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What are the main features of Constitution of India?
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What are the main features of Constitution of India?
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It is a living document, an instrument which makes the government system work. It lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles and the duties of citizens. It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world, 
containing 449 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, 5 appendices and 101 Amendments.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

1. The lengthiest Constitution in the world 
The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest and the most detailed of all the written Constitutions of the world containing 449 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, 5 appendices and 101 Amendments.

2. Parliamentary form of Government 
The constitution of India establishes a parliamentary form of a government both at the Centre and the State. The essence of the parliamentary government is its responsibility to the Legislature. The president 
is the constitutional head of the State but the real executive power is vested in the council of ministers whose head is the Prime Minister.

3. Unique blend of rigidity and flexibility 
It has been the nature of the amending process itself in federations which had led political scientists to classify federal Constitution as rigid.

4. Fundamental Rights 
The incorporation of a formal declaration of Fundamental Rights in part III of the Constitution is deemed to be a distinguishing feature of a democratic 
State. These rights are prohibitions against the State. The State cannot make a law which takes away or abridges any of the rights of the citizens guaranteed in part III of Constitution.

5. Directive Principles of State policy (DPSP) 
The Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Part IV of the Constitution, it set out the aims and objectives to be taken up by the States in the governance of the country.

6. A federation with strong centralising tendency 
The most remarkable feature of the Indian Constitution is that being a federal Constitution it acquires a unitary character during the time of emergency. During the proclamation of emergency the normal distribution of powers between Centre and State undergoes a vital change. The union parliament is empower to legislate on any subject mentioned in the state list. The financial arrangements between the Centre and State can also be 
altered by the Union Government.

7. Adult Suffrage 
The old system of communal electorates has been abolished and the uniform adult suffrage system has been adopted. Under the Indian Constitution every man and women above 18 years of age has been given the right to elect representatives for the legislature. 
 
8. An Independent Judiciary 
An independent and impartial judiciary with power of judicial review has been established under the Constitution of India. It is a custodian right of citizens. Besides, in a federal Constitution it plays another significant role of determining the limits of power of the Centre and States.

9. A Secular State 
A Secular State has no religion of its own as recognised religion of State. It treats all religions equally. Articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution give concrete shape to this concept of secularism. It guarantees to every person the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice and propagate religion. In a Secular state, the state only regulate the relationship between man and man.

10. Single Citizenship 
The American constitution provides for dual citizenship, i.e., the citizen of America and a state citizenship. But in India there is only one citizenship, i.e., Citizen of India. No state citizenship like citizen of Assam, Citizen of Delhi. Every Indian is Citizen of India and enjoy the same rights of 
citizenship no matter in what state he resides.
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What are the main features of Constitution of India?
Main Features of the Constitution of India:

The Constitution of India is a comprehensive document that lays down the framework for the governance of the country. Here are the main features of the Indian Constitution:

1. Lengthiest Written Constitution:
The Constitution of India is the world's lengthiest written constitution, consisting of a preamble and 470 articles, divided into 25 parts. It also includes 12 schedules and 5 appendices, providing a detailed framework for the functioning of the government.

2. Federal System with Unitary Bias:
India follows a federal system of governance, where power is divided between the central government and the states. However, the Constitution gives certain powers to the central government, which gives it a unitary bias. The states have their own governments and enjoy some autonomy.

3. Parliamentary Democracy:
India is a parliamentary democracy, where the President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Constitution establishes a bicameral parliament consisting of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

4. Fundamental Rights and Duties:
The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, right to life and personal liberty, and protection from discrimination. It also outlines the fundamental duties of citizens, emphasizing their responsibilities towards the nation.

5. Secular State:
India is a secular state, where the government does not promote any particular religion and treats all religions equally. The Constitution ensures freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion.

6. Independent Judiciary:
The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country, with the power of judicial review to ensure the constitutionality of laws and actions.

7. Directive Principles of State Policy:
The Constitution includes Directive Principles of State Policy, which are non-justiciable guidelines for the government to promote social and economic justice. These principles aim to create an egalitarian society and improve the standard of living for all citizens.

8. Universal Adult Franchise:
The Constitution grants the right to vote to all adult citizens, regardless of caste, gender, religion, or education. This ensures a democratic representation of the people in the government.

9. Amendment Procedure:
The Constitution provides a detailed procedure for amending its provisions. Amendments can be made by a special majority of the Parliament, ensuring that the Constitution remains flexible and adaptable to changing times.

10. Protection of Minority Rights:
The Constitution safeguards the rights of minorities, ensuring their protection and allowing them to preserve their language, culture, and traditions.

In conclusion, the Constitution of India is a comprehensive and significant document that provides the foundation for the functioning of the Indian government. It establishes a democratic framework, protects fundamental rights, promotes social justice, and ensures the separation of powers. The Constitution reflects the spirit of inclusiveness, secularism, and equality, making it a crucial aspect of India's democratic setup.
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