Indian Constitution: Historical Background and Evolution (UPPSC GS2)
UPPSC syllabus: Mains: General Studies-II · 1. भारतीय संविधान– ऐतिहासिक आधार, विकास, विशेषताएं, संशोधन, महत्वपूर्ण प्रावधान तथा आधारभूत संरचना। संविधान के आधारभूत प्रावधानों के विकास में उच्चतम न्यायालय की भूमिका। (Indian Constitution: historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure; role of the Supreme Court in the evolution of its basic provisions)
Quick answer
The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, and its remaining provisions came into force on 26 January 1950. For UPPSC Mains GS-II, know the colonial base in the 1935 Act, the main features, the amendment power under Article 368 and the basic structure doctrine.
Basic terms first
- Constitution
- The supreme law that sets up the organs of the State and their powers.
- Amendment
- A formal change to the text of the Constitution.
- Federalism
- Division of powers between the Union and the States.
- Judicial review
- Power of courts to test laws against the Constitution.
Key terms
- Constituent Assembly
- Body that framed the Constitution.
- Drafting Committee
- Committee under Dr B. R. Ambedkar that prepared the draft.
- Article 368
- Provision in Part XX that gives Parliament power to amend the Constitution.
- Basic structure
- Core features that Parliament cannot destroy by amendment.
- Article 395
- Repealed the 1935 and 1947 Acts.
- Preamble
- Opening statement of the Constitution's aims and values.
How UPPSC frames this topic
The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and its remaining provisions came into force on 26 January 1950. For UPPSC Mains GS-II, the syllabus line asks for the historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure, and the role of the Supreme Court.
Prelims-style facts usually test the sequence of colonial laws and the key dates. Mains angles ask a candidate to trace how an idea such as federalism or fundamental rights evolved, and to assess the Supreme Court's role.
Directive words such as discuss, examine, trace and critically analyse expect a short historical sequence, two or three provisions as evidence and a balanced closing line. This section describes patterns only.
Last verified: 14 November 2026, against the official text of the Constitution.
How was the Constitution made?
The Constitution was framed by a Constituent Assembly and adopted on 26 November 1949.
The drafting work was done by a Drafting Committee under Dr B. R. Ambedkar. The document is divided into Parts, Articles and Schedules. Later amendments added new Parts, such as Part IVA on Fundamental Duties.
| Stage | What happened |
|---|---|
| 26 November 1949 | Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution |
| 26 January 1950 | Remaining provisions came into force (Article 394) |
| Article 395 | Repealed the 1935 and 1947 Acts |
- Constituent Assembly formed
- Drafting Committee prepares draft
- Adopted on 26 November 1949
- In force on 26 January 1950
Which colonial laws shaped the Constitution?
Many institutions of the Constitution grew out of British-era laws. The Government of India Act, 1935 was the largest single borrowing, especially for the federal scheme, the office of Governor, the Public Service Commissions and emergency powers.
| Law | Lasting contribution |
|---|---|
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Federal scheme, provincial autonomy, Federal Court |
| Indian Independence Act, 1947 | Partition and end of British rule |
Students should link each law to a constitutional feature it prefigured. The 1935 Act shows the model for the Union-State division of powers.
What are the main features and sources of the Constitution?
The Constitution is written, lengthy and detailed. It combines a federal division of powers with a strong Union, a parliamentary form of government, an independent judiciary and a charter of Fundamental Rights balanced by Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties.
| Feature | Main influence |
|---|---|
| Parliamentary government | British model |
| Fundamental Rights | United States Bill of Rights |
| Directive Principles | Irish Constitution |
| Federal scheme, Governor | Government of India Act, 1935 |
| Amendment procedure | South African Constitution |
| Fundamental Duties (Part IVA) | Added later by amendment |
- Preamble: its words were substituted by the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976.
- Part III: Fundamental Rights, enforceable in court.
- Part IV: Directive Principles, guides for the State, not enforceable in court.
- Part IVA: Fundamental Duties, with Article 51A, added by amendment.
How is the Constitution amended and what is the basic structure?
Part XX, Article 368, gives Parliament the power to amend the Constitution and sets out the procedure. Some amendments need only a special majority of Parliament, while changes to federal matters also need ratification by the legislatures of half the States.
The Supreme Court has shaped this power through judgments. It has held that Parliament may amend the Constitution but cannot alter its basic structure, and later cases applied the doctrine to features such as judicial review and free elections.
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Simple majority | Ordinary law, not an Article 368 amendment |
| Special majority | Majority of the House plus two-thirds present and voting |
| Special majority plus States | Also ratified by half of the State legislatures |
- Bill introduced in either House
- Passed by special majority in both Houses
- Ratification by States if federal matter
- President's assent
- Constitution amended
The key lesson for answers is the balance: the Constitution is flexible enough to change, yet the Court protects its core identity.
How does this topic show up in Uttar Pradesh?
Uttar Pradesh takes part in constitutional change through its legislature. When an amendment touches federal matters under Article 368, ratification by at least half of the State legislatures is needed, and the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly is one of them.
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, Prayagraj, exists under the Constitution's provisions for State Public Service Commissions (Article 315), a direct example of an idea carried from the 1935 Act into the present Constitution. The State legislature has two Houses, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.
In answers, a candidate can use the Commission and the legislature as examples of how a national constitutional design works inside one State.
Revision mind map
- Making: adopted 26 Nov 1949; in force 26 Jan 1950
- Colonial base: Government of India Act, 1935
- Features: parliamentary; federal with strong Union; Fundamental Rights; Directive Principles; Duties
- Amendment: Article 368; special majority; State ratification for federal matters
- Basic structure: judicial review; limits on Parliament
- UP angle: UPPSC under Article 315; Legislative Assembly and Council
Memory aids
- Adopt in 49, enforce in 50: 26 Nov 1949, then 26 Jan 1950: The two key dates of the Constitution.
- 1935 then 1947 then Constitution: Article 395 repealed both old Acts: The order of the main colonial laws.
FAQs
Which Article lets Parliament amend the Constitution?
Article 368 in Part XX gives Parliament the power to amend the Constitution and lays down the procedure.
Sources: The Constitution of India (Legislative Department); The Constitution of India, pocket edition (PDF); Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission
Last verified: 2026-11-14
