The Indian Constitution is regarded as:a)UnHaryb)Federalc)Parliamentar...
The Indian Constitution is regarded as "Federal in form and Unitary in spirit."
Explanation:
The Indian Constitution is often described as "Federal in form and Unitary in spirit" because it exhibits characteristics of both federalism and unitarism. This means that while it has a federal structure, it also grants significant powers to the central government, giving it a unitary character in certain aspects.
Federalism in the Indian Constitution:
- Division of powers: The Indian Constitution clearly demarcates powers between the central government and the state governments. It provides for a three-tiered system of government with the central, state, and local governments having their respective domains of authority.
- Dual polity: The Constitution establishes separate governments at the center and in the states, each with its own jurisdiction, powers, and responsibilities.
- Distribution of powers: The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution lists the subjects on which the central and state governments have the authority to legislate. It classifies these subjects into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
Unitarism in the Indian Constitution:
- Strong center: The Indian Constitution grants significant powers to the central government. It has the authority to legislate on matters in the Union List, which includes subjects of national importance such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency.
- Single citizenship: Unlike in a pure federal system, where citizens have dual citizenship (national and state), the Indian Constitution provides for single citizenship. All Indian citizens are governed by a common set of laws and enjoy the same fundamental rights, regardless of the state they belong to.
- Emergency provisions: The Constitution empowers the central government to declare a state of emergency in certain situations, which temporarily gives it additional powers to override the authority of the states.
Implications of "Federal in form and Unitary in spirit":
- While the Constitution provides for a federal structure, the central government has the ability to exercise significant control over the state governments.
- The central government can take necessary measures to maintain the unity and integrity of the country, even if it means encroaching upon the powers of the states.
- The Constitution allows for flexibility and adaptability, enabling the central government to respond effectively to national crises and emergencies.
Overall, the Indian Constitution strikes a delicate balance between federalism and unitarism. It recognizes the importance of both centralization and decentralization of power, ensuring the unity and integrity of the nation while granting autonomy to the states.
The Indian Constitution is regarded as:a)UnHaryb)Federalc)Parliamentar...
The Indian Constitution is regarded as "Federal in form and Unitary in spirit." This means that while the structure and organization of the Indian government appear to be federal, with power divided between the central government and the state governments, the actual operation and functioning of the government lean towards a more unitary system, where power is concentrated in the central government.
Federal in Form:
- The Indian Constitution establishes a dual polity, with power divided between the central government and the state governments.
- It provides for a bicameral legislature at the central level, consisting of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) representing the states and the Lok Sabha (House of the People) representing the people.
- The Constitution also provides for an independent judiciary to interpret and enforce the laws.
- It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to the citizens, which cannot be easily amended or suspended by the central government.
Unitary in Spirit:
- While the Indian Constitution appears federal in form, the actual functioning of the government leans towards a unitary system.
- The central government has the power to intervene and override the decisions of the state governments in certain areas, such as defense, foreign affairs, and emergency situations.
- The central government has the authority to create or abolish states, change their boundaries, and establish union territories.
- The financial resources and taxation powers are also skewed towards the central government, which can impose and collect taxes on a wide range of subjects.
- The appointment of governors, who act as representatives of the central government in the states, further reinforces the unitary nature of the system.
- The Parliament can amend the Constitution and alter the division of powers between the central government and the state governments, making it easier to centralize power.
Overall, while the Indian Constitution provides for a federal structure, the actual operation of the government exhibits more characteristics of a unitary system. This allows for a balance between the need for a strong central authority and the recognition of regional diversity and autonomy.