Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes the Indian Constitution from others?

It is the most recently written constitution.

It is the lengthiest written constitution in the world. (correct)

It is the simplest and least detailed constitution.

It is designed for a unitary government.

From which historical document has the Indian Constitution adopted a significant number of its provisions?

The French Declaration of the Rights of Man.

The Government of India Act of 1935. (correct)

The United States Constitution.

The British Constitution.

How does the Indian Constitution demonstrate both rigidity and flexibility?

It cannot be amended under any circumstances.

It requires a special majority in Parliament for all amendments.

It can only be amended through a complex process.

It can be amended both easily and with strict procedures. (correct)

What is the role of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution?

It articulates the basic principles and ideals of the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What type of government system does the Indian Constitution establish?

A federal system with an emphasis on centralized authority. Signup and view all the answers

How is the head of state chosen in India according to the Constitution?

Elected by the nation for a fixed term. Signup and view all the answers

Which form of government does the Indian Constitution adopt from the British model?

Parliamentary form of government. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the nature of the Indian Constitution's provisions?

It is comprehensively detailed and extensive. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Right to Equality guarantee under the Indian Constitution?

Equal rights irrespective of religion, gender, or caste Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the Indian Constitution relates to the Right to Freedom of Religion?

Articles 25-28 Signup and view all the answers

What are the Directive Principles of State Policy designed to provide?

Economic and social justice Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited under the Right against Exploitation?

Traffic in human beings and forced labour Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the concept of secularism in the Indian Constitution?

Equal rights to all religions Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment introduced provisions for fundamental duties in India?

42nd Amendment Signup and view all the answers

How many fundamental rights are enshrined in the Indian Constitution?

Six Signup and view all the answers

What does the Right to Freedom include?

Freedom of speech and expression Signup and view all the answers

What condition is placed on the rights guaranteed under the Right to Freedom?

They can be subject to reasonable restrictions Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the provisions under Article 360 of the Indian Constitution?

Financial emergency Signup and view all the answers

Which article ensures protection against discrimination in employment on the basis of caste or religion?

Article 15 Signup and view all the answers

What do Cultural and Educational Rights protect?

Rights of minorities to preserve their heritage Signup and view all the answers

Which law mandates the existence of local bodies in urban and rural areas?

The 73rd and 74th Amendment Act Signup and view all the answers

Who can approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights?

Any citizen whose rights are violated Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

Lengthiest Constitution: The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world.
Derived from Various Sources: While influenced by other constitutions, it adopts only features suitable for India and its polity. Many provisions were adopted from the Government of India Act of 1935 (nearly 250).
Mixture of Rigidity and Flexibility: The Constitution combines elements of rigid (like the US Constitution, requiring specific amendment procedures) and flexible (like the British Constitution, enabling amendments via ordinary law) systems.
Preamble: The preamble outlines fundamental principles, ideals, and objectives, defining the nature of the Indian state. It directly and indirectly influences the Constitution's aims.
Federal System with Unitary Bias: The system is fundamentally federal, with distinct state and national governments with defined powers. However, it subtly leans toward a unitary structure in certain aspects.
Democratic System: India is a democratic republic, where citizens elect a head of state (President) with a fixed 5-year term.
Parliamentary Form of Government: India utilizes a parliamentary system, emphasizing the cooperation between executive and legislative branches. The Prime Minister plays a pivotal role.
Fundamental Rights and Duties: The Constitution protects fundamental rights, including equality, freedom, exploitation, religion, culture, and education. The 1976 42nd Amendment introduced fundamental duties.
Universal Adult Franchise: The right to vote is granted to all citizens above 18 years of age, regardless of gender.
Integrated and Independent Judiciary: A unified judicial system functions with the Supreme Court at the apex and High Courts at the state level, with lower courts subordinate to the High Courts.
Directive Principles of State Policy: These principles guide the government towards achieving social and economic justice and were a novel feature introduced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. They are outlined in Part IV of the Constitution.
Emergency Provisions: The Constitution outlines provisions for three types of emergencies: financial, failure of state machinery, and armed rebellion, external aggression or war. Article 360: Financial Emergency, Article 356 & 365: Emergency due to failure of constitutional machinery in states, Article 352: Emergency caused by threats, external aggression, or war.
Secularism: India is a secular state guaranteeing freedom of religion for all citizens with equal rights, irrespective of belief. Special cultural rights are guaranteed to minorities.
Three-Tier Government: The 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts established a three-tier (Union, State, Local) governmental structure with urban/rural local bodies empowered to manage their local affairs.

Fundamental Rights of India

Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Guarantees equal rights for all citizens. Eliminates discrimination based on religion, caste, sex, place of birth, and ensures equitable opportunities in employment.
Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Enshrines various freedoms, including speech, expression, assembly, association, profession, and movement. Reasonable restrictions by the state may apply for security, morality, or international relations.
Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor in hazardous conditions.
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Guarantees freedom of conscience, practice, and propagation of religions for all citizens. The state remains non-religious.
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protects the rights of minorities for preserving their culture, and allows access to education for all to maintain a cultural heritage, without discrimination.
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Articles 32-35): Ensures a mechanism for enforcing Fundamental Rights, allowing citizens to seek relief in courts if their rights are violated.

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Description

Explore the key aspects of the Indian Constitution, which is the world's longest written constitution. This quiz covers its influences, blend of rigidity and flexibility, the significance of the preamble, and its federal structure with a unifying bias. Test your knowledge on these fundamental features that shape India's governance.