Question

Explain the salient features of the Constitution of India.

What are the salient features of the Constitution of India?

Discuss the Basic features of the Constitution of India.

Explain any three salient features of the Constitution of India.

State and briefly explain any two salient features of the Constitution of India.

Answer 1

The constitution is the set of rules framed by the Constituent Assembly by which we are governed, and we abide by it.

Salient features of the Indian Constitution:

1. It is the lengthiest of all the written constitutions in the world.
2. It is partly rigid and partly flexible.
3. Most of its provisions are borrowed from the constitutions of various countries.
4. It establishes a federal system of government.
5. It establishes a parliamentary system.
6. It provides an independent judiciary.
7. It provides single citizenship.
8. Introduces universal adult franchise, the right to vote to all citizens above the age of 18 without any discrimination.
9. It makes special provisions for minorities scheduled castes, Scheduled Tribes, etc.
10. It makes India a secular state.

Answer 2

Salient features of the Constitution of India:

1. Written and Detailed Constitution: The Constitution of India is a wholly written document, drafted by the Constituent Assembly over 2 years, 11 months, and 17 days. It contains 395 Articles, divided into 22 Parts, 12 Schedules, and has gone through numerous amendments. It is described as the largest written constitution in the world.
2. Self-made and Enacted Constitution: The Indian Constitution was made by a sovereign Constituent Assembly, elected by the people of India. It was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950. It is a self-made, independently enacted, and completely indigenous document.
3. Preamble of the Constitution: The Preamble serves as the philosophical foundation of the Constitution. It declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic and a welfare state committed to securing justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all its citizens. Though initially not considered a part of the Constitution, the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case recognized the Preamble as an integral part. The 42nd Amendment in 1976 added the words “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity” to it.
4. India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic:
   1. Sovereign: India is independent in internal and external affairs.
   2. Socialist: Commitment to social and economic justice, added in 1976.
   3. Secular: No state religion; equal respect and protection for all religions.
   4. Democratic: Power lies with the people, exercised through elections.
   5. Republic: The Head of State is elected, not hereditary.
5. India as a Union of States: According to Article 1, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” This means India is neither a federation like the USA nor a unitary state. States have no right to secede from the Union. The number of states and union territories has changed over time. India currently has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. The term “Union” signifies the indestructible nature of the Indian state.
6. Federal Structure and a Unitarian Spirit: India has a federal structure with a unitary spirit. The Constitution provides for a division of powers between the Centre and the States, a written and rigid Constitution, supremacy of the Constitution, an independent judiciary, and bicameralism, all features of federalism. However, features such as a strong center, single citizenship, common services, and emergency powers reflect unitary characteristics. Thus, India is described as a “quasi-federal” state, neither purely federal nor purely unitary.
7. Mixture of Rigidity and Flexibility: The Indian Constitution is partly rigid and partly flexible. Some parts require a special procedure for amendment (rigid), while others can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament (flexible). For example, creating a new state or changing its boundary requires only a simple majority. However, amendments affecting federal provisions or the judiciary require ratification by half of the states, along with a two-thirds majority in Parliament.