Constitution of India

Introduction

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, providing the legal framework for the functioning of the country. It defines the structure, powers, and duties of government institutions and lays down the fundamental rights, directive principles, and duties of citizens. Drafted by the Constituent Assembly, it was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

• Lengthiest Written Constitution
  • The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world, with 448 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, and numerous amendments.
• Preamble
  • The Preamble reflects the philosophy and objectives of the Constitution. It declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and promises justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to its citizens.
• Federal Structure with Unitary Bias
  • The Constitution establishes a federal system with a strong central government. It divides powers between the Union and State governments through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
• Parliamentary System
  • India follows a parliamentary system of government where the executive is accountable to the legislature. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
• Fundamental Rights
  • The Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to citizens: Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
• Directive Principles of State Policy
  • These are guidelines for the central and state governments to frame policies and laws aimed at creating a just society. They are non-justiciable but fundamental in governance.
• Fundamental Duties
  • The Constitution lists 11 fundamental duties for citizens, which were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. These duties are moral obligations to promote a spirit of patriotism and uphold the unity of India.
• Independent Judiciary
  • The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary with the Supreme Court at its apex. It ensures the protection of fundamental rights and resolves disputes between the center and states.
• Secular State
  • India is a secular state with no official religion. The Constitution ensures equal treatment of all religions by the state.
• Single Citizenship
  • The Constitution provides for single citizenship, which means all Indians, irrespective of the state of their domicile, are citizens of India.
• Universal Adult Franchise
  • The Constitution grants the right to vote to every citizen aged 18 and above, without any discrimination.
• Amendment Procedure
  • The Constitution provides a detailed procedure for amendments under Article 368. Amendments can be made by a simple majority, special majority, or by ratification by half of the state legislatures, depending on the nature of the amendment.