\documentclass[10pt,a4paper]{article} % Packages \usepackage{fancyhdr} % For header and footer \usepackage{multicol} % Allows multicols in tables \usepackage{tabularx} % Intelligent column widths \usepackage{tabulary} % Used in header and footer \usepackage{hhline} % Border under tables \usepackage{graphicx} % For images \usepackage{xcolor} % For hex colours %\usepackage[utf8x]{inputenc} % For unicode character support \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} % Without this we get weird character replacements \usepackage{colortbl} % For coloured tables \usepackage{setspace} % For line height \usepackage{lastpage} % Needed for total page number \usepackage{seqsplit} % Splits long words. %\usepackage{opensans} % Can't make this work so far. Shame. Would be lovely. \usepackage[normalem]{ulem} % For underlining links % Most of the following are not required for the majority % of cheat sheets but are needed for some symbol support. \usepackage{amsmath} % Symbols \usepackage{MnSymbol} % Symbols \usepackage{wasysym} % Symbols %\usepackage[english,german,french,spanish,italian]{babel} % Languages % Document Info \author{Shanayak} \pdfinfo{ /Title (ideas-and-the-ideals-of-the-indian-constitution.pdf) /Creator (Cheatography) /Author (Shanayak) /Subject (Ideas and the Ideals of the Indian Constitution Cheat Sheet) } % Lengths and widths \addtolength{\textwidth}{6cm} \addtolength{\textheight}{-1cm} \addtolength{\hoffset}{-3cm} \addtolength{\voffset}{-2cm} \setlength{\tabcolsep}{0.2cm} % Space between columns \setlength{\headsep}{-12pt} % Reduce space between header and content \setlength{\headheight}{85pt} % If less, LaTeX automatically increases it \renewcommand{\footrulewidth}{0pt} % Remove footer line \renewcommand{\headrulewidth}{0pt} % Remove header line \renewcommand{\seqinsert}{\ifmmode\allowbreak\else\-\fi} % Hyphens in seqsplit % This two commands together give roughly % the right line height in the tables \renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1.3} \onehalfspacing % Commands \newcommand{\SetRowColor}[1]{\noalign{\gdef\RowColorName{#1}}\rowcolor{\RowColorName}} % Shortcut for row colour \newcommand{\mymulticolumn}[3]{\multicolumn{#1}{>{\columncolor{\RowColorName}}#2}{#3}} % For coloured multi-cols \newcolumntype{x}[1]{>{\raggedright}p{#1}} % New column types for ragged-right paragraph columns \newcommand{\tn}{\tabularnewline} % Required as custom column type in use % Font and Colours \definecolor{HeadBackground}{HTML}{333333} \definecolor{FootBackground}{HTML}{666666} \definecolor{TextColor}{HTML}{333333} \definecolor{DarkBackground}{HTML}{4D78A3} \definecolor{LightBackground}{HTML}{F3F6F9} \renewcommand{\familydefault}{\sfdefault} \color{TextColor} % Header and Footer \pagestyle{fancy} \fancyhead{} % Set header to blank \fancyfoot{} % Set footer to blank \fancyhead[L]{ \noindent \begin{multicols}{3} \begin{tabulary}{5.8cm}{C} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \vspace{-7pt} {\parbox{\dimexpr\textwidth-2\fboxsep\relax}{\noindent \hspace*{-6pt}\includegraphics[width=5.8cm]{/web/www.cheatography.com/public/images/cheatography_logo.pdf}} } \end{tabulary} \columnbreak \begin{tabulary}{11cm}{L} \vspace{-2pt}\large{\bf{\textcolor{DarkBackground}{\textrm{Ideas and the Ideals of the Indian Constitution Cheat Sheet}}}} \\ \normalsize{by \textcolor{DarkBackground}{Shanayak} via \textcolor{DarkBackground}{\uline{cheatography.com/217647/cs/48244/}}} \end{tabulary} \end{multicols}} \fancyfoot[L]{ \footnotesize \noindent \begin{multicols}{3} \begin{tabulary}{5.8cm}{LL} \SetRowColor{FootBackground} \mymulticolumn{2}{p{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Cheatographer}} \\ \vspace{-2pt}Shanayak \\ \uline{cheatography.com/shanayak} \\ \end{tabulary} \vfill \columnbreak \begin{tabulary}{5.8cm}{L} \SetRowColor{FootBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{p{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Cheat Sheet}} \\ \vspace{-2pt}Not Yet Published.\\ Updated 28th June, 2026.\\ Page {\thepage} of \pageref{LastPage}. \end{tabulary} \vfill \columnbreak \begin{tabulary}{5.8cm}{L} \SetRowColor{FootBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{p{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Sponsor}} \\ \SetRowColor{white} \vspace{-5pt} %\includegraphics[width=48px,height=48px]{dave.jpeg} Measure your website readability!\\ www.readability-score.com \end{tabulary} \end{multicols}} \begin{document} \raggedright \raggedcolumns % Set font size to small. Switch to any value % from this page to resize cheat sheet text: % www.emerson.emory.edu/services/latex/latex_169.html \footnotesize % Small font. \begin{multicols*}{3} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Background}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Background {\emph{ India under British Rule for \textasciitilde{}200 years. }} Laws mainly favoured British rulers. {\emph{ 1946: Constituent Assembly formed before Independence. }} Purpose: Draft the Constitution of Independent India. {\emph{ Took \textasciitilde{}3 years to complete. }} Constitution considered: {\emph{ Ethnic, religious, linguistic \& cultural diversity }} Caste \& gender discrimination {\emph{ Justice \& Equality }} Dr. B. R. Ambedkar → Chairman of the Drafting Committee.} \tn % Row Count 9 (+ 9) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Fundamental rights}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Definition {\emph{ Basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. }} Have legal sanction. {\emph{ Enforceable in court of law. }} Include Political, Social, Cultural \& Economic rights.} \tn % Row Count 4 (+ 4) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Right to freedom}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Includes: {\emph{ Freedom of speech \& expression }} Peaceful assembly (without arms) {\emph{ Form associations }} Move freely throughout India {\emph{ Reside \& settle anywhere in India }} Choose any profession, occupation, trade or business} \tn % Row Count 5 (+ 5) % Row 1 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Restrictions {\emph{ Can be limited for: }} National interest * Security of the State} \tn % Row Count 7 (+ 2) % Row 2 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Responsibility {\emph{ Do not: }} Defame {\emph{ Spread hatred }} Cause harm * Exercise freedom with prudence.} \tn % Row Count 10 (+ 3) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Federal structure of the government}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Meaning {\emph{ Two levels of government: }} Central (Union) Government {\emph{ State Governments Purpose }} Division of powers between Centre \& States. * Each has separate subjects.} \tn % Row Count 4 (+ 4) % Row 1 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Lists in the Constitution Union List {\emph{ Subjects of National Importance. }} Examples: {\emph{ Defence }} Foreign Affairs {\emph{ Ports }} Railways} \tn % Row Count 7 (+ 3) % Row 2 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{State List {\emph{ Managed by State Governments. }} Examples: {\emph{ Police }} Law \& Order {\emph{ Health }} Sanitation * Agriculture} \tn % Row Count 10 (+ 3) % Row 3 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Concurrent List {\emph{ Both Centre \& States can make laws. }} Examples: {\emph{ Education }} Forests {\emph{ Wildlife Protection }} Weights \& Measures} \tn % Row Count 13 (+ 3) % Row 4 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Local Self-Government {\emph{ Looks after Cities, Towns \& Villages. }} Includes: {\emph{ Municipal Corporations }} Municipalities * Gram Panchayats} \tn % Row Count 16 (+ 3) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Right against exploitation}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Protects people from exploitation due to: {\emph{ Poverty }} Caste discrimination {\emph{ Religious discrimination }} Prevents: {\emph{ Forced labour }} Child labour {\emph{ Unhealthy working conditions }} Laws protect people from humiliation \& exploitation.} \tn % Row Count 6 (+ 6) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Significance of fundamental rights}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{{\emph{ Foundation of Democracy. }} Protect moral \& material interests. {\emph{ Safeguard minorities \& weaker sections. }} Strengthen Secularism. {\emph{ Promote Social Justice \& Social Equality. }} Prevent absolute power of the government.} \tn % Row Count 5 (+ 5) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Preamble}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{{\emph{ Introduction to the Constitution. }} States the goals \& aspirations of India.} \tn % Row Count 2 (+ 2) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{State}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{{\emph{ Means either: }} Country/Nation * Political unit within a country.} \tn % Row Count 2 (+ 2) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{The Directive principles Of state policy}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Purpose {\emph{ Guidelines for government. }} Aim: {\emph{ Welfare }} Justice {\emph{ Development }} Created because India lacked sufficient resources after Independence.} \tn % Row Count 4 (+ 4) % Row 1 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Examples {\emph{ Adequate livelihood }} Free legal aid {\emph{ Public assistance during: }} Unemployment {\emph{ Old age }} Sickness * Disability} \tn % Row Count 7 (+ 3) % Row 2 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Important Point {\emph{ Guide government policies \& laws. }} Cannot be enforced in a court of law. * Government cannot be sued for not implementing them.} \tn % Row Count 10 (+ 3) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Parliamentary form of the government}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Features {\emph{ Nominal Head of State. }} In India → President. {\emph{ Real Executive Power → Prime Minister \& Council of Ministers. }} Decisions taken in the President's name, but PM \& Council govern. * India is a Parliamentary Democracy.} \tn % Row Count 5 (+ 5) % Row 1 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Three Branches of Government Legislature {\emph{ Makes laws. Executive }} Implements laws. Judiciary {\emph{ Interprets laws. }} Checks Constitutional validity.} \tn % Row Count 9 (+ 4) % Row 2 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Separation of Powers Meaning {\emph{ Legislature, Executive \& Judiciary work independently. }} Prevents concentration of power.} \tn % Row Count 12 (+ 3) % Row 3 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Checks \& Balances {\emph{ Each branch checks the others. }} Executive → Answerable to Legislature. * Judiciary → Can strike down unconstitutional laws.} \tn % Row Count 15 (+ 3) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Right to equality}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Equal treatment before law. {\emph{ Equal rights \& equal opportunities. }} Freedom to choose education \& profession. {\emph{ No discrimination based on: }} Religion {\emph{ Race }} Sex {\emph{ Caste }} Place of birth * State may give special opportunities to women \& disadvantaged groups to reduce social \& economic inequalities.} \tn % Row Count 7 (+ 7) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Right to education}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{RTE Act (2010). {\emph{ Children aged 6–14 years have the right to: }} Free {\emph{ Compulsory }} Elementary education * Education provided in a neighbourhood school.} \tn % Row Count 4 (+ 4) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Can laws alone protect rights?}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Problems {\emph{ Exploitation still continues despite laws. }} Rights often violated due to: {\emph{ Lack of awareness }} Fear of retaliation} \tn % Row Count 3 (+ 3) % Row 1 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Solutions {\emph{ Educate people about their rights. }} Spread Constitutional awareness. {\emph{ Support Awareness campaigns. }} NGOs \& Social movements help people fight for their rights.} \tn % Row Count 7 (+ 4) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Why India has parliamentary democracy}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Parliamentary System {\emph{ Executive answerable to Legislature. }} Prevents excessive concentration of power.} \tn % Row Count 3 (+ 3) % Row 1 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Presidential System {\emph{ President directly elected. }} President is Head of State \& Head of Executive. {\emph{ Executive not answerable to Legislature. }} Gives greater power to one individual.} \tn % Row Count 7 (+ 4) % Row 2 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Reason for Choosing Parliamentary System {\emph{ Constitution makers believed a Presidential System could give too much power to one person. }} Therefore, India adopted a Parliamentary Form of Government.} \tn % Row Count 11 (+ 4) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Fundamental duties}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Definition {\emph{ Added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976). }} Duties of every Indian citizen. * Not enforceable by law, but should be followed responsibly.} \tn % Row Count 4 (+ 4) % Row 1 \SetRowColor{white} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{Duties {\emph{ Respect the Constitution, National Flag \& National Anthem. }} Defend the country \& render national service when required. {\emph{ Protect Sovereignty, Unity \& Integrity of India. }} Protect the Environment: {\emph{ Forests }} Lakes {\emph{ Rivers }} Wildlife * Safeguard public property.} \tn % Row Count 10 (+ 6) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Right to constitutional remedies}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{{\emph{ Protects Fundamental Rights. }} Citizens can approach the Supreme Court if rights are violated. {\emph{ Supreme Court can issue Writs to: }} Government {\emph{ Any individual }} Ensures restoration of rights. * During War or Emergency, Fundamental Rights may be temporarily suspended.} \tn % Row Count 6 (+ 6) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Right to cultural and educational rights}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{India is a pluralistic country. {\emph{ Protects religious, linguistic \& cultural diversity. }} Citizens have the right to: {\emph{ Preserve }} Practise * Promote their religion, language \& culture.} \tn % Row Count 4 (+ 4) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Right to freedom of religion}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{{\emph{ India is a Secular State. }} Freedom to: {\emph{ Profess }} Practise {\emph{ Follow any religion. }} No discrimination based on religion. {\emph{ Religious groups may establish: }} Religious institutions {\emph{ Charitable institutions }} Protects religious minorities} \tn % Row Count 6 (+ 6) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} \begin{tabularx}{5.377cm}{X} \SetRowColor{DarkBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{\bf\textcolor{white}{Important terms}} \tn % Row 0 \SetRowColor{LightBackground} \mymulticolumn{1}{x{5.377cm}}{{\emph{ Sovereign → Independent nation; no external control. }} Socialist → Equal access to national resources. {\emph{ Secular → No religious discrimination; equal treatment of all religions. }} Democratic → Government through elected representatives. {\emph{ Republic → Elected President, not hereditary ruler. }} Justice → Reduce social \& economic inequalities. {\emph{ Liberty → Freedom of speech, faith \& occupation. }} Equality → Equal before law; prohibits discrimination. * Fraternity → Promotes brotherhood, unity \& integrity} \tn % Row Count 11 (+ 11) \hhline{>{\arrayrulecolor{DarkBackground}}-} \end{tabularx} \par\addvspace{1.3em} % That's all folks \end{multicols*} \end{document}