Indian polity Playlist
19 chapters • 0 completed
1
Making of the Constitution
18 topics
2
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
3 topics
3
Preamble
6 topics
4
Evolution of States & Union Territories
7 topics
5
Citizenship
9 topics
6
Fundamental Rights
34 topics
7
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
19 topics
8
Amendment and Basic Structure
12 topics
9
Parliamentary System of Government
45 topics
10
Union Executive
26 topics
11
State Executive
21 topics
12
State Legislature
11 topics
13
Centre-State Relations
23 topics
14
Inter-State Relations
14 topics
15
Emergency Provisions
13 topics
16
Supreme Court
26 topics
17
High Court
21 topics
18
Local Government
21 topics
19
UTs + Scheduled and Tribal Areas
22 topics
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Chapter 2: Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
Chapter Test3 topics•Estimated reading: 9 minutes
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution (Expanded)
Key Point
The Indian Constitution stands apart as the most detailed and comprehensive document that incorporates global experiences, adapts to Indian diversity, and provides a framework for democratic governance. It embodies political democracy through Fundamental Rights, socio-economic democracy through DPSPs, and civic responsibility through Fundamental Duties.
The Indian Constitution stands apart as the most detailed and comprehensive document that incorporates global experiences, adapts to Indian diversity, and provides a framework for democratic governance. It embodies political democracy through Fundamental Rights, socio-economic democracy through DPSPs, and civic responsibility through Fundamental Duties.
Detailed Notes (67 points)
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Lengthiest Written Constitution
Originally the Constitution contained 395 Articles in 22 Parts and 8 Schedules . Over time it has grown to about 465 Articles , 25 Parts , 12 Schedules and 100+ Amendments — making it the largest written constitution
It covers many topics
The Schedules act like appendices: they organize complex details such as distribution of powers, official languages, services, and anti-defection rules.
Drawn from Various Sources
The Constitution borrows ideas from several systems and adapts them to Indian needs:
United Kingdom: parliamentary form, cabinet system, collective responsibility and bicameral legislature.
United States: written constitution, fundamental rights, judicial review, impeachment-style removal safeguards.
Canada: federal structure with a strong centre (residuary powers to Centre).
Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) as guidelines for social and economic policy.
France: republican ideals and the moral tone of the Preamble (liberty, equality, fraternity).
USSR: the idea of citizens’ duties (later reflected in Fundamental Duties).
All these were adopted and adapted — for example India chose one Constitution for both Centre and States (unlike the U.S. separate state constitutions model).
Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
The Constitution balances flexibility (many provisions can be amended by a simple majority) and rigidity (federal provisions require a special majority plus ratification by half the states).
This mix allows adaptation over time (100+ amendments) while protecting core federal features.
Federal System with a Unitary Bias
The Constitution is federal in form (Union, State and Concurrent lists, independent judiciary, written charter) but has a unitary tilt :
Residuary powers (subjects not in lists) rest with the Centre;
Emergency powers enable the Centre to assume greater authority;
Governor is appointed by Centre;
All-India Services (IAS, IPS etc.) serve both Centre and States;
Single citizenship across India.
As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar noted, it is 'federal in form but unitary in spirit.'
Parliamentary Form of Government
India follows the Westminster model :
Real executive is the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers who are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Lower House).
President is the nominal head (ceremonial) who acts on the aid & advice of ministers.
Features include collective responsibility , bicameral Parliament , and the Prime Minister as the keystone of Cabinet .
Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty & Judicial Supremacy
While Parliament is supreme in law-makingJudiciary has the power of judicial review to strike down laws violating the Constitution.
The Basic Structure Doctrine
Integrated & Independent Judiciary
India has an integrated judicial system — Supreme Court at top, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts.
The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution
Judicial independence is protected by secure tenure, stringent removal procedure (impeachment), and salaries charged on the Consolidated Fund.
Fundamental Rights (Part III, Articles 12–35)
These rights protect citizens against state arbitrariness and support political democracy.
They are enforceable in courts via writs: habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, certiorari.
During a declared Emergency, many FRs can be suspended (except some core protections like certain safeguards of Articles 20 and 21).
Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36–51)
DPSPs set policy goals
They are non-justiciable (not enforceable by courts) but are fundamental in governance and guide law-making (Article 37).
Many social laws (e.g., Right to Education, welfare schemes) reflect DPSP values.
Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A, Article 51A)
Inserted by the 42nd Amendment (1976) , initially 10 duties; the 86th Amendment (2002) added an 11th duty (parental duty for education).
Duties include respect for the Constitution, the National Flag and Anthem, protecting the environment and public property — they are moral obligations
Secular State
Indian secularism means equal respect for all religions (positive secularism): the state treats all faiths equally and may intervene to reform practices.
Secularism is part of the Basic Structure (S.R. Bommai, 1994).
Universal Adult Franchise
Every adult citizen has one vote (one person, one vote). Voting age reduced from 21 to 18 by the 61st Amendment (1988) .
India has the largest electorate
Independent Constitutional Bodies
Key institutions to safeguard democracy include the Election Commission of India (ECI) , Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) , Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) , and the Finance Commission — each provides checks and balances.
Emergency Provisions
Three types of emergencies are provided:
National Emergency (Art. 352) — on grounds of war/ external aggression/ armed rebellion;
State Emergency (Art. 356) — failure of constitutional machinery in a State (President's Rule);
Financial Emergency (Art. 360) — if financial stability is threatened.
During emergencies, Centre’s powers increase, some FRs may be suspended and Parliament’s term may be extended.
Three-tier Government (Local Self-Government)
The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) strengthened local democracy:
Panchayats (rural local bodies) at village/block/district levels;
Municipalities for urban local governance — ensuring grassroots participation.
Co-operative Societies
The 97th Amendment (2011) introduced Part IX-B (Arts. 243ZH–243ZT) , recognizing the right to form co-operative societies and promoting cooperative-based economic democracy.
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
| Feature | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Lengthiest Written Constitution | 465 Articles, 25 Parts, 12 Schedules; originally 395 Articles & 8 Schedules |
| Drawn from Various Sources | Borrowed from UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, USSR, France, Australia, etc. |
| Blend of Rigidity & Flexibility | Article 368 provides for simple, special, and federal amendments |
| Federal System with Unitary Bias | Strong Centre, residuary powers, emergency provisions, AIS, Governor appointed by Centre |
| Parliamentary Form of Government | Nominal head (President), real head (PM); collective responsibility; dissolution of Lok Sabha |
| Parliamentary Sovereignty + Judicial Supremacy | Parliament can amend; Supreme Court ensures judicial review (Basic Structure Doctrine) |
| Integrated & Independent Judiciary | Unified judiciary; SC guardian of FRs; independence via tenure & salary protections |
| Fundamental Rights | Part III (Arts 12–35); political democracy; enforceable by writs |
| Directive Principles of State Policy | Part IV (Arts 36–51); socio-economic democracy; non-justiciable but fundamental in governance |
| Fundamental Duties | Part IV-A (Art 51A); 11 duties; added by 42nd & 86th Amendments; moral obligations |
| Secular State | Equal respect for all religions; word ‘Secular’ added in Preamble by 42nd Amendment (1976) |
| Universal Adult Franchise | One person, one vote; voting age reduced to 18 (61st Amendment, 1988) |
| Independent Bodies | ECI, UPSC, CAG, Finance Commission as bulwarks of democracy |
| Emergency Provisions | National (352), State (356, 365), Financial (360); Centre becomes powerful during crises |
| Three-tier Government | 73rd & 74th Amendments (1992); Panchayati Raj & Urban Local Bodies |
| Co-operative Societies | 97th Amendment (2011); Part IX-B; constitutional status; right to form co-ops (Art 19(1)(c)) |
Fun Facts
Ambedkar described the Constitution as 'both a lawyer’s paradise and a social reformer’s handbook'.
The Constituent Assembly debated the draft for 114 days across 3 years.
The Preamble was the last part to be finalized.
India conducts the largest democratic elections in the world under this Constitution.
Mains Key Points
The Indian Constitution is remarkable for its comprehensiveness, covering governance at Union, State, and local levels.
It represents a balance between stability (rigidity) and change (flexibility).
It embodies ideals of political equality, social justice, and secularism.
Its uniqueness lies in combining global constitutional practices with indigenous values.
It provides mechanisms to safeguard democracy, ensure accountability, and promote welfare.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Original Constitution: 395 Articles, 8 Schedules; Current: 465 Articles, 12 Schedules.
FRs justiciable; DPSPs non-justiciable; Duties moral obligations.
42nd Amendment: added Fundamental Duties + word 'Secular' in Preamble.
61st Amendment: voting age reduced to 18.
73rd & 74th Amendments: PRI & ULBs – 3rd tier of govt.
Sources of the Indian Constitution (Detailed)
Key Point
The Constitution of India is a blend of borrowed features from several countries and the Government of India Act, 1935. The framers adapted these features to Indian conditions to ensure federalism, parliamentary democracy, fundamental rights, directive principles, and a strong centre.
The Constitution of India is a blend of borrowed features from several countries and the Government of India Act, 1935. The framers adapted these features to Indian conditions to ensure federalism, parliamentary democracy, fundamental rights, directive principles, and a strong centre.
Sources of the Indian Constitution
| Source | Borrowed Features |
|---|---|
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Federal Scheme, Office of Governor, Judiciary, Public Service Commissions, Emergency Provisions, Administrative details |
| British Constitution | Parliamentary government, Rule of Law, Legislative procedure, Single citizenship, Cabinet system, Prerogative writs, Parliamentary privileges, Bicameralism |
| US Constitution | Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary, Judicial Review, Impeachment of President, Removal of SC & HC Judges, Post of Vice-President |
| Irish Constitution | Directive Principles of State Policy, Nomination of Rajya Sabha Members, Method of Presidential Election |
| Canadian Constitution | Federation with strong Centre, Residuary powers with Centre, Appointment of State Governors by Centre, Advisory jurisdiction of SC |
| Australian Constitution | Concurrent List, Freedom of Trade & Commerce, Joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament |
| Weimar Constitution (Germany) | Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency |
| Soviet Constitution (USSR) | Fundamental Duties, Ideals of Justice – Social, Economic, Political (Preamble) |
| French Constitution | Republic, Ideals of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (Preamble) |
| South African Constitution | Procedure for Constitutional Amendment, Indirect Election of Rajya Sabha Members |
| Japanese Constitution | Concept of ‘Procedure Established by Law’ |
Fun Facts
About 250 provisions of the Constitution were borrowed from the Government of India Act, 1935.
The framers reviewed more than 60 constitutions to draft India’s Constitution.
The ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble are directly inspired by the French Revolution.
The Indian Preamble’s word ‘Justice’ reflects the influence of the USSR Constitution.
Prelims Strategy Tips
GOI Act 1935 ➜ Maximum borrowing (federal scheme, judiciary, PSC, emergency).
US ➜ FRs, Judicial Review, Impeachment, VP post.
UK ➜ Parliamentary system, Cabinet, Single Citizenship.
Ireland ➜ DPSP, Rajya Sabha nomination, Presidential election.
Japan ➜ Procedure Established by Law.
Schedules in the Indian Constitution
Key Point
The Indian Constitution originally contained 8 Schedules. Today, it has 12 Schedules, covering subjects ranging from state boundaries to distribution of powers, official languages, administration of tribal areas, and anti-defection provisions.
The Indian Constitution originally contained 8 Schedules. Today, it has 12 Schedules, covering subjects ranging from state boundaries to distribution of powers, official languages, administration of tribal areas, and anti-defection provisions.
Schedules of the Indian Constitution
| Schedule | Subject Matter |
|---|---|
| First Schedule | Names of States and Union Territories with their territorial jurisdiction |
| Second Schedule | Salaries, emoluments, privileges of dignitaries (President, Governors, Speakers, Judges, CAG, etc.) |
| Third Schedule | Forms of oath and affirmations for Union & State Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Judges, CAG |
| Fourth Schedule | Allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha to States and UTs |
| Fifth Schedule | Administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes |
| Sixth Schedule | Administration of Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| Seventh Schedule | Division of powers: Union List (100), State List (61), Concurrent List (52) |
| Eighth Schedule | Official Languages – originally 14, now 22 (added by 71st, 92nd, 96th Amendments) |
| Ninth Schedule | Laws relating to land reforms and others (added by 1st Constitutional Amendment, 1951) |
| Tenth Schedule | Anti-defection law provisions (added by 52nd Constitutional Amendment, 1985) |
| Eleventh Schedule | Powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats (29 subjects, added by 73rd CA, 1992) |
| Twelfth Schedule | Powers and authority of Municipalities (18 subjects, added by 74th CA, 1992) |
Fun Facts
The 9th Schedule was added by the 1st Constitutional Amendment in 1951 to protect land reform laws from judicial review.
The 8th Schedule languages grew from 14 to 22 over time; Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali were added by the 92nd Amendment (2003).
Schedules reflect India’s diversity – from languages to tribal administration to federal power-sharing.
The 10th Schedule (Anti-defection) was added after widespread political defections in the 1960s–70s.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Originally 8 Schedules; now 12.
8th Schedule ➜ 22 languages; 92nd Amendment added 4 languages.
7th Schedule ➜ Union, State, Concurrent lists.
10th Schedule ➜ Anti-defection law (52nd CA, 1985).
11th & 12th ➜ Panchayats (29 subjects) & Municipalities (18 subjects).
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