Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
Lengthiest Written Constitution📜
The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest written constitution in the world, comprising 448 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules. It provides a detailed framework for governance and administration, addressing various aspects of the country’s political and legal systems.
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic⚖️
The Preamble declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. This reflects the country’s commitment to independence, social and economic equality, religious freedom, democracy, and a republican form of government.
Parliamentary System🏛️
India follows a parliamentary system of government, wherein the executive is accountable to the legislature. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. This system ensures a balance of power and promotes democratic governance.
Federal Structure with Unitary Features
The Indian Constitution establishes a federal structure, dividing powers between the Union and State governments. However, it also incorporates unitary features, enabling the central government to assume greater control during emergencies, ensuring national integrity and stability.
Fundamental Rights and Duties🛡️
Part III of the Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights to all citizens, protecting individual liberties and promoting social justice. Part IV-A introduces Fundamental Duties, emphasizing citizens’ responsibilities towards the nation and society.
Directive Principles of State Policy
Part IV outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the state in formulating policies aimed at achieving social and economic justice. Though not legally enforceable, these principles serve as moral obligations for the government to create a just society.
Independent Judiciary
The Indian Constitution establishes an independent judiciary, ensuring the separation of powers and the rule of law. The Supreme Court is the apex judicial body, with High Courts and subordinate courts functioning under it. The judiciary safeguards the Constitution and protects citizens’ rights.
Bicameral Legislature
The Parliament of India is bicameral, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). This structure ensures a comprehensive legislative process, representing both the people and the states.
Amendment Process
The Constitution provides a detailed process for amendments, allowing flexibility and adaptability. Amendments require varying levels of approval, ensuring a balance between rigidity and changeability.
Emergency Provisions
The Constitution includes provisions for national, state, and financial emergencies, granting the President special powers to address extraordinary situations. These provisions ensure the stability and security of the nation during crises.
Special Provisions for Certain States
The Constitution incorporates special provisions for certain states, considering their unique needs and circumstances. Examples include the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir (now a Union Territory) and provisions for tribal areas.
📜 Borrowed Features of the Indian Constitution from Different Countries
1. British Constitution (UK)
✔ Parliamentary System of Government
✔ Rule of Law
✔ Bicameral Legislature (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)
✔ Single Citizenship
✔ Cabinet System & Collective Responsibility
✔ Speaker in the Lok Sabha
✔ Writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, etc.)
2. U.S. Constitution
✔ Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35)
✔ Independence of Judiciary
✔ Judicial Review
✔ Impeachment of the President
✔ Removal of Supreme Court & High Court Judges
✔ Vice-President as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha
3. Canadian Constitution
✔ Federation with a Strong Centre
✔ Residuary Powers with the Centre
✔ Appointment of Governors by the Centre
✔ Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
4. Irish Constitution
✔ Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
✔ Method of Presidential Election
✔ Nomination of Rajya Sabha Members
5. Germany Constitution
✔ Emergency Provisions (Articles 352, 356, 360)
✔ Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency
6. Australian Constitution
✔ Concurrent List (Subjects for both Centre & States)
✔ Freedom of Trade & Commerce
✔ Joint Sitting of Parliament
7. Soviet Union (USSR)
✔ Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
✔ Five-Year Plans (Economic Planning)
8. French Constitution
✔ Ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity (Preamble)
9. South African Constitution
✔ Procedure for Constitutional Amendment
✔ Election of the Rajya Sabha Members
🧠 Easy Trick to Remember These Borrowed Features!
“UK-USA Can I Go For Some Fries?” 🍟
Each letter represents a country:
- UK → British (Parliamentary System, Law, Speaker, etc.)
- USA → Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Impeachment
- CAN → Canada (Federalism, Governor, Residuary Powers)
- I → Ireland (DPSP, Presidential Election)
- G → Germany (Emergency Provisions)
- F → France (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)
- S → Soviet Union (Fundamental Duties, Planning)
- F → South Africa (Amendments, Rajya Sabha)
- AUS → Australia (Trade, Concurrent List)