Salient Features of the Indian Constitution 🇮🇳

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution 🇮🇳

The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework for governance, defining the rights, duties, and powers of the government and citizens. It was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.

1. Lengthiest Written Constitution 📜

• The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world.

• It has 470 Articles divided into 25 Parts and 12 Schedules.

• It includes details on fundamental rights, governance, elections, judiciary, and emergency provisions.

2. Blend of Rigidity & Flexibility ⚖️

• Some parts of the Constitution can be easily amended, while others need a special majority.

• This allows adaptability while maintaining stability.

3. Parliamentary System of Government 🏛️

• India follows a Parliamentary system like Britain.

• The President is the head of the state (nominal head).

• The Prime Minister is the head of the government (real power).

• The Council of Ministers is responsible to Parliament.

4. Federal System with a Unitary Bias 🇮🇳

• India has both central and state governments (Federal).

• But in emergencies, the central government becomes more powerful (Unitary).

• This ensures national unity while giving power to states.

5. Fundamental Rights 🏆

• Indian citizens have six fundamental rights, ensuring freedom, equality, and protection:

  1. Right to Equality – No discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, etc.

  2. Right to Freedom – Speech, expression, movement, and profession.

  3. Right Against Exploitation – Prohibits forced labor and child labor.

  4. Right to Freedom of Religion – Freedom to practice any religion.

  5. Cultural & Educational Rights – Protection of languages and minority education.

  6. Right to Constitutional Remedies – Right to approach the courts if rights are violated.

6. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) 📌

• These are guidelines for the government to create a welfare state.

• Examples: Free education, equal pay for men & women, protection of weaker sections.

• These are not enforceable by courts but help in policymaking.

7. Secular State ☪️✝️🕉️

• India has no official religion.

• The state treats all religions equally and does not favor any one religion.

8. Single Citizenship 🆔

• Unlike the USA (which has state and national citizenship), India provides only one citizenship – Indian Citizenship.

• This promotes unity and equality across the country.

9. Independent Judiciary ⚖️

• The Judiciary (Courts) is separate from the Executive & Legislature.

• Ensures justice, protects fundamental rights, and interprets the Constitution.

• The Supreme Court is the highest court in India.

10. Universal Adult Franchise 🗳️

• Every Indian citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote.

• No discrimination based on caste, gender, religion, or wealth.