SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Salient Features of Indian Constitution
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
1. Written & Lengthiest Constitution
The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Articles (Originally) | 395 Articles in 22 Parts |
| Current Articles (2025) | Over 470 Articles in 25 Parts |
| Schedules | Originally 8 → now 12 Schedules |
| Amendments | 105 Constitutional Amendments (as of 2025) |
| Languages Used | English (original), also officially translated into Hindi |
| Components | Preamble, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Directive Principles, etc. |
Why so lengthy?
- Diverse country → needed comprehensive coverage
- Borrowed features from many constitutions
- Dual polity (Centre + States)
- Detailed administration provisions
2. Federal Structure with Unitary Bias
India is described as a "quasi-federal" state.
| Federal Features (from USA) | Unitary Features (from UK) |
|---|---|
| Dual Government: Centre + States | Centre stronger than states |
| Written & rigid Constitution | Single Constitution for Centre & States |
| Division of powers (3 Lists) | Parliament can override State laws in Concurrent List |
| Independent Judiciary | During Emergency, Centre becomes all-powerful |
| Bicameralism (Rajya Sabha + Lok Sabha) | Appointment of Governor by Centre |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: "India is federal in form but unitary in spirit."
3. Parliamentary System of Government
Adapted from: British (Westminster) model.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominal Head | President (de jure Executive) |
| Real Executive | Prime Minister & Council of Ministers (de facto Executive) |
| Collective Responsibility | Council of Ministers responsible to Lok Sabha |
| Bicameral Legislature | Lok Sabha (lower house), Rajya Sabha (upper house) |
| Separation of Head of State & Government | President ≠ Prime Minister |
Article 74: Council of Ministers headed by PM shall aid and advise the President.
4. Independent Judiciary
The Constitution ensures an impartial, powerful judiciary.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Integrated Judicial System | One system for Centre & States; Supreme Court at the top |
| Security of Tenure | Judges cannot be removed except by impeachment |
| Fixed Service Conditions | Cannot be altered to their disadvantage |
| Powers of Judicial Review | Can declare laws unconstitutional (Article 13, 32, 226) |
| Separation from Executive | Judiciary is independent of Executive and Legislature |
| Supreme Court | Guardian of Constitution; Final interpreter |
Articles 124-147: Deal with Supreme Court
Articles 214-231: Deal with High Courts
5. Secularism & Universal Adult Franchise
Secularism:
- India has no official state religion.
- Equal respect and protection for all religions.
- State remains neutral in religious matters.
| Constitutional Provision | Article/Feature |
|---|---|
| Secular declared in | Preamble (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976) |
| Religious freedom guaranteed | Articles 25 to 28 |
Universal Adult Franchise:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility to Vote | All citizens aged 18+ without discrimination |
| Ensured By | Article 326 |
| First General Election | 1951-52 |
| Significance | Political equality in a diverse society |
It is a key pillar of India's democratic structure.
Developed By Satyam Kumar
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