Righteous Republic: The Political Foundations of Modern India

Righteous Republic: The Political Foundations of Modern India

by Ananya Vajpeyi

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1893 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages
Hardcover	:	304 pages
Item Weight	:	1 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 9.21 inches

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The political foundations of modern India were laid in the aftermath of the Indian independence movement, which culminated in the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. The Constitution is a comprehensive document that establishes the basic principles of governance, including the structure of the government, the rights and duties of citizens, and the relationship between the state and its citizens.

The Constitution is based on the principles of secularism, democracy, federalism, socialism, and justice. These principles are reflected in the Preamble to the Constitution, which states:

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

• JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
• LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
• EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all
• FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;

These principles have shaped the political development of India since independence, and they continue to be the cornerstone of the Indian political system.

Secularism

Secularism is the principle that the state and religion should be separate. This means that the government does not have the right to interfere in religious matters, and that all religions are equal before the law.

The Indian Constitution enshrines the principle of secularism in Article 25, which states:

Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion.

The principle of secularism has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India in a number of landmark cases. In one case, the Court ruled that the government cannot discriminate against religious minorities in the allocation of public funds or resources.

In another case, the Court ruled that the government cannot ban the sale of religious books or materials.

The principle of secularism has been challenged by some religious groups, who argue that it undermines the role of religion in society. However, the Indian Constitution remains committed to the principle of secularism, which is seen as essential for maintaining peace and harmony in a multi-religious society.

Democracy

Democracy is the principle that the government is based on the consent of the governed. This means that the government is elected by the people, and that the people have the right to change their government if they are dissatisfied with its performance.

The Indian Constitution enshrines the principle of democracy in Article 1, which states:

India, that is Bharat, shall be a union of states.

The Indian Constitution also establishes a number of democratic institutions, including:

• A parliamentary system of government, in which the executive branch is responsible to the legislature;
• A multi-party system, in which the people have the right to choose from a variety of political parties;
• A free and fair electoral system, in which all citizens have the right to vote;
• A strong and independent judiciary, which protects the rights of citizens and ensures the rule of law.

The democratic system of government has been in place in India since independence, and it has proved to be a resilient system of government. India has held regular elections every five years, and the people have always been able to choose the government of their choice.

The democratic system of government has also helped to promote economic development and social progress in India. The government has been able to implement a number of policies that have improved the lives of ordinary citizens.

Federalism

Federalism is the principle that the government is divided into two or more levels, each with its own powers and responsibilities. In India, the federal system is divided into three levels: the national government, the state governments, and the local governments.

The national government is responsible for matters such as defense, foreign policy, and economic policy.

The state governments are responsible for matters such as education, health care, and law enforcement.

The local governments are responsible for matters such as water supply, sanitation, and garbage collection.

The federal system of government has helped to ensure that power is not concentrated in the hands of any one level of government. The different levels of government have the ability to check and balance each other, which helps to prevent tyranny.

The federal system of government has also helped to promote diversity and pluralism in India. The different levels of government have the ability to tailor their policies to the needs of their local communities.

Socialism

Socialism is the principle that the government has a responsibility to provide for the welfare of its citizens.

The Indian Constitution enshrines the principle of socialism in Article 38, which states:

The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order in which social, economic and political justice is informed in all institutions of life.

The government has implemented a number of social welfare programs, including:

• Public health care
• Public education
• Social security
• Housing assistance
• Food assistance

Righteous Republic: The Political Foundations of Modern India

by Ananya Vajpeyi

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1893 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages
Hardcover	:	304 pages
Item Weight	:	1 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 9.21 inches

FREE