Salient Features of Indian Constitution
The Salient Features of Indian Constitution represent a remarkable synthesis of global constitutional traditions adapted to India’s unique socio-cultural realities. Understanding these Key Features of Indian Constitution is essential for mastering Indian Polity UPSC syllabus, preparing high-scoring Indian Polity Notes, and answering descriptive questions on the Constitution of India.
What are the Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
The Salient Features of Constitution refer to the core democratic principles, structural frameworks, and institutional mechanisms that define the Characteristics of Indian Constitution. Enacted in 1950, it remains an evolving framework that balances stability with organic adaptability.
Salient Features of Indian Constitution
According to Indian Constitution Notes, the primary structural features include:
- Lengthiest Written Constitution of India: A comprehensive document originally containing 395 Articles and 8 Schedules, detailed to avoid administrative ambiguity.
- Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: Amending procedures under Article 368 combine simple majority, special majority, and state ratification requirements.
- Synthesis of Sovereignty and Review: Harmonizes British parliamentary sovereignty with American judicial supremacy.
- Integrated and Independent Judiciary: A single system of courts enforcing both Central and State laws to uphold the rule of law
Unique Features of the Indian Constitution
The Important Features of Indian Constitution set it apart from other world democracies:
- Quasi-Federal Framework: Exhibits Federal Features of Indian Constitution (division of powers, written constitution) alongside strong Unitary Features of Indian Constitution (single citizenship, integrated judiciary, emergency powers).
- Three-Tier Governance: Enhanced by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, creating local self-governments.
- Secular State Model: Adopts an equal attitude towards all religions rather than a strict separation of church and state.
Importance of the Salient Features
These Features of Indian Constitution safeguard individual liberty, maintain national integrity during crises, and promote socio-economic equity through Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
Criticism and Challenges
Critics argue that the Indian Constitution Features reflect a “borrowed constitution” or a carbon copy of the Government of India Act 1935. Others term it “un-Gandhian” or a “lawyer’s paradise” due to its complex legalese and length.
Conclusion
Mastering the Salient Features of Indian Constitution UPSC topic provides an indispensable foundation for Indian Constitution UPSC aspirants. These foundational pillars ensure that the Indian Constitution remains a resilient engine for democracy and governance.
UPSC Prelims: PYQs & Practice Questions
Previous Year Questions (Prelims)
Q: Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?
(a) The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.
(b) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.
(c) The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.
(d) The Prime Minister can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (a) The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.
Explanation:
An independent judiciary is an essential feature of a federal constitutional system. It functions as an impartial arbiter in disputes between the
Union and the States and ensures that both levels of government operate within their constitutionally assigned spheres.
In India, the Supreme Court safeguards the federal balance through its
original jurisdiction under Article 131 and its power of
judicial review.
Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Indian Constitution? (UPSC CSE Prelims 2017)
1. It establishes a parliamentary form of government both at the Centre and in the States.
2. It provides for a single judiciary and single citizenship.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The Indian Constitution establishes a
parliamentary form of government at both the Union and State levels. The President and Governors are constitutional heads, while the respective Councils of Ministers exercise real executive authority.
Statement 2 is correct. Unlike classical federations such as the United States, India has a
single integrated judiciary and
single citizenship. These features contribute to the Constitution’s strong unitary orientation within a federal framework.
Practice Questions
Q: Which of the following features of the Indian Constitution reflect its unitary bias?
1. Single Constitution for both the Centre and the States
2. Appointment of State Governors by the President
3. Division of powers between the Centre and the States through the Three Lists
4. Emergency provisions under Articles 352, 356 and 360
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. A single Constitution, the appointment of Governors by the President and the emergency provisions strengthen the authority of the Union and reflect the
unitary orientation of the Indian constitutional system.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The constitutional division of legislative powers through the
Union List, State List and Concurrent List is an essential feature of federalism.
Q: Consider the following statements regarding the synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy in India:
1. The power of judicial review exercised by the Supreme Court of India is comparatively more constitutionally limited than that of the Supreme Court of the United States.
2. Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution, including its Basic Structure, under Article 368.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The United States Constitution expressly follows the
due process of law standard. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution originally used the expression
“procedure established by law”, which was initially interpreted more narrowly.
However, after Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Supreme Court held that the procedure under Article 21 must be just, fair and reasonable, substantially expanding the scope of judicial review.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Parliament’s amending power under
Article 368 is limited by the
Basic Structure Doctrine laid down in
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973). Parliament cannot alter or destroy the Constitution’s Basic Structure.
UPSC Mains – Previous Year & Practice Questions
Mains Previous Year Questions
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: “The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system with a strong centralizing tendency.” Discuss this statement in the light of relevant constitutional and institutional arrangements. (UPSC CSE Mains 2021, GS Paper II)
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: “The Indian Constitution is a living document that synthesizes rigidity and flexibility.” Elucidate with reference to the constitutional amendment process under Article 368. (UPSC CSE Mains 2020, GS Paper II)
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: “Individual liberty in India is protected by an integrated and independent judiciary.” Examine the constitutional safeguards and judicial mechanisms that support this claim. (UPSC CSE Mains 2019, GS Paper II)
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Examine the nature and scope of secularism under the Indian Constitution. How does the Indian model differ from conventional Western models of secularism? (UPSC CSE Mains 2017, GS Paper II)
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: Discuss the extent to which the Indian Constitution adopted administrative and institutional features from the Government of India Act, 1935, while creating a democratic and republican constitutional order. (UPSC CSE Mains 2015, GS Paper II)
Mains Practice Questions
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: “The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments added a third tier to Indian federalism, making it unique among major world democracies.” Evaluate.
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: Critically analyze the charge that the Constitution of India is merely a “borrowed Constitution” with little originality.
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: How does the Indian Constitution strike a balance between Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy? Explain with reference to landmark Supreme Court judgments.
Salient Features of Indian Constitution-FAQs
What are the salient features of the Indian Constitution?
The salient features include a written Constitution, federalism with unitary bias, parliamentary system, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, independent judiciary, secularism, single citizenship and judicial review.
Why is the Indian Constitution called the lengthiest written constitution?
It is called the lengthiest written constitution because it contains detailed provisions on Union-State relations, fundamental rights, institutions, emergency powers, schedules and administrative procedures.
What is federalism with unitary bias?
It means India has federal features such as division of powers and written Constitution, but the Union has stronger powers during emergencies and national crises.
Why is the Indian Constitution called flexible as well as rigid?
Some provisions can be amended by a simple majority, while others require special majority or state ratification under Article 368.
Why are the salient features important for UPSC?
They help aspirants understand constitutional philosophy, governance structure, federalism, rights, duties, judiciary, Parliament and Indian Polity Mains answers.
