Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Special Features of the Indian Constitution

“The Constitution of India is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility, federalism and unitarism, making it one of the most distinctive constitutions in the world.”

Salient Features

  • Lengthiest Constitution: With 448 Articles and 12 Schedules (originally 395 Articles and 8 Schedules), it is the most detailed written constitution in the world.
  • Drawn from Multiple Sources: Borrowed from constitutions of countries like Britain, USA, Canada, Ireland, etc.
  • Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: Some provisions can be amended easily while others require a special majority.
  • Federal System with Unitary Bias: It establishes a federal structure but the Centre has overriding authority in many matters.
  • Parliamentary System: India follows the British-style parliamentary system where the executive is responsible to the legislature.
  • Fundamental Rights: Guaranteed to all citizens, inspired by the U.S. Constitution (Articles 12 to 35).
  • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs): Guidelines to the state for achieving socio-economic justice (Part IV).
  • Fundamental Duties: Added by the 42nd Amendment under Article 51A (Part IVA).
  • Single Citizenship: Citizens of India hold only Indian citizenship regardless of the state.
  • Independent Judiciary: Supreme Court at the apex with power of judicial review.
  • Secular State: India does not uphold any state religion. All religions are treated equally.
  • Universal Adult Franchise: Voting rights to all citizens aged 18 and above.

Previous Year Questions (Special Features)

  • SSC CGL 2021: What type of system does the Indian Constitution establish?
  • Federal system with a unitary bias
  • RRB NTPC 2020: Fundamental Duties were added through which Amendment?
  • 42nd Amendment
  • UPSC Prelims 2018: Which Article deals with Fundamental Rights?
  • Articles 12 to 35
  • HSSC 2022: Which part of the Indian Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy?
  • Part IV
Did You Know? The Indian Constitution was handwritten in Hindi and English, taking nearly 3 years to complete.

Conclusion

The Indian Constitution’s uniqueness lies in its ability to adapt and accommodate changing social needs while preserving democratic values. Its features reflect India's diversity, unity, and commitment to justice.

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