Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

🇮🇳 Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

1️⃣ Lengthiest Written Constitution

The Indian Constitution is the longest written Constitution in the world.
Originally had 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules (now over 470 Articles, 25 Parts, and 12 Schedules).

✅ Why?
India is a diverse and complex country, so it needed a detailed document to cover Union, States, minorities, elections, languages, etc.

2️⃣ Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility

Some parts require a simple majority to amend (flexible).
Others need special majority + state ratification (rigid).

✅ Example:

Changing the name of a state is easy.
Changing fundamental rights needs a strict process.

3️⃣ Parliamentary System of Government

Like the UK, India follows a parliamentary democracy.
President is the nominal head, but real power lies with the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

✅ Example:
President signs laws, but they are made and approved by Parliament led by the PM.

4️⃣ Federal System with Unitary Bias

Power is divided between Centre and States (Federalism).
But in case of emergency, Centre becomes very powerful (Unitary tendency).

✅ Example:
During President’s Rule (Article 356), the Union can take over state government functions.

5️⃣ Fundamental Rights (Part III)

Guarantees basic rights like equality, freedom, protection from exploitation, religious freedom, etc.

✅ Example:
Right to Freedom of Speech (Article 19), Right to Equality (Article 14).

6️⃣ Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)

Guidelines for the government to create social and economic justice.
Not enforceable by courts, but essential for governance.

✅ Example:
Free legal aid, equal pay for equal work, promotion of education and health.

7️⃣ Fundamental Duties (Part IVA)

Added by 42nd Amendment (1976).
11 duties every citizen should follow (e.g., respecting Constitution, environment, national flag).

8️⃣ Single Citizenship

Unlike the USA, India provides only one citizenship for the entire country.

✅ Example:
An Indian citizen can move or settle in any part of India without a separate state ID.

9️⃣ Independent and Integrated Judiciary

Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts and Subordinate Courts.
Independent from executive and legislature.

✅ Example:
SC can declare a law unconstitutional if it violates Fundamental Rights (Judicial Review).

🔟 Universal Adult Franchise

Every Indian citizen above 18 years has the right to vote, regardless of caste, gender, religion, or education.

1️⃣1️⃣ Secular State

India has no official religion.
State treats all religions equally.

✅ Example:
Govt. does not fund or favor any one religion. You are free to follow any faith.

1️⃣2️⃣ Emergency Provisions

Constitution allows three types of emergencies:
- National (Article 352)
- State (President’s Rule – Article 356)
- Financial (Article 360)

✅ During these, Centre can override normal state powers.

1️⃣3️⃣ Bicameral Legislature

At the Centre:
- Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

Some states also have bicameral legislatures (like UP, Bihar, Maharashtra).

1️⃣4️⃣ Special Provisions for Minorities and Backward Classes

Reservations, cultural rights, and protection under various Articles (e.g., Articles 15, 16, 29, 30).

1️⃣5️⃣ Secular and Welfare State

Constitution aims to make India a welfare state, ensuring justice and dignity to all through policies, subsidies, and schemes.

📘 Summary Table

Feature	Nature/Example
Lengthiest Constitution	470+ Articles, 12 Schedules
Flexible + Rigid	Some parts easy, some hard to amend
Parliamentary System	PM is real executive; President is nominal
Federal with Unitary tilt	States + Centre, but Centre stronger in crisis
Fundamental Rights	Justiciable rights (Art. 14 to 32)
Directive Principles	Non-justiciable, but important goals
Fundamental Duties	11 duties for citizens
Single Citizenship	One citizenship for whole India
Independent Judiciary	SC + HCs; judicial review
Universal Adult Franchise	Right to vote at 18
Secularism	Equal respect to all religions
Emergency Provisions	Articles 352, 356, 360