1. Lengthiest Written Constitution of the World
- Indian Constitution is the longest written Constitution among major countries.
- Originally had 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules.
- It contains detailed rules regarding Union, States, local government, rights, duties, elections, etc.
हिंदी: भारत का संविधान दुनिया का सबसे लंबा लिखित संविधान है।
इसमें लगभग हर विषय को detail में लिखा गया है।
2. Blend of Federal and Unitary Features (Quasi-Federal)
India is a federal country (Centre + States), but the Constitution also gives more powers to the Centre in certain situations.
That’s why it is called:
“Federal structure with unitary bias”.
“Federal structure with unitary bias”.
- Two sets of governments: Union & State.
- Division of powers: Union List, State List, Concurrent List.
- Written Constitution & Supreme Court to settle disputes.
- Centre has more power during emergencies.
हिंदी: भारत = संघीय (Centre + State),
लेकिन Centre थोड़ा strong है → इसलिए इसे quasi-federal कहा जाता है।
3. Parliamentary System of Government
India follows the **Parliamentary Model** adopted from the UK:
- Real Executive – Prime Minister & Council of Ministers.
- Nominal Executive – President.
- Government is responsible to the Lok Sabha.
- Collective responsibility of ministers.
हिंदी: असली शक्ति PM और Ministers के पास होती है।
President “Nominal Head” है – UK की तरह।
4. Single Citizenship
Unlike the USA (dual citizenship – state + federal), India offers **single citizenship** for all its citizens.
→ Every Indian enjoys the same rights & duties irrespective of the state they belong to.
हिंदी: भारत में सिर्फ एक ही citizenship है – “Indian”.
अलग से कोई “State Citizenship” नहीं।
5. Independent Judiciary
The Constitution establishes a powerful and independent judiciary:
- Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts and lower courts.
- Judicial Review – courts can strike down laws violating the Constitution.
- Security of tenure & fixed salaries ensure independence.
हिंदी: Court किसी भी गलत कानून को रद्द कर सकती है – इसे Judicial Review कहते हैं।
6. Secular State
Secularism in India means:
- No official state religion.
- Government treats all religions equally.
- People are free to follow any religion.
हिंदी: भारत में “धर्म-निरपेक्षता” =
सरकार सबको बराबर मानेगी, किसी धर्म को बढ़ावा नहीं देगी।
7. Universal Adult Franchise
Every Indian citizen aged **18 years or above** has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, gender, religion, or wealth.
→ Makes India the **largest democracy** in the world.
हिंदी: 18 साल के बाद हर नागरिक को वोट का अधिकार – इसे “Universal Adult Franchise” कहते हैं।
8. Fundamental Rights
The Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights:
- Right to Equality
- Right to Freedom
- Right against Exploitation
- Right to Freedom of Religion
- Cultural and Educational Rights
- Right to Constitutional Remedies
हिंदी: Fundamental Rights = नागरिकों की “ढाल”
जो सरकार की power को सीमित करती है।
9. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
These are **guidelines** for the government to make laws:
- Not enforceable in court.
- Aim at establishing a just and equal society.
- Inspired from Ireland.
हिंदी: DPSP = सरकार के लिए “Guidelines”.
Court में लागू नहीं कर सकते, लेकिन देश चलाने के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण।
10. Fundamental Duties
Added by the **42nd Amendment** (1976).
Currently **11 duties** like respecting Constitution, preserving environment, defending the nation, etc.
हिंदी: Fundamental Duties 42nd Amendment से आए।
आज कुल 11 कर्तव्य हैं।
11. Emergency Provisions
The Constitution provides three types of emergencies:
- National Emergency – Article 352
- President’s Rule – Article 356
- Financial Emergency – Article 360
हिंदी Trick: 352–356–360 → क्रम से तीनों emergencies याद हो जाती हैं।
📘 Practice Questions (NDA Style)
1. The Indian Constitution is described as:
a) Unitary b) Federal with unitary bias c) Confederal d) Rigid
2. The idea of DPSP is borrowed from:
a) UK b) USA c) Ireland d) Canada
3. Which Amendment added Fundamental Duties?
a) 24th b) 42nd c) 44th d) 52nd
4. Who is the real executive in our Parliamentary system?
a) President b) Governor c) Prime Minister d) Chief Justice
5. How many Fundamental Duties are there currently?
a) 7 b) 9 c) 11 d) 15
a) Unitary b) Federal with unitary bias c) Confederal d) Rigid
2. The idea of DPSP is borrowed from:
a) UK b) USA c) Ireland d) Canada
3. Which Amendment added Fundamental Duties?
a) 24th b) 42nd c) 44th d) 52nd
4. Who is the real executive in our Parliamentary system?
a) President b) Governor c) Prime Minister d) Chief Justice
5. How many Fundamental Duties are there currently?
a) 7 b) 9 c) 11 d) 15
Answers:
1 – b) Federal with unitary bias
2 – c) Ireland
3 – b) 42nd
4 – c) Prime Minister
5 – c) 11
1 – b) Federal with unitary bias
2 – c) Ireland
3 – b) 42nd
4 – c) Prime Minister
5 – c) 11
Quick Recap | सार
Now you should be able to:
- Recall the most important ideas of this topic.
- Solve typical NDA-style questions from this chapter.
- Spot and avoid common traps used in competitive exams.
Self-check: 3–4 random questions उठा कर देखिए – अगर आसानी से हो रहे हैं, तो chapter strong है।
Common Exam Mistakes | आम गलतियाँ
- Concept ठीक से clear न करना और सीधे रटने की कोशिश करना।
- Question पूरी तरह पढ़े बिना answer mark कर देना।
- Figures, dates, या formulas को last step में verify न करना।
NDA में smart strategy यह है कि आसान वाले सवाल पहले, doubtful बाद में – और silly mistakes से बचना सबसे ज़रूरी है।