“Constitution is not a mere lawyers document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of age”
– By Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

The word ‘constitution’ is derived from the Latin word ‘constituere’ means to establish or to set up. In the present sense, it refers to a set of principles, which specify the organization and the working of the government of the people. It is also called as the basic law of the country.

The importance of constitution in the context of a democratic country like India are-

1. It declares and defines the boundaries of the political community to prevent the misuse of powers.
2. It declares and defines the nature and authority of the political community. (Secular, Sovereign, Socialist, Republic, Democratic)
3. It expresses the identity and values of a national community.
4. It declares and defines the rights and duties of a citizen as there is a lot of diversity in India. (Part III and Part IV-A of the constitution)
5. It establishes and regulates the Political institutions of the community. (Through provisions in Parts V, VI, IX, IXA, XI, and XIV.)
6. It commits states to particular social, economic or development goals. For e.g. Fundamental rights, such as article 15,16,17 etc., DPSPs.
7. It divides and shares powers between different layers of constitution. The constitution of India contains both federal provisions and unitary provisions. Hence, it is described as ‘quasi- federal’ by K.C. Wheare.

In this way, Constitution plays an important role in a democratic country like India as it is the cornerstone of democracy ensuring equality, liberty, fraternity to all its citizens.