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Salient Features of the Indian Constitution, 18 Major Features of Indian Constitution

Madhavi Gaur August 29, 2023 01:40 17378 0

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution, 18 Major Features of Indian Constitution

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: The Constitution of India, hailed as one of the world’s most revered legal documents, emerged from a meticulous analysis of existing global constitutions. Enacted in 1950, it has successfully weathered the tests of time. While it draws inspiration from various sources, the Indian Constitution possesses distinctive features that set it apart from others. Let’s delve into the noteworthy characteristics that define the essence of the Indian Constitution.

The Indian Constitution commences with a preamble, a foundational statement that outlines the Constitution’s objectives and fundamental principles. These objectives, derived from the preamble, have a profound influence on the key elements of the Constitution, shaping its essence both directly and indirectly.

In crafting the Indian Constitution, the framers ingeniously amalgamated the finest aspects of several prominent international constitutions, while also drawing from the Government of India Act, 1935. Despite this rich tapestry of influences, the Indian Constitution possesses a set of distinctive attributes that set it apart from other global counterparts.

 

 

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

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18 Salient, Major Features of the Indian Constitution

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: The beginning of the Constitution of India is marked by its Preamble. Within the Preamble, one can discover the guiding principles, goals, and fundamental tenets upon which the Constitution is built. The significant characteristics of the Constitution are directly and indirectly rooted in these principles articulated in the Preamble.

From these foundational ideals, our Constitution draws its essence. It is noteworthy that the Constitution of India has adeptly assimilated the most commendable aspects of various prominent global constitutions, suitably tailored to the specific requirements of our nation. While influenced by a multitude of international counterparts, the Constitution of India stands apart due to its unique set of notable attributes. Aspirants preparing for the IAS Exam would greatly benefit from a deep understanding of this subject matter.

This subject bears paramount importance within the Polity section (GS II) of the UPSC Syllabus.

1. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Lengthiest Written Constitution  

The Indian Constitution stands as the world’s longest written constitution. Its exhaustive content reflects factors such as the vast geographical expanse and diversity of the nation. Shaped by historical influences and legal expertise, it serves as a comprehensive blueprint for governance.

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2. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Eclectic Borrowings  

While borrowing provisions from various international constitutions and the Government of India Act, 1935, the framers of the Indian Constitution tailored these elements to suit the Indian context. This fusion of borrowed features and indigenous adaptations ensures a distinctive constitutional identity.

3. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: The Preamble 

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution encapsulates the fundamental ideals, objectives, and principles of the document. It lays the foundation for the Constitution’s salient features, reflecting the nation’s commitment to sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, and social justice.

4. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Democratic System 

The democratic essence of the Indian Constitution places sovereignty firmly in the hands of the people. Equitable political rights and the practice of free, fair, and regular elections underscore the democratic fabric of the nation.

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5. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Republic Governance  

India’s republican governance signifies that the nation is not under monarchical rule. Instead, it has an elected head of state, the President, chosen by the people at regular intervals, fostering a democratic ethos.

6. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Federal Structure with Unitary Bias 

The Indian Constitution establishes a federal structure with a unitary bias, adapting to the nation’s diverse needs. While delineating powers between the central and state governments, it empowers the central government during emergencies to ensure unity and stability.

7. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Fundamental Rights and Duties  

Part III of the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to citizens, protecting individual liberties. These rights, though justiciable, are not absolute and can be subject to reasonable constraints in the interest of national security.

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8. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Directive Principles of State Policy  

The Directive Principles of State Policy guide government actions in fostering social and economic democracy. While not enforceable by courts, they inspire policies aimed at securing the welfare and well-being of the people.

9. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Parliamentary System 

India’s parliamentary system emphasizes a clear distinction between the nominal and real executive heads. The Council of Ministers, responsible to the Lok Sabha (Lower House), fosters close interaction between the executive and legislative branches.

10. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Universal Adult Franchise

The principle of universal adult franchise ensures that every adult, regardless of gender, enjoys the right to vote. This democratic cornerstone promotes inclusivity and ensures the people’s active participation in governance.

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11. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Independent Judiciary  

India’s Constitution establishes an independent judiciary, separate from the legislature and executive. The judiciary ensures the rule of law and safeguards fundamental rights, acting as a beacon of justice.

12. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Amending the Constitution 

The amendment process, outlined in Article 368, emphasizes preserving the sanctity of the Constitution. This procedure maintains a delicate balance between evolving needs and the Constitution’s foundational principles.

13. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Secularism  

India’s secularism guarantees religious freedom to all citizens. The state maintains neutrality in religious matters, promoting a diverse and harmonious social fabric.

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14. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Basic Structure Doctrine  

The Basic Structure Doctrine safeguards certain core features of the Constitution from amendments by the Parliament. This doctrine ensures the Constitution’s enduring values while allowing for necessary changes.

15. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Integrated Judicial System

The Constitution establishes a single integrated judicial system spanning the Union and states. The Supreme Court, along with High Courts and lower courts, upholds justice and interprets constitutional matters.

16. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Independent Bodies 

The Constitution creates independent bodies, such as the Election Commission and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), to safeguard democratic processes and financial accountability.

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17. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Emergency Provisions 

The Constitution includes provisions to address challenges to national security and unity, ensuring stability during turbulent times.

18. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Three-Tier Government

The 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts introduced rural and urban local bodies, enabling self-governance at the grassroots level and fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of self-sufficient villages.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
Also Read: 
Must know articles of Indian Constitution in 2023, Complete List Important Articles of Indian Constitution Complete List 2023
Article 370 of the Constitution of India: Complete Significance and Controversy Constitution of India: Interesting Unknown Facts 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Key characteristics of the Indian constitution include the following: 1. Longest written constitution. The constitution is categorized into two segments: written, akin to the American Constitution; and unwritten, similar to the British Constitution. The Indian Constitution stands as the lengthiest written constitution globally.

Aiming to establish the objectives of the Indian Constitution, the Preamble underscores the notion of sovereignty. This signifies the full attainment of political independence, implying that our nation possesses internal strength and external autonomy. It grants the ability to make self-determined decisions without any external intervention.

The Indian Constitution, while primarily federal, has some unitary features: 1. Single Citizenship: Citizens have a single identity throughout the country. 2. Uniform Civil Code: Encourages a common civil code for all citizens. 3. Appointment of Governors: Governors appointed by the central government. 4. Unified Judiciary: Supreme Court oversees all states' courts. 5. Emergency Provisions: Central government can control states during emergencies. 6. All India Services: Central appointments for civil services. 7. Residuary Powers: Central government retains authority over residual matters. 8. Parliament's Authority: Parliament can alter state boundaries and regulations. 9. Single Constitution: Single Constitution for both center and states.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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