Current Affairs
14 Mind-Blowing Features of the Indian Constitution That Will Leave You Speechless
August 25, 2023
Aha
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The Indian Constitution is the foundation of the country's democratic government. It enshrines principles, rights, and structures that shape how India's government and society work. In this guide, you'll learn about the 14 key features of the Constitution, which will help you better understand its significance and relevance in today's India. Continue reading to increase your constitutional knowledge.
The Indian Constitution draws inspiration from various sources, including the constitutions of different countries and historical documents. It incorporates elements from the constitutions of countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, adapting them to suit the unique needs and aspirations of India.
Example: The concept of a federal structure, where power is divided between the central and state governments, is derived from the Constitution of Canada.
The Indian Constitution is a mix of both strict and flexible rules. Some rules, like the fundamental rights and the basic structure of the constitution, are strict and need a special process to change them. Other rules can be changed more easily, so the constitution can change when needed.
Example: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 introduced the idea of "mini-constitutions." These allow changes to be made to some parts of the constitution without going through the very strict process of making an amendment.
India has a federal government, which means power is shared between the central and state governments. However, the constitution has a unitary bias, which means that the central government has more power than the state governments in certain situations. This combination helps maintain a balance between national unity and regional self-rule.
Example: During a national emergency, the central government gains increased authority over the state governments to maintain law and order and protect the unity of the country.
India uses a parliamentary form of government, where the President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, holds executive authority and is responsible to the Parliament, which consists of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Example: The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha and is responsible for forming the government and implementing policies.
The Indian Constitution follows the principle of the rule of law. This means that everyone, including the government, must obey the law. The Constitution also guarantees equal treatment under the law and protects basic rights. This helps create a society that is fair and just.
Example: The Supreme Court of India has the authority to protect the rights of citizens and ensure that the government acts within the boundaries of the law.
The Indian Constitution provides a court system that is fair and unbiased. The highest court is the Supreme Court, which interprets the Constitution and protects the rights of all citizens. Each state also has its own important court, making it easier for people to get legal help near their homes.
Example: If a resident of Tamil Nadu has a legal issue, they can approach the Madras High Court, which is the highest court in that state. This makes it easier for residents to access legal assistance in their area without having to travel to the Supreme Court in Delhi.
The Indian Constitution grants fundamental rights to its citizens, ensuring individual liberties and protection against discrimination. These rights include the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, right to education, right to privacy, and many more. They form the cornerstone of a democratic and inclusive society.
Example: A fundamental right in the Indian Constitution is the right to freedom of speech and expression, which allows individuals to express their opinions and participate in public discourse without fear of censorship or retaliation.
The constitution incorporates guidelines for the government to establish a just and equal society, with ideas for fairness, economic help, and environmental protection. These guidelines, known as Directive Principles of State Policy, ensure that the government is responsible for promoting the overall welfare of the people and making sure everyone has equal opportunities.
Example: For instance, the Indian Constitution has a directive principle that states the state should promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order that is informed by justice, social, economic and political principles in all national institutions. This includes ensuring humane working conditions, maternity relief, living wages, and social security.
The Indian Constitution also emphasizes the importance of citizens' duties towards the nation and society. It outlines fundamental duties that every citizen should uphold, including respect for the national flag and anthem, promoting order and the spirit of common brotherhood, and protecting the environment.
Example: One fundamental duty includes respecting the national flag and anthem. This includes standing up when the national anthem is played and not displaying the flag in a disrespectful manner.
Secularism is an important part of the Indian Constitution. It makes sure that people can practice their religion freely and that the government doesn't show favoritism towards any religion. The Constitution believes in treating all religions equally, so that everyone feels included and happy in society.
Example: Article 25 of the Indian Constitution enables everyone to have the right to their own beliefs and to express them, but there are some limits to ensure public order, morality, and health.
The Indian Constitution gives the right to vote to all citizens over 18 years old. This means that every person has an equal voice in governing the country. It promotes democracy where everyone can participate and feel included.
Example: Some universities and educational institutions in India have created voting booths on their campuses to encourage young people to vote. This effort aims to get more young people involved in the democratic process and raise awareness about the importance of civic engagement. For example, St. Xavier's College in Mumbai set up a polling booth during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, making it easy for students over 18 to vote.
In India, there is a concept of single citizenship, where every citizen is considered a citizen of the country as a whole and not just their respective state. This promotes national unity and a sense of belonging among the diverse population of India.
Example: Every citizen is allowed to move freely throughout the country and settle in any part of India without any restrictions. Additionally, every citizen has the right to vote in any election, regardless of their place of origin or residence.
The constitution provides for emergency provisions to address exceptional circumstances such as war, external aggression, or internal conflicts. These provisions empower the central government to take necessary actions to maintain law and order and protect the sovereignty of the nation.
Example: A national emergency was declared in India in 1975, allowing the central government to assume greater control over the state governments and suspend certain fundamental rights. This led to a period of intense political turmoil and controversy, with many critics accusing the government of abusing its powers and violating the principles of democracy and human rights.
India's government follows a three-tier system consisting of the central, state, and local levels. This ensures that governance is effective and equal. It also enables local self-government bodies like panchayats and municipalities to address the specific needs of their regions.
Example: Local public services such as sanitation, water supply, and healthcare are managed by Panchayats. They also implement government rural development schemes to address the specific needs and concerns of rural communities at the local level.
The Indian Constitution's salient features form the bedrock of India's democratic government. Understanding these features is crucial for every citizen to actively participate in the democratic process, uphold their rights, and contribute to the progress of the nation.
To further enhance your understanding of the Indian Constitution and its significance, consider subscribing to Aha's AI learning platform. Aha provides personalized learning experiences, interactive resources, and expert guidance to help you master the complexities of the constitution and excel in your academic pursuits. Subscribe today and embark on a journey of knowledge and empowerment.
