Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
The Constitution of India is a remarkable document, embodying the aspirations and values of a newly independent nation. Understanding its salient features is crucial for grasping the framework of Indian governance, polity, and social justice. This module delves into the foundational characteristics that make the Indian Constitution unique and robust.
Lengthiest and Most Detailed Constitution
Drawn from Various Sources
The framers of the Indian Constitution adopted a pragmatic approach, borrowing liberally from the constitutions of several other countries. This 'borrowed' nature is not a weakness but a testament to the wisdom of incorporating best practices from around the world.
| Source Country | Key Feature Adopted |
|---|---|
| Britain | Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, Cabinet system, Bicameralism |
| USA | Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary, Judicial Review, Preamble |
| Canada | Federal system with a strong Centre, Residuary powers with the Centre |
| Ireland | Directive Principles of State Policy, Election of President |
| Australia | Concurrent list, Freedom of trade and commerce |
| Germany | Emergency Provisions |
Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
Federal System with Unitary Bias
India operates as a federal state, characterized by a division of powers between the Union and state governments. However, it leans towards a unitary system due to a strong central government.
The Indian federal structure is often described as 'quasi-federal' or 'federal with a unitary bias'. Key features of federalism include a written constitution, division of powers, and a supreme judiciary. However, the Union government possesses more power, evident in features like a single constitution, single citizenship, appointment of state governors by the President, integrated judiciary, and the power to alter state boundaries. This structure aims for national unity and efficient governance.
Text-based content
Library pages focus on text content
Parliamentary Form of Government
India follows the Westminster model of parliamentary government, where the executive is responsible to the legislature.
Fundamental Rights
Part III of the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, serving as limitations on the state's power and ensuring civil liberties.
These rights are justiciable, meaning they can be enforced by the courts through writs if violated.
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
Part IV of the Constitution outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are guidelines for the government to promote social and economic justice and establish a welfare state.
Fundamental Duties
Added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, these duties serve as a reminder to citizens to uphold national values and contribute to the nation's progress.
Part IVA
Secular State
The Indian Constitution establishes India as a secular state, meaning it does not have an official religion and treats all religions equally.
The Preamble explicitly states India as 'Secular', and the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all.
Universal Adult Franchise
The Constitution grants the right to vote to all adult citizens, irrespective of their caste, creed, sex, or economic status, embodying the principle of political equality.
Integrated and Independent Judiciary
India has an integrated judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts. The judiciary is independent, free from the influence of the executive and legislature.
The Supreme Court of India
Single Citizenship
Unlike federal states like the USA, India has a system of single citizenship. All citizens enjoy the same rights and privileges, fostering national unity.
Emergency Provisions
The Constitution empowers the President to declare emergencies under specific circumstances (national emergency, state emergency, financial emergency), allowing the Union government to take extraordinary measures to protect the country.
Three-tier Government
Initially conceived as a two-tier government (Union and State), the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts introduced a third tier: Panchayats (rural local governments) and Municipalities (urban local governments), strengthening local self-governance.
Conclusion
The salient features of the Indian Constitution collectively create a robust framework for governance, ensuring democratic principles, social justice, and national integrity. Understanding these features is fundamental for anyone aspiring to comprehend the Indian polity and its functioning.
Learning Resources
Provides a concise overview of the Indian Constitution, its history, and key features, suitable for a foundational understanding.
A detailed breakdown of the salient features of the Indian Constitution, explaining each point with clarity and relevance for competitive exams.
Comprehensive notes on the Constitution of India from a leading UPSC coaching institute, covering its structure and salient features.
An in-depth look at the Constitution of India, its historical context, structure, and significant aspects, including its salient features.
A video explaining the historical background and the process of making the Indian Constitution, which sheds light on its features.
A visual explanation of the key features of the Indian Constitution, making complex concepts easier to grasp.
Chapter 6 from the NCERT Class 11 Political Science textbook, providing a foundational understanding of the Indian Constitution and its principles.
Focuses on the Preamble, which encapsulates the spirit and objectives of the Constitution, and its relation to the salient features.
Explains the federal nature of the Indian Constitution and its unique characteristics, including the unitary bias.
A detailed analysis of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, two of the most significant features of the Indian Constitution.