Framing of Constitution and Its Features — Social Science STD 9 — Question
Gujarat BoardEnglish MediumSTD 9Social ScienceFraming of Constitution and Its Features4 Marks
Question
Describe the salient features of the Indian Constitution.
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Answer
Constitution of every state is distinct aS it is the outcome of its socio-economic and political environment. The nsalient features of the Indian Constitution are as follows:
1.A written and flexible document :
The Indian Constitution is a written document. It is also flexible as it can be amended as per the procedure laid down in the constitution itself.
2. Size of the constitution:
The critics describe the Indian Constitution as ‘Elephantine’ as it is the largest and most elaborate constitution in the world. It is divided into 22 chapters. It consisted of 395 articles and 8 schedules. With the passage of time it has expanded and at present it consists of 461 articles and 12 schedules.
3. Single citizenship :
In spite of being federal in nature, the constitution provides only for the Indian citizenship. However, the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir have dual citizenship.
4. Federal state with a strong centre:
India is a ‘Union of States’. There are two sets of government for the Union and the States. However. the central government is deliberately made strong. The states do not have right to secede from them Union.
The powers are divided between the Union and States in the form of (1) Union List (2) State List and (3) Concurrent List. The residuary powers have been assigned to the Union Government.
In the distribution of powers, the Union Government has been given greater powers.
5. Unitary state in the times of emergency :
Emergency provisions have been included in the constitution. When the President declares national emergency, India automatically becomes a unitary State and remains a unitary state as long as the emergency is in operation.
6. Bicameral Legislature :
The Union Parlia-ment is a bicameral legislature. The House of people (Lok Sabha) is the lower house and the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) is the Upper House of the Union Parliament. The House of People is superior than the Council of States as it is an elected House.
7.Two sets of government :
There is a government for the whole of India, known as the Union Government and there are 29 State Governments. The administration of the Union Government is conducted by the Union Council of Ministers in the name of the President. Similarly the administration of every state is conducted by the Council of Ministers in the name of the Governor.
8. Independent, impartial and single integrated judiciary :
India has Single integrated judiciary, with the Supreme Court as the apex court. Provisions have been made to ensure independence of judiciary and impartial conduct of justice. )
9. Amendment to the Constitution :
The Constitution lays down three types of procedures to amend the constitution. For specified amendments consent of more than half states (at present 15 out of 29 states) is required.
10. Universal Adult Suffrage :
The Indian Constitution has conferred the right to vote to - every adult citizen, i.e, those who have completed 18 years of age. The age limit was 21 years earlier.
11. Secular state :
India is a secular state as there is no official religion of state and the os citizens have been given freedom of religion.
12. Judicial Review :
Judicial Review is the power conferred on the Supreme Court (and High Courts) to examine the constitutionality of the lay passed by the Union Parliament and the State Legislatures, executive actions and ordinance pconstitutional amendments and judicial decisions. has been given power to declare ‘Unconstitutionz any of the above if it is inconsistent with constitution. The Supreme Court has also bee given the power to interpret the provisions . the constitution.
13. Fundamental Rights and Duties :
The constitution has conferred six (earlier seven Fundamental Rights on the citizens and 42m constitutional amendment has specified the Funda mental Duties.
14. Directive Principles of State Policy :
The constitution lays down the Directive Principles State Policy which provides guidance to the Unior government and the states in framing their policies.
15. Special provisions for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes :
Special provisions simply reservation of seats in elected bodies and public employment for the SC, the ST and the OBCs.
These provisions have been made to ensure their welfare and development.
There is a provision to appoint Special Commissions for the SC and ST and periodical appointment of Commission for the OBCThese commissions make recommendations of welfare measures. Other measures are waiving of the fees, scholarships and concessions for these sections. This measures are regarded as ‘Positive Discrimination’ for promotion of welfare of the weaker sections.
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