The Constitution of India has several unique features that distinguish it from the constitutions of other countries. Some of the most important features of the Indian Constitution are:
- Length: The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. It has a total of 444 articles, 12 schedules, and 98 amendments.
- Federalism: The Constitution of India establishes a federal system of government, in which powers are divided between the central government and the state governments. The central government has exclusive powers in certain areas, such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency, while the state governments have exclusive powers in areas such as education, health, and local governance.
- Parliamentary System: The Constitution of India establishes a parliamentary system of government, in which the executive branch (the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers) is directly accountable to the legislative branch (the Parliament). The President of India is the nominal head of state, but the real power rests with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- Separation of Powers: The Constitution of India provides for the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The legislative branch has the power to make laws, the executive branch has the power to implement and enforce laws, and the judicial branch has the power to interpret and apply laws.
- Fundamental Rights: The Constitution of India guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens of the country. These rights, which are listed in Part III of the Constitution, include the right to equality, the right to freedom of expression, the right to life and liberty, the right to freedom of religion, and the right to education.
- Directive Principles of State Policy: The Constitution of India also includes a set of Directive Principles of State Policy, which are guidelines for the government to follow in framing and implementing laws and policies. These principles, which are listed in Part IV of the Constitution, include the promotion of equality, the promotion of fraternity, the promotion of economic and social justice, and the promotion of international peace and security.
- Independent Judiciary: The Constitution of India establishes an independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex. The judiciary has the power to interpret the Constitution and to ensure that the laws made by the legislature and the executive are in conformity with the Constitution. The judges of the Supreme Court and the high courts are appointed by the President, and they can be removed from office only by the President on the recommendation of the Parliament.
- Single Citizenship: The Constitution of India provides for a single citizenship for the whole of India. Every person who is a citizen of India is entitled to the same rights and privileges, and is subject to the same duties and liabilities, regardless of the state in which he or she resides.
- Bilingual: The Constitution of India is written in two languages: Hindi and English. Both versions of the Constitution are equally authentic, and either version can be used in the courts and other judicial proceedings.
- Flexibility: The Constitution of India is a flexible constitution, which means that it can be amended by a simple majority of the Parliament. However, certain provisions of the Constitution, such as the federal structure and the fundamental rights, can only be amended by a special majority of the Parliament, which requires the support of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting.