Indian Constitution: Features, Principles, and Governance

Posted on Jun 9, 2025 in Social sciences

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

  1. Written and Lengthy Constitution: It is one of the longest constitutions in the world.

  2. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: Some parts can be amended easily, while others require a special majority.

  3. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic: These foundational principles are enshrined in the Preamble, defining India’s nature as an independent nation committed to social justice, religious neutrality, popular rule, and an elected head of state.

  4. Parliamentary Form of Government: Modeled after the British system, ensuring executive accountability to the legislature.

  5. Federal System with Unitary Bias: Powers are divided between the Centre and States, but the Centre holds more power, especially during emergencies.

  6. Independent Judiciary: The judiciary is impartial and possesses the power of judicial review, safeguarding the Constitution.

  7. Fundamental Rights and Duties: Ensures civil liberties for citizens and promotes civic responsibility.

  8. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Aims at socio-economic welfare and justice, serving as guidelines for governance.

  9. Single Citizenship: Every Indian citizen holds single citizenship, not separate state citizenship.

Basic Structure Doctrine of the Indian Constitution

  • The Basic Structure Doctrine was established in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).

  • Parliament can amend the Constitution but cannot alter its basic structure.

  • Key Elements Include:

    • Supremacy of the Constitution

    • Rule of Law

    • Separation of Powers

    • Judicial Review

    • Federalism

    • Secularism

    • Free and Fair Elections

Constitutional Values and the Preamble of India

  • The Preamble outlines the Constitution’s aims and philosophy:

    • Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic

    • Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

  • These values reflect the core Constitutional principles:

    • Human Dignity

    • Freedom

    • Equality

    • Fraternity

    • Integrity and Unity of the Nation

India’s Federal Structure and Political System

  • Federal Features:

    • Division of powers between the Centre and States (Union, State, and Concurrent Lists)

    • Bicameral Legislature

    • Written Constitution

  • Unitary Features:

    • Strong Central Government

    • Single Constitution and Citizenship

  • Political System:

    • Democratic System

    • Parliamentary System

    • Multi-party System

    • Universal Adult Franchise

Structure of the Union Legislature

  • India’s Bicameral Parliament:

    1. Lok Sabha (House of the People) – Directly elected, with up to 545 members.

    2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – Indirectly elected, with up to 245 members.

    3. President of India – An integral part of Parliament.

  • Key Functions: Law-making, budget approval, and executive oversight.

Fundamental Duties of Indian Citizens

  • Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976), under Article 51A.

  • Eleven duties, including:

    • Respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem

    • Promote Harmony and Brotherhood

    • Defend the Country

    • Protect the Environment

    • Develop Scientific Temper and Humanism

  • These are not legally enforceable but promote civic responsibility.

Election Commission of India and Electoral Reforms

  • A Constitutional Body established under Article 324.

  • Conducts free and fair elections for the President, Vice President, Parliament, and State Legislatures.

  • Headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

  • Key Electoral Reforms Include:

    1. Use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs)

    2. Voter ID System

    3. Cap on Election Expenditure

    4. Disqualification of Convicted Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs)

    5. Online Voter Registration

Threats and Challenges to India’s Political System

  • Corruption

  • Criminalization of Politics

  • Communalism and Casteism

  • Regionalism

  • Weak Coalition Governments

  • Low Voter Participation

  • Misinformation and Media Manipulation

Key Concepts: Short Notes on Indian Polity

The Preamble: Introduction to the Constitution, defining ideals like justice, liberty, and equality.

Rule of Law: Everyone is equal before the law; no one is above it.

Indian Constitution: The supreme law of India, laying down the framework of governance.

Constitutional Values: Core principles such as justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, integrity, and sovereignty.

Indian Federal System: Power divided between the Centre and States, with a unitary bias.

Fundamental Duties: Moral obligations of all citizens, enshrined in Article 51A.

Separation of Powers: Division of governmental powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary to ensure checks and balances.

Election Commission: An independent authority responsible for conducting elections, ensuring a free and fair process.

Electoral Reforms: Steps taken to improve transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Vice President: The second-highest constitutional post, serving as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, elected indirectly.