Indian constitution important sailent feature

know about indian constitution salient features with brief explanation

1. INDIAN CONSTITUTION The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework that defines the political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day.  Due to amendments, the number of articles has increased to 448, and the number of parts to 25 and with 12 schedules.

2. THE SALIENT FEATURES OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION Lengthiest Written constitution Universal adult Franchise Preamble Partially rigid and Partially flexible Secular State Barrowed from various sources Fundamental Rights Independent bodies Fundamental Duties Directive principles of state policy[DPSP] Independent Judiciary Emergency Provision Single citizenship Federal Government Parliamentary Government Three Tier Government

3. Lengthiest Written Constitution India has the longest written constitution in the world. Originally had 395 Articles , 22 Parts , and 8 Schedules . Currently consists of 448 Articles , 25 Parts , and 12 Schedules . Covers aspects from both federal and unitary systems. Includes detailed provisions for Centre-State relations , fundamental rights , governance , elections , etc. Drafted to suit India’s diverse population , languages , religions , and cultures .

4. PREAMBLE Serves as the introductory statement to the Constitution. Reflects the vision, values, and philosophy of the nation. Declares India as: 1.Sovereign – India is independent in its internal and external affairs. 2.Socialist – Promotes social and economic equality. 3.Secular – No state religion; equal respect to all religions. 4.Democratic – Government is elected by the people. 5.Republic – Head of state is elected, not hereditary. Aims to secure: *Justice : social, economic, and political. *Liberty : of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. *Equality : of status and opportunity. *Fraternity : dignity of the individual and unity of the nation.

5. Secular State India is a secular nation , meaning there is no official state religion . The state treats all religions equally . Ensures freedom of conscience and religion under Article 25 to 28 . Citizens can practice, profess, and propagate any religion. Prevents religious discrimination in public employment and institutions.

6. FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS Enshrined in Part III (Articles 12 to 35) . Guaranteed to all citizens and enforceable by the courts. Include: Right to Equality Right to Freedom Right against Exploitation Right to Freedom of Religion Cultural and Educational Rights Right to Constitutional Remedies Protects individuals from arbitrary state actions .

7. FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES Added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 , under Part IVA (Article 51A) . Inspired by the Constitution of the USSR . Aims to promote patriotism , national unity , and responsible citizenship . Total of 11 Fundamental Duties , including: Respecting the Constitution and national symbols. Promoting harmony and common brotherhood. Protecting the environment. Developing scientific temper and spirit of inquiry.

8. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) The Directive Principles of State Policy are enumerated in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) of the Constitution of India. These principles act as guidelines for the central and state governments of India to be followed in the process of legislation and governance . The concept of DPSPs was inspired by the Irish Constitution , and their primary objective is to establish a just, equitable, and welfare-based society in India.

9. Independent Judiciary Judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature. Ensures fair and impartial administration of justice. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority. Judges have security of tenure and are appointed through a defined process. Has power of judicial review to declare laws unconstitutional. Protects the fundamental rights of citizens. Ensures rule of law and prevents misuse of power.

10. Emergency Provisions Covered under Part XVIII (Articles 352–360) . Allows Centre to assume greater control during crises. Three types of emergencies : National Emergency (Article 352) : Threat due to war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. State Emergency (Article 356) : Failure of constitutional machinery in a state. Financial Emergency (Article 360) : Financial instability or crisis in the country. In emergencies, Centre’s powers are expanded , and citizen rights may be restricted .

11. Single Citizenship Citizens of India enjoy single citizenship , irrespective of the state of residence. Unlike federal countries like the USA, where dual citizenship (state and federal) exists. Promotes national unity and integrity . Ensures equal rights and privileges for all Indian citizens.

12. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Federal government is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. A federation has minimum two levels of government. All these levels of government enjoys their power somewhat independent of the other.

13. PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT India follows the Parliamentary form of government , which is based on the British model . In this system, the executive derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (Parliament). The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers and holds the majority of executive powers in the country. The President of India serves as the constitutional head of state , but the real executive power rests with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The Council of Ministers is composed of ministers chosen by the Prime Minister, who collectively make decisions about governance. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are responsible for the day-to-day administration , and they are required to work within the framework of laws passed by Parliament. One of the key features of the Parliamentary system is the principle of collective responsibility .

14. THREE TIER GOVERNMENT The Constitution establishes a three-level system of government : Union Government (Central level) State Governments Local Governments ( Panchayati Raj and Municipalities) Local governments were given constitutional status by the 73rd and 74th Amendments . Enhances decentralization and grassroots democracy .

15. Universal Adult Franchise Based on the principle of " One person, one vote ." Every Indian citizen above 18 years of age has the right to vote , regardless of caste, creed, gender, or income. Strengthens democracy and ensures political equality . Defined under Article 326 of the Constitution. Promotes inclusive political participation .

16. Partially Rigid and Partially flexible In Rigid systems have components that resist deformation but allow limited movement. They're designed to maintain structural integrity while accommodating small adjustments. In Flexible systems are designed to bend or stretch to a certain extent, offering adaptability without losing overall function. An amendment is a formal change or addition made to a document, law, contract, or policy. It’s a way to update, improve, or correct something that already exists without replacing the whole thing. India’s Constitution provides a flexible yet structured procedure for amendments, laid out in Article 368 . This allows the Constitution to evolve while safeguarding its core principles.

17. Barrowed from various sources

18. Independent bodies India’s Constitution establishes several independent bodies —also known as constitutional bodies —to ensure impartial governance, uphold democratic values, and maintain checks and balances. These bodies derive their authority directly from the Constitution and are protected from political interference. Autonomy : These bodies operate independently of the executive branch. Security of Tenure : Their members can only be removed through a rigorous process. Constitutional Protection : Their powers and functions are enshrined in the Constitution, not just in ordinary laws. These institutions are the backbone of India’s democratic framework, ensuring that governance remains transparent, accountable, and inclusive. If you’d like, I can dive deeper into any one of them—say, how the Election Commission ensures fair voting or how the CAG audits public spending. Body Article Role Election Commission of India (ECI) Article 324 Conducts free and fair elections at national and state levels. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Articles 315–323 Recruits for civil services and advises the government on personnel matters.