What is the Preamble to the Constitution of India ? The preamble to the Constitution of India is a brief introductory statement that sets out guidelines, which guide the people of the nation, and to present the principles of the Constitution, and to indicate the source from which the document derives its authority, and meaning The hopes and aspirations of the people are described in it. The preamble can be referred to as the preface which highlights the entire Constitution. It was adopted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly and came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated as the Republic day in India. SOVEREIGN Sovereignty means the independent authority of a State. The sovereignty of India means that it is not subject to the control of any other State or external power;secondly, that it can acquire foreign territory and also cede any part of the Indian territory, subject to limitations( if any ) imposed by the Constitution. SOCIALIST Socialism is a economic and social system characterised by social ownership of the means of production and workers' self-management as well as the political theories and movements associated with them. SECULAR The state of being separate from religion, or of not being exclusively allied with or against any particular religion. REPUBLIC A constitutional democratic republic is a type of government based on the principles of a constitution in which officials elected by the people represent the people in the legislative and governing processes. A constitutional republic is not a direct democracy in that a mere plurality of the voters does not get to control the processes of the government directly. DEMOCRATIC A democratic country is a country where the head of the state (the President in our case) is elected to a term of office and not appointed to life based on birthright. A democracy is a political system where power rests with the people. People vote for leaders, who in turn are responsible for framing of policies.