Explain the key features of the Indian Constitution.

The key features of the Indian Constitution are explained below:

(i)Federalism- Our Constitution has provided for a federal form of government. This means that we have government at the state level and at the centre. Panchayati Raj is the third tier of government. India is a large country with a vast number of communities living together in it. It was important to have another level of government in states so that decisions could be made for that particular area. While each state in India enjoys autonomy in exercising powers on certain issues, subjects on national concern require that all of these states follow the laws of the central government. Under federalism, the states are agents of the federal government and they draw their authority from the Constitution.

(ii)Parliamentary form of Government - The different tiers of government consists of representatives who are elected by the people. The Constitution of India guarantees universal adult franchise for all citizens. This means that people of India have a direct role in electing their representatives. At the same time, every citizen of the country, irrespective of his/her social background, can also contest in elections. These representatives are accountable to the people.

(iii)Separation of Powers - There are three organs of the state—the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. In order to prevent the misuse of power by any one branch of the state, the Constitution says that each of these organs should exercise different powers. In this way, each organ acts as a check on the other organs of the state and this establishes a balance of power between the three.

(iv)Fundamental Rights - Fundamental Rights are called the conscience of the Indian Constitution. These Rights protect against the absolute exercise of power by the state. The Constitution thus guarantees the rights of individuals against the state as well as against other individuals.

(v)Secularism - It is an important feature of our Constitution. A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the state religion.