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Discover the Salient Features of the Indian Constitution, including its structure, federal system, fundamental rights, secularism, and more. Essential for UPSC and other competitive exams.
Madhavi Gaur
April 18, 2025
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, is a landmark document that lays the foundation for the world’s largest democracy. It serves as the supreme law of the land and has evolved through amendments, judicial interpretations, and legislative practices. Interested candidates must read on to explore the Salient Features of the Indian Constitution, an important topic for competitive exams and anyone keen on understanding Indian governance.
The Salient Features of the Indian Constitution include its length, structure, values, and the manner in which it balances the powers of the State and individual freedoms. Inspired by various global constitutions, the Indian Constitution has evolved with time but remains anchored to its foundational principles.
The List of Salient Features of the Indian Constitution showcases its comprehensive nature and adaptability. These features encapsulate its legal strength and its spirit of inclusivity and justice. Below is the List of Salient Features of the Indian Constitution:
Among all democratic nations, India has the most elaborate and detailed Constitution. At the time of its adoption in 1949, it had a Preamble, 395 Articles divided into 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules. As of now (2025), it comprises 448 Articles.
The Salient Features of the Indian Constitution include the unique blend of provisions taken from different global constitutions. It reflects the best practices suited to Indian conditions. Here’s a List of Salient Features of the Indian Constitution and their origins:
| Source | Features Borrowed |
| British Constitution | Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, Single Citizenship |
| US Constitution | Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Independence of Judiciary |
| Irish Constitution | Directive Principles of State Policy |
| Canadian Constitution | Strong Centre, Residuary Powers |
| Australian Constitution | Concurrent List, Trade & Commerce Freedom |
| Soviet Constitution (USSR) | Fundamental Duties, Social Justice |
| French Constitution | Ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity |
| South African Constitution | Amendment Procedure, Rajya Sabha Elections |
| Japanese Constitution | Procedure Established by Law |
The Indian Constitution is neither completely rigid like the U.S. Constitution nor completely flexible like the British one. It provides a mixed mechanism for amendment.
Article 368 outlines the three types of amendments: by simple majority, special majority, and special majority with ratification by half of the states. This ensures both adaptability and stability.
India follows a quasi-federal structure. While power is distributed between the Centre and the States, the Constitution grants more power to the Centre.
This unitary tilt is visible during emergencies, when the Centre assumes overriding authority. This model helps maintain national unity in a diverse country, especially during emergencies:
Inspired by the British model, India follows a Parliamentary democracy where the Executive is responsible to the Legislature.
It includes features like collective responsibility, majority rule, dual executive (nominal and real), and the dissolution of the lower house. It ensures accountability and responsive governance.
Unlike the UK, India has a written Constitution, judicial review, and an elected President.
The Salient Features of the Indian Constitution balance the British concept of Parliamentary supremacy with American-style judicial review.
While Parliament can make laws, the Judiciary can strike down unconstitutional provisions, ensuring a robust checks and balances system.
The Rule of Law is a cornerstone of Indian democracy. It implies equality before the law and the supremacy of legal norms over arbitrary power.
No one is above the law, not even the government. This principle was inherited from the British legal system and is embedded in Article 14.
India has a single integrated judiciary with the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts.
The judiciary’s independence is protected through security of tenure, fixed service conditions, and financial autonomy, ensuring impartial justice.
Part III of the Constitution enshrines Fundamental Rights, which guarantee civil liberties to all citizens.
These include the Right to Equality, Freedom, Against Exploitation, Freedom of Religion, Cultural & Educational Rights, and Constitutional Remedies. They act as a bulwark against state oppression.
Part IV of the Constitution outlines the Directive Principles, which are non-justiciable but essential for governance.
They guide the state to promote social welfare, equitable distribution of wealth, and ensure justice in all spheres. They aim to establish a welfare state.
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 introduced Fundamental Duties under Article 51A, inspired by the Soviet Constitution.
There are 11 duties, including respect for the Constitution, the national flag, and the promotion of harmony. Though not enforceable by law, they hold moral significance.
Secularism is among the Salient Features of the Indian Constitution. India does not uphold any state religion and treats all religions equally.
The 42nd Amendment inserted the word “Secular” in the Preamble. Indian secularism promotes equal respect, not irreligion.
Every citizen above 18 has the right to vote without discrimination. This reflects the democratic spirit of the Constitution.
Introduced at the very inception, it emphasises equality and gives every citizen a voice in the political process.
Despite being a federal country, India grants only one citizenship – Indian. There’s no separate state citizenship.
This promotes national unity, allows free movement and equal rights across states, and eliminates discrimination.
The Salient Features of the Indian Constitution include the establishment of independent constitutional bodies such as:
These institutions ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance.
Articles 352 to 360 lay out Emergency Provisions, enabling the Centre to assume greater control during crises.
These include National Emergency, State Emergency (President’s Rule), and Financial Emergency. These ensure state stability in times of peril.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments established a three-tier system – Union, State, and Local Governments.
This decentralization promotes grassroots democracy and public participation in governance. It is a key development in India’s federal evolution.
The 97th Amendment Act, 2011 added Part IXB to the Constitution, recognising co-operative societies as an essential pillar of the economy.
It provides for their autonomy, democratic functioning, and protection from arbitrary interference, ensuring better governance at the community level.
The Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992, a major reform under Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership, empowered local self-governance in rural areas. Some salient features of the Constitution Act 1992 include:
This Act strengthened grassroots democracy and decentralised governance, reflecting the Indian Constitution’s spirit of inclusivity.
The Salient Features of the Indian Constitution make it a living document—rigid in principle yet flexible in execution. Its inclusive structure ensures democracy, unity, and progress. Whether you’re preparing for civil services or simply trying to understand the nation’s legal backbone, knowing this List of Salient Features of the Indian Constitution provides deep insight into India’s constitutional framework.
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