Salient Features of Constitution — Study Notes

Overview

The Indian Constitution, adopted on 26 November 1949 and enforced on 26 January 1950, is the world's longest written constitution. UPSSSC PET asks 3–5 direct questions on its salient features—sources of borrowing, Preamble keywords, number of schedules/parts, and the type of polity (federal vs unitary characteristics). Mastering this topic requires knowing the structural framework (how many parts, schedules, articles originally vs now), the philosophical foundation (Preamble), and the borrowed features from other constitutions. This is foundational for understanding all subsequent topics in polity—rights, DPSP, parliamentary system, and federalism all stem from these basic features.

Students must memorize exact numbers: originally 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules; currently 470+ articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules (after amendments). The Preamble's five keywords—Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic—are repeatedly tested. Additionally, understand the dual nature: federal structure with unitary bias, written yet amendable, rigid yet flexible in parts.

Questions appear as direct MCQs ("Which feature is borrowed from USA?") or statement-based ("The Constitution is both rigid and flexible—True/False"). Revise this topic alongside the first few articles (1–4) and the Preamble text itself.

Key Concepts

• **Lengthiest written constitution**: Originally 395 articles, 22 parts, 8 schedules. Now grown to 470+ articles, 25 parts, 12 schedules due to 100+ amendments. Detailed provisions make it exhaustive.

• **Quasi-federal or federal with unitary bias**: Federal features include written constitution, division of powers, independent judiciary, bicameralism. Unitary features include strong Centre, single Constitution, single citizenship, flexible Constitution during emergencies, All-India Services.

• **Parliamentary system of government**: Based on UK Westminster model. Executive (PM and Council of Ministers) is responsible to legislature (Lok Sabha). President is nominal head; PM is real executive.

• **Blend of rigidity and flexibility**: Some provisions amended by special majority (2/3 present + majority of total), some by simple majority, some require state ratification (Article 368). Not as rigid as USA, not as flexible as UK.

• **Borrowed features from multiple sources**: Constitution makers studied 60+ constitutions. Major borrowings include Fundamental Rights (USA), DPSP (Ireland), parliamentary system (UK), federal structure (Canada), emergency provisions (Germany).

• **Preamble as the soul**: Declares India a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. Establishes Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), Equality (status and opportunity), and Fraternity (dignity of individual, unity and integrity of nation).