Chapter 3 of M. Laxmikanth’s
Indian Polity (2025 Edition) outlines the Salient Features of the Constitution. It highlights that while the Indian Constitution has “borrowed” from various global sources, it is a unique document tailored to India’s specific needs.
Key Salient Features
The chapter details several prominent features of the Indian Constitution:
- It is the world’s most extensive written constitution, reflecting India’s size, diversity, and the inclusion of both fundamental principles and administrative specifics. Initially comprising a Preamble, 395 Articles in 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules in 1949, it now includes approximately 470 Articles in 25 Parts and 12 Schedules.
- The Constitution incorporates elements from various international sources, notably drawing significant structural aspects from the Government of India Act of 1935. Philosophical concepts like Fundamental Rights (inspired by the USA) and Directive Principles (influenced by Ireland) are also adapted.
- It strikes a balance between rigidity and flexibility in its amendment process. Article 368 outlines methods requiring a special majority, while certain provisions can be amended through a simple majority, similar to ordinary laws.
- India operates as a federal system with a notable unitary bias. While exhibiting federal characteristics like dual governments and power division, it maintains a strong central authority through features such as single citizenship, an integrated judiciary, and emergency powers.
- The Constitution establishes a parliamentary form of government based on the Westminster model, emphasizing cooperation between the legislative and executive branches, with the Prime Minister holding the primary executive position.
- An integrated and independent judiciary is a key feature, with the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts. The judiciary’s independence from the executive is crucial for upholding the “Rule of Law”.
- Part III details Fundamental Rights, which are judicially enforceable and promote political democracy (Articles 12–35).
- Directive Principles of State Policy, found in Part IV, are non-justiciable but are considered fundamental to the nation’s governance, aiming to establish a “Welfare State”.
- Fundamental Duties, added in Part IV-A by the 42nd Amendment (1976), outline moral obligations for citizens.
- India is designated as a Secular State, with no official religion, treating all religions equally. The term “Secular” was incorporated by the 42nd Amendment.
- The Constitution grants Universal Adult Franchise, allowing all citizens aged 18 and above to vote. This age limit was lowered from 21 by the 61st Amendment Act (1988).
- Originally a dual polity, the Constitution now includes a three-tier system of governance, incorporating local government bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities) through the 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992).
Common Criticisms
The chapter also notes common criticisms of the Indian Constitution, including being labeled a “Borrowed Constitution,” an “Elephantine Size,” and a “Paradise of Lawyers”.
some model question with answer about salient features of the Indian constitution
Here are model questions and answers for
Chapter 3: Salient Features of the Constitution from Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity, updated for 2025:
Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian federal system?
- (a) Independent judiciary
- (b) Division of powers between Centre and States
- (c) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units
- (d) Unequal representation of states in the Rajya Sabha
Answer: (c) - Explanation: Unlike the American Federation, the Indian Federation is not the result of an agreement between states, and states have no right to secede from the union.
2. Which Constitutional Amendment Act lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years?
- (a) 42nd Amendment Act
- (b) 44th Amendment Act
- (c) 61st Amendment Act
- (d) 73rd Amendment Act
Answer: (c) - Explanation: The 61st Amendment Act (1988) reduced the voting age to broaden political participation, effective from 1989.
3. The concept of “Directive Principles of State Policy” in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from which country?
- (a) USA
- (b) Ireland
- (c) UK
- (d) Canada
Answer: (b) - Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described these as a “novel feature”. They were adapted from the Irish Constitution.
4. The Indian Constitution is often called a “Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy.” What does this mean?
- (a) The Parliament has absolute power to change any part of the Constitution.
- (b) The Supreme Court can declare any law passed by Parliament as void.
- (c) Parliament can amend the Constitution, but the Supreme Court can review those amendments under the “Basic Structure” doctrine.
- (d) The President has the final say in legislative matters.
Answer: (c) - Explanation: India balances the British principle of Parliamentary Sovereignty with the American principle of Judicial Supremacy.
Part 2: Short Answer/Mains Model Questions
Q1: “The Indian Constitution is federal in form but unitary in spirit.” Discuss this statement with examples.
- Answer: The Constitution establishes a federal structure with features like two governments, division of powers, and a written constitution. However, it has strong unitary (centralizing) features such as a strong Centre, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, and emergency provisions (Articles 352, 356, and 360). This “unitary bias” allows the Centre to maintain national integrity during crises.
Q2: Briefly explain the “Three-Tier Government” feature added to the Indian Constitution.
- Answer: Originally, the Constitution provided for a dual polity (Centre and States). The 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts (1992) added a third tier of governance—Panchayats (rural) and Municipalities (urban)—giving constitutional recognition to local self-government.
Q3: Why is the Indian Constitution described as the world’s “lengthiest written constitution”?
- Answer: Factors contributing to its size include:
- Geographical factors: The vastness and diversity of India.
- Historical influence: The bulky nature of the Government of India Act of 1935.
- Single Constitution: It serves both the Centre and the States.
- Administrative Details: It contains not just fundamental principles but also detailed administrative provisions.
