Describe the basic features of Indian constitution.

1. Preamble:

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as an introductory statement that outlines the guiding principles and objectives of the constitution. It declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic committed to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all its citizens. The Preamble reflects the aspirations of the Indian people for a just and inclusive society and serves as a moral compass for the nation's governance.

2. Fundamental Rights:

Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution and guarantee certain essential rights and freedoms to all citizens. These rights include the right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and right to constitutional remedies. Fundamental Rights are enforceable by the judiciary, and any law or action that violates these rights can be challenged in court.

3. Directive Principles of State Policy:

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are outlined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution and provide guidelines for the state to frame laws and policies that promote social justice, economic welfare, and the overall well-being of citizens. While not legally enforceable, DPSPs are considered fundamental in the governance of the country and are meant to serve as a moral imperative for the government to strive towards achieving a just and equitable society.

4. Parliamentary System:

The Indian Constitution establishes a parliamentary system of government with a President as the ceremonial head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The Parliament consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Lok Sabha is composed of members elected by the people through direct elections, while the Rajya Sabha consists of members elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is responsible to the Lok Sabha.

5. Federal Structure:

The Indian Constitution provides for a federal structure of government, where powers are divided between the central government and the state governments. The distribution of powers between the center and the states is outlined in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. While certain subjects such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the central government, others such as education, health, and agriculture are under the concurrent jurisdiction of both the center and the states.

6. Independent Judiciary:

The Indian Constitution establishes an independent judiciary as one of the pillars of democracy. The judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court of India, is entrusted with the responsibility of interpreting the Constitution, safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens, and ensuring the rule of law. The judiciary acts as a check on the powers of the executive and legislative branches of government and plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.

7. Universal Adult Suffrage:

The Indian Constitution provides for universal adult suffrage, ensuring that all citizens above the age of 18 have the right to vote in elections. This principle underscores the democratic nature of the Indian political system and reflects the commitment to ensuring political participation and representation for all sections of society.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Indian Constitution is a comprehensive document that lays down the foundational principles and structures of governance for the world's largest democracy. It encompasses a range of features including the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, parliamentary system, federal structure, independent judiciary, and universal adult suffrage. Together, these features form the bedrock of India's democratic framework and reflect the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.