Introduction:
Preamble: The Constitution begins with a Preamble, which declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic and aims to secure for its citizens justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is a concise introduction to the Constitution's objectives.
1. Written Constitution:
The Indian Constitution is a written and codified document. At the time of its adoption, it was the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
2. Federal with Unitary Bias:
The Constitution establishes India as a federal state with a clear division of powers between the Union (central government) and the States (regional governments). This is detailed in three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.
However, in times of emergency, the Constitution can take on a unitary character where powers are centralized.
3. Parliamentary Form:
The Indian Constitution establishes a parliamentary form of government, modeled after the British system. It has a bicameral legislature with the President as the ceremonial head of the state and the Prime Minister as the head of government.
4. Sovereign, Democratic, Republic:
As per the Preamble, India is a sovereign state, meaning it is free from external control.
It is democratic, implying that it ensures the supreme power lies with the people and guarantees basic rights to its citizens.
Being a republic means that the head of state is elected and not a hereditary monarch.
5. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility:
Some parts of the Constitution can be amended by a simple majority in the Parliament, while others require a two-thirds majority and also ratification by a majority of state legislatures. This makes the Indian Constitution neither too rigid (difficult to amend) nor too flexible (easy to amend).
6. Secular State:
The term "secular" was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, emphasizing the state's neutral stance towards all religions and guaranteeing the freedom of religion to its citizens.
7. Socialist and Justice-Oriented:
"Socialist" was another term added by the 42nd Amendment, indicating the state's commitment to reducing socioeconomic inequalities. The Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy emphasize the commitment to social, economic, and political justice.
8. Comprehensive Document:
The Indian Constitution is thorough and comprehensive. Apart from detailing the structure of governance and rights of citizens, it also provides guidelines on topics like official languages, administrative relations between the Union and States, and more.
9. Inclusion of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles:
The Constitution ensures certain essential rights to all citizens, known as the Fundamental Rights. These are justiciable, meaning individuals can approach the courts if they believe their rights are violated.
The Directive Principles of State Policy, on the other hand, are non-justiciable guidelines for the state in governance, aimed at establishing a social and economic democracy.
10. Fundamental Duties:
Incorporated by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, the Fundamental Duties are a set of ten responsibilities that the Constitution prescribes for all Indian citizens. While they aren't enforceable by law, they are considered obligations that citizens should fulfil.
11. Detailed Provisions:
The Constitution goes into meticulous details on various aspects, from administration to the powers of the President, from emergency provisions to the organization of local self-governance through Panchayats and Municipalities.
12. Incorporation of Emergency Provisions:
The Constitution contains detailed provisions related to situations of emergency, be it due to war, external aggression, internal disturbance, or financial instability.
The Indian Constitution is the product of deliberations and debates in the Constituent Assembly, which drew inspiration from various sources, including the Government of India Act 1935, and the constitutions of other countries like the U.S., Canada, and Ireland. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, and other members ensured it reflected the diverse culture and ethos of India while addressing the challenges faced by the newly independent nation.
