Table of Contents
The Indian Constitution ensures the fulfillment of society’s primary objectives, establishes the government, and regulates its authority. It guarantees fundamental rights to Indian citizens, including freedom of expression, faith, worship, equality, opposition to exploitation, and remedial measures. The framework of constitutional system in India is democracy. This article examines the 15 Salient Features of Indian Constitution
1. The longest detailed constitutional document in the world: The Indian Constitution Combines existing constitutions around the world
2. Written Constitution is Flexible and subjected to amendments
3. Fundamental rights: is essential for the all-round development of the human being
4. A combination of a Federal and Parliamentary System: Parliamentary system is based on principle of collective responsibility
Federal Structure: The federal system of India assigns different authorities to the national and state governments. While the state handles regional matters, the Union handles national issues.
Parliamentary System: The President is constitutional Head of the State. The real executive power rest with Prime Minister. The Rajya Sabha is the upper house while the Lok Sabha is the lower house.
Governmental functions are divided into three parts: i) Legislature ii) Executive and iii) Judiciary. They are called organs of the Government.
5. Republic:
The correct meaning of Republic of India
A republic is a system of governance where legislators are selected by the people. It’s a system that gives people a voice in decision-making and encourages public participation. Democracy is the cornerstone of a republic because it celebrates the power of the people and encourages broad range of opinion.
India is a sovereign and secular republic that supports socialism and hopes for economic equality. It is a democracy, signifying that the people have the power, and secular, safeguarding the coexistence of several religions and allows full freedom on religious issues.
A sovereign state asserts its right to self-governance in order to defend its independence from outside power.
6. Independent Judiciary: The constitution establishes the judiciary as an independent body, allowing judges to make judgments without any bias or fear.
7. Social and economic fairness: Part iv of the constitution deals with Essential Guidelines provided for Government in establishing socio-economic rights for the people which no court will be able to enforce.
8. Essential Obligations: bringing to citizen’s attention their obligations to the country. These fundamental duties, which range from protecting public property to upholding the Constitution, foster civic consciousness, were amended in 1976. (As Part IV A, 42nd amendment).
9. Rule of Law: The Constitution promotes a society founded on justice and fairness by upholding the rule of law.
10. Election Commission with Multiple Members: The Election Commission maintains the democratic process by organizing free and fair elections.
11. Minority Privileges: Minorities have the freedom to create educational institutions and preserve their unique cultures, based on articles 29 and 30
12. Crisis Safety Measures: Articles 356 and 360 address state crises, whereas Article 352 permits a national emergency. These clauses give the government the authority to address emergencies endangering the security and stability of the country.
13. Single national citizenship: Citizens have a single identity to the Indian Union.
14. Right to vote: In India each and every individual have the right to vote, irrespective of their gender, caste, or creed.
15. Panchayati Raj: Local communities benefit from the Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies concepts. Decentralization of government facilitates participation of citizens.
Why do we need a constitution?
The Constitution’s set of written laws and regulations is intended to ensure that society’s fundamental objectives are achieved. The government’s powers and methods of establishment are outlined in the constitution.
Under the constitution, every Indian citizen is entitled to have certain fundamental rights.
Along with freedom of faith and worship, the right to freedom ensures freedom of expression and opinion.
Caste and religion cannot be used as justifications for discrimination, according to the right to equality.
The right to reject exploitation of any kind and the right to take corrective action are also guaranteed by the constitution.
What are the features of democracy?
• Strong and vibrant Constitution
• Free and fair elections: In a democracy, citizens are entitled to form political parties and select their own leaders. The ideal example of democracy is a stable government with a smooth handover of power after elections.
• Right to vote
• Freedom of expression: Everyone has the right to freedom of speech, religion, and more in a democracy, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.
• Upholding the rule of law
Four pillars of Democracy
Four Pillars of Democracy: Each of the four pillars of a democracy needs to be strong in its dedication to the advancement of the country in order for it to endure.
The legislative, executive, judicial, and media are the four pillars of democracy. The strength of each pillar determines the democracy’s overall strength. For the nation to be united, each pillar needs to be independent and collaborative.
The implementation of stringent laws and the enforcement of various people-centric schemes are very important. The Indian Constitution offers legislative authority to the Parliament. In comparison to other branches of government, the executive has more authority.
Legislature:
Legislature is a popularly elected body by the vote of the people, whose main function is to make laws or legislate and to decide policy
The Indian Parliament, consisting of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, is the national legislature, while the state legislature refers to the legislature of each state.
Executive:
The executive generally consists of all administrative organs of the States including Council of Ministers all Secretaries various departmental heads, Collector, Commissioner all bureaucracy heads of various corporations
The executive branch involves the presidents, the prime minister and cabinet of ministers and civil servants.
The President has a right to be informed of all-important matters of the Council of Ministers.
President can cancel the decision taken by the Council of Ministers. The President also has veto power to withhold most of the bills passed by the Parliament.
Role of Executive is to implement schemes from centre to state-level by granting more authority to local administration, building basic infrastructure, and upholding the idea that there should be less government and more governance.
Judiciary:
The judiciary is protector and guarantor of the Constitution and fundamental rights of the citizen.
Implementing the law of the land requires a judicial system that is open, reasonable, and accessible.
The Media
The media is required to follow the law and present the facts objectively in all spheres, including political, social, and economic.
The media’s ability to shape public opinion has led to its emergence as the fourth pillar—the presence of an impartial, free media dedicated to serving the underprivileged and marginalized population. The media has an ethical code to abide by.
Conclusion
The constitution establishes the boundaries of government power, specifies how it will be used, and it also ensures society’s basic rights, religious freedom and duties.
Each pillar of a democracy has to be strong in their commitment to the growth of the country and exhibit high ethical behavior in order to survive.
The media must serve as a medium between the public and the government and all attempts to spread false and biased news must be prevented.
FAQ
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