Hinglish

The Preamble: Guiding Values

Class 7 Social Science · Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond section 10.5

Learn

The Preamble captures the Constitution's core values. We, the People of India: the Constitution was made by the people through their representatives, not handed down by a king or outside power. Sovereign: no outside power can dictate India's government. Socialist: wealth is created by society and should be shared, reducing inequality. Secular: there is no official religion, citizens may follow any faith, and all are treated with equal respect. Democratic: people elect their rulers and hold them accountable. Republic: the head of state is elected, not hereditary.

It promises Justice (no discrimination by caste, religion or gender; welfare especially for the less advantaged), Liberty of thought, expression and belief, Equality before the law and of opportunity, and Fraternity: we should treat each other as members of one family and never as inferior. "Socialist", "Secular" and "Integrity" were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. Citizens are expected to practise these values too: Zoya notices fraternity when classmates of different faiths share lunch, and equality when everyone uses the same village well.

Explore: values of the Preamble.

  1. Sort each example.

Remember

  • The Preamble declares India sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic and a republic.
  • It promises justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, values citizens should practise daily.

Quick check

India is a republic because …

  1. its head of state is elected, not hereditary
  2. it has an official religion
  3. it has a king
  4. it has no constitution
Answer

its head of state is elected, not hereditary. The President is elected.

Think about it

Have we achieved all the ideals of the Preamble? What can you do to help?

One answer

Not fully: inequality and discrimination still exist. We can treat everyone with respect, speak up against unfairness, follow our duties and help others access their rights.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.