Features of Indian Constitutions Video Lecture | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts

Ans. The Indian Constitution has several notable features, including: - Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution is a written document that serves as the supreme law of the country. - Lengthy and Detailed: It is one of the longest and most detailed constitutions in the world, consisting of a preamble and 470 articles divided into 25 parts. - Federal System: The Constitution establishes a federal system of government with a division of powers between the central government and the states. - Parliamentary Form of Government: India follows a parliamentary form of government, where the President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. - Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles: The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens and also includes directive principles of state policy to guide the government in its decision-making.

Ans. The Indian Constitution consists of 470 articles. These articles cover a wide range of topics including fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, powers and functions of the President and Prime Minister, judiciary, and much more.

Ans. The Indian Constitution being a written document holds immense significance. Some key reasons include: - Clarity and Certainty: A written constitution provides clarity and certainty by clearly defining the powers and responsibilities of the various organs of the government, ensuring that everyone is aware of their rights and obligations. - Reference and Interpretation: Being written, the constitution can be easily referred to and interpreted by the courts. This helps in resolving disputes and maintaining the rule of law. - Protection of Rights: The written nature of the Indian Constitution ensures that fundamental rights are explicitly stated and protected, providing a legal recourse in case of any violation. - Transparency and Accountability: A written constitution promotes transparency and accountability as it lays down the rules and procedures to be followed by the government, preventing arbitrary exercise of power.

Ans. The fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy are two distinct concepts in the Indian Constitution. The main differences between them are as follows: - Nature: Fundamental rights are justiciable, meaning they are enforceable by the courts, whereas directive principles are non-justiciable, meaning they are not legally enforceable but are mere guidelines for the government. - Individual vs. State: Fundamental rights primarily focus on protecting the individual from the state's interference and ensure basic freedoms, whereas directive principles primarily guide the state in making policies that promote social justice, welfare, and the overall development of the society. - Legal Obligation: The government is legally obligated to respect and protect fundamental rights, and any violation can be challenged in the court. However, there is no legal obligation on the government to implement directive principles, although they are considered fundamental in the governance of the country.

Ans. The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government to ensure a balance of power between the central government and the states. Some key provisions that contribute to this balance are: - Division of Powers: The Constitution clearly demarcates the powers and functions of the central government and the states. It lists the subjects on which each level of government can make laws and exercise authority. - Distribution of Revenues: The Constitution also provides for the distribution of revenues between the central government and the states, ensuring financial autonomy for both. - Independent Judiciary: The judiciary acts as an independent arbiter between the central government and the states, ensuring that both adhere to the constitutional provisions and settle disputes. - Emergency Provisions: The Constitution empowers the central government to take temporary control over the state administration during emergencies, but this power is subject to certain checks and balances to prevent abuse. - Inter-State Council: The Constitution establishes an Inter-State Council to promote cooperation and coordination between the central government and the states, fostering a spirit of federalism.