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Amendments and Basic Structure – UPSC GS2

This module of the GS Paper 2: Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR course covers article 368, the basic structure doctrine and landmark amendments; comparison with other constitutions. It has 2 study lessons and a 16-question practice quiz. Free lessons can be read in full; premium lessons show a preview.

Lessons in this module

1. Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368) and Landmark Amendments

Free 8 min

A constitution must be stable enough to command respect and flexible enough to adapt to change. The framers chose a middle path: the Indian Constitution is neither as rigid as the American (which needs ratification…

2. Basic Structure Doctrine and Comparison with Other Constitutions

Premium 8 min

Soon after 1950, land reform laws collided with the Fundamental Right to property. Parliament responded with amendments, and the courts had to decide whether an amendment could take away Fundamental Rights. Article 13(2) says the…

 Module quiz: Amendments and Basic Structure (16 questions)

Maps & infographics in this module

Three cards describing amendments by simple majority, special majority and special majority with state ratification
Federal provisions need the consent of the states as well as Parliament.
Five-step flowchart of the Article 368 procedure from introduction to presidential assent
The basic structure doctrine is the only substantive limit on the amending power.
Timeline from Shankari Prasad 1951 to NJAC judgment 2015 showing the evolution of the basic structure doctrine
The doctrine developed through a dialogue between Parliament and the Supreme Court.
Table listing the countries and acts from which India borrowed constitutional features
The Government of India Act 1935 is the single largest source.

Frequently asked questions

Lessons: Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368) and Landmark Amendments; Basic Structure Doctrine and Comparison with Other Constitutions.

Answer: in either House of Parliament. Either House; no prior permission needed.

Answer: the bill fails. There is no joint sitting provision.

Answer: Election of the President. It is a federal provision.

Answer: 24th Amendment. 24th Amendment, 1971.

Related modules

Polity and the Constitution4 lessons
Constitution Making and Basic Features5 lessons
Fundamental Rights5 lessons
DPSP and Fundamental Duties2 lessons
Union Executive4 lessons
Parliament3 lessons
Judiciary4 lessons
Federalism and Centre–State Relations5 lessons
State Government2 lessons
Local Government3 lessons
Constitutional Bodies and Elections4 lessons
Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies3 lessons
Governance2 lessons
Governance in Practice4 lessons
Social Justice2 lessons
Welfare of Vulnerable Sections3 lessons
Health, Education and Hunger3 lessons
International Relations2 lessons
India and its Neighbourhood5 lessons
India and the Major Powers4 lessons
India and the Wider World5 lessons

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