Constitution as a Living Document | Class 11 Political Science Notes

HOW TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION?

This section details the procedure for amending the Indian Constitution as laid down in Article 368. The Constitution is designed to be both flexible and rigid: flexible enough to allow necessary changes but rigid enough to prevent frequent or unnecessary amendments. Some parts of the Constitution can be amended by a simple law of Parliament without special procedures, such as admitting new states or altering state boundaries (Articles 2 and 3). However, most amendments require a special procedure under Article 368, which involves either a special majority in both Houses of Parliament or a special majority plus ratification by at least half of the State legislatures. The President's assent is mandatory but the President cannot return the amendment bill for reconsideration. This process ensures that only elected representatives have the authority to amend the Constitution, emphasizing parliamentary sovereignty while protecting federal principles and the Constitution's core features.

📊 Diagram: See figure_4: I don't understand how a constitution can be flexible or rigid. Isn't it the politics of that period which makes the constitution rigid or flexible?; See figure_5: Reprint 2026-27; See figure_6: What happens if some States want an amendment to the Constitution? Can't they propose an amendment? I think this is another example of favouring the centre against the States!

🔗 Connection: Introduces the concept of special majority required for constitutional amendments.