The Indian Constitution, as outlined in the NCERT textbook "Constitution: Why and How?" for Class 11 Political Science, is a comprehensive document that lays down the framework for the functioning of the Indian government. It incorporates several key features that make it unique and significant.


- The Indian Constitution is one of the lengthiest and most detailed constitutions in the world, consisting of a Preamble and 470 articles, divided into 25 parts.
- It covers a wide range of topics, including fundamental rights, directive principles, the structure of the government, emergency provisions, and more.


- The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government, where power is divided between the central government and the state governments.
- However, it also includes unitary features that give more power to the central government, such as the ability to override state laws under certain circumstances.


- India follows a parliamentary form of government, where the President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
- The President is a nominal executive while the Prime Minister is the real executive who exercises most of the executive powers.


- The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens, including the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, and the right to constitutional remedies.
- It also includes directive principles of state policy, which provide guidelines for the government to achieve social, economic, and political justice.


- The Indian Constitution declares India as a secular state, ensuring equal treatment of all religions and prohibiting the state from favoring any particular religion.
- It allows individuals the freedom to practice and propagate any religion of their choice.


- The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court as the highest judicial body in the country.
- The judiciary acts as a guardian of the Constitution, interpreting and upholding its provisions, and ensuring justice and fairness.


- The Constitution has a mix of rigidity and flexibility. Some provisions can be amended by a special majority of the Parliament, while others require the consent of a majority of states.
- This allows for the Constitution to adapt to changing needs and circumstances while maintaining its core principles.

Overall, the Indian Constitution is a remarkable document that reflects the aspirations and values of its diverse population. Its features ensure a democratic, secular, and inclusive system of governance that upholds the rights and welfare of all citizens.