ConstitutionSalient features of the Constitution
What makes the Indian Constitution distinctive, and which ideas it adapted from other constitutions.
The makers of the Constitution studied the constitutions of many countries and the experience of British rule. They took what suited India and reshaped it. The result has features found in no other single constitution.
The main features
- The longest written constitution. It covers the Union and the states in one document and goes into detail on administration, because the makers did not want to leave important matters to chance.
- Partly rigid, partly flexible. Some provisions can be changed by a simple law of Parliament, most need a special majority, and a few also need the consent of half the states.
- Federal system with a strong Centre. Powers are divided between the Union and the states by the Constitution, as in a federation. But the Centre has more powers, and in an emergency the system can work almost like a unitary one. Article 1 calls India a "Union of States".
- Parliamentary form of government. The real executive, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, comes from the legislature and stays in office only while it has the confidence of the Lok Sabha. The President is the nominal head.
- Fundamental Rights. Six groups of rights are guaranteed and can be enforced directly in the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
- Directive Principles of State Policy. Guidelines to the government for building a welfare state. They cannot be enforced in court but are fundamental to governing the country.
- Fundamental Duties. Eleven duties of citizens, added in 1976 and 2002.
- Secular State. No official religion; equal respect for all faiths.
- Universal adult franchise. Every citizen of 18 years or more has the right to vote, without any distinction of caste, religion, sex, education or wealth. India gave this right to all adults from the very first election.
- Independent and integrated judiciary. A single system of courts, with the Supreme Court at the top, enforces both Union and state laws. Courts can strike down laws that violate the Constitution; this power is called judicial review.
- Single citizenship. There is only Indian citizenship, not a separate citizenship of each state.
- Emergency provisions. Special powers to deal with war, breakdown of government in a state, or a financial crisis.
- Three tiers of government. Since 1992, panchayats and municipalities have constitutional status as the third tier.
- Independent bodies. The Election Commission, the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Public Service Commissions are protected from interference.
Ideas adapted from other constitutions
| Source | Features |
|---|---|
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Federal scheme, office of Governor, public service commissions, much of the administrative detail |
| United Kingdom | Parliamentary government, rule of law, cabinet system, single citizenship, writs, two houses of Parliament |
| United States | Fundamental Rights, judicial review, independence of the judiciary, impeachment of the President, post of Vice-President |
| Ireland | Directive Principles of State Policy, nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha, method of electing the President |
| Canada | Federation with a strong Centre, residuary powers with the Centre, appointment of Governors by the Centre |
| Australia | Concurrent List, freedom of trade and commerce, joint sitting of the two houses |
| Germany (Weimar Constitution) | Suspension of Fundamental Rights during an emergency |
| Soviet Union | Fundamental Duties; the ideal of social, economic and political justice |
| France | The ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity; the republic |
| South Africa | Procedure for amending the Constitution; election of members of the Rajya Sabha |
| Japan | "Procedure established by law" |
Dr Ambedkar answered the criticism that the Constitution was borrowed: nobody holds a patent on the basic ideas of a constitution, and what matters is how well they are fitted to a country's needs.
Key articles on this page
| Article | What it says, in short |
|---|---|
| 1 | India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. |
Quick questions
Think of the answer first, then tap to check.
From which constitution were the Directive Principles adapted?
The Constitution of Ireland.
What is universal adult franchise?
The right of every adult citizen (18 or older) to vote, without any discrimination.
What is judicial review?
The power of the courts to strike down laws and actions that violate the Constitution.
Does India have dual citizenship of the Union and the states?
No. India has single citizenship.
This page explains the Constitution in simple words for students and general readers. It is not the official text and is not legal advice. The official text is published by the Legislative Department, Government of India (legislative.gov.in). Last checked: 11 November 2026.