Salient features of Indian constitution

Theoretical overview

1. The lengthiest constitution : The Indian Constitution is one of the lengthiest constitutions in the world and it is also very detailed. There are 12 schedules and 448 articles in our Constitution. The Indian Constitution has incorporated various articles by taking inspiration from the various constitutions around the world
2. Sovereignty :The term Sovereignty was incorporated in the Preamble to provide supreme power to the Government. The term Sovereignty is the backbone of our Indian Constitution that protects the authority of the people. Sovereignty is an essential factor of every State. The term “sovereignty” as applied to states implies ‘Supreme, absolute, and uncontrollable power by which any state is governed, and which resides within itself, whether residing in a single individual or a number of individuals, or in the whole body of the people
3. Republic: The concept of “Republic” was borrowed from the Constitution of France. The term republic provides the people power to elect their own representatives. The term republic is the basis of our constitution as it ensures there would be no hereditary rulers and also ensures that the election would be happening in our country. The President of India is an elected head of the State for a fixed tenure.
4. Parliamentary form of government: The Bicameral Legislature system is followed in our country. The law making procedure is easy in the unicameral legislature but the bicameral legislature is effective as there would be a lot of discussions and deliberations before making legislation. 
5. Rigidity and flexibility: The Indian Constitution is neither rigid nor flexible, this is also one of the reasons for its length. A famous example of a rigid constitution is the Constitution of the U.S., and it is known as a rigid constitution as the amendment process is very difficult. The Indian Constitution is not very difficult to amend, as the Constitution of The U.S.A. It has gone through 103 amendments so far but there are certain steps to be satisfied before bringing in the amendment. Thus the Indian Constitution is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility.
6. Adult suffrage: The concept of Adult suffrage allows every citizen of our country who is above eighteen years has the right to vote in the elections. Any adult who is eligible to vote should not be discriminated against on any basis like gender, caste, and religion. This provision was added in the sixty-first amendment which is also known as the Constitution Act, of 1988. The accepted age for voting was twenty-one before this amendment afterward it was changed to 18 years of age. Article 326 of the Indian Constitution guarantees this right. 
7. An independent judiciary: The Judiciary ensures the proper functioning of the constitution and the enforcement of various provisions of the Constitution. The Constitution makers ensured that Judiciary has to be independent so that it will not be biased. The Supreme court is considered the watchdog of democracy.
8. Single citizenship: There is no separate citizenship for the States and the Centre like in various federal countries like the U.S.A. There is single citizenship provided to our citizens. Part 2 of the Indian Constitution, i.e. Article 5 to Article 11 of the Indian Constitution deals with citizenship. The Citizenship Act, of 1955 which was amended recently in 2019 also deals with citizenship. Single citizenship allows persons to enjoy equal rights in various aspects across the country. According to Article 5, it is clearly mentioned that the persons will be considered as citizens of the territory of India, which ensures that there would be only single citizenship.
9. Fundamental right: that these are the basic human rights of all citizens, defined in Part III of the Constitution. These are applicable irrespective of race, place of birth, religion, caste, creed, or gender. They are enforceable by the courts, subject to specific restrictions. Following are some of the important rights of the citizens of India in accordance with the Constitution.

• Right to Equality
• Right to freedom
• Right against exploitation
• Right to freedom of religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies

10. Directive principles of state policy: These are included in Part IV of the Constitution. For the framing of certain Laws, the Government requires certain guidelines. These are included in the Directive Principles of State Policy. According to Article 37, they are not enforceable by the courts under their respective jurisdiction. It just lays down the fundamental principles and guidelines on which they are based are fundamental guidelines for governance. The State needs to follow these principles while designing the laws. Emphasis is on the Welfare of the State Model.

Points to remember

• Indian constitution is the lengthiest constitution in the world
• There are 6 fundamental rights 
• Every citizen who the age of 18 or more have voting right.
• India has single citizenship.
• Indian constitution is neither rigid nor flexible.