Salient Features of the Constitution Video Lecture - UPSC

Ans. The salient features of the Indian Constitution are as follows: 1. Lengthy and Detailed: The Indian Constitution is one of the lengthiest and most detailed constitutions in the world, with 448 articles and 12 schedules. 2. Federal System with Unitary Bias: The Constitution establishes a federal system of government with powers divided between the central government and the states. However, it also contains provisions that give more powers to the central government, indicating a unitary bias. 3. Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights to the citizens of India, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, and right to constitutional remedies. 4. Directive Principles of State Policy: It includes Directive Principles of State Policy, which provide guidelines for the government to establish social, economic, and political justice in the country. 5. Independent Judiciary: The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary with the Supreme Court as the highest judicial authority to safeguard the rights and liberties of citizens.

Ans. The length and detail of the Indian Constitution signify the comprehensive nature of the document and its ability to address various aspects of governance. The significance can be explained as follows: 1. Reflects Diverse Needs: India is a vast and diverse country with a wide range of social, cultural, and economic variations. The detailed nature of the Constitution allows for addressing the specific needs and concerns of different regions and communities. 2. Avoids Ambiguity: The detailed provisions help in avoiding ambiguity and leaving less room for interpretation. This ensures clarity in the functioning of the government and helps in avoiding disputes and conflicts. 3. Provides Safeguards: The extensive coverage of rights and provisions in the Constitution ensures the protection of individual rights and liberties, providing citizens with a sense of security and protection against any potential misuse of power. 4. Adaptability and Evolution: The length and detail of the Constitution also allow for amendments and adaptations to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the society over time, ensuring its relevance even after several decades.

Ans. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are an integral part of the Indian Constitution and contribute significantly to its overall framework. The importance of DPSP can be understood as follows: 1. Social and Economic Justice: The DPSP provide guidelines to the government to establish social and economic justice in the country. They aim to reduce inequalities, eradicate poverty, and improve the standard of living of the people. 2. Welfare State: The DPSP promote the idea of a welfare state by emphasizing the importance of providing adequate healthcare, education, and social security to all citizens. 3. Moral and Ethical Values: The DPSP also focus on promoting moral and ethical values in society. They encourage the government to take steps to promote justice, equality, and fraternity among citizens. 4. Non-Justiciable Nature: Although not legally enforceable, the DPSP act as a moral and political force, guiding the government in its policy-making process. They serve as a reminder to the government of its responsibilities towards the people and the goals it should strive to achieve.

Ans. The Indian Constitution establishes an independent judiciary to ensure the impartial administration of justice and protection of citizens' rights. The key provisions that establish an independent judiciary are as follows: 1. Separation of Powers: The Constitution provides for a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Each branch operates independently, with the judiciary having the power to interpret and apply laws. 2. Appointment and Tenure: The Constitution lays down the procedure for the appointment of judges, which is done by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and other senior judges. The tenure of judges is also protected to ensure their independence. 3. Judicial Review: The Constitution grants the judiciary the power of judicial review, allowing it to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches and strike down laws or actions that violate the Constitution. 4. Financial Independence: The Constitution ensures the financial independence of the judiciary by providing a separate budget and not subjecting it to the control of the executive. 5. Constitutional Safeguards: The Constitution provides safeguards like security of tenure and removal procedures for judges, protecting them from external influences and pressures.

Ans. The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government with a division of powers between the central government and the states. However, it also contains provisions that indicate a unitary bias. The balance between federalism and unitary bias can be understood as follows: 1. Division of Powers: The Constitution clearly demarcates the powers between the central government and the states through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. Each level of government has its sphere of authority. 2. Residuary Powers: The Constitution grants the residuary powers, i.e., the powers not specifically mentioned in any list, to the central government. This gives the central government more authority and indicates a unitary bias. 3. Emergency Provisions: In times of emergency, the Constitution provides for the central government to assume more powers and control over the states. This centralization during emergencies tilts the balance towards a unitary system. 4. Single Citizenship: The Constitution provides for single citizenship, where all citizens of India are considered citizens of the country as a whole. This indicates a unitary characteristic as citizens' allegiance is primarily towards the nation rather than states. 5. Judiciary as Arbiter: The judiciary acts as an arbiter in case of disputes between the central government and the states, ensuring a balance between federalism and the unitary bias by interpreting and upholding the constitutional provisions.