Unique Features of the Indian Constitution
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Questions and Answers

What type of majority is required in Parliament for amending certain provisions of the Indian Constitution?

  • Simple majority (correct)
  • Absolute majority
  • Special majority (correct)
  • Supermajority

Which of the following powers does the President of India NOT possess?

  • Appointing judges of the Supreme Court
  • Dismissing the Prime Minister at will (correct)
  • Summoning and proroguing Parliament
  • Issuing ordinances when Parliament is not in session

Under what article is the amendment process of the Indian Constitution laid down?

  • Article 356
  • Article 370
  • Article 368 (correct)
  • Article 375

Which of the following statements about the Constitution of India is true?

<p>It is flexible but rigid in important areas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a characteristic feature of the Indian Constitution?

<p>Monarchical structure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Indian Constitution as one of the longest in the world?

<p>It has more than 448 articles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which system does the Indian Constitution primarily establish?

<p>Federal system with unitary bias. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many parts are included in the Indian Constitution?

<p>25 parts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Indian Constitution allows for its evolution over time?

<p>It can be amended, having been revised over 100 times. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which lists in the Seventh Schedule outlines the division of legislative powers?

<p>Union List, State List, Concurrent List. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Indian Constitution regarding fundamental rights?

<p>Fundamental rights are critical provisions outlined in the document. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary body responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution?

<p>Constituent Assembly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

On which date was the Indian Constitution adopted?

<p>January 26, 1950. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Supreme Court in India?

<p>To uphold the Constitution and interpret laws (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which articles in the Indian Constitution guarantee the Right to Equality?

<p>Articles 14 to 18 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Fundamental Rights in India are primarily intended to protect citizens from what?

<p>Arbitrary action of the government (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Fundamental Right allows individuals to seek enforcement of their rights in the Supreme Court?

<p>Right to Constitutional Remedies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of the Directive Principles of State Policy?

<p>They provide guidelines for legislation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Fundamental Duties listed in the Indian Constitution?

<p>To provide education for all (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?

<p>Directive Principles guide the formulation of laws affecting Fundamental Rights (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights is subject to reasonable restrictions?

<p>Right to Freedom of Religion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to interpret and enforce the Fundamental Rights in India?

<p>The Supreme Court (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution?

<p>To protect citizens from government actions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prevails in case of a conflict between laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures?

<p>The law made by Parliament (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who holds the ceremonial head of state position in India?

<p>The President of India (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which house of the Indian Parliament is directly elected by the people?

<p>Lok Sabha (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action can the Central Government take if a state government is unable to function according to the Constitution?

<p>Dissolve the state legislature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in India's parliamentary system?

<p>To be accountable to the Lok Sabha (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle allows Indian courts to strike down unconstitutional laws?

<p>Judicial Review (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are members of the Rajya Sabha elected?

<p>By state Assembly members (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to stay in power?

<p>Majority confidence in Lok Sabha (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of India's judiciary?

<p>It is independent from the executive and legislature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action can be taken against a government if it loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha?

<p>Call for a new election (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in India?

<p>To guide the creation of policies aimed at reducing inequalities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does India's citizenship system differ from some federal countries like the U.S.?

<p>India has a single citizenship for all citizens regardless of state (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for India to be a secular state?

<p>The government does not favor any religion and guarantees freedom of religion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the Indian Constitution considered flexible?

<p>It allows amendments to address changing needs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does sovereignty refer to in the context of the Indian Constitution?

<p>The ability to govern oneself without external interference (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is India classified as a republic?

<p>Its head of state is elected and not hereditary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does universal adult franchise guarantee in India?

<p>Political equality and voting rights for citizens aged 18 and older (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Articles of the Indian Constitution guarantee freedom of religion?

<p>Articles 25 to 28 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Indian government play in regulating religious practices?

<p>It may regulate practices that conflict with public order, morality, and health (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is reflected in the concept of single citizenship in India?

<p>Unity of the nation among diverse states (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Regular Elections in India

India holds regular elections for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, and Local Bodies, allowing citizens to choose their representatives.

Amending the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution can be amended to adapt to changes, but the process is detailed and involves different majority requirements depending on the provision.

Simple Majority in Parliament

A majority of the members present and voting in Parliament is required to pass some amendments to the Constitution.

Special Majority for Constitutional Amendments

Certain amendments, like changing the federal structure, require a special majority, which includes two-thirds of the members present and voting in both houses of Parliament.

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President of India's Role

The President of India is the head of state and has key executive powers, including issuing ordinances, summoning Parliament, appointing the Prime Minister, and judges, and declaring emergencies.

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What type of constitution does India have?

India has a written constitution, which is a formal document outlining the structure and operation of the government. It contains detailed provisions covering fundamental rights, governance, and the relationship between central and state governments.

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Is the Indian Constitution short or long?

The Indian Constitution is one of the longest written constitutions in the world, containing over 448 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules.

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What is India's system of government?

India has a federal system of government, meaning power is shared between the central government (Union) and state governments. However, the central government has stronger authority, creating a 'unitary bias.'

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How does the Indian Constitution handle national emergencies?

In times of national crises like war or unrest, the central government can temporarily take over the powers of state governments.

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What are the 'Union List', 'State List', and 'Concurrent List'?

These lists in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution outline the division of legislative powers between the Union and the States. The Union List includes subjects under central authority, the State List includes subjects under state authority, and the Concurrent List includes subjects where both levels of government can legislate.

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What is the significance of the Indian Constitution's 'salient features'?

The salient features are those characteristics that make the Indian Constitution unique and special, distinguishing it from other constitutions and reflecting India's specific needs and circumstances.

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How does the Indian Constitution evolve?

The Indian Constitution is a 'living document' that can be amended or changed over time. It has been amended over 100 times since its adoption, reflecting changes in society, politics, and governance.

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From where does the Indian Constitution draw its inspiration?

The Indian Constitution is a blend of various influences, including elements from British, American, Canadian, and Irish constitutional systems. However, it also reflects unique Indian characteristics.

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Unitary Bias in India

Despite being a federal system, India leans towards a unitary structure in practice, with the Union Government holding more power.

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President's Rule

The Central Government can dissolve a state legislature and impose President's Rule (Article 356) if the state government fails to function constitutionally.

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Parliamentary Supremacy in India

If Parliament and state legislatures make conflicting laws, Parliament's law prevails. This reinforces the central government's power.

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Parliamentary System in India

India follows a parliamentary system where the executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is accountable to the legislature (Parliament).

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Dual Executive System in India

India has a dual executive system with a ceremonial head of state (President) and an actual head of government (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers).

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Council of Ministers and Lok Sabha

The Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, is responsible to the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament). They must maintain the confidence of the majority to stay in power.

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Lok Sabha: House of the People

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament. Members are directly elected by the people of India.

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Rajya Sabha: Council of States

The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Members are indirectly elected by state legislative assemblies, representing states and union territories.

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Independent Judiciary in India

India has an independent judiciary, separate from the executive and legislature. It has the power of judicial review, meaning it can strike down laws or actions that violate the Constitution.

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Judicial Review in India

The judiciary has the power to review laws made by Parliament and state legislatures to check if they are constitutional. This is a vital check on power.

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Supreme Court of India

The highest court in India, responsible for upholding the Constitution and interpreting laws. It can also resolve disputes between the central government and states.

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Indian Judiciary

The system of courts in India, which is independent and plays a crucial role in maintaining the Constitution's supremacy and protecting citizens' rights.

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High Courts in India

The highest courts in each state and union territory, responsible for administering justice at the regional level.

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Fundamental Rights

Basic human rights guaranteed to all citizens of India, including equality, freedom of speech, protection from exploitation, and religious freedom.

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Right to Equality

Guarantees that all citizens are treated equally before the law and have equal opportunities.

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Right to Freedom

Includes freedom of speech, expression, assembly, association, and movement, subject to reasonable restrictions.

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Right against Exploitation

Protects citizens from forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor.

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Right to Freedom of Religion

Guarantees the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion of choice, along with the freedom to change religion.

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Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

Guidelines that suggest how the government should work to achieve social and economic welfare for all citizens.

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Justiciable vs. Non-Justiciable

Justiciable rights are enforceable by courts, while non-justiciable principles are guidelines that cannot be enforced by courts.

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Single Citizenship

India has one citizenship for all its residents, regardless of the state they live in.

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Secular State

A state that doesn't favor any religion and guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. It ensures religious neutrality and prohibits discrimination based on religion.

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Flexible Constitution

The Indian Constitution can be amended to adapt to changing needs, allowing for modifications without major revisions.

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Sovereign State

India has the ultimate authority to govern itself independently without external interference.

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Republic

In India, the head of state (President) is elected, not a hereditary monarch.

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Universal Adult Franchise

Every Indian citizen above 18 years old has the right to vote, ensuring political equality for all.

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State Policies Aim

The aim of state policies is to reduce inequalities and improve the lives of citizens.

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DPSP Vision

The DPSP reflect the founders' vision of a fair, just, and equitable society.

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Constitutional Values

India follows a system of single citizenship, is a secular state with a flexible constitution, and is a sovereign, democratic republic with universal adult franchise.

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Study Notes

Unique Features of the Indian Constitution

  • The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution globally.
  • It outlines government structure, function, and citizen rights.
  • Drafted between 1946 and 1949, it was adopted on January 26, 1950.
  • It incorporates diverse influences from British, American, Canadian, and Irish constitutional systems.
  • Reflects the unique characteristics of India's society, politics, and governance needs.

Key Features of the Indian Constitution

  • Written Constitution: A detailed and comprehensive document defining governance, rights, and organizational structures; encompassing relationships between central and state governments.
  • Longest Constitution: Over 448 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules; amended more than 100 times since its adoption.
  • Federal System with Unitary Bias: A federal system with division of powers between Union and state governments. However, the central government has greater powers during national crises.
    • Powers are divided through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule).
    • The Union Government has specific powers in times of emergency.
  • Parliamentary System of Government: Modeled on the British system, with a dual executive (President and Council of Ministers).
    • Voters directly elect members of the Lok Sabha.
    • Members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies.
  • Independent Judiciary: Judiciary is independent from the executive and legislature.
    • Courts can strike down laws or executive actions that violate the Constitution (judicial review).
    • Supreme Court is the apex court, responsible for upholding the Constitution.
  • Fundamental Rights and Duties: Guarantees basic human rights to all citizens.
    • Enforceable in courts.
    • Covers rights like equality, freedom, and protection from exploitation.
    • Includes Cultural and Educational Rights, Right to Freedom of Religion, and Constitutional Remedies for fundamental rights enforcement.
  • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Guidelines for government policies towards social and economic welfare; non-justiciable.
  • Single Citizenship: All citizens have only one citizenship, regardless of their state of residence.
  • Secular State: The government does not favor any religion and ensures freedom of religion to all citizens.
  • Flexible Constitution: Can be amended to address changing needs and situations.
  • Sovereign State: Has the absolute authority to govern within its territory without external interference.
  • Republic: The head of state (President) is elected.
  • Universal Adult Franchise: Citizens 18 years or older have the right to vote in elections.
  • Amendment Procedure: Constitution amendment procedures involve multiple stages, including simple and special majorities in Parliament and possible ratification by states.
  • Role of President: The President is head of state and holds executive powers such as issuing ordinances, summoning Parliament, and appointing ministers and judges.

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Explore the distinct characteristics of the Indian Constitution, the longest written constitution in the world. This quiz covers its structure, influential sources, and key features like the federal system with unitary bias. Test your knowledge about this essential document that shapes India's governance and citizen rights.

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