The Constitution of India is one of the finest constitutions in the world. This Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly under the Cabinet mission plan. This Constituent Assembly has been in operation from 26 November 1946. That is why every year we celebrate Constitution Day on 26 November. It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to complete our Constitution. B.R. Ambedkar was the head of the most important committee that was the drafting committee of the Indian Constitution. He wrote the whole Constitution. This Constitution has been enacted since 26 January 1950. That is why we celebrate republic day every year on this day.
1. The Longest Written Constitution in the World
The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world. This is because not only the important rights are granted under it but also detailed administrative orders are also given under it. Our constitution provides a place for various organizations such as Civil Service (under Article 308- 323).
One of the reasons why this Constitution is so huge is because there is one Constitution for all of India. India is a large country and needed detailed laws to be applied in various parts of states. As a result a great constitution was formed.
2. It is made from various Sources
Various parts of our Constitution have been adopted from different countries. Our Constitution maker has taken the structural part of the constitution from the Government of India Act, 1935.
3. Universal Adult Franchise
The makers of our Constitution have given the right to vote to all Indian citizens over the age of 21 (now 18). Western democracy lasted for many years while granting this right to everyone.
4. Single Citizenship
The Constitution of India provides for the provision of a single citizenship. This means that anyone who takes foreign citizenship will automatically lose Indian citizenship. This concept of nationalism is derived from the British Constitution. There are a variety of benefits that citizens can enjoy simply by being a citizen. The right to vote, elect to run for office as President, Member of Parliament all available only to citizens of India.
5. Free Judiciary
Judiciary is allowed to give decisions and is not dependent on the Indian government. Independent judiciary is much needed in a democracy. It protects its citizens from oppressive government actions. There are various fundamental rights granted under the Constitution. The judiciary must uphold these basic rights in the exercise of their powers under Article 32 and Article 13.
6. Quasi Federal Constitution
Quasi federal states that it appears to be a federal but is not fully integrated as it is firmly entrenched in the central government. In times of emergency, the Central Government has far greater power than the State Government.
7. Parliamentary form of Government
This form of government was adopted by the British Constitution. India accepted because it had the knowledge to follow this type of government. This is often referred to as the Westminster government. In this type of government, officials are responsible for and accountable to the legislature in various ways and forms.
8. A Combination of Rigidity and Flexibility
Under the constitution, it is clear that there are many provisions that can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament. At the same time, there are various provisions under Article 368 that require special attention, especially matters pertaining to the policies of the State Government.
9. Directive Principles of State Policy
These are some of the principles given under Sections 36 to 51. Although these rules may not be allowed in Court, the State has also created various laws because some of these rules are now constitutional rights. A prime example of this is the Right to Education under Article 21 A. Prior to this it was part of the Directive policy but now there is legislation enacted and added to the Fundamental Rights to make it fair.
10. Fundamental Duties
These duties were not part of the original Constitution but in time there was a need to perform these duties. With the inspiration from the USSR the Indian government added 11 Fundamental Duties under Article 51 A to the Constitution. They were added as part of an amendment to the 42nd Constitution in 1976. There was a need by the State for Indian citizens to follow these duties to show respect for our Nation.
11. Fundamental Rights
Fundamental rights are granted under Part 3 of the Constitution of India (Article 12-35). They are Universal rights granted to every citizen of India. Article 15, 16, 19, 29 and 30 are available to all citizens of India. Article 14, 20, 21, 21A, 23, 24 and 25-28 are issued to everyone living in this country except citizens of enemy countries.
Aishwarya Says:
I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.
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We are also running a series Inspirational Women from January 2021 to March 31,2021, featuring around 1000 stories about Indian Women, who changed the world. #choosetochallenge