The Preamble to the Indian Constitution begins with 'We, the people of India'. This phrase signifies that:
- The Constitution was granted by the British Parliament
- Sovereignty resides in the people of India, not in any external authority
- The Constitution can be amended only by popular referendum
- The people have unlimited power to alter the Constitution
Answer: Sovereignty resides in the people of India, not in any external authority
Preamble's source of authority: (a) 'We, the people of India': Declares that Constitution derives its authority from the people, not from any external source like British Parliament or monarch, (b) Popular sovereignty: People are ultimate source of political power; Constitution is their collective will expressed through Constituent Assembly, (c) Contrast with other constitutions: (i) USA Preamble: 'We the People' similarly declares popular sovereignty, (ii) UK: No written constitution; sovereignty traditionally in Parliament, (d) Applications: (i) Constitutional amendments: Must reflect people's will through representative institutions, not arbitrary changes, (ii) Judicial interpretation: Courts refer to Preamble to understand Constitution's spirit, people's intent, (e) Illustrates democratic foundation: Preamble establishes that Indian democracy rests on popular sovereignty; people's will expressed through constitutional framework, not imposed from above.