Why constitutional literacy is an important part of education
Why constitutional literacy is an important part of education left Indian constitution or Bharatiya Savidhana preamble with we the people of India writings paper placed on Indian flag – Concept of Freedom, Nationality and patriotism Getty Images/iStockphoto Getty Images/iStockphoto https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8x9qv0/article71606174.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Wide%20Angle.jpg lakshmiprasad S Indian constitution or Bharatiya Savidhana preamble with we the people of India writings paper placed on Indian flag – Concept of Freedom, Nationality and patriotism Constitutional literacy empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in democratic processes and safeguard the values on which the nation is founded Imagine that 100 college students, randomly selected from different parts of India, are asked to list the Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution.
How many would be able to identify them correctly and explain their significance? It would not be surprising if fewer than 10% could answer both questions correctly. Now, imagine asking the same questions to teachers and professors from different academic disciplines. Would their performance be significantly better? Even among educators, the proportion of those who could provide accurate answers and explain the significance of these constitutional provisions might not exceed 25%.
What does this lack of constitutional literacy reveal? Does it reflect a failure to recognise the Constitution’s relevance or does it expose a gap in our education system? More importantly, are we doing enough to ensure that students and educators understand the Constitution and appreciate its role in shaping a democratic society? Beyond commemoration In 2015, when the Government of India first observed 26 November as Constitution Day, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution on 26 November 1949, I wrote about the need to include constitutional education in school curricula.
I also engaged with students on the significance of the Preamble and encouraged schools to organise quizzes and debates on the Constitution. However, commemorative occasions can gradually become rituals, divorced from their original purpose. Constitution Day, too, risks following this pattern unless its observance is accompanied by sustained efforts to promote constitutional awareness.
The importance of constitutional education lies in its ability to help citizens understand not only their rights and duties but also the values that underpin the nation’s democratic framework. The Constitution safeguards individual rights, protects people against discrimination, upholds human dignity, and provides the foundation for a just and inclusive society.
Understanding the principles of liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice enables students to appreciate the significance of these ideals. Learning about the nation’s history and the making of the Constitution can also foster an informed sense of patriotism and strengthen faith in democratic institutions. Several countries recognise the importance of civic and constitutional education and incorporate it into their school curricula.
Students learn about constitutional principles, democratic values, and the safeguards that protect citizens’ rights. The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) assesses students’ civic knowledge, attitudes and engagement across participating countries. Its findings have highlighted the strong civic knowledge demonstrated by students in countries such as Finland, Denmark, and Estonia.
Germany also places considerable emphasis on political and civic education. These examples demonstrate the value of treating civic and constitutional education as a systematic part of learning rather than an occasional classroom topic or ceremonial exercise. Sustained programme India, too, needs to move beyond the symbolic observance of Constitution Day towards a sustained programme of constitutional education.
The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), with its emphasis on critical thinking, provides an opportunity to make constitutional learning more meaningful. Instead of asking students merely to memorise Articles and provisions, educators should encourage them to examine constitutional principles, discuss contemporary issues, analyse real-life situations, and consider different perspectives.
Classroom debates and discussions help students connect constitutional ideals with their everyday experiences and develop not only constitutional knowledge but also the ability to reason critically and form informed opinions. One of the primary goals of education is to create a society of informed and responsible citizens. People who understand their constitutional rights are better equipped to resist discrimination and demand accountability from those in power.
Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of elected representatives and public institutions enables citizens to scrutinise government policies, question the exercise of authority, and insist that governance remains consistent with constitutional principles. Constitutional literacy empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in democratic processes and safeguard the values on which the nation is founded.
To achieve these objectives, constitutional learning must be integrated into the curriculum at different stages of education, with teachers adequately equipped to make it engaging and relevant. Education must go beyond academic knowledge and professional skills to cultivate respect for human dignity and a commitment to justice. A democracy flourishes when its citizens understand, respect and uphold its constitutional foundations.
Constitutional education is therefore not an optional addition to academic learning; it is an essential investment in the future of Indian democracy. The writer is Professor of English, ELT resource person, and education columnist. Email: rayanal@yahoo.co.uk
