Explain Salient Features of the Indian Constitution.
Share
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
Explain Salient Features of the Indian Constitution.
The Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, is known for its comprehensive and elaborate framework that governs the governance of India. Some of its salient features include:
Preamble: The Constitution begins with a Preamble that outlines the ideals and aspirations of the Indian people, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Federal Structure: The Constitution establishes a federal structure where power is divided between the central government (Union) and state governments. However, India has a strong unitary bias with a centralized federal structure.
Parliamentary System: India follows a parliamentary form of government with a President as the ceremonial head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including right to equality, freedom of speech, right against exploitation, right to constitutional remedies, and cultural and educational rights.
Directive Principles of State Policy: The Constitution includes Directive Principles of State Policy that guide the state in governance by promoting social justice, economic welfare, and the overall welfare of the people.
Independent Judiciary: The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary headed by the Supreme Court of India to safeguard the fundamental rights and act as the guardian of the Constitution.
Emergency Provisions: The Constitution provides for the declaration of three types of emergencies – national emergency, state emergency, and financial emergency – during times of crisis.
Amendment Procedure: The Constitution provides for its own amendment to adapt to changing circumstances. Amendments can be made by a special majority of Parliament.
Single Citizenship: Unlike federal countries like the United States, the Indian Constitution provides for a single citizenship for the entire country.
Secularism: The Constitution declares India as a secular state, ensuring equal treatment of all religions by the state.
Judicial Review: The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, enabling it to strike down laws that are unconstitutional.
These features highlight the inclusive and democratic nature of the Indian Constitution, which has evolved over time to reflect the aspirations and diversity of India's populace. The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, providing the framework for governance, rights, and duties of citizens, and the functioning of the state machinery.