Question

Which of the following is not a feature of the Indian Constitution?

• A. Presidential form of Government
• B. Single citizenship
• C. Independent Judiciary
• D. Universal Adult Franchise

Hint:

The Indian Constitution provides for a Parliamentary system, which is different from the Presidential system found in countries like the United States.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Indian Constitution follows the Parliamentary form of Government, not the Presidential form. Under the Parliamentary system, the executive is drawn from the legislature and is accountable to it, whereas in the Presidential system, the executive is separate from the legislature. Other features like Single citizenship, Independent Judiciary, and Universal Adult Franchise are part of the Indian Constitution.

Answer 2

The Indian Constitution is known for being the longest written constitution in the world and incorporates features from various other constitutions across the globe. However, it is firmly based on the principle of a Parliamentary form of Government, not a Presidential one.

In a Parliamentary system, the executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is drawn from the legislature and is collectively responsible to it. India adopted this system from the British model to ensure a responsible and accountable government where the executive is directly answerable to the Parliament.

In contrast, a Presidential form of Government, like that of the United States, separates the executive from the legislature. The President is both the head of state and the head of government and is elected independently of the legislature. This system provides a fixed tenure and does not allow for the executive to be dissolved by a vote of no confidence.

Since India has chosen a Parliamentary democracy, where the Prime Minister is the executive head and not the President, the feature “Presidential form of Government” is not applicable to the Indian constitutional framework.

Therefore, among the options, the statement "Presidential form of Government" is not a feature of the Indian Constitution. It contradicts the foundational structure of India's political system as laid out in the Constitution.