UPSC Prelims 2017 · Question 73 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2017 question on Preamble Makers Mind
The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following?
Show answer
Answer: A. The Preamble
Verdict
The answer is the Preamble. It reflects the mind of the makers of the Constitution.
Analysis
In the Berubari Union case of 1960 the Supreme Court observed that the Preamble shows the general purposes behind the several provisions of the Constitution and is thus a key to the minds of the makers. The Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties each give effect to particular purposes, but the Preamble states the purposes themselves, declaring the source of authority, the nature of the state and the objectives of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Source
M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, chapter on the Preamble.
How to crack it
Learn the Preamble through its case law, because that is how UPSC frames it. Berubari 1960 held the Preamble was not part of the Constitution and described it as a key to the makers' minds; Kesavananda Bharati 1973 held it is part of the Constitution and can be amended without damaging the basic structure. Two cases and two propositions cover almost every Preamble question, and both are worth attaching to their years.