Our constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, which is now celebrated as Republic Day. It defines India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government. Some key features include: - Single citizenship for all Indians - Universal adult franchise, giving all citizens over 18 the right to vote - Fundamental rights like equality, freedom of speech and religion - Fundamental duties of citizens to uphold the constitution - Directive principles guiding state policy on social welfare - Definition of India as a welfare state providing social services

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G r a d e I X - C i v i c s C h p - O u r C o n s t i t u t i o n & i t s S a l i e n t F e a t u r e s
Our Constitution and its Salient Features
Scope & Syllabus:
 Definition of Our Constitution
 Date of Adoption Date of Enforcement
 Date of Enforcement and its significance (26th Jan)
 Salient Features:
a) Single Citizenship
b) Universal Adult Franchise
c) Fundamental Rights
d) Fundamental Duties
e) Directive Principles of State Policy (meaning)
f) Welfare State
A) Definition of Our Constitution:
Constitution is a set of rules and laws according to which a country is
governed.
It defines and determines:
a) The form of government
b) Powers to be exercised by the three organs of the government: the
legislative, the executive and the judiciary.
c) The limitations of these powers
d) People’s rights and duties
Our constitution is also called as ‘Fundamental Law the Land’ because
it is superior to the ordinary laws passed by union or state legislative.
A body called as Constituent Assembly (Drafting Committee) framed the
constitution of India.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
And Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as permanent President of the
constituent assembly.
B) Date of Adoption:
Our Constitution was adopted on 26th November, 1949.

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G r a d e I X - C i v i c s C h p - O u r C o n s t i t u t i o n & i t s S a l i e n t F e a t u r e s
C) Date of Enforcement and its significance (26th Jan):
Our Constitution came into force on 26th January, 1950.
Significance of 26th January in Indi’s struggle for Swaraj:
 On December 29th, 1929 in the Congress Session presided by
Jawaharlal Nehru at Lahore Purna Swaraj (Complete
Independence) was declared as India’s goal.
 It was decided that 26th January will be celebrated as Purna Swaraj
Day.
 In India since 1930, 26th January was celebrated as Purna Swaraj
Day until 1947.
 However, India got Independence of 15th August which became our
Independence Day.
 So keep the importance of 26th January in India’s struggle for
Swaraj it was decided that date of enforcement of Our Constitution
will be 26th January which then became our Republic Day.
D) Salient Features:
g) Single Citizenship:
Citizenship: The legal status of an individual which recognizes that
he/she belongs to a particular country is called as citizenship.
Due to the citizenship, an individual can enjoy full political, civil and
socio-economic rights. And in return he/she is expected to be loyal to
his/her country.
A country can offer Single Citizenship or Dual Citizenship.
For example a country like USA offers Dual Citizenship to its citizens
i.e. one citizenship is offered by the state and one citizenship is offered
by the country.
However in a country like India, it offers single citizenship to its
citizenship. An individual doesn’t get citizenship from his/her state
(like Maharashtra, Kerala & so on) he/she receives citizenship only
from the country (India).

3. 3 | P a g e
G r a d e I X - C i v i c s C h p - O u r C o n s t i t u t i o n & i t s S a l i e n t F e a t u r e s
h) Universal Adult Franchise:
Our Constitution gives voting right to:
a) who is citizen of India
b) who isn’t less than 18 years of age &
c) who isn’t disqualified to vote under any other law.
i) Fundamental Rights:
The rights or freedom guaranteed by Our Constitution and which can be
enforced by courts are called as Fundamental rights.
The six categories of Fundamental Rights are:
1. Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom
3. Right against Exploitation
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
5. Cultural & Educational Rights &
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies.
j) Fundamental Duties:
As citizens of India we owe certain duties towards each other and to
our country such as to protect the unity & integrity of India &
safeguard public property such duties are called as Fundamental
Duties.
Fundamental Duties enlisted in Our Constitution includes:
1. Duties towards Self and towards one’s Children
2. Duties concerning the Environment
3. Duties towards State & Society
4. Duties towards Nation
k) Directive Principles of State Policy (meaning):
The instructions or guidelines that tell the legislative, executive and
judiciary what to do are called as ‘Directive Principles of State
Policy.’
A State should ensure that:
a) There are adequate means of livelihood &
b) Good economic system (in which there is no concentration of
wealth)

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G r a d e I X - C i v i c s C h p - O u r C o n s t i t u t i o n & i t s S a l i e n t F e a t u r e s
l) Welfare State:
A State (country) which assumes broad responsibilities in the fields of
health, education, housing and social security is called as a Social
Service or Welfare State.
A State can be called as Welfare State it provides the following to its
citizens:
a) Employment
b) Educational, Health & Housing facilities and
c) Financial Assistance in cases of old age, sickness or disability.