Significance of ‘We the People’ in the Constitution – The path towards a pluralist civil society

Source: The post significance of ‘We the People‘ in the Constitution has been created, based on the article “The path towards a pluralist civil society” published in “The Hindu” on 5th February 2024. 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Indian Constitution– historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. 

News: Significance of ‘We the People’ in the Constitution, The article discusses a debate in India about missing words ‘Socialist‘ and ‘Secular‘ in the Constitution given to Parliament members. It emphasizes the importance of ‘We the People‘ and criticizes elite dominance in public debates.  

What is The Significance of ‘We the People’ in The Constitution?

Located in the Preamble: The phrase ‘We the People’ is prominently featured in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, setting the tone for its contents and intentions. 

Representation of Popular Sovereignty: ‘We the People’ in the Indian Constitution represents the idea that power and sovereignty reside with the people, not just the government or specific groups. 

Root of Constitutional Promises: It anchors the Constitution’s goals of securing justice, liberty, and equality for all Indian citizens, as stated in the Preamble. 

Support for Non-Elite Movements: Movements like the farmers’ protests and actions against caste-based violence show how marginalized groups use the spirit of ‘We the People’ to assert their rights and participate in democracy. 

Contrast to Elite Dominance: While public discourse is often dominated by elite groups, ‘We the People’ signifies the need for inclusive participation from all social segments. 

What Role do The Elite Play in Public Discussions?

In India, the elite, often well-educated and from higher social classes, dominate public discussions, overshadowing marginalized voices. Their control in media, academia, and activism leads to a skewed representation, mostly male and upper-class. Emulating Western discourse, they sometimes dismiss grassroots movements as irrational, lacking diverse perspectives and broader societal context. 

What were The Views of Ambedkar and Gandhi on The Constitution?

Ambedkar’s Views on the Constitution: 

Integration of Principles: Ambedkar saw the Constitution as embracing liberty, equality, and fraternity as interlinked principles of life. 

Critique of Legal Reliance: He cautioned against relying solely on laws for liberty or equality, highlighting the importance of societal morality. 

Balance of Values: Ambedkar emphasized that liberty, equality, and fraternity cannot be separated and must balance each other to prevent dominance by a few. 

Gandhi’s Views on the Constitution: 

Swaraj – Self-Realization: Gandhi’s concept of ‘Swaraj’ was not just about political independence but a deeper self-realization leading to substantive freedom and equality. 

Satyagraha as a Path: He saw ‘satyagraha’, or non-violent resistance, as a means to achieve Swaraj, focusing on truth and love. 

Personal Sovereignty: Gandhi viewed sovereignty as not just a state’s power but as an everyday practice by individuals, emphasizing personal responsibility and ethical conduct. 

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Significance of ‘We the People’ in the Constitution – 

Way Forward:

The way forward involves embracing a pluralistic civil society where every community, particularly non-elite groups, actively participates. It requires fostering dialogue and understanding across various social strata, recognizing grassroots movements as vital expressions of democracy. This approach aligns with Ambedkar’s vision of constitutional morality and Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj, promoting a more equitable and representative democratic society. 

Question for practice: 

Discuss the significance of ‘We the People’ in the Indian Constitution and its role in promoting a more inclusive and equitable democratic society.