what are the key features of indian constitution? explain briefly. 5 marks
Answers
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS - SHORTCUT
Fundamental Rights find a place in Part 3 of the Constitution of India. These rights give people protection from oppressive governments and place a duty on the government to uphold them. If our rights are violated by the government, we can go to the court for protection of these rights.
SINGLE CITIZENSHIP - SHORTCUT
The Indian Constitution provides for a single citizenship. This means that all Indians irrespective of the State of their domicile are the citizens of India. This has been done to promote fraternity and unity among the people.
FORMATION OF THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY - DEFINITION
Elections to the Constituent Assembly were held in July 1946. Its first meeting was held in December 1946. Soon after, the country was divided into India and Pakistan. The Constituent Assembly was also divided into the Constituent Assembly of India and that of Pakistan. The Constituent Assembly that wrote the Indian constitution had 299 members. The Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949 but it came into effect on 26 January 1950. To mark this day we celebrate January 26 as Republic Day every year.
UNIVERSAL ADULT FRANCHISE - SHORTCUT
This means that all persons of 18 years of age and above have the right to vote irrespective of their caste, colour, religion, etc.
COMPOSITION OF THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY - DEFINITION
The Constituent Assembly was elected mainly by the members of the existing Provincial Legislatures. This ensured a fair geographical share of members from all the regions of the country. The Assembly was dominated by the Indian National Congress, the party that led India's freedom struggle. But the Congress itself included a variety of political groups and opinions. The Assembly had many members who did not agree with the Congress. In social terms too, the Assembly represented members from different language groups, castes, classes, religions and occupations.