<–2/”>a >The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It is a living document, an instrument which makes the government system work. It lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of government institutions and sets out Fundamental Rights, directive principles and the duties of citizens. It is the longest Written Constitution of any sovereign country in the world,
containing 449 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, 5 appendices and 101 Amendments.
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
- The lengthiest Constitution in the world
The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest and the most detailed of all the written Constitutions of the world containing 449 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, 5 appendices and 101 Amendments. - Parliamentary form of government
The constitution of India establishes a parliamentary form of a government both at the Centre and the State. The essence of the parliamentary government is its responsibility to the Legislature. The president is the constitutional head of the State but the real executive power is vested in the council of ministers whose head is the Prime Minister. - Unique Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
It has been the nature of the amending process itself in federations which had led political scientists to classify federal Constitution as rigid. - Fundamental Rights
The incorporation of a formal declaration of Fundamental Rights in part III of the Constitution is deemed to be a distinguishing feature of a democratic State. These rights are prohibitions against the State. The State cannot make a law which takes away or abridges any of the rights of the citizens guaranteed in part III of Constitution. - Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
The Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Part IV of the Constitution, it set out the aims and objectives to be taken up by the States in the governance of the country. - A federation with strong centralising tendency
The most remarkable feature of the Indian Constitution is that being a federal Constitution it acquires a unitary character during the time of emergency. During the proclamation of emergency the normal distribution of powers between Centre and State undergoes a vital change. The union parliament is empower to legislate on any subject mentioned in the state list. The financial arrangements between the Centre and State can also be
altered by the Union Government. - Adult Suffrage
The old system of communal electorates has been abolished and the uniform adult suffrage system has been adopted. Under the Indian Constitution every man and Women above 18 years of age has been given the right to elect representatives for the legislature.8. An Independent Judiciary
An independent and impartial judiciary with power of Judicial Review has been established under the Constitution of India. It is a custodian right of citizens. Besides, in a federal Constitution it plays another significant role of determining the limits of power of the Centre and States. - A Secular State
A Secular State has no religion of its own as recognised religion of State. It treats all religions equally. Articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution give concrete shape to this concept of Secularism-2/”>Secularism. It guarantees to every person the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice and propagate religion. In a Secular state, the state only regulate the relationship between man and man. - Single Citizenship-2/”>Citizenship
The American constitution provides for dual citizenship, i.e., the citizen of America and a state citizenship. But in India there is only one citizenship, i.e., Citizen of India. No state citizenship like citizen of Assam, Citizen of Delhi. Every Indian is Citizen of India and enjoy the same rights of citizenship no matter in what state he resides.
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The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India. It was adopted on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The Constitution establishes India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. It guarantees Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity to all citizens of India.
The Constitution is a complex document, and there are many features that could be discussed. However, some of the most important features that make the Indian Constitution a unique and remarkable document are:
- Sovereignty, unity and Integrity of India: The Indian Constitution establishes India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. This means that India is a free and independent country, with its own government and laws. The Constitution also guarantees the unity and integrity of India, which means that the country cannot be divided into smaller states without the Consent of the people.
- Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity: The Constitution guarantees justice, liberty, equality and fraternity to all citizens of India. This means that all citizens are equal before the law, and have the right to a fair trial. They also have the right to freedom of speech, expression, assembly, association, movement and religion. The Constitution also promotes the ideals of social justice and fraternity, which means that the government should work to create a Society where everyone has equal opportunities.
- Fundamental rights: The Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens of India, including the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies. These rights are the basic rights of all citizens, and cannot be taken away by the government.
- Directive principles of state policy: The Constitution lays down certain directive principles of state policy, which are not enforceable by courts, but are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country. These principles include the promotion of social justice, Economic Development, and secularism. The government is expected to follow these principles in its policymaking.
- Federalism: The Constitution establishes a federal System of Government in India, with power divided between the central government and the state governments. This means that the central government has certain powers, while the state governments have other powers. The Constitution also provides for a mechanism for resolving disputes between the central government and the state governments.
- Separation of Powers: The Constitution provides for a separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. This means that each branch of government has its own powers, and no one branch can become too powerful. The Constitution also provides for a system of checks and balances, which ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.
- Impeachment: The Constitution provides for the impeachment of the President of India on charges of violation of the Constitution. This is a very serious process, and can only be initiated by the Parliament. If the President is impeached, he or she is removed from office.
- Emergency Provisions: The Constitution provides for certain emergency provisions, which can be invoked by the President of India in times of grave national emergency. These provisions allow the President to suspend certain fundamental rights, and to take other measures to deal with the emergency.
- Amendment: The Constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in each House of Parliament, subject to the ratification of the amendment by the legislatures of at least half of the states. This means that the Constitution can be changed, but only with a very large majority.
These are just some of the salient features of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution is a complex document, and there are many other features that could be discussed. However, these are some of the most important features that make the Indian Constitution a unique and remarkable document.
The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India. It was adopted on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The Constitution provides for a parliamentary system of government, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. It also guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.
The Constitution has been amended several times since it was adopted. The most recent amendment was the 104th Amendment, which was passed in 2019.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Indian Constitution:
- What are the salient features of the Indian Constitution?
The salient features of the Indian Constitution are:
- It is a written constitution.
- It is a federal constitution.
- It is a republican constitution.
- It is a secular constitution.
- It is a socialist constitution.
- It is a democratic constitution.
- It is a welfare state.
- It is a parliamentary system of government.
- It has a President as the head of state.
- It has a Prime Minister as the head of government.
- It has a bicameral legislature.
- It has a Supreme Court.
- It has a High Court in each state.
- It has a system of local self-government.
- It guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens.
- It provides for a system of checks and balances.
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It is a flexible constitution.
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What is The Preamble to the Indian Constitution?
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is the introductory statement of the Constitution. It sets out the basic principles and objectives of the Constitution. The Preamble states that India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. It also states that India is committed to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- What are the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?
The Fundamental Rights are the basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to all citizens of India by the Constitution. The Fundamental Rights are contained in Part III of the Constitution. The Fundamental Rights are:
- The right to equality
- The right to freedom
- The right against exploitation
- The right to freedom of religion
- Cultural and educational rights
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The right to constitutional remedies
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What are the Directive Principles of State Policy?
The Directive Principles of State Policy are the principles that the government of India is supposed to follow in making laws and policies. The Directive Principles are contained in Part IV of the Constitution. The Directive Principles are not enforceable in a court of law, but they are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country.
- What are the basic features of the Indian Constitution?
The basic features of the Indian Constitution are those features that are essential to the basic structure of the Constitution. The basic features of the Constitution have been upheld by The Supreme Court in a number of cases. The basic features of the Constitution include:
- The sovereignty of India
- The unity and integrity of India
- The republican and democratic character of the Constitution
- The secular character of the Constitution
- The federal character of the Constitution
- The Rule of Law
- The independence of the judiciary
- The fundamental rights of the citizens
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The Directive Principles of State Policy
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What are the amendments to the Indian Constitution?
The Indian Constitution has been amended a number of times since it was adopted in 1949. The most recent amendment was the 104th Amendment, which was passed in 2019. The Amendments to the Constitution have been made to reflect the changing needs of the country.
- What is the impact of the Indian Constitution on the society?
The Indian Constitution has had a profound impact on the society. It has helped to promote Democracy, secularism, and equality in India. The Constitution has also helped to protect the rights of the citizens and to ensure that the government is accountable to the people.
- What are the challenges faced by the Indian Constitution?
The Indian Constitution faces a number of challenges. Some of the challenges faced by the Constitution include:
- The rise of religious fundamentalism
- The threat of terrorism
- The problem of Corruption
- The issue of POVERTY
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The challenge of Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization
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What is the future of the Indian Constitution?
The future of the Indian Constitution is uncertain. The Constitution faces a number of challenges, but it is also resilient and has the potential to overcome these challenges. The future of the Constitution will depend on the ability of the people of India to uphold its values and to protect its institutions.
The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India. It was adopted on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The Constitution provides for a parliamentary system of government with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. It also guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.
The Constitution also provides for a Federal System of Government, with power divided between the central government and the state governments. The central government has exclusive powers over certain matters, such as defence, foreign affairs, and currency. The state governments have exclusive powers over other matters, such as law and order, Education, and Health.
The Constitution also provides for an independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex. The Supreme Court has the power to strike down laws that it deems to be unconstitutional.
The Indian Constitution is a living document that has been amended several times since its adoption. The most recent amendment was the 104th Amendment, which was passed in 2019.
Here are some MCQs on the Indian Constitution:
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The Indian Constitution was adopted on:
(a) 26 November 1949
(b) 26 January 1950
(c) 15 August 1947
(d) 12 March 1948 -
The Indian Constitution provides for a:
(a) Presidential system of government
(b) Parliamentary system of government
(c) Unitary system of government
(d) Federal system of government -
The President of India is elected by:
(a) The members of the Lok Sabha
(b) The members of the Rajya Sabha
(c) The members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha
(d) The members of the Electoral College -
The Prime Minister of India is appointed by:
(a) The President of India
(b) The Vice President of India
(c) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
(d) The Chief Justice of India -
The Indian Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to:
(a) Equality
(b) Freedom
(c) Against exploitation
(d) All of the above -
The Indian Constitution provides for a federal system of government, with power divided between the central government and the state governments. The central government has exclusive powers over certain matters, such as:
(a) Defence
(b) Foreign affairs
(c) Currency
(d) All of the above -
The state governments have exclusive powers over other matters, such as:
(a) Law and order
(b) Education
(c) Health
(d) All of the above -
The Indian Constitution also provides for an independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex. The Supreme Court has the power to:
(a) Strike down laws that it deems to be unconstitutional
(b) Give advisory opinions to the President
(c) Punish Contempt of Court
(d) All of the above -
The Indian Constitution has been amended several times since its adoption. The most recent amendment was the 104th Amendment, which was passed in 2019. The 104th Amendment:
(a) Increased the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 545
(b) Increased the number of seats in the Rajya Sabha from 245 to 250
(c) Increased the number of seats in the Legislative Assemblies of the states
(d) All of the above -
The Indian Constitution is a living document that has been amended several times since its adoption. The amendments to the Constitution reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the people of India.