d) List and explain any four key features of the Indian Constitution.
Answers
Explanation:
Listed below are the key features of the Indian Constitution.
1) Federalism
This refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country. In India, we have governments at the state level, at the centre and Panchayati Raj at the village level. The Constitution contains lists that detail the issues that each tier of government can make laws on. In addition, the Constitution also specifies where each tier of government can get the money from, for the work that it does. All persons in India are governed by laws and policies made by each of these levels of government.
2) Parliamentary Form of Government
The people of India have a direct role in electing their representatives. Also, every citizen of the country, irrespective of his/her social background, can contest in elections.
3) Separation of Powers
There are 3 organs of government:
The legislature: refers to elected representatives by the people.
The executive: is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the government.
The judiciary: refers to the system of courts in India.
Each organ mentioned above acts as a check on the other organs of government. This ensures the balance of power between all three.
4) Fundamental Rights
The constitution guarantees the rights of individuals against the State as well as against other individuals. It also guarantees the rights of minorities against the majority.
The Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution include:
Right to Equality
Right to Freedom
Right against Exploitation
Right to Freedom of Religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right to Constitutional Remedies
Fundamental Rights have two-fold objectives:
Every citizen must be in a position to claim fundamental rights.
Fundamental rights must be binding upon every authority that has got the power to make laws.
The Constitution also has a section called Directive Principles of State Policy which ensure greater social and economic reforms, and serve as a guide to the independent Indian State to institute laws and policies.
5) Secularism
A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.