Question

‘All constitutions contain rigid and flexible, written and unwritten elements.’ Justify the comment with suitable examples from India.

Answer 1

No constitution is entirely rigid or flexible, or purely written or unwritten. 

• Written: India has a comprehensive written constitution, the longest in the world.
• Rigid: Some amendments require a special majority and state ratification (e.g., federal structure changes).
• Flexible: Others can be done by a simple parliamentary majority (e.g., change in the number of judges).
• Unwritten Elements: India follows many conventions, such as the appointment of the Prime Minister, the Speaker’s neutrality, and the Cabinet system, which are not detailed in the Constitution.