The document discusses the key features of the Indian Constitution. It explains that a constitution establishes the fundamental principles of a country's political system and protects citizens from oppression. It then outlines some of India's key constitutional elements, including federalism, a parliamentary government, separation of powers, fundamental rights for citizens, and secularism. Federalism means multiple levels of government exist at the national, state, and local levels. The parliamentary system gives citizens a direct role in electing representatives. Separation of powers divides the government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches that check each other. Fundamental rights guarantee equality, freedoms, anti-discrimination, religious freedom, and more. Secularism means India does not have an official state

2. Why does a country need a
Constitution?
O It tells us about the fundamental nature of the
society.
O It lays down the ideals that form the basis of a
country.
O It defines the nature of a country’s political system.
O The constitution plays a major role in countries
having democratic forms of government.
O It prevents oppression or domination by the majority.
O It helps in protecting us against certain decisions that
could have an unfavourable effect on the larger
principles that the country believes in.

3. Key Features of the Indian
Constitution
O Federalism
O Parliamentary form of government
O Separation of powers
O Fundamental rights
O Secularism

4. Federalism
O More than one level of government co-exists.
We have a government at the Centre,
At the State level and
At the village level i.e., panchayat
O The constitution contains lists that describe
the issues that each tier of government can
make laws on.
O The states are not just the agents of the
federal government but draw their authority
from the Constitution as well.

5. Parliamentary form of government
O Citizens of India have a direct role in
electing their representatives.
O Every citizen, irrespective of his/her
social background, can contest in
elections

6. Separation of powers
O There are three organs of the state as per the
Constitution. They are as follows:
1. The legislature: It refers to the elected
representatives.
2. The executive: It refers to those responsible
for
implementing laws.
3. The judiciary: The system of courts.
O According to the Constitution, each organ should
exercise different powers.
O Each organ checks on the other organs of the State,
which ensures a balance of power among the three.

7. Fundamental rights
O Right to equality
O Right to freedom
O Right against exploitation
O Right to freedom of religion
O Cultural and educational rights
O Right to constitutional remedies

8. Right to equality
O All citizens are equal before the law.
O Each citizen will be equally protected by
the laws of the country.
O No citizen is allowed to discriminate
against the others on the basis of religion,
caste and/or sex.

9. Right to freedom
O This right includes the right to freedom of
speech and expression
O Right to move freely and reside in any
part of the country
O Right to form associations
O Right to practice any occupation,
profession or business

10. Right against exploitation
O According to the Constitution, there is a
prohibition on human trafficking, forced
labour and child labour

11. Right to freedom of religion
O Every citizen has the right to practice,
propagate and profess the religion of
his/her choice.

12. Culture and education rights
O The Constitution states that all minorities,
linguistic or religious, have the right to set
up their own educational institutions so as
to conserve and extend their culture.

13. Right to constitutional
remedies
O A citizen can move the court if he/she
thinks that his/her Fundamental Rights
have been violated by the State.

14. Secularism
O A secular state is that which does not
officially promote any particular religion as
the state religion.