- Introduction
- I. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
- 1. Lengthiest Written Constitution
- 2. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
- 3. Federal System with Unitary Bias
- 4. Parliamentary Form of Government
- 5. Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty & Judicial Supremacy
- 6. Fundamental Rights (Part III)
- 7. Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)
- 8. Fundamental Duties (Part IVA)
- 9. Secular State
- 10. Universal Adult Franchise
- 11. Single Citizenship
- 12. Independent Judiciary
- II. Sources of the Indian Constitution
- III. Philosophy of the Indian Constitution
- Textual Flowchart: Philosophy of Constitution
- Answer Writing Enhancements
- UPSC MCQs (Prelims Level)
- UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Indian Constitution is not merely a legal document but the foundational philosophy of the Indian Republic. It reflects India’s historical struggles, civilisational values, and democratic aspirations. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the features, sources, and philosophy of the Constitution is essential because these themes repeatedly appear in Prelims, GS-II (Polity), Essay, and even Ethics papers.
Adopted on 26 November 1949 and enforced on 26 January 1950, the Constitution of India is the lengthiest written constitution in the world, yet flexible enough to adapt to changing social, political, and economic realities. It balances individual liberty with social justice, and federalism with national unity.
What is a Constitution?
A Constitution is a supreme law that:
- Defines the structure of government
- Distributes powers among organs of the state
- Guarantees rights and duties
- Reflects the ideals and philosophy of the nation
📌 Example: Article 13 makes the Constitution supreme by declaring laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights as void.
Why India Needed a Detailed Constitution
India required a detailed Constitution because:
- Extreme social diversity
- Legacy of colonial rule
- Need for social and economic transformation
- Integration of princely states
I. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
1. Lengthiest Written Constitution
- Originally: 395 Articles, 8 Schedules
- Currently: 470+ Articles, 12 Schedules
- Due to:
- Detailed administrative provisions
- Borrowing from multiple constitutions
- Federal structure with strong Centre
📌 UPSC Angle: Questions often ask why India’s Constitution is lengthy (Prelims + Mains).
2. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
Amendment types:
- Simple majority (e.g., creation of states)
- Special majority (Article 368)
- Special majority + state ratification (federal provisions)
➡️ Ensures stability + adaptability
3. Federal System with Unitary Bias
Federal features:
- Dual government
- Division of powers (Union, State, Concurrent Lists)
- Written Constitution
Unitary features:
- Strong Centre
- Single Constitution
- Emergency provisions (Articles 352–360)
📌 India is often described as a “quasi-federal” state.
4. Parliamentary Form of Government
- Executive responsible to legislature
- Real power with Council of Ministers
- Based on British model
📌 Example: Article 75 – collective responsibility.
5. Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty & Judicial Supremacy
- Parliament can amend the Constitution
- Judiciary can strike down unconstitutional laws
- Balanced through Basic Structure Doctrine
📌 Key Case: Kesavananda Bharati (1973)
6. Fundamental Rights (Part III)
- Justiciable
- Enforceable through courts (Article 32)
- Promote political democracy
7. Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)
- Non-justiciable
- Aim at social & economic democracy
- Inspired by Irish Constitution
📌 Example: Article 39(b) – equitable distribution of resources.
8. Fundamental Duties (Part IVA)
- Added by 42nd Amendment (1976)
- Promote constitutional morality and civic responsibility
9. Secular State
- Equal respect for all religions
- No state religion
- Articles 25–28
📌 Indian secularism = “Sarva Dharma Sambhava”
10. Universal Adult Franchise
- Article 326
- One of the boldest democratic experiments in post-colonial world
11. Single Citizenship
- Promotes national unity
- Unlike USA (dual citizenship)
12. Independent Judiciary
- Integrated judicial system
- Guardian of Constitution
- Judicial review
II. Sources of the Indian Constitution
| Source Country | Borrowed Features |
|---|---|
| UK | Parliamentary system, Rule of Law |
| USA | Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review |
| Ireland | DPSPs |
| Canada | Federation with strong Centre |
| Australia | Concurrent List |
| Germany | Emergency provisions |
| USSR | Fundamental Duties, Socialism |
📌 UPSC Tip: Source-based MCQs are common in Prelims.
III. Philosophy of the Indian Constitution
1. Liberal Philosophy
- Individual rights
- Equality before law
- Rule of law
2. Socialist Philosophy
- Welfare state
- DPSPs
- Inclusive growth
3. Gandhian Philosophy
- Panchayati Raj
- Village self-rule
- Moral politics
4. Democratic Philosophy
- Popular sovereignty
- Adult franchise
- Free & fair elections
5. Constitutional Morality
- Emphasised by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- Recent judicial emphasis (e.g., Sabarimala case)
Textual Flowchart: Philosophy of Constitution
Freedom → Equality → Justice
↓
Democracy + Secularism
↓
Welfare State
Case Studies
- Kesavananda Bharati (1973)
- Maneka Gandhi (1978)
- K.S. Puttaswamy (2017 – Right to Privacy)
Answer Writing Enhancements
150-Word Sample Answer
Q: Explain the philosophy underlying the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
The philosophy of the Indian Constitution is rooted in the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, as reflected in the Preamble. It combines liberal democratic values such as Fundamental Rights with socialist principles through Directive Principles of State Policy. The Constitution also embodies Gandhian ideals like decentralisation and moral governance. Further, the concept of constitutional morality ensures that democracy survives beyond mere majority rule. Thus, the Constitution acts as a transformative document aimed at social revolution and inclusive governance.
UPSC MCQs (Prelims Level)
Q1. Which feature of the Indian Constitution reflects its socialist philosophy?
A. Fundamental Rights
B. Fundamental Duties
C. Directive Principles
D. Judicial Review
✅ Answer: C
Explanation: DPSPs aim at social and economic justice.
(4 more MCQs can be added if you want)
UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- “The Indian Constitution is a blend of rigidity and flexibility.” Examine.
- Discuss the relevance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in contemporary India.
- How does the philosophy of the Constitution reflect India’s socio-economic goals?
- Explain Indian secularism in comparison with Western secularism.
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution is a living, dynamic document that balances continuity with change. Its features, sources, and philosophy together ensure democratic stability, social justice, and national unity. For UPSC aspirants, mastering this topic is not optional—it is foundational.