Characteristics of Indian Constitution: Main characteristics of Indian Constitution are given below: 

1. Constitution Based on Popular Sovereignty: 

Indian constitution is based on the popular sovereignty, which means it is a constitution which is formed and adopted by the Indian people. The full and final power is given to the Indian people through this constitution. In the introduction of the constitution it has been clearly declared, “We the people of India with a firm determination adopt, enact and give to over-selves this Constitution in this Constituent Assembly on this day November 26, 1949.” 

2. The largest Constitution of the World: 

Among all written constitutions, Indian Constitution is the largest and most comprehensive. In the original constitution there were 395 sections and 8 schedules. After several constitutional amendments, there are 395 articles in 22 parts 12 schedules in it, while the number of articles in American Constitution is 7, in Canadian Constitution 147, Australia 128, South Africa 153 and in the Constitution of Switzerland there are 195 articles. At present in Indian Constitution, there are 448 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, 5 appendices and 100 amendments. 

3. Sovereign Democratic Republic: 

It has been declared in the Indian Constitution that India is totally independent in its internal as well external matters, i.e., it is a sovereign country. The sovereignty of the country is inherent in Indian people. The governance is of the public and so it is governed by the public.

The democratic system has been adopted here. India is a Democratic Republic country as the President does not come from heredity but is elected by Public for a limited time period, on the basis of proportional representation through single transferable voting system by an electoral college.

4. Written and created constitution: 

Indian constitution is a written and created constitution like the constitution of America, Canada and Switzerland. Most of the parts of Indian Constitution are written and the customs and traditions have very less space. It was prepared by Constituent Assembly. It was prepared in a period of 2 years 11 months and 18 days.

5. Single Constitution for the entire Nation: 

In federal governance system the center and the states have their independent constitutions. But Indian constitution is equally enacted and enforced over the center and the states. 

6. Parliamentary Governance System: 

Following the British model, the parliamentary government system forms the axis of entire Political System. The cabinet is responsible to legislature and parliament jointly and the president of the country is only a head of the country. The real executive power is vested in the prime minister and his cabinet is the real political power of the country. 

7. Fundamental Rights and Duties: 

In the part 3 of Indian constitution there is an arrangement of fundamental rights. These rights are essential for an all round development of the personality of the citizen. There was an arrangement of 7 fundamental rights of an Indian. 

They were:

1. Right to equality 

2. Right to freedom 

3. Right against exploitation 

4. Right to freedom of religion 

5. Cultural and educational right 

6. Right to constitutional remedies 

7. Right to property

This right to property is now not a fundamental right but a legal right. And so at present there are only six fundamental rights in Indian constitution. This was by 42nd amendment of the constitution. The judiciary is the guardian and protector of the our fundamental rights. In the 42nd constitutional amendment, eleven fundamental duties are added,

1. Respect for the Indian constitution, national flag and the national anthem 

2. Respect for the noble ideals of the freedom struggle 

3. Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India 

4. Defend the country and render national service when called 

5. Promotion of common brotherhood among the people 

6. Preservation of the rich heritage of the nation and its composite culture 

7. Protection of natural environment and have compassion for living creature 

8. Development of scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry and reform 

9. Safeguarding public property and avoid violence 

10. Strive for excellence in all individual and collective activity 

11. Duty for the parents to send their children to schools for education. Children of age group of 6 to 14 should attend school – this is a fundamental duty of every parent according constitutional amendment of 2002.

8. A mixture of unitary and federal elements: 

The makers of Indian Constitution wanted to prepare such a constitution that might be capable in maintaining the unity of India. So there is a mixture of unitary and federal elements in Indian Constitution. There are Several provisions in the constitution that make union government more powerful than that of states.

9. Rigidity and flexibility: 

The constitution of India is rigid in some parts. Some of its provisions can be amended in difficult way while others can be amended very easily.

There are two methods to amend the constitution: 

(1) Most of the provisions of the constitution can be amended by the union parliament by passing an amendment bill by a majority of two-third majority of members present and voting in each of the two houses. 

(2) For the amendment of some specific parts, a very rigid method has been provided. Under this, the amendment bill has to be passed by a majority of total membership of two third members present and voting in each house, and then it goes to the state legislature for ratification. The amendment gets passed only when it is approved by not less than half of the states of union. Thus the constitution of India is partly rigid and partially flexible. 

10. Establishment of socialist state: 

Through 42nd amendment the word ‘socialist’ is used in the introduction of the constitution. The meaning of socialistic partially state is that there will be control of whole society over the means of production and distribution instead of a particular person or institution. 

11. India is a secular state: 

The word ‘secular’ ensures that India is neutral in matters of religion and people of all religions are alike in the eyes of the country. Through 42nd amendment of the constitution 1976, the word ‘secular’ is added in the preamble of the constitution. This makes it different from theocratic states like the Islamic republic of Pakistan or other Islamic countries. Further, Indian secularism guarantees equal freedom to all religions. 

12. Directive Principles of State Policy: 

The directive principles of state policy are also mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Under it, the centre and states governments have been advised to work for economic, social and cultural development of the people. Through these principles, an effort has been made to achieve the welfare form of the state. 

13. Emergency powers: 

The constitution vests extraordinary power, known as emergency power in the President those During emergency resulting out of armed rebellion or external aggression or due to failure of constitutional machinery in the state. These Emergency powers are mentioned in Articles 352, 356 and 360. The president uses this Emergency power with the advice of the cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister. 

14. Independent, fair and supreme Judiciary: 

Indian constitution provides an independent, fair and supreme judiciary which ensures that the governance is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and acts as a guardian of the liberties and fundamental rights of the citizens. In India, the form of the judiciary is unique and the supreme court stands on the highest peak of justice. 

15. Establishment of powerful center: 

India is a developing country. Considering this, the constituent assembly has provide a powerful form to the center, so that the unity and integrity of India might be made secure and intact. 

16. Fundamental Right to Adult voting: 

Indian constitution ensures supreme power of governance to the Indian public. So every person without any distinction participates in the governance. 

17. Provision of one national language: 

India is a country of many languages. Through the constitution of India. Hindi, written in devanagari script, is declared as the national language. However, in India it is not treated as national language due to vested interests. In the schedule of Indian constitution, 22 regional languages are included. 

18. President is the symbol of national unity: 

In Indian constitution all executive powers are theoretically vested in president. He is made the symbol of national unity. The President of India is elected by the people indirectly. 

19. Desire for global cooperation: 

Indian Constitution wishes for international co-operation and peace in the world community. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is the main characteristic of our ancient culture. Therefore, in the schedule 51 of part four of constitution, international peace, security and cooperation is included.