Social Change and the Polity

About this unit

This unit examines how political institutions have been used to bring about social change in independent India. The Constitution sets out the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity and provides tools to pursue them. Political parties and pressure groups translate social interests into political demands, and Panchayati Raj takes democracy to the grassroots, giving women, Dalits and Adivasis a place in local government.

Key ideas

• The Constitution as an instrument of social change and social justice
• Fundamental Rights (justiciable) and Directive Principles of State Policy (non-justiciable)
• Political parties as organisations seeking power through elections
• Pressure groups and interest groups influencing policy without contesting elections
• Panchayati Raj and the 73rd Constitutional Amendment
• Reservations in local bodies for women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

How to prepare

Learn key provisions of the 73rd Amendment and the difference between parties and pressure groups. Know examples of how courts and laws have widened the meaning of rights. Expect case-based questions about local democracy and group interests.