Indian Polity & Constitution for UPSC Prelims

Indian Polity & Constitution for UPSC Prelims covers the structure, functions, and provisions of India’s political system, including the Constitution, governance, and key institutions.

I. Foundational Concepts of Indian Polity

  1. Evolution of Constitutional Framework
  2. Making of the Constitution
  3. Philosophy of the Constitution
  4. Key Features of the Indian Constitution
  5. Preamble: Vision and Ideals
  6. The Union and Its Territory
  7. Citizenship: Provisions and Policies

II. Fundamental Rights, Duties, and Principles

  1. Fundamental Rights: Scope and Limitations
  2. Directive Principles of State Policy
  3. Fundamental Duties of Citizens
  4. Doctrine of Basic Structure
  5. Constitutional Amendments

III. Central Government

  1. President: Powers and Functions
  2. Vice-President: Role and Responsibilities
  3. Prime Minister: Role and Powers
  4. Union Council of Ministers
  5. Cabinet Committees

IV. State Government

  1. Governor: Role and Powers
  2. Chief Minister: Executive Head of the State
  3. State Council of Ministers
  4. State Legislatures: Composition and Functions

V. Local Governance

  1. Panchayati Raj System
  2. Urban Local Bodies: Municipalities and Corporations

VI. Parliamentary System and Processes

  1. Indian Parliament: Structure and Powers
  2. Parliamentary Committees: Roles and Relevance
  3. Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG)

VII. Federalism and Inter-Governmental Relations

  1. India’s Quasi-Federal System
  2. Centre-State Relations
  3. Inter-State Relations
  4. Emergency Provisions

VIII. Judiciary

  1. Supreme Court: Powers and Jurisdiction
  2. High Courts: Role and Structure
  3. Subordinate Courts

IX. Judicial Mechanisms

  1. Judicial Review
  2. Judicial Activism
  3. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

X. Alternative Dispute Resolution

  1. Tribunals: Scope and Authority
  2. Consumer Forums
  3. Lok Adalats and Alternative Mechanisms

XI. Union Territories and Special Provisions

  1. Administration of Union Territories
  2. Scheduled and Tribal Areas

XII. Constitutional Bodies

  1. Election Commission of India
  2. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  3. State Public Service Commissions
  4. Finance Commission
  5. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council
  6. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
  7. Attorney General of India
  8. Advocate General of States

XIII. Special Commissions

  1. National Commission for Scheduled Castes
  2. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
  3. National Commission for Backward Classes
  4. Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities

XIV. Non-Constitutional Bodies

  1. NITI Aayog: Policy Think Tank
  2. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
  3. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
  4. Lokpal and Lokayuktas
  5. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
  6. State Human Rights Commissions
  7. National Commission for Women (NCW)
  8. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
  9. National Commission on Minorities
  10. Central and State Information Commissions

XV. Political Dynamics and Elections

  1. Political Parties: National and Regional
  2. Coalition Governments: Evolution and Impact
  3. Electoral Process and Laws
  4. Electoral Reforms and Innovations
  5. Anti-Defection Law
  6. Voting Behavior and Trends
  7. EVMs and Election Technology

XVI. Societal Structures and Advocacy

  1. Pressure Groups and Their Influence
  2. Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)

XVII. Cooperative Societies and Public Administration

  1. Cooperatives and Cooperative Movement

XVIII. Public Administration

  1. Public Services: Recruitment and Administration

XIX. Languages and Special Provisions

  1. Official Language and Regional Language Policies
  2. Special Provisions for Certain States and Classes

XX. Miscellaneous Topics

  1. National Integration and Unity
  2. Foreign Policy Principles and Challenges
  3. Landmark Judicial Verdicts
  4. Significant Doctrines in Indian Law
  5. Constitutions of Other Nations: A Comparative Study
  6. Rights and Liabilities of the Government