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The American Constitution was the first to begin with a Preamble. Many countries, including India, followed this practice. The term 'Preamble’ refers to the introduction or
preface to the Constitution. It contains the summary or essence of the Constitution. N.A. Palkhivala, an eminent jurist and constitutional expert, called the Preamble as the 'identity card of the Constitution.’
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is based on the 'Objectives Resolution’, drafted and moved by Pandit Nehru, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly1. It has been amended by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976), which added three new words-Socialist, Secular and Integrity.