Eduqo
Indian Polity & Constitution›Ch 1: Making of the Constitution›Union and its Territory
Understanding Articles 1 to 4 and State Reorganisation
India is a Union of States. Under Article 3, the Parliament can reorganize states with a simple majority on the President's recommendation. This process does not require a formal Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.
Memory Shortcuts
| Article | Focus | Key Power |
|---|---|---|
| Article 1 | Identity | Union of States |
| Article 3 | Reorganisation | Parliament Power |
| Article 4 | Procedure | Simple Majority |
PRESIDENT
(Prior Recommendation)
Prior Recommendation
Bill needs President's nod first.
PARLIAMENT
(Ultimate Power)
Ultimate Power
Can change state names alone.
MAJORITY
(Simple Majority)
Simple Majority
More than 50% present and voting.
1956 ACT
(States Created)
States Created
14 States and 6 UTs formed.
Special majority under Article 368Simple majority in Parliament
Art 4 explicitly says it's not a constitutional amendment under 368.
State consent is mandatoryState's view is not binding
Parliament can ignore the state assembly's opinion.
Article 2 used for existing statesArticle 3 for existing states
Article 2 is for admission of NEW territories not part of India.
Q1.Which Article of the Constitution describes India as 'Union of States'?
Q2.The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 created how many states and UTs?