CBSE 10
Master Indian Constitution & Government Structure for CBSE 10: Boost Your Score with 18 Traits of the Indian Constitution
May 18, 2024
Aha
Language
English
.webp)
As a student, it is essential for you to understand the major features of the Indian Constitution to grasp the principles on which India is built. The Constitution of India is a remarkable document that governs the country and provides a framework for its functioning. Continue reading to find out about the key characteristics of the Constitution, and each feature will be explained in a way that is easy to comprehend.
The philosophy underlying the Indian Constitution is rooted in the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It envisions a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, where social inequalities are minimized, and where the dignity of every citizen is respected. The Constitution reflects the aspirations of a diverse nation and provides a framework for a just and inclusive society.
The Indian Constitution holds the distinction of being the world's lengthiest written constitution. It consists of a comprehensive set of laws, rules, and principles that guide the functioning of the government and protect your rights as a citizen. With its detailed provisions, the Constitution addresses various aspects of governance, including fundamental rights, directive principles, and the structure of the government.
The framers of the Indian Constitution drew inspiration from various sources while formulating its provisions. They studied and analyzed the constitutions of several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. By incorporating the best elements from these constitutions, they tailored the Indian Constitution to suit the unique needs and challenges of India.
The Indian Constitution strikes a delicate balance between rigidity and flexibility. Certain provisions of the Constitution can only be amended through a rigorous process, requiring the approval of a two-thirds majority of both houses of Parliament. These provisions are considered rigid as they provide stability and protect the core values of the Constitution. On the other hand, the Constitution also contains flexible provisions that can be amended more easily, allowing for adaptations and reforms in response to changing times.
India follows a federal system of government where power is divided between the central government and the state governments. However, the Constitution has a slight bias towards the central government, granting it more authority in certain matters of national importance. This unitary bias helps maintain national unity and integrity while ensuring that the central government can effectively address national issues.
The Constitution of India establishes a parliamentary form of government. The Parliament of India, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), is responsible for enacting laws and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government.
In India, the Constitution strikes a unique balance between parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy. While the Parliament has the power to enact laws, the judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution and has the authority to interpret and protect its provisions. This synthesis ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch of government from becoming too dominant.
The Indian Constitution upholds the principle of the rule of law, which means that no one, including the government itself, is above the law. It ensures that all individuals, irrespective of their position or influence, are subject to the law and can seek legal remedies in case of any violations. This principle promotes justice, equality, and accountability in society.
The Constitution establishes an integrated and independent judiciary as a pillar of the democratic system. The judiciary comprises the Supreme Court at the apex level and High Courts and subordinate courts at the state level. The judiciary acts as a guardian of your individual rights, interprets the law, and safeguards the integrity of the Constitution.
One of the most significant aspects of the Indian Constitution is the inclusion of fundamental rights. These rights guarantee certain freedoms and protections to you as a citizen, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, and the right to life and personal liberty. Fundamental rights empower you and ensure that your dignity and basic rights are respected.
The Constitution includes Directive Principles of State Policy, which provide guidelines to the government for establishing a just and equitable society. These principles are not enforceable by the courts but serve as a moral and ethical compass for the government to strive towards social welfare, economic development, and citizens’ overall well-being.
In addition to fundamental rights, the Constitution also outlines fundamental duties for citizens. These duties emphasize the importance of being responsible, law-abiding citizens who contribute to the nation's progress and uphold its values. By fulfilling these duties, citizens actively participate in the development and welfare of the country.
Secularism is a key feature of the Indian Constitution. It ensures that the state remains neutral in matters of religion and treats all religions with equal respect and protection. The Constitution allows citizens to practice and profess any religion of your choice, promoting harmony and tolerance among diverse religious communities.
The Indian Constitution grants universal adult franchise, which means that an eligible citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote. This inclusive provision ensures that all eligible citizens have an equal say in electing their representatives and participating in the democratic process.
Unlike some countries with multiple forms of citizenship, India follows the principle of single citizenship. Every Indian citizen enjoys the same rights and privileges regardless of their place of residence within the country. This strengthens the sense of national unity and ensures equal treatment for all citizens.
The Constitution establishes independent bodies to safeguard democracy and ensure the government functions smoothly. These include the Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, and Union Public Service Commission. They operate independently, free from political interference, and uphold democratic principles.
The Constitution contains provisions to address exceptional situations such as emergencies. In times of national crisis, the President can declare a state of emergency, which temporarily grants the central government additional powers to deal with the situation effectively. Emergency provisions are safeguards to maintain peace, security, and the integrity of the nation.
India follows a three-tier system of government, consisting of the central government, state governments, and local self-governments at the grassroots level. This decentralized governance structure allows for effective administration, ensuring that decision-making and implementation occur at the appropriate levels to address local issues and promote regional development.
The Constitution recognizes the importance of co-operative societies in the economic and social development of the country. Co-operative societies play a significant role in sectors such as agriculture, banking, and small-scale industries, fostering a spirit of collaboration and collective growth.
The basic structure doctrine is a concept that emerged through landmark judgments by the Supreme Court. In the famous Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973, the court declared that the Parliament could amend any part of the Constitution but not its basic structure. This ruling established the principle that the Constitution has an underlying structure that cannot be changed to the extent that it destroys its essential features.
The concept of the basic structure doctrine evolved over time as the Supreme Court interpreted the Constitution and defined its core principles. Through various landmark cases, such as the Golaknath case and the Indira Gandhi case, the court identified certain fundamental features that form the bedrock of the Constitution. These features include democracy, secularism, the separation of powers, judicial review, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The Constitution of India encompasses a wide range of major features that shape the functioning of the Indian democracy. By understanding these features, you gain insights into the foundations of India. The Constitution's length, sources of inspiration, blend of rigidity and flexibility, federal system with unitary bias, and various other characteristics contribute to its unique identity.
To further enhance your knowledge and explore more topics related to Indian polity and governance, you can subscribe to Aha, a comprehensive learning website. Aha offers a wide range of high-quality sample questions and utilizes AI to analyze your weak points, providing personalized learning resources to help you excel. You can visit their website to embark on your journey towards a deeper understanding of the Indian Constitution and its major features.
