Basic features of Constitution of India

 The basic features of Indian Constitution are:

1. Written and Lengthiest Constitution:

It is the written lengthiest constitution in the world.

2. Preamble:

At the outset of the constitution, there is a Preamble, which is important in several aspects. It narrates the ideals (Justice, Equality, Individual Dignity, Fraternity and National Unity) and aspirations of the Indian people.

3. Republic:

India is a Republic. As a Republic nation, people have a right to form their own government and to elect the head of the government.

4. Government of the People:

It upholds a form of government which is of the people, by the people and for the people (as said by Abraham Lincoln). People have the right to elect their own rulers.

5. Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties:

It has given Six Fundamental Rights to all the citizens. The government cannot take away any of these rights. When these rights are violated, the Judiciary would come to the rescue of the citizens. In addition to the Fundamental Rights, it has stated eleven Fundamental Duties to be performed by the citizens.

6. Secularism:

As per the principle of secularism, the government must be impartial towards all the religions followed by its citizens. There shall be no ‘State Religion’. At the same time, the government guarantees freedom of faith and worship to all citizens. However, the government has the right to restrict religious freedom when it disturbs public peace, as well as law and order.

7. Independent Judiciary:

Under the democratic system, all citizens are equal before the law. There cannot be different sets of laws for the different groups of people. The judiciary is expected to provide justice to all the sections of the society. Therefore, the Judiciary is given adequate powers. The Supreme Court acts as a guardian of the Constitution and protector of little man.

8. Universal Adult Franchise:

The system of election of representatives by all the adults of a country is called as Universal Adult Franchise. In India, an adult means one who is above the age of eighteen.

9. Equal Rights to Women:

Here, both men and women have been given equal rights. The exploitation of women is considered an offence. Both get equal pay for equal work.

10. A Welfare State:

A State which aims at providing social and economic security to all its citizens is known as a Welfare State. Social Security must be provided to the citizens so that they would live a peaceful life. They should have employment and adequate income, food, clothes, shelter and health care.

The aged and destitute must get proper protection. It protects the weaker sections from exploitation, and provides equal social, economic and political opportunities to all citizens.

11. It is federal in form but unitary in spirit.

12. It is neither too rigid (as some provisions can be amended by a simple majority) nor flexible (as some provisions require special majority for amendment)