This article covers SSC Features and Sources of Indian Constitution PPT (LEC #4) (भारतीय संविधान की विशेषताएं और स्रोत), including Sources, Parts, and Schedules (स्रोत, भाग और अनुसूची). This lecture is one of the most exam-relevant in the entire PPT series. Questions on sources of the Constitution, all 12 Schedules, Parts of the Constitution, and key features appear in virtually every SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, and MTS exam. This article covers every detail from the 122-slide PPT with complete tables for quick revision.
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PPT Details
| Field | Details |
| PPT Title | SSC Features and Sources of Indian Constitution PPT (LEC #4) |
| Subject | Polity – Features and Sources of Indian Constitution (भारतीय संविधान की विशेषताएं और स्रोत); Sources, Part and Schedule (स्रोत, भाग और अनुसूची) |
| Series | Complete Foundation Batch for All SSC and Other Exams (PPT Series) |
| Total Slides | 122 PPT Slides |
| File Size | 41 MB |
| Serial Number | #60 |
| Lecture | LEC #4 |
| Format | PowerPoint (.pptx) + PDF |
| Target Exams | SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC CPO, SSC GD, SSC Steno |
| Website | slideshareppt.net |
SSC Features and Sources of Indian Constitution PPT (LEC #4)
Note: Above is PPT in GOOGLE SLIDES (HTML AND IFRAME COMBINATION) and if you wish to download the Complete SSC series (PPT slides), Simply visit this redirect page – REDIRECT PAGE.
1. Nature of the Indian Constitution
- The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India – all other laws must conform to it
- It is the longest written constitution in the world
- Called a ‘bag of borrowings’ because it drew heavily from constitutions of many countries
- Neither purely federal nor purely unitary – described as ‘quasi-federal’ or federal with unitary bias
- Both rigid (for major changes) and flexible (for some provisions)
- It is a living document – has been amended 106 times since 1950
2. Sources of the Indian Constitution – Complete Table
This is one of the most frequently asked topics in SSC Polity. At least 1–2 questions on sources appear in every exam. Memorise the country–provision mapping thoroughly.
| Country / Source | Provision Borrowed | Key Word to Remember |
| Government of India Act 1935 | Federal structure, Emergency provisions, Public Service Commissions, Judiciary, Governor’s office, Three lists | LARGEST source |
| United Kingdom (UK) | Parliamentary system, Cabinet system, PM as head of govt, Rule of Law, Single citizenship, Bicameral Parliament, Speaker of Lok Sabha | Parliamentary model |
| United States of America (USA) | Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, independence of judiciary, Preamble inspiration, impeachment of President, removal of SC judges | Bill of Rights |
| Ireland | Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), nomination of members to Rajya Sabha, method of election of President | DPSP |
| Canada | Federal system with strong Centre, residuary powers with Centre, advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court | Strong Centre |
| Australia | Concurrent List, joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, freedom of trade and commerce | Concurrent List |
| Weimar Republic (Germany) | Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency, provisions of Emergency | Emergency |
| South Africa | Amendment procedure for certain provisions (by 2/3 majority), election of Rajya Sabha members | Amendment |
| Soviet Union (USSR) | Fundamental Duties, ideals of justice (social, economic, political) in Preamble | Fundamental Duties |
| Japan | Procedure established by law (Article 21 – right to life) | Article 21 |
| France | Republic, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity in Preamble | Preamble ideals |
Most Important Sources to Remember
- GoI Act 1935 – LARGEST source; federal structure, emergency, judiciary, three lists, governor
- UK – Parliamentary system, Cabinet, PM, Rule of Law, single citizenship, Speaker
- USA – Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Preamble inspiration, impeachment
- Ireland – DPSP (Directive Principles of State Policy), Rajya Sabha nominations
- Canada – Strong Centre, residuary powers with Union
- Australia – Concurrent List, joint sitting of Parliament
- Germany – Emergency: suspension of Fundamental Rights
- USSR – Fundamental Duties, socio-economic justice in Preamble
- Japan – Procedure established by law (Article 21)
- South Africa – Amendment of Constitution (2/3 majority)
3. Key Features of the Indian Constitution
| Feature | Description |
| Lengthiest Written Constitution | Originally 395 Articles, 8 Schedules, 22 Parts; now 470+ Articles, 12 Schedules, 25 Parts |
| Drawn from Many Sources | Called a ‘bag of borrowings’ – drew from constitutions of many countries |
| Partly Rigid, Partly Flexible | Some articles amended by simple majority; others need 2/3 majority + ratification by states |
| Federal System with Unitary Bias | Distribution of powers between Centre and States; but Centre is stronger |
| Parliamentary Form of Government | Executive responsible to legislature; PM is head of government |
| Integrated and Independent Judiciary | Single unified judiciary; Supreme Court at apex; power of Judicial Review |
| Fundamental Rights | Justiciable rights guaranteed to all citizens (Part III, Articles 12–35) |
| Directive Principles | Non-justiciable guidelines for State policy (Part IV, Articles 36–51) |
| Fundamental Duties | 11 duties for citizens (Part IV-A, Article 51A) |
| Secular State | No state religion; state treats all religions equally |
| Universal Adult Franchise | Every citizen above 18 can vote regardless of caste, religion, sex |
| Single Citizenship | All Indians are citizens of India only; no separate state citizenship |
| Independent Constitutional Bodies | Election Commission, CAG, UPSC, Finance Commission, etc. |
| Emergency Provisions | Three types: National (Art 352), President’s Rule (Art 356), Financial (Art 360) |
| Three-tier Government | Central Government, State Governments, Local Bodies (Panchayati Raj & Municipalities) |
4. Federal Features of the Indian Constitution
- Written and supreme Constitution
- Rigid Constitution for certain provisions
- Division of powers between Centre and States (7th Schedule – three lists)
- Independent and integrated judiciary
- Bicameral legislature at the Centre (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha)
- Dual government – Central and State governments
- Financial independence of units
5. Unitary Features of the Indian Constitution (Unitary Bias)
- Strong Centre – Union List has more and more important subjects than State List
- Residuary powers with the Centre (unlike USA where residuary powers are with states)
- Single Constitution for both Centre and States (except J&K earlier)
- Single citizenship – no separate state citizenship
- Integrated judiciary – one Supreme Court for the whole country
- All-India Services (IAS, IPS, IFoS) controlled by Centre
- Emergency provisions give Centre sweeping powers over states
- Parliament can change boundaries of states without state consent
- Governor appointed by President – Centre’s representative in states
- The Constitution itself uses the word ‘Union’ not ‘Federation’
6. Parts of the Indian Constitution – Complete Table
The Constitution is divided into Parts (भाग). Originally 22 Parts; currently 25 Parts. Every SSC exam asks at least one question on which Part deals with which subject.
| Part | Articles | Subject |
| Part I | 1–4 | The Union and its Territory |
| Part II | 5–11 | Citizenship |
| Part III | 12–35 | Fundamental Rights |
| Part IV | 36–51 | Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) |
| Part IV-A | 51A | Fundamental Duties (added by 42nd Amendment 1976) |
| Part V | 52–151 | The Union Government (President, Parliament, PM, Courts) |
| Part VI | 152–237 | The State Governments |
| Part VII | [Deleted] | States in Part B (deleted by 7th Amendment 1956) |
| Part VIII | 239–242 | Union Territories |
| Part IX | 243–243O | Panchayats (added by 73rd Amendment 1992) |
| Part IX-A | 243P–243ZG | Municipalities (added by 74th Amendment 1992) |
| Part IX-B | 243ZH–243ZT | Co-operative Societies (added by 97th Amendment 2011) |
| Part X | 244–244A | Scheduled and Tribal Areas |
| Part XI | 245–263 | Relations between Union and States |
| Part XII | 264–300A | Finance, Property, Contracts, Suits |
| Part XIII | 301–307 | Trade, Commerce, Intercourse within India |
| Part XIV | 308–323 | Services under Union and States |
| Part XIV-A | 323A–323B | Tribunals (added by 42nd Amendment 1976) |
| Part XV | 324–329A | Elections |
| Part XVI | 330–342 | Special Provisions for SC, ST, OBC, Anglo-Indians |
| Part XVII | 343–351 | Official Language |
| Part XVIII | 352–360 | Emergency Provisions |
| Part XIX | 361–367 | Miscellaneous |
| Part XX | 368 | Amendment of Constitution |
| Part XXI | 369–392 | Temporary, Transitional, Special Provisions |
| Part XXII | 393–395 | Short Title, Commencement, Repeal |
Most Important Parts to Remember
- Part III (Articles 12–35) – Fundamental Rights – most tested
- Part IV (Articles 36–51) – DPSP
- Part IV-A (Article 51A) – Fundamental Duties
- Part V (Articles 52–151) – Union Government (President, Parliament, PM, SC)
- Part VI (Articles 152–237) – State Governments
- Part XI (Articles 245–263) – Union-State Relations
- Part XVIII (Articles 352–360) – Emergency Provisions
- Part XX (Article 368) – Amendment of Constitution
7. Schedules of the Indian Constitution – Complete Table
Originally 8 Schedules; currently 12 Schedules. Questions on Schedules are extremely common in SSC CGL and CHSL. Know the content of every Schedule.
| Schedule | Subject | Key Content / Example |
| First Schedule | Names of States and Union Territories | List of 28 States and 8 UTs |
| Second Schedule | Salaries and emoluments of constitutional post holders | President, VP, Governors, Speaker, SC/HC Judges, CAG |
| Third Schedule | Oaths and affirmations | Forms of oaths for President, Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Judges |
| Fourth Schedule | Allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha | Number of seats per State/UT in Rajya Sabha |
| Fifth Schedule | Provisions relating to Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes | Administration of Scheduled Areas in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| Sixth Schedule | Provisions for Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram | Autonomous District Councils |
| Seventh Schedule | Three Lists – Union List, State List, Concurrent List | Union List: 100 subjects | State List: 61 subjects | Concurrent List: 52 subjects |
| Eighth Schedule | 22 Official Languages of India | Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, etc. |
| Ninth Schedule | Acts and Regulations protected from judicial review | Added by 1st Amendment 1951; land reform laws, etc. |
| Tenth Schedule | Anti-Defection Law | Added by 52nd Amendment 1985; disqualification of MPs/MLAs on defection |
| Eleventh Schedule | Powers of Panchayats (29 subjects) | Added by 73rd Amendment 1992 |
| Twelfth Schedule | Powers of Municipalities (18 subjects) | Added by 74th Amendment 1992 |
Most Important Schedules to Remember
- 7th Schedule – Three Lists (Union, State, Concurrent) – most important for SSC
- 8th Schedule – 22 Official Languages
- 9th Schedule – Laws protected from judicial review (added by 1st Amendment 1951)
- 10th Schedule – Anti-Defection Law (added by 52nd Amendment 1985)
- 11th Schedule – Panchayati Raj subjects (29 subjects, 73rd Amendment 1992)
- 12th Schedule – Municipal subjects (18 subjects, 74th Amendment 1992)
8. Seventh Schedule – Three Lists (Most Important)
The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers between the Union and States into three lists. This is the single most important schedule for SSC exams.
| List | Number of Subjects | Who Legislates | Key Subjects |
| Union List | 100 subjects (originally 97) | Parliament only | Defence, Foreign Affairs, Atomic Energy, Railways, Banking, Currency, Communication, Citizenship |
| State List | 61 subjects (originally 66) | State Legislature only | Police, Public Order, Agriculture, Irrigation, Trade, Local Government, Public Health |
| Concurrent List | 52 subjects (originally 47) | Both Parliament and State Legislature | Education, Marriage, Forests, Electricity, Trade Unions, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure |
- In case of conflict between Union and State law on Concurrent List subject – Union law prevails
- Residuary powers (subjects not in any list) – with Parliament (Article 248)
- In case of national emergency (Art 352) – Parliament can legislate on State List subjects too
9. Eighth Schedule – 22 Official Languages of India
Originally 14 languages in 1950. Currently 22 languages after various amendments. Languages added over time:
| Original 14 Languages (1950) | Languages Added Later |
| Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu | Sindhi (21st Amendment 1967); Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (71st Amendment 1992); Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (92nd Amendment 2003) |
- Total: 22 official languages currently in the 8th Schedule
- Hindi is the official language of the Union (Article 343); English also used for official purposes
- There is no ‘national language’ declared in the Constitution
10. Amendment of the Constitution – Article 368
The Indian Constitution provides three methods of amendment (partly rigid, partly flexible):
| Method | How Amended | Examples |
| By Simple Majority (not Article 368) | By Parliament by simple majority – ordinary legislative process | Admission of new states, creation of UTs, citizenship, 5th & 6th Schedules |
| By Special Majority (Article 368) | 2/3 majority of members present and voting + majority of total membership of each House | Fundamental Rights, DPSP, any other constitutional provision |
| By Special Majority + State Ratification (Article 368) | 2/3 special majority + ratification by at least half of State Legislatures | Election of President, extent of executive power of Union/States, 7th Schedule, representation of states in Parliament, Art 368 itself |
- Basic Structure Doctrine – Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Parliament cannot amend the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution
- Basic structure includes: supremacy of Constitution, republican & democratic form, secular character, separation of powers, federalism, judicial review, Fundamental Rights
11. Preamble – Features and Keywords
| Word in Preamble | Meaning / Significance |
| Sovereign | India is free from external control; supreme authority within its territory |
| Socialist | Social and economic equality; added by 42nd Amendment 1976 |
| Secular | No state religion; equal respect for all religions; added by 42nd Amendment 1976 |
| Democratic | Government by the people (through elected representatives) |
| Republic | Elected head of state (President); not a hereditary monarchy |
| Justice | Social, economic, and political justice for all citizens |
| Liberty | Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship |
| Equality | Equality of status and opportunity |
| Fraternity | Brotherhood among all citizens; dignity of the individual; unity and integrity of the nation |
also read – SSC Polity Constituent Assembly PPT Slides (LEC #3)
12. Quick Revision Fact Table – Features and Sources
| Fact | Detail |
| Original Constitution structure | 395 Articles, 8 Schedules, 22 Parts |
| Current Constitution structure | 470+ Articles, 12 Schedules, 25 Parts |
| Largest source | Government of India Act 1935 |
| DPSP borrowed from | Ireland |
| Fundamental Rights borrowed from | USA (American Bill of Rights) |
| Parliamentary system borrowed from | United Kingdom |
| Fundamental Duties borrowed from | USSR (Soviet Union) |
| Concurrent List borrowed from | Australia |
| Emergency provisions model | Germany (Weimar Constitution) |
| Strong Centre (residuary powers) | Canada |
| Procedure established by law (Article 21) | Japan |
| Republic + Liberty, Equality, Fraternity | France |
| Number of Parts in original Constitution | 22 Parts |
| Number of Parts currently | 25 Parts |
| Number of Schedules originally | 8 Schedules |
| Number of Schedules currently | 12 Schedules |
| Seventh Schedule contains | Union List, State List, Concurrent List |
| Eighth Schedule contains | 22 Official Languages |
| Ninth Schedule added by | 1st Constitutional Amendment 1951 |
| Tenth Schedule added by | 52nd Constitutional Amendment 1985 (Anti-Defection Law) |
| Eleventh Schedule added by | 73rd Amendment 1992 (Panchayats – 29 subjects) |
| Twelfth Schedule added by | 74th Amendment 1992 (Municipalities – 18 subjects) |
13. Key Takeaways for SSC Exams
- GoI Act 1935 is the LARGEST single source of the Indian Constitution
- DPSP borrowed from Ireland | Fundamental Rights from USA | Parliamentary system from UK
- Fundamental Duties from USSR | Concurrent List from Australia | Residuary powers from Canada
- Original Constitution: 395 Articles, 8 Schedules, 22 Parts
- Current Constitution: 470+ Articles, 12 Schedules, 25 Parts
- 7th Schedule: Three Lists – Union (100), State (61), Concurrent (52)
- 8th Schedule: 22 Official Languages (originally 14 in 1950)
- 9th Schedule: Laws protected from Judicial Review (1st Amendment 1951)
- 10th Schedule: Anti-Defection Law (52nd Amendment 1985)
- 11th Schedule: Panchayats – 29 subjects (73rd Amendment 1992)
- 12th Schedule: Municipalities – 18 subjects (74th Amendment 1992)
- Article 368: Amendment of Constitution | Three methods: simple, special, special + state ratification
- Kesavananda Bharati Case 1973: Parliament cannot destroy the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution
- ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ added to Preamble by 42nd Amendment 1976.