Federalism

• Federalism is a system in which the responsibility of governing a country is divided between the Central Government and the State Governments. State Governments in India draw their powers from the Constitution of the country.

• While the State Governments function independently of the Central Government and looks after the maintenance of law and order in their own states, the Central Government looks after issues of national importance such as the defence and foreign affairs.

Parliamentary Form of Government

• India has a parliamentary form of government where the people of India elect their own representatives who then frame laws and regulations for the entire country.

• Our Constitution grants the principle of universal adult franchise which means that adults above the age of 18 are eligible to vote irrespective of their caste, religion, sect and gender. Because the Parliament consists of elected members, it is the supreme law-making authority in the country.

Separation of Powers

• In India, there are three branches of Government-legislature, executive and judiciary. The legislature makes the laws, the executive implements

• All three organs of the Government exercise different powers and keep a check on the other organ. This ensures a balance of power among all three organs of the Government.

Fundamental Rights

• Our Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to the citizens.

Secularism

• Our Constitution has declared India to be a secular state. It means that India does not have any official religion. The Government neither encourages nor discourages the practice of any religion.

• No person in the country can be discriminated on the basis of religion. Every citizen is free to practice, profess and propagate his/her religion.