Anand Classes brings you a detailed explanation of the Characteristics of the Indian Constitution specially designed for NDA exam preparation. The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest written constitution in the world, combining both rigidity and flexibility. It ensures universal adult franchise, a parliamentary form of government, an independent judiciary, and a federal system with unitary features. For NDA aspirants, understanding these salient features of the Indian Constitution is crucial as questions are frequently asked in the Polity section of the exam.
Characteristics of the Indian Constitution (For NDA Exam Preparation)
The Indian Constitution is unique in its structure and philosophy. It draws from several world constitutions and reflects the aspirations of Indian society. Below are the salient features of the Indian Constitution, very important for NDA exam polity preparation:
1. Lengthiest Constitution in the World
The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world, containing detailed provisions regarding the powers, functions, and responsibilities of different organs of government.
2. Universal Adult Franchise
Every Indian citizen above the age of 18 years has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, or economic status. This ensures political equality, which is often asked in NDA polity questions.
3. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
The Constitution can be amended through a simple majority in some cases (flexibility) and through a special majority in others (rigidity). This balanced nature makes it adaptable to changing times.
4. Parliamentary Government
India follows the Parliamentary system of government based on the Westminster model (UK), where the Executive is accountable to the Legislature. This is a common topic in NDA polity section.
5. Independent Judiciary
The Supreme Court of India acts as the guardian of the Constitution. It ensures judicial review and protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens.
6. Federal System with Unitary Features
India is described as a federal state with unitary bias. While powers are divided between Centre and States, the Union Government becomes stronger during emergencies.
7. Secular State
The Constitution ensures freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination on religious grounds. India does not uphold any state religion, a point highlighted in many NDA exam polity MCQs.
8. Single Citizenship
Unlike federal countries like the USA, India provides only single citizenship to promote national unity and integrity.
9. Single Constitution
India has one unified Constitution applicable to both the Centre and the States, except for Jammu & Kashmir (before Article 370 was abrogated).
10. Division of Powers
There is a clear division of legislative powers between the Centre and the States through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
11. Emergency Provisions
The Constitution empowers the President to declare National Emergency, State Emergency, or Financial Emergency to safeguard the country. This is a frequently asked NDA polity topic.
12. Single Integrated Judiciary
India has a single integrated judicial system with the Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts.
13. Power of Parliament to Amend the Constitution
The Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution to meet the changing needs of society. However, the Basic Structure cannot be altered, as ruled in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
14. Independent Constitutional Bodies
The Constitution establishes independent bodies such as the Election Commission of India, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), to ensure free functioning of democracy.
✨ These salient features of the Indian Constitution are repeatedly asked in the NDA exam polity section, making them vital for last-minute revision.
📘 MCQs on Characteristics of the Indian Constitution (NDA Polity Preparation)
Q1. Which country has the lengthiest written Constitution in the world?
(a) USA
(b) Canada
(c) India
(d) France
👉 Answer: (c) India
💡 Explanation: The Indian Constitution is the longest written Constitution in the world, a common NDA exam polity question.
Q2. In India, the right to vote is given to all citizens above the age of:
(a) 16 years
(b) 18 years
(c) 21 years
(d) 25 years
👉 Answer: (b) 18 years
💡 Explanation: Universal Adult Franchise was adopted in India to strengthen democracy.
Q3. Which model does the Indian Parliamentary Government follow?
(a) American Model
(b) Westminster Model
(c) Swiss Model
(d) Russian Model
👉 Answer: (b) Westminster Model
💡 Explanation: India’s Parliamentary system is based on the UK’s Westminster model, frequently asked in NDA polity MCQs.
Q4. Which body acts as the guardian of the Constitution in India?
(a) Parliament
(b) President
(c) Supreme Court
(d) Prime Minister
👉 Answer: (c) Supreme Court
💡 Explanation: The Supreme Court ensures judicial review and protects Fundamental Rights.
Q5. Which type of citizenship is provided by the Indian Constitution?
(a) Dual Citizenship
(b) Single Citizenship
(c) Regional Citizenship
(d) Federal Citizenship
👉 Answer: (b) Single Citizenship
💡 Explanation: Unlike the USA, India provides single citizenship to strengthen national unity.
Q6. Which provision makes the Indian Constitution both rigid and flexible?
(a) Emergency Provisions
(b) Amendment Procedure
(c) Federalism
(d) Fundamental Duties
👉 Answer: (b) Amendment Procedure
💡 Explanation: Some provisions require a simple majority while others need a special majority.
Q7. Which Constitutional bodies are independent under the Indian Constitution?
(a) RBI and SEBI
(b) CAG and Election Commission
(c) Parliament and Judiciary
(d) NITI Aayog and UPSC
👉 Answer: (b) CAG and Election Commission
💡 Explanation: The Constitution establishes independent bodies like the Election Commission, CAG, UPSC.
⚡ These MCQs are directly useful for NDA exam polity section preparation and help in revision of Characteristics of Indian Constitution.
❓ FAQs on Characteristics of Indian Constitution (NDA Polity Questions)
Q1. Why is the Indian Constitution called the lengthiest in the world for NDA exam preparation?
👉 Because it includes detailed provisions on governance, federal relations, rights, and emergency powers, unlike shorter constitutions such as that of the USA.
Q2. What is the significance of Universal Adult Franchise in Indian Constitution for NDA polity syllabus?
👉 It grants equal voting rights to every citizen above 18 years, ensuring political equality and strengthening democracy.
Q3. How is the Indian Constitution a blend of rigidity and flexibility in NDA exam context?
👉 Some provisions can be amended by a simple majority (flexible), while others require a special majority (rigid), making it adaptable yet stable.
Q4. Why is India called a federal system with unitary features in NDA polity questions?
👉 Because while India follows federalism with division of powers, during an emergency the Centre becomes stronger, showing unitary tendencies.
Q5. What role does the Supreme Court play in the Indian Constitution for NDA exam polity section?
👉 The Supreme Court ensures judicial review, protects Fundamental Rights, and acts as the guardian of the Constitution.
Q6. Why is the concept of Single Citizenship important in NDA polity preparation?
👉 It promotes unity and integrity of the nation by treating all Indians equally, unlike dual citizenship seen in federal countries.
Q7. Which independent Constitutional bodies are vital for NDA polity exam questions?
👉 The Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and UPSC ensure fair elections, accountability, and transparency.
⚡ These FAQs are directly useful for NDA exam polity section preparation and help in revision of Characteristics of Indian Constitution.
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