Essay on Constitution of India - Key Features and Fundamental Rights

The Constitution of India is a document containing the framework of the political system, the duties, rights, limitations, and structure of the government that this nation ought to follow. It also spells out the rights and duties of the Indian citizens. Nobody in India - not even the Prime Minister or the President - has the power to do anything that violates the constitutional rule.

Every year, on 26th January, we celebrate Republic Day. It was on this day in 1950 that the Constitution of India became effective. Although Dr Ambedkar is known for his prominent role in drafting the constitution, it was the fruit of the hard work of 299 people. 

How Big Is Our Constitution?

The Indian constitution is the lengthiest constitution in the world. It has 448 articles organised into 25 parts and 12 schedules. Our country is so big with so many cultures, castes and religions, and with so many states that people who drafted the Constitution had to focus on the minutest of detail. Besides, the Constitution has been amended many times and new rules and laws have been added. As a result, the Constitution of India became the lengthiest constitution in the world.

Is Our Constitution Flexible or Rigid?

The beautiful thing about our Constitution is it can be modified if a political party has a supermajority and yet it is not easily modifiable. The Supreme Court has ruled that no provision of the Constitution can be with the aim to destroy that provision. At the same time, nobody has the right to tweak the basic structure of the Constitution. As a result, on one hand, our Constitution remains updated and on the other, no political party with evil intentions can deface it to establish a monopoly.

Crystal clear Notion

Unlike the British constitution, our Constitution is completely written with no ambiguity. It focuses on the minutest aspects of the political, executive and legal systems of the country and it also focuses on the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens of India. 

Federal and Unitary Features

The Indian Constitution prescribes that India should have dual governance - the Centre and the regional states. It also ruled that the country must have the three pillars of democracy - legislative system, executive system and the judiciary. Hence, the Indian Constitution supports a federal structure. However, the Constitution has also given some extra power to the Centre. The Centre has the power to preside over matters that concern both the Centre as well as the states; it has the power to announce an emergency; it can modify the Constitution and the state has no power to oppose that modification. Hence, the Constitution has unitary features too.

By the Indians, for the Indians, of the Indians

The Constitution of India was created by the Indians. There is no foreign hand whatsoever. The due democratic process was followed in the form of debates before enforcing the Constitution. And last but not the least, it stands to protect the fundamental rights of every Indian. 

The Preamble

The Preamble to the constitution is the soul of it. The preamble says that India is a sovereign country - it is ruled and managed by the Indians and Indians only. It further says that India is a secular country. Unlike our neighbouring country, India, all the citizens of the country can practise their religions without any fear. Ours is a socialist country as per the Constitution- that means that her resources are owned by the community of the people - neither by the State nor by private corporations. Lastly, the preamble says that India is a democratic country where the citizens have the right to choose the members of the government.

A constitution is a bunch of rules and guidelines that oversee a nation's administration. The Constitution is the foundation of the nation's democratic and secular structure. The Indian Constitution is the world's longest, describing the foundation for political ideas, procedures, and government authorities. The Indian Constitution was drafted on November 26, 1949, and went into effect on January 26, 1950. Students will learn about the prominent aspects of India's Constitution and how it was developed in this essay about the Indian Constitution.

The Indian Constitution went into force on January 26, 1950. As a result, the 26th of January is observed as Republic Day in India.

How was India's Constitution Created?

After many debates and deliberations, representatives of the Indian people drafted the Indian Constitution. It is the world's most thorough Constitution.

The Indian Constitution was made by a Constituent Assembly, which was formed in 1946. Dr Rajendra Prasad was chosen as the Constituent Assembly's President. A Drafting Committee was formed to design the Constitution, with Dr B.R. Ambedkar served as Chairman. The creation of the Constitution took a total of 166 days, divided across a two-year, eleven-month, and eighteen-day period.

Characteristics of India's Constitution

The Indian Constitution opens with a Preamble that includes the fundamental aims and values of the Constitution. It establishes the Constitution's goals.

The World's Longest Constitution

The Indian Constitution is the world's longest constitution. When it was initiated, it included 395 things isolated into 22 divisions and eight schedules. It now comprises 448 items divided into 25 divisions and 12 schedules. So far, 104 amendments to the Indian Constitution have been made (the last of which took place on January 25, 2020, to extend the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies).

The Indian Constitution's Rigidity and Flexibility

One of our Constitution's distinguishing traits is that it is neither as rigorous as the American Constitution. It indicates it is both stiff and flexible. As a result, it may readily change and expand with the passage of time.

The Preamble

The Preamble was eventually included in the Indian Constitution. There is no preface in the original Constitution. The Preamble's declared goals are to achieve justice, liberty, and equality for all people, as well as to foster brotherhood in order to safeguard the nation's unity and integrity.

Federal System with Unitary Characteristics

The government's powers are shared between the central government and the state governments. The powers of three governmental institutions, namely the executive, judiciary, and legislature, are divided under the Constitution. As a result, the Indian Constitution advocates for a federal structure. It has several unitary traits, such as a strong central power, emergency measures, the President appointing Governors, and so on.

Fundamental rights and fundamental responsibilities

The Indian Constitution outlines a comprehensive set of Fundamental Rights for Indian citizens. The Constitution also includes a list of 11 responsibilities for citizens, known as the Fundamental Duties. Some of these responsibilities include respect for the national flag and anthem, the country's integrity and unity, and the protection of public property.

Republic

India is a republic, which implies that the country is not ruled by a dictator or king.The public authority is composed of, by, and for individuals. Every five years, citizens propose and elect their leader.

The Constitution provides instructions for all citizens. It aided India in achieving the status of a Republic across the world. Atal Bihari Vajpayee once stated that "governments will come and go, political parties would be created and disbanded, but the country should persist, and democracy should exist indefinitely."

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Student Essay on Constitution of India in 500 words

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land. It was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950, marking the establishment of India as a sovereign democratic republic. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who is regarded as the principal architect of the Constitution, led the drafting committee. The Constitution reflects the aspirations of the Indian people and serves as a guiding document for the functioning of the government and the protection of citizens' rights.

After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the need for a comprehensive Constitution was felt to govern a diverse and populous country like India. The Constituent Assembly, comprising representatives from various regions, communities, and backgrounds, was formed to draft this important document. The assembly worked for nearly three years, considering multiple opinions and suggestions to ensure that the Constitution was inclusive and representative of India's pluralistic society.

One of the most remarkable features of the Indian Constitution is its length and detail. It has 395 articles, divided into 22 parts, and 12 schedules, making it one of the longest Constitutions in the world. Some of the essential features include the principles of sovereignty, democracy, and republicanism. The Preamble of the Constitution declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. This ensures that India is free from external control, maintains a fair system of government, and guarantees equality to all its citizens regardless of their religion, caste, or gender.

The Constitution also provides six fundamental rights to every citizen, which include the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies. These rights ensure that the government cannot unjustly restrict personal liberties or discriminate against individuals. Additionally, the Directive Principles of State Policy serve as guidelines for the government to follow when framing laws and policies. They aim to create a social order that ensures the welfare of all citizens and include provisions for the promotion of education, healthcare, and equal distribution of wealth.

India follows a federal system, where powers are divided between the central government and state governments. However, the Constitution also allows the central government to have more control during emergencies or other specific situations, giving it a unitary character when needed. Another important aspect is the amendment procedure. The Constitution is a living document that can be amended to reflect the changing needs and challenges of society. However, the procedure for amendment is rigorous, ensuring that changes are made thoughtfully and with the approval of a majority in the Parliament.

The Constitution of India is crucial in maintaining the country’s democratic framework. It not only lays down the structure of the government but also provides checks and balances to prevent the misuse of power. The separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful. Moreover, the Constitution has played a vital role in uniting a diverse nation. India is home to many languages, religions, and cultures, and the Constitution guarantees that all individuals have equal rights, thus promoting harmony and unity.

The Constitution of India is more than just a legal document; it is the backbone of the country’s governance and democratic ideals. It embodies the vision of the founders of modern India and provides a framework to ensure justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens. As students, understanding the Constitution is essential to appreciate the rights and responsibilities we hold as citizens of India.

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Student Essay on Constitution of India in 250 words

The Constitution of India, adopted on 26th November 1949 and enforced on 26th January 1950, is the supreme law of the land. It established India as a sovereign, secular, socialist, and democratic republic. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as the chairperson of the drafting committee, played a crucial role in framing the Constitution, ensuring it addressed the needs of India's diverse population.

A key feature is the Fundamental Rights provided to all citizens, including the right to equality, freedom of speech, and protection from exploitation. These rights safeguard individuals from discrimination and ensure personal liberties are respected. The Directive Principles of State Policy guide the government in promoting social and economic welfare, emphasizing education, healthcare, and justice.

The Constitution also establishes a federal system, dividing powers between the central and state governments. However, it allows for central authority to be stronger during emergencies. The separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary ensures that checks and balances are in place to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

One of the remarkable aspects of the Constitution is its adaptability. The amendment process allows changes to be made, ensuring the document remains relevant to the evolving needs of the country. Although amendments are possible, the procedure is rigorous, requiring thorough approval from the legislature.

This living document continues to uphold India’s democratic values and ensures justice, equality, and liberty for all its citizens while providing a solid framework for governance and unity in a diverse nation.

Student Essay on Constitution Of India in 150 Words

The Constitution of India is the supreme law that outlines the structure, powers, and duties of the government. It provides the legal framework for governing the country and protects the rights of citizens. Adopted on 26th November 1949 and enforced on 26th January 1950, the Constitution declared India as a sovereign, secular, socialist, and democratic republic.

It ensures Fundamental Rights for every citizen, such as equality, freedom of speech, and protection from discrimination. These rights safeguard personal liberties. The Directive Principles of State Policy guide the government in promoting social and economic welfare, focusing on areas like education and healthcare.

The Constitution establishes a federal system, dividing powers between the central and state governments, while maintaining central control during emergencies. The separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary prevents misuse of power.

With the ability to amend, the Constitution adapts to changing times, ensuring justice and equality for all.

10 Lines Student Essay on Constitution of India

The Constitution of India is the highest law of the land, adopted on 26th November 1949 and enforced on 26th January 1950. It establishes India as a sovereign, secular, socialist, and democratic republic, outlining the structure of the government and its powers. The Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights such as equality, freedom, and protection against discrimination, safeguarding citizens' personal liberties. It also includes Directive Principles to guide the government in promoting social welfare. The federal system divides powers between the central and state governments, with provisions for central control during emergencies. Its amendment process allows the Constitution to adapt to modern needs while maintaining justice and equality.

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Conclusion

The Constitution of India is a written text which acts as the governing letter of the law and upholds order in the entire country. Such a topic is a powerful and resonating one with the listeners and creates a great impact on the audience. Find different versions of the speech on this Vedantu blog page. You can find different versions of the speech on this Vedantu blog page, with essays of varying word counts to suit your needs.