Question

Choose the correct features of political system of India:
A. Parliamentary form of government
B. Single citizenship
C. Three-tier government
D. Socialist and secular state
E. Presidential form of government
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. C, D, E only
• B. B, E only
• C. A, B, E only
• D. A, B, C, D only

Hint:

India is a Parliamentary system with Unitary (single citizenship) and Federal (three-tier) characteristics. Remember: The President is a nominal head, not the executive head as in a Presidential system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The Indian political system is a unique blend of various constitutional features tailored to the country's diverse and complex social fabric.

Step 1: Analyzing Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems.
India adopted a Parliamentary form of government (A), modeled after the British Westminster system. This means the executive is responsible to the legislature. A Presidential system (E), where the head of government is independent of the legislature (like in the USA), was explicitly rejected by the founding fathers to ensure better coordination and accountability.

Step 2: Unitary and Federal Features.
India provides for Single Citizenship (B) to promote national unity, unlike the dual citizenship found in many other federations. Furthermore, with the 73rd and 74th Amendments, India established a Three-tier government (C) structure: Union, State, and Local (Panchayats/Municipalities).

Step 3: Ideological Identity.
The Preamble describes India as a Socialist and Secular state (D). These terms were formally added by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976) to highlight the state's commitment to social justice and religious neutrality.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Since A, B, C, and D are all accurate descriptions of the Indian system, while E is not, Option (4) is the correct answer.