Name: The Preamble to the Indian Constitution
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 18 min 9 s
Description: The concerning video discusses the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, Ideals, Aspiration of the Preamble, Amendments done in the constitution till now.

Question

Answer the following questions. Answer to each question should be in about $250$ words.

"The Indian Constitution is federal in form but unitary in spirit". Discuss.

Accepted Answer

A unitary system has a single central authority with complete power, whereas a federal system divides power between national and local governments.
India is a federated republic. However, the word "federation" is never stated in the constitution. Instead, India is described as a "Union of States."
Federal features of the Indian constitution:
Division of Powers: The Constitution's Seventh Schedule comprises three lists of issues that demonstrate how authority is divided between the two branches of government.
Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution has been drafted.
Supreme judiciary: The Supreme Court of India is the country's highest court.
Unitary or Non-Federal Features:
Single Constitution: The states do not have their own constitutions. There are different constitutions for the union.
Centre’s control over States: The states must abide by the laws enacted by the federal government and are prohibited from enacting new legislation in areas where a federal law already exists.
Single citizenship: Citizens in a truly federal state are granted dual citizenship. Citizens of India, on the other hand, have single citizenship, i.e., Indian citizenship or citizenship of the entire country.
Unified judiciary: India's judicial system is unified or integrated. The Supreme Court is the country's highest court of justice, and it supervises all other lower courts.
The following provision proves though India is federal in nature but its soul is unitary:
- The Union Parliament is very powerful It not only has exclusive authority over the Union list and residuary powers, but it also has control over the Concurrent and State lists.
- State governments must work under the direction and supervision of the federal government.
- If the State fails to function in accordance with the Constitution, it can impose President's rule under the article of 356.
Conclusion: The Sarkaria Commission, established in $1983$ , promoted India's cooperative federalism. While India does have a powerful central government, it should not constantly strive to interfere in the affairs of the states. Both governments should work in harmony and respect each other's power or authority.

Answer the following questions. Answer to each question should be in about $250$ words.

"The Indian Constitution is federal in form but unitary in spirit". Discuss.

Important Questions on Practice Questions on Indian Polity (Mains)

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Answer the following questions. Answer to each question should be in about 250 words. "The Indian Constitution is federal in form but unitary in spirit". Discuss.

Important Questions on Practice Questions on Indian Polity (Mains)

Learn and Prepare for any exam you want !

Answer the following questions. Answer to each question should be in about $250$ words.

"The Indian Constitution is federal in form but unitary in spirit". Discuss.