .

11. The lower house in the Indian political system is the
Lok Sabha or House of the People. As set out in the
Constitution, the maximum size of the Lok Sabha is
552 members, made up of up to 530 members
representing people from the states of India, up to 20
members representing people from the Union
Territories, and two members to represent the Anglo-
Indian community if it does not have adequate
representation in the house according to the
President.

12. The head of state in India is the President. This is
normally a ceremonial role, originally modeled on the
British monarch to "advise, encourage and warn" the
elected government on constitutional matters. The
President can return a Parliamentary Bill once for
reconsideration and, in times of crisis such as a hung
Parliament, the role is pivotal. The President can
declare a state of emergency which enables the Lok
Sabha to extend its life beyond the normal five-year
term.

13. The Supreme Court is the
highest judicial authority in
civil, criminal and
constitutional cases. The court
consists of up to 26 judges,
including the Chief Justice of
India, all of whom are
appointed by the President on
the recommendation of the
Prime Minister. They serve
until the age of 65.