Untitled Quiz

British Presence in India

• British presence initiated in 1600 through the East India Company, granted exclusive trading rights by Queen Elizabeth I.
• In 1765, the Company acquired ‘diwani’ rights, gaining control over revenue and civil justice in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
• British Crown took direct control in 1858 following the Sepoy Mutiny, lasting until India's independence on August 15, 1947.

Formation of the Indian Constitution

• Constituent Assembly established in 1946 to draft the Constitution, enacted on January 26, 1950.
• The Constitution reflects various features rooted in British rule.

Key Features of the Indian Constitution

• Written Constitution: Lengthiest written Constitution worldwide, originally featuring a Preamble, 395 Articles (22 Parts), and 8 Schedules.

  • Size attributed to geographical diversity, historical influences (like the Government of India Act of 1935), a unified Constitution for the Centre and states, and the presence of legal experts in the Assembly.

• Origins and Influences: Draws provisions from multiple global constitutions and the Government of India Act; Dr. B R Ambedkar emphasized its comprehensive nature.

• Rigidity and Flexibility: Blends rigid and flexible elements; amendments can be made through ordinary legislative processes as well as distinct procedures.

Structure of Government

• Federal with Unitary Bias: Establishes a federal system that integrates unitary features, including a strong central government, single citizenship, an integrated judiciary, and emergency provisions.

• Parliamentary System: Adopts a British-style parliamentary system that emphasizes cooperation between legislative and executive branches, contrasting with the American separation of powers.

Judiciary and Rights

• Integrated and Independent Judiciary: Supreme Court serves as the apex in an integrated judicial system, ensuring independence.

• Fundamental Rights: Enshrined within Part III of the Constitution, ensuring rights protection for all citizens.

Additional Constitutional Features

• Directive Principles of State Policy: Aims to promote social and economic democracy and establish a welfare state; termed a ‘novel feature’ by Dr. B R Ambedkar.

• Fundamental Duties: Introduced during the internal emergency (1975-77) via the 42nd Amendment, highlighting citizen responsibilities.

• Secular State: Promotes a secular outlook, with no official state religion recognized.

• Universal Adult Franchise: Provides for voting rights at the age of 18 for Lok Sabha and state elections, altered from 21 with the 61st Amendment in 1988.

• Single Citizenship: Establishes a uniform nationality for all Indians, contrasting with some federal systems that allow differing citizenship levels.