Indian Constitution Salient Features

The Indian Constitution is a hybrid document, drawing inspiration from various sources like the US, UK, and German constitutions. This blend allows for a mix of parliamentary and presidential features, reflecting the unique needs of India.

The Indian Constitution emphasizes the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Each branch acts as a check on the others, ensuring no single branch becomes too powerful.

The Indian Constitution establishes India as a republic where the head of state (President) is an elected representative, not a hereditary monarch. This principle promotes popular sovereignty and ensures that power rests with the people.

The Indian Constitution upholds the principle of universal adult suffrage, granting every citizen above the age of 18 years the right to vote. This ensures that every individual has a say in shaping the government.

The Indian Constitution recognizes sovereignty as residing in the people. This means that ultimate power and authority belong to the citizens of India, who elect their representatives.

The Indian Constitution includes a blend of rigidity and flexibility. Some provisions can be amended easily (flexibility), while others require a complex process (rigidity). This balance allows for both stability and adaptability.

The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, ensuring their basic freedoms and protecting them from state interference. Examples include the right to equality, freedom of speech, and right to life.

The Indian Constitution includes directive principles of state policy, which are non-enforceable guidelines for the government to strive towards. They aim to promote social justice, economic welfare, and national development.

Fundamental Rights are guaranteed to all citizens by the Indian Constitution, ensuring basic freedoms and protections against state encroachment.

Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the government to strive towards, shaping social and economic policies to benefit the people.

The Concurrent List outlines subjects where both the Union (central) government and State governments can legislate, promoting cooperation and shared responsibilities.

India is a Union of states, meaning the central government holds greater power compared to the states. This structure emphasizes national unity.

Ireland's Constitution served as a major inspiration for India's Directive Principles of State Policy, highlighting the importance of social justice and welfare.

The United States of America's Constitution served as a key source for India's Fundamental Rights, demonstrating a shared commitment to individual liberties.

The Indian Constitution recognizes every individual as equal, irrespective of their background. This principle ensures equality before the law for all citizens.

Equality before the law means that all individuals, regardless of their status, are subject to the same legal rules and procedures. This principle ensures fairness and prevents favoritism.

The country whose constitution was the first to include a Bill of Rights, or Fundamental Rights, as an integral part.

The power to make laws on matters not specifically assigned to the federal or provincial governments.

A system of government where the head of state is a ceremonial figurehead, while the real power lies with the elected prime minister and their cabinet.

In the 1935 Act, these powers were given to the Governor-General.

The Government of India Act, 1935 established a federal system with both federal and provincial governments, each having its specific areas of legislation.

A doctrine that emphasizes the separation of religion and state, where no particular religion is favored or promoted.

Those rights that are considered to be fundamental and cannot be taken away by the state.

Both the federal and provincial governments could make laws on subjects listed in the concurrent list.

The principle that emphasizes the independence of the judiciary from the other branches of government (executive and legislative).

The lower house of the federal legislature was called the Federal Assembly under the 1935 Act.

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 incorporated secularism into the preamble.

It had 375 members, with 250 representing the provinces and 125 representing the princely states.

The Indian state recognizes and accepts all religions, but it doesn't promote any particular religion.

The seats allocated to various communities in the provinces were not always proportional to their population size.

The term of the Federal Assembly under the 1935 Act was five years, but it could be dissolved earlier.

The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world, containing detailed provisions and principles.

The drafting of the Indian Constitution was a complex process involving the Constituent Assembly, a body formed to create the nation's foundation.

The Indian Constitution adopted a Parliamentary form of government, which means the executive branch is responsible to the legislative branch (Parliament).

The Constituent Assembly spent significant time achieving a balance between different powers, ensuring no single branch became too dominant.

The Indian Constitution emphasizes that the ultimate power and authority lie in the hands of the people.

The Indian Constitution is a blend of fixed and flexible provisions. Some parts can be easily changed, while others require a more complex process.

The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, securing essential freedoms from government interference. These include rights to equality, freedom of speech, and the right to life.

A Constitution is the supreme law of a country that outlines the basic principles of governance, structure of government, and rights of citizens.

The Indian Constitution establishes three distinct branches of government: Executive (implements laws), Legislature (makes laws), and Judiciary (interprets laws).

The Commonwealth of Nations is an association of independent countries, primarily former British colonies. It's a voluntary group where members cooperate on various issues.

India's membership in the Commonwealth does not limit its sovereignty. Sovereignty implies that India is self-governing and independent.

The Indian Constitution uniquely combines features from different constitutions around the world, creating a hybrid system.

The Indian Constitution emphasizes the separation of powers, ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Each branch acts as a check on the others.

The Indian Constitution aims to protect the rights of all citizens by establishing a framework for a just and fair society.

The Indian Constitution includes provisions that allow for the government to act as a guide towards achieving social and economic justice for all citizens.