UPMSP Intermediate Civics key terms

The opening statement of the Indian Constitution that declares its source of authority to be the people and sets out the goals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

The body of indirectly elected representatives that drafted the Indian Constitution between 1946 and 1949 and adopted it on 26 November 1949.

The resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in December 1946 that laid down the aims and philosophy later reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution.

The principle, established in Kesavananda Bharati (1973), that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in a way that destroys its essential features.

The method under Article 368 by which Parliament, sometimes with ratification by state legislatures, can formally change the text of the Constitution.

A set of enforceable rights in Part III of the Constitution, such as equality, freedom of speech and life, that courts can protect against state action.

A formal order issued by a court, such as habeas corpus or mandamus, used under Articles 32 and 226 to enforce fundamental rights or legal duties.

Limits that the Constitution allows the state to place on freedoms such as speech or movement, provided they are fair, proportionate and linked to listed grounds.

Guidelines in Part IV of the Constitution that direct governments to promote welfare, social justice and development, but are not directly enforceable in courts.

Obligations listed in Article 51A, added by the 42nd Amendment, that ask citizens to respect the Constitution, national symbols, the environment and public property.

The power of courts to examine laws and executive actions and declare them invalid if they violate the Constitution.

The principle that the legislature has supreme law-making authority; in India it operates within limits set by a written Constitution and judicial review.

The convention that the Council of Ministers is jointly answerable to the Lok Sabha and must resign together if it loses the confidence of the House.

The body headed by the Prime Minister that advises the President and consists of Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers.

The constitutional head of state elected indirectly by an electoral college, who acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers in most matters.

A temporary law issued by the President or a Governor when the legislature is not in session; it must be approved by the legislature within a set period.

A motion moved in the Lok Sabha expressing lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers; if passed, the government must resign.

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, each exercising defined powers under a written constitution.

The part of the Constitution that lists subjects under the Union List, State List and Concurrent List, defining legislative powers of the Centre and states.

Powers over subjects not mentioned in any of the three legislative lists; in India they rest with Parliament under Article 248.

The constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President, who exercises executive functions largely on the advice of the state Council of Ministers.

The head of a state government, usually the leader of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly, who leads the state Council of Ministers.

A constitutional body under Article 263 that inquires into and advises on disputes or matters of common interest between states and the Union.

An independent constitutional authority that conducts elections to Parliament, state legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President.

A set of guidelines enforced by the Election Commission during elections to regulate the behaviour of parties, candidates and governments.

The official register of eligible voters for each constituency, prepared and revised by election authorities.

The principle that every adult citizen has the right to vote regardless of caste, sex, religion, wealth or education.

The Tenth Schedule provision that disqualifies legislators who voluntarily leave their party or vote against its whip.

Unfair or illegal conduct during elections, such as bribery, impersonation or booth capturing, that undermines the integrity of the vote.

An organised group that seeks to win elections, form government and influence policy by presenting a shared programme and contesting under a common symbol.

An organised association that tries to influence public policy and decision-makers on specific issues without itself seeking to form a government.

The aggregate of views held by citizens on public issues and government performance, shaped by media, debate, education and social experience.

The system of rural local self-government established under the 73rd Amendment, with elected bodies at village, block and district levels.

The assembly of all registered voters in a village, which reviews panchayat decisions and plays a direct role in local governance.

Elected institutions such as municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats that govern towns and cities under the 74th Amendment.

A foreign policy approach in which India refused to join either Cold War military bloc while pursuing independence in international decisions.

The five principles of peaceful coexistence, including mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference, agreed between India and China in 1954.

An international organisation founded in 1945 to maintain peace and security and promote cooperation; India is a founding member.

A political ideology that treats religious communities as hostile blocs and mobilises identity for power, often leading to tension and violence.

Identification with and loyalty to a particular region, which can express itself as demands for autonomy, statehood or greater local control.

The constitutional principle that the state treats all religions equally, neither establishing a state religion nor discriminating on religious grounds.

The legal status of full membership in a state, carrying rights such as voting and duties such as obedience to law; in India regulated by Part II of the Constitution.

The expected behaviour of citizens toward their community and state, including obeying laws, paying taxes, voting and protecting public resources.

Policies that give special benefits or reservations to historically disadvantaged groups to correct past and present inequality.

The fair distribution of opportunities, resources and dignity across society, especially for groups facing discrimination or exclusion.