Indian Political System & Democracy

Indian Political System & Democracy – Learners Guide (Semester 1)
Published by Presidency Publications LLP for Sreenarayanaguru Open University (SGOU), this guide is a comprehensive academic resource designed to give students a clear, structured, and insightful understanding of India’s political foundations, institutions, processes, and global engagements.

Developed in alignment with SGOU’s Minor Discipline Course structure, this guide simplifies complex constitutional and political concepts through well-organized blocks and student-friendly explanations. The content helps learners build conceptual clarity and prepare effectively for examinations.

📚 What’s Inside?

The guide covers 6 major learning blocks, each broken down into focused units:

🔹 Block 1: Philosophy of the Constitution

• Legacy of the national movement

• Salient features of the Constitution

• Preamble and philosophical foundations

• Indian multiculturalism & Unity in Diversity

🔹 Block 2: Rights of Individuals and Directive Principles

• Fundamental Rights & their role in democracy

• Fundamental Duties

• Directive Principles of State Policy

• Human Rights & NHRC

🔹 Block 3: Political Institutions and the Indian Political System

• Parliament of India: structure & functions

• Executive: President & Prime Minister

• Judiciary: Supreme Court & High Courts

• Judicial Review & Judicial Activism

🔹 Block 4: Political Process in India

• Party system & recent trends

• Interest groups & pressure groups

• New social movements

• Coalition politics & regional aspirations

🔹 Block 5: Indian Federal System

• Features & meaning of federalism

• Division of powers, cooperative federalism

• Centre–State administrative, legislative & financial relations

• Challenges to Indian federalism

🔹 Block 6: India and Global Issues

• Determinants of India’s foreign policy

• Changing foreign policy trends

• India’s role in maintaining international peace

• India’s commitment to global environmental issues

🎯 Ideal For

• Undergraduate learners of SGOU (Semester 1)

• Students preparing for exams in political science, public administration & civics

• Competitive exam aspirants needing clarity on India’s constitutional and political structure

• Anyone seeking a structured introduction to India’s democracy, governance & foreign policy

⭐ Key Features

• Simple explanations tailored for self-learning

• Chapter-wise breakdown aligned to SGOU syllabus

• Covers constitution, institutions, political process & global relevance

• Supports exam preparation through clear conceptual flow