Key Features Of Our Constitution.

Question 1

Difference between Union, State and Concurrent lists.

Answer 1

Union lists refers to subjects on which only the Union Government can make laws such as finance and foreign relations.
State list refers to subjects on which only the state government can make laws such as housing and transportation.
Concurrent list refers to subjects on which both central and state government can make laws, but in case of clash, the central law will prevail.

Question 2

What is federalism?

Answer 2

Federalism refers to the existence of two or more tiers of government. This concept has been derived from the Canadian system of governance. In India, there are mainly two tiers of government - Union and state governments. The third tier exists in the form of Panchayati Raj.

Question 3

Describe the parliamentary form of government in India.

Answer 3

The Idea of a Parliamentary form of government has been derived from the British Constitution. In a parliamentary form of government, the head of the state may be a President or monarchy. However, this position is ceremonial and the main power rests with the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, all of whom are part of the legislature and are individually or collectively answerable to the legislature.

Question 4

How are powers separated in India?

Answer 4

The powers are separated in the form of three main organs of the government:

1. Legislature- law making body
2. Executive- enforces these laws
3. Judiciary- deals with situations which arise from breaking of the laws

All these bodies act as a check on each other and prevent the misuse of power.

Question 5

Describe fundamental rights of the Indian constitution.

Answer 5

The fundamental rights of the Indian constitution was derived from the constitution of the United States of America. It provides basic rights to socialism, secularism, right to freedom, right to equality, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, right to constitutional remedies and right against exploitation.

Question 6

What are directive principles?

Answer 6

The directive principles, adopted from the Irish Constitution, serve as the basis of good governance. These guidelines should be kept in mind by the government while framing its policies. These principles aim to establish social, economic and political justice by:
1. Providing equal opportunities and facilities to all in order to eliminate inequalities in status and incomes.
2. Raising the standard of living for the people
3. Upholding international peace and harmony

Question 7

What is secularism?

Answer 7

Secularism means that discrimination on the basis of religion is neither allowed not followed by the state. The state is impartial towards all religions and cannot adopt any religion as state religion.