Question

The column on the left lists some of the key features of the Indian Constitution. In the other column, write two sentences, in your own words, on why you think this feature is important:

Key Features	Significance
1. Federalism
2. Separation of Powers
3. Fundamental Rights
4. Parliamentary Form of Government

Answer 1

Key features:

• Federalism:
  

1. It means more than one level of government. India has a three-tier government.
   
2. We need a three-tier structure of government because of the diverse religious and cultural composition of its citizens. A government alone at the center could not be effective for everyone.

• Separation of Powers:
  

1. In order to prevent the misuse of powers by the elected representatives, the Constitution advocates separation of powers. Each branch of the government has its powers fixed by the Constitution.
   
2. The Constitution ensures that a balance of power is maintained between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.

• Fundamental Rights:
  

1. Fundamental rights guarantees the rights of individuals against the state as well as against other individuals.
2. It protects minority communities and guarantees rights against the majority.

• Parliamentary Form of Government:
  

1. In a parliamentary form of government, the Constitution guarantees universal adult franchise for all citizens.
   
2. It simply means every adult citizen has the right to vote irrespective of their caste, education, status, race. The idea of the universal adult franchise is based on equality.