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Basic Features of Indian Constitution | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

The Indian constitution, recognized as one of the most esteemed in the world, was crafted after a thorough examination of various global constitutions. Despite incorporating elements from other constitutions, the Constitution of India possesses distinctive features that set it apart from those of other nations.

Among its notable characteristics are:

  • Extensive Written Constitution:

    • The Constitution of India, unlike unwritten constitutions such as that of the UK, is a comprehensive, detailed, and elaborate written document.
    • Factors contributing to its length include geographical vastness, historical influences like the Government of India Act, 1935, a single constitution for both center and state, and the dominance of legal luminaries.
  • Incorporation from Various Sources:

    • India's constitution draws extensively from other countries and the Government of India Act, 1935.
    • Despite borrowing, Indian constitution-makers tailored foreign features to suit Indian conditions. For instance, while adopting the cabinet form of governance from the UK, the Indian cabinet does not hold absolute supremacy.
  • Preamble Significance:

    • The Preamble encapsulates the ideals, objectives, and basic principles of the Constitution.
    • It declares India as a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic committed to justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, individual dignity, and national unity.
  • Democratic System:

    • The government's authority is founded on the sovereignty of the people, with equal political rights for all citizens.
    • Free, fair, and regular elections are conducted to elect governments.
  • Republic Status:

    • The Preamble asserts India as a Republic, with an elected head of state (President) serving a fixed term, elected indirectly by the people every five years.
  • Union of States:

    • Article I declares India as a "Union of States," highlighting the federal structure of government.
  • Fundamental Rights and Duties:
    • The Constitution of India guarantees Fundamental Rights to citizens.
    • Part III of the Constitution outlines these rights, known as Fundamental Rights.
    • The six Fundamental Rights include Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right Against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art. 32).
    • These rights are justiciable, subject to reasonable constraints for the state's security.
  • Directive Principles of State Policy:
    • The Constitution includes a chapter on Directive Principles of State Policy.
    • These principles serve as directives for the government to uphold social and economic democracy.
  • Parliamentary System:

    • The Constituent Assembly chose a Parliamentary form of government for both the Center and the states.
    • A distinction exists between nominal and real executive heads.
    • The Council of Ministers is accountable to the Lok Sabha, fostering close relations between the executive and the legislature.
  • Federal Structure of Government:
    • India's Constitution envisions a federal structure.
    • This recognizes geographical vastness and diversity in language, region, religion, and caste.
    • Features include a written constitution, supremacy of the Constitution, division of powers, bicameral Legislature, and an independent Judiciary.
    • Scholars describe India as a 'Quasi-Federation' or even as 'a federation with a unitary bias.'
  • Universal Adult Franchise:
    • All adults, regardless of gender, enjoy the right to vote.
    • Every adult above 18 years has the opportunity to vote in elections.
  • Single Integrated State with Single Citizenship:
    • India is a single independent and sovereign integrated state.
    • Citizens share a common uniform citizenship with equal rights, freedoms, and state protection.
  • Integrated Judicial System:

    • The Constitution establishes a single integrated judicial system for the Union and states.
    • The Supreme Court operates at the apex level, High Courts at the state level, and other courts under the High Courts.
  • Independent Judiciary:

    • The Constitution makers created a separate and independent Judiciary.
    • Complete independence in administration and finances is ensured.
  • Amending the Constitution of India:
    • The procedure for amending the Constitution is laid down in Part XX (Article 368).
    • This safeguards the sanctity of the Constitution and checks uninformed power of the Parliament.
  • Judicial Review:
    • The judiciary holds a significant position, independent of the legislature and the executive.
    • The Supreme Court serves as the defender of fundamental rights and guardian of the Constitution.
  • Basic Structure Doctrine:

    • This doctrine asserts that certain basic features of the Constitution cannot be changed through amendments.
    • Around 20 features have been described as "basic" or "essential" by the Courts.
  • Secularism:
    • The Constitution guarantees complete freedom of religion.
    • Citizens are free to follow any religion without discrimination.
    • The State does not interfere with individual religious practices.
  • Independent Bodies:

    • The Constitution establishes independent bodies like the Election Commission, CAG, and Finance Commission.
    • These institutions have security of tenure and fixed service conditions.
  • Emergency Provisions:
    • The Constitution contains elaborate provisions to address challenges threatening the country's security and unity.
  • Three-Tier Government:
    • The 73rd and 74th amendment act introduces rural and urban local bodies as an additional constitutional tier.
    • This fulfills Gandhi ji's vision of self-functioning villages in India.
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FAQs on Basic Features of Indian Constitution - SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

1. What are the basic features of the Indian Constitution?
Ans. The basic features of the Indian Constitution include federalism, secularism, fundamental rights, parliamentary form of government, and an independent judiciary. Federalism ensures a division of powers between the central and state governments. Secularism guarantees equal treatment of all religions by the state. Fundamental rights protect the individual's liberties and equality. The parliamentary form of government establishes a system where the executive is accountable to the legislature. An independent judiciary ensures the rule of law and protects citizens' rights.
2. How does federalism play a role in the Indian Constitution?
Ans. Federalism in the Indian Constitution establishes a distribution of powers between the central government and state governments. Certain subjects, such as defense and foreign affairs, are under the control of the central government, while others, such as education and health, are within the purview of the state governments. This division of powers aims to ensure a balance between national unity and regional autonomy. It allows states to have their own governments, legislatures, and administrative machinery, while also providing for cooperation and coordination between the center and states.
3. What is the significance of fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution?
Ans. Fundamental rights are crucial in the Indian Constitution as they guarantee certain basic liberties and equality to every citizen. These rights include the right to equality, right to freedom of speech and expression, right to practice any religion, right to protection against discrimination, and many more. They ensure that individuals are protected from any arbitrary action by the state and that their dignity and freedom are safeguarded. Fundamental rights form the bedrock of democracy and empower citizens to challenge any infringement on their rights.
4. How does the parliamentary form of government function in India?
Ans. 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 and exercises his/her powers on the advice of the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) and is responsible for day-to-day governance. The Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This form of government ensures accountability and allows for the representation of diverse interests in the decision-making process.
5. How does the Indian Constitution ensure an independent judiciary?
Ans. The Indian Constitution provides for an independent judiciary to safeguard the rights and liberties of citizens. The judiciary is separate from the executive and legislative branches of government. The President, on the advice of the Chief Justice of India, appoints judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. Judges are given security of tenure and can only be removed through a complex process of impeachment. The judiciary has the power of judicial review, which allows it to interpret the Constitution and strike down any law or action that violates its provisions. This independence ensures the rule of law and protects citizens' rights.
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