UPSC Prelims 2017 Q48: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected
in which of the following?
- (a) The Preamble
- (b) The Fundamental Rights
- (c) The Directive Principles of State Policy
- (d) The Fundamental Duties
Answer: (a) The Preamble
Explanation
Mind of the makers of the Constitution
The Preamble sets out the ideals and aims of the Constitution.
It is based on the Objectives Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946.
| Case | What the Supreme Court said about the Preamble |
|---|---|
| Berubari Union (1960) | It is a key to open the mind of the makers, but not part of the Constitution |
| Kesavananda Bharati (1973) | It is part of the Constitution |
| LIC of India (1995) | It is an integral part of the Constitution |
Why not the others:
| Option | Reason |
|---|---|
| (b) Fundamental Rights | Specific guarantees, not the overall vision |
| (c) Directive Principles of State Policy | Guidelines for governance |
| (d) Fundamental Duties | Added later, in 1976, so not by the original makers |
Answer: (a) The Preamble.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Preamble is the key to the mind of the makers of the Constitution.
- (b) Incorrect. Fundamental Rights protect individuals but do not sum up the makers' vision.
- (c) Incorrect. Directive Principles guide State policy; they are not the statement of intent.
- (d) Incorrect. Fundamental Duties were added in 1976, long after the Constitution was made.
Key point
Preamble = key to the mind of the makers (Berubari, 1960); part of the Constitution (Kesavananda Bharati, 1973); based on the Objectives Resolution.
Remember
Preamble = key to the makers' mind (Berubari, 1960).
Common mistakes
- Choosing Directive Principles because they express social and economic goals.
- Forgetting that the Berubari phrase is the direct source of this question.
- Thinking the Preamble is enforceable in court; it is not.
Exam tip
'Mind of the makers', 'soul', 'identity card' of the Constitution: all point to the Preamble.
Sources
- In re: The Berubari Union and Exchange of Enclaves (Supreme Court of India, 1960)
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 10 (The Philosophy of the Constitution)