Features of the Indian Constitution
- Lengthiest Written Constitution
- It is the longest written constitution in the world, originally with 395 Articles and 8 Schedules (now over 470 Articles and 12 Schedules).
- Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
- Some provisions can be amended by a simple majority, others by a special majority, making it partly rigid and partly flexible.
- Federal System with Unitary Bias
- India has a federal structure (Centre-State division), but with a strong Centre, especially in times of emergency.
- Parliamentary Form of Government
- Executive is responsible to the legislature; the President is nominal head, Prime Minister is the real executive.
- Secular State
- No official state religion; all religions are treated equally by the state.
- Single Citizenship
- Unlike federal countries like the USA, Indian citizens enjoy only one citizenship – Indian.
- Universal Adult Franchise
- Every citizen aged 18 and above can vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender or education.
- Independent Judiciary
- Judiciary is free from executive and legislative control, with the Supreme Court at the top.
- Fundamental Rights and Duties
- Guarantees essential rights (like equality, freedom, etc.) and prescribes duties for citizens.
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
- Non-justiciable guidelines to the government to promote social and economic welfare.
