Malcolm Rivera
The Indian Constitution is the world's lengthiest written constitution, with 395 articles and 12 schedules. It is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility, with a federal system of governance and a strong centre. The Constitution upholds secularism and outlines the fundamental rights and duties of citizens, with a vision for a just, inclusive, and prosperous society. It is the result of a historical struggle for democracy, justice, and equality, with over 100 amendments since its enactment.
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What You'll Learn
The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest written constitution in the world
The Indian Constitution has borrowed provisions from various sources, including the Government of India Act of 1935 and the constitutions of other countries. It has adopted the best features of the major constitutions of the world and modified them to suit India's needs. The Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with features such as two levels of government, the division of powers, the supremacy and rigidity of the constitution, and bicameralism.
However, the Indian Constitution also contains many unitary features, such as a strong centre, All India Services, and emergency provisions that can modify the Constitution into a unitary one. The Constitution provides for a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility, with three types of amendments ranging from simple to most difficult procedures depending on the nature of the amendment.
The Indian Constitution is the fundamental law of the land, outlining the governance framework, rights, and duties of its citizens. It serves as the supreme law, guiding the state's functioning and ensuring the protection of citizens' rights and responsibilities. The Constitution stands as a testament to upholding its values, fostering unity amidst diversity, and safeguarding the liberties of every citizen.
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It is a blend of rigidity and flexibility
The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility. It is not entirely rigid as it can be amended by Parliament following a few rules. It provides for three types of amendments, ranging from simple to most difficult procedures depending on the nature of the amendment. Some provisions of the Constitution can be amended by a simple majority of Parliament in the same manner as ordinary legislative processes, but these do not fall under Article 368.
The Constitution establishes a federal system of government with a written constitution, which is a feature of a rigid constitution. It contains all the usual features of a federation, such as two levels of government, the division of powers, the supremacy and rigidity of the constitution, and bicameralism.
However, it also contains many unitary features, such as a strong centre, All India Services common to the centre and the states, and emergency provisions that can modify the Constitution into a unitary one. The appointment of state governors by the centre is another example of a unitary feature.
The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest and most detailed written constitution in the world. It is comprehensive and elaborate, containing not only the fundamental principles of governance but also detailed administrative provisions. The Constitution has borrowed most of its provisions from the Government of India Act of 1935 and the constitutions of various other countries.
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It is a federal system with unitary features
The Indian Constitution, which came into effect on 26 January 1950, is the world's lengthiest and most detailed written constitution. It establishes a federal system of governance with a dual system of government, consisting of the centre and the states. This division of powers between the executive, judiciary and legislature is a key feature of a federal system.
The Indian Constitution, however, also contains several unitary features. Firstly, it has a strong centre, with a single constitution and single citizenship. All India Services are common to the centre and the states, and the appointment of state governors is done by the centre. The Indian Constitution also has emergency provisions that can modify the constitution into a unitary one.
The Indian Constitution is unique in that it combines both rigid and flexible elements. While it is classified as a rigid constitution, as it requires a special procedure for its amendment, it also provides for three types of amendments, ranging from simple to most difficult procedures, depending on the nature of the amendment. This blend of rigidity and flexibility is a notable feature that distinguishes it from other constitutions.
The Constitution of India is the fundamental law of the land, serving as a guiding framework for the state's functioning and ensuring the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It reflects the nation's collective journey towards democracy, justice, and equality, with its roots grounded in historical struggles, philosophical ideals, and societal aspirations.
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It upholds secularism
The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest and most detailed written constitution in the world. It is a testament to upholding its values, fostering unity amidst diversity, and safeguarding the rights and liberties of every citizen. The constitution is a "living document" that can be changed to meet the needs of the times.
The Constitution of India upholds secularism, which has been interpreted as equality before the law for all religions, while the state remains neutral. This principle is enshrined in Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution, prohibiting discrimination against citizens on religious grounds while guaranteeing equal protection of laws and equal opportunity in public employment. The Supreme Court of India, in the 1994 case of S. R. Bommai v. Union of India, established that India has been secular since the formation of the republic, with a separation of state and religion. The judgement stated that "In matters of State, religion has no place".
The Indian Constitution permits partial financial support for religious schools, as well as the financing of religious buildings and infrastructure by the state. The 7th Schedule of the Indian Constitution places religious institutions, charities, and trusts in the Concurrent List, allowing both the central and state governments to make laws regarding these institutions. The overlap of religion and state, through the Concurrent List structure, has resulted in state support for religious schools and personal laws.
The Preamble to the Constitution of India includes the words "secular" and "socialist", added in 1975 or 1976. The Supreme Court of India has upheld the inclusion of these words, stating that they reflect the secular ethos of the Constitution and have achieved widespread acceptance among the people of India. The court interpreted the word "secular" as denoting a republic that upholds equal respect for all religions, and "socialist" as representing a republic dedicated to eliminating all forms of exploitation, be it social, political, or economic.
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It is supreme law
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country. It is the fundamental law that embodies the values, principles, and governance framework of India. It serves as a guiding force for the state's functioning and the protection of citizens' rights and responsibilities. The Constitution outlines the fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions. It is a comprehensive and detailed document that reflects the nation's collective journey towards democracy, justice, and equality.
The Indian Constitution is the world's lengthiest and most detailed written constitution. Its lengthy nature can be attributed to several factors, including the need to accommodate the country's vast diversity, the presence of legal experts in the Constituent Assembly, and the inclusion of both fundamental principles of governance and detailed administrative provisions. The Constitution borrows from various sources, including the Government of India Act of 1935 and the constitutions of other countries. It is a blend of rigidity and flexibility, providing for three types of amendments ranging from simple to most difficult procedures depending on the nature of the change.
As the supreme law, the Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government. It includes features such as two levels of government, the division of powers, the supremacy and rigidity of the constitution, a written constitution, an independent judiciary, and bicameralism. The Constitution also contains unitary features, such as a strong centre, All-India Services, emergency provisions, and the appointment of state governors by the centre. It is important to note that the Indian Constitution chose the British Parliamentary system of government over the American Presidential system.
The Indian Constitution is unique in both spirit and content. It stands for a secular state, not upholding any particular religion as official. It also includes Directive Principles of State Policy, which set out the aims and objectives for state governance. These principles can be classified into three broad categories: Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal-intellectual. The Constitution has undergone various amendments, with the 42nd Amendment being referred to as the "Mini Constitution" due to its significant changes during the Emergency in 1976.
The Constitution of India is the supreme law, providing a framework for the country's governance and safeguarding the rights and liberties of its citizens. It is a testament to the country's journey towards democracy, justice, and equality, reflecting the values and aspirations of its people.
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Frequently asked questions
The Indian Constitution is the world's lengthiest and most detailed written constitution. It is a blend of rigidity and flexibility, with three types of amendments ranging from simple to most difficult procedures. It establishes a federal system of government with two levels, a division of powers, the supremacy of the constitution, an independent judiciary, and bicameralism. It also contains features of a unitary form of government, such as a strong centre, single citizenship, and emergency provisions.
The Indian Constitution has borrowed most of its provisions from the Government of India Act of 1935, as well as from the constitutions of various other countries. It was framed by a Constituent Assembly, with Dr Rajendra Prasad as its president, and B.R. Ambedkar as the chairman of the drafting committee.
The Indian Constitution is the fundamental law of the land, outlining the governance framework, rights, and duties of the country. It stands for a secular state, ensuring that no particular religion is upheld as the official religion of India. It also includes directive principles of state policy, which set out the aims and objectives for the state in three categories: socialistic, Gandhian, and liberal-intellectual.
