The Constitution can be changed through amendments under Article 368. An amendment helps the Constitution keep pace with changing needs. Knowing the important amendments and their effects is very useful for the polity section of competitive exams.
How Amendments Are Made
Article 368 provides three ways to amend the Constitution: by a simple majority, by a special majority, and by a special majority plus ratification by half the states. The Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) laid down the basic structure doctrine, which Parliament cannot change.
Major Amendments to Remember
- 1st Amendment (1951) – added the Ninth Schedule.
- 42nd Amendment (1976) – called the Mini Constitution; added words like Socialist, Secular and Integrity.
- 44th Amendment (1978) – removed Right to Property as a Fundamental Right.
- 52nd Amendment (1985) – added the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule).
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More Key Amendments
- 61st Amendment (1989) – reduced voting age from 21 to 18 years.
- 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) – Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.
- 86th Amendment (2002) – made education a Fundamental Right (Article 21A).
- 101st Amendment (2016) – introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- 103rd Amendment (2019) – 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Basic Structure Doctrine
Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution but cannot destroy its basic structure. Features like the supremacy of the Constitution, secularism and judicial review are part of the basic structure.
Quick Revision Points
- Amendments are made under Article 368.
- 42nd Amendment is called the Mini Constitution.
- 44th Amendment removed Right to Property.
- 61st Amendment reduced voting age to 18.
- 101st Amendment introduced GST.
- 103rd Amendment gave EWS reservation.
- Basic structure doctrine came from the Kesavananda Bharati case.