Introduction to Indian Polity
Geographic Information System
Meaning and scope of polity
Sources of Indian Constitution
Historical Background
Geographic Information System
Regulating Acts (1773 to 1858)
Acts under British Rule
The Constitution of India
Framing of the Constitution
Constituent Assembly
Objectives Resolution and Preamble
Adoption and enactment of the Constitution
Features of the Indian Constitution
Lengthiest written Constitution
Parliamentary form of government
Fundamental rights and duties
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
Secularism, socialism, and democracy
Amendments of the Constitution
Types of amendments
Landmark amendments
Basic structure doctrine
Union and Its Territory
Union, states, and union territories (Article 1–4)
Reorganization of states: States Reorganization Act 1956
Recent developments: Jammu & Kashmir bifurcation (2019)
Citizenship
Articles 5–11: Constitutional provisions
Citizenship Act 1955 and amendments
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO)
Fundamental Rights
Definition and significance
Detailed study of all six fundamental rights
Restrictions and exceptions
Landmark judgments
Directive Principles of State Policy
Differences between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
Implemented provisions: Uniform Civil Code, Panchayati Raj
Fundamental Duties
42nd Amendment and introduction of duties
List of 11 Fundamental Duties
Relevance in contemporary times
The Union Government
The President
Election, impeachment, powers, and functions
Emergency provisions: Types and implications
Vice President
Election and functions
Comparison with U.S. Vice President
The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Role, powers, and functions of the Prime Minister
Collective responsibility and cabinet system
Parliament
Structure: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
Powers and functions of Parliament
Parliamentary proceedings: Sessions, motions, committees
Budget and Money Bill
The Judiciary
Structure: Supreme Court, High Courts, Subordinate Courts
Independence of judiciary
Judicial review, activism, and overreach
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
The State Government
Governor
Appointment, powers, and functions
Relationship with the Chief Minister
Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Role and responsibilities
Relationship with the Governor
State Legislature
Unicameral and bicameral systems
Powers and functions
Local Governance
Panchayati Raj System (73rd Amendment)
Structure and functioning
Gram Sabha and its significance
Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment)
Municipal corporations, municipalities, and Nagar Panchayats
Issues in local governance
Union Territories and Special Areas
Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment)
Administration of Union Territories
Special status of Jammu & Kashmir and its recent changes
Fifth and Sixth Schedules for tribal areas
Elections and Political Parties
Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment)
Election Commission of India: Structure, powers, and functions
Electoral reforms and challenges
Political parties: National and regional
Anti-defection law (10th Schedule)
Role of NGOs and civil society
Public Policy and Governance
Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment)
Good governance: Meaning and principles
Transparency and accountability: RTI Act 2005
Social justice and inclusive growth
Important Constitutional Bodies
Election Commission of India
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
Finance Commission
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
Non-Constitutional Bodies
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
NITI Aayog
Central Information Commission (CIC)
Lokpal and Lokayuktas
Emergency Provisions
Types: National, state, and financial emergencies
Articles 352, 356, and 360
Effects and misuse of emergency provisions
Constitutional and Statutory Provisions
Official language and its importance (Articles 343–351)
Scheduled and Tribal Areas (Articles 244–244A)
Minority rights and welfare
Current Affairs in Polity
Recent amendments and legislations
Supreme Court judgments
Changes in governance policies