Assignment:- Q. Discuss the basic features of Indian political system.

Hi Benudhar,

India also known as Bharat, is a Union of States follows a democratic parliamentary system. The following features of the Indian political system are:

• PANCHAYAT SYSTEM: - One of the salient features of the Indian political system, this ancient culture has helped the people to cope with the culture of democracy. Literally the word Panchayat means a council of five and usually refers to a village council which may or may not have 5 members and gives the idea about social, economical, religious and political views of the people. Officially, the panchayat system is the lowest and most basic - unit of self government. There are three tiers of panchayat- gram panchayat at the village level, panchayat samiti at block level and Zila Parishad at district level.
• FEDERALISM :-It is the second feature of the Indian Political system and the center in India largely depends upon the states for implementing many political policies which encourages decentralization process. The constitution has provided both the Centre and the states with sovereign powers to be exercised in the fields assigned to them by the constitution. Both the Center and the and the states can make laws on the subject of concurrent list but in case of a conflict, the central law prevails. In this manner, the federalism helps in dealing with multi-culture, multi-linguistic and religious issues and strengthens the democracy of India.
• ELECTORAL PRACTICE :-The constitution of India which is the supreme law of the country gives the voting rights to Indian citizens. It describes the laws in Part XV, from Article 324 to 329. The Article 326 says that the elections to the house of people and to the Legislative assemblies of the states to be on the basis of adult suffrage. Electoral Practice increases the political awareness of the people and they realize that they have an important role to play in politics.
• MULTI-PARTY SYSTEM :- India is known for this feature. There are many political parties with 6 National parties and 48 state parties and many regional parties. The multi party system makes India unique in the world.
• CONSTITUTION OF INDIA :- It is the lengthiest in the world. Originally it contained a Preamble, 395 articles divided into 22 parts and 8 Schedules. Presently it contains 465 articles divided into 25 parts and 12 schedules. It specifies the structure, organization, powers and functions of both the central and state governments.
• INDEPENDENCE OF SUPREME COURT :-It is the crucial feature of the democratic country. It consist of a Chief Justice with 7 other judges. Its many decisions have played a great role in maintaining the stability of the democracy in India.
• LOYALTY OF THE MILITARY TO THE GOVERNMENT :-It is one of the cardinal features and India as a democratic state has never been taken over by the military as this has happened with many third world countries. Besides all the military barracks are placed at the borders and hence intervention is not possible.

Hope this answer helps you