The Constitution of India: Features and Role in Public Administration and Democratic Governance

The Constitution of India is the supreme law which provides the framework for effective system of governance, establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles and the duties of citizens. The opening and last sentences of the preamble: “We, the people…… adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution” signifies that the power is ultimately vested in the hands of people. The Constitution declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic state while assuring its citizens of justice, equality, liberty and to promote fraternity among them. It is the lengthiest written Constitution of the world having 448 articles divided into 25 parts and 12 schedules at present. The Constitution provides for a parliamentary form of government which is federal in structure with certain unitary features. It ensures that a balance of power is maintained between three organs of the government i.e. legislature, executive, and judiciary and envisaged the system of governance where every adult citizen has right to vote irrespective of their caste, creed, status and education. Our Constitution was framed with the purpose to accommodate the ideas from diverse backgrounds and has proved to be a living document. The Constitution is very relevant to this country today and generations to come as it fulfills the basic needs and aspirations of Indian citizens. The amendments in the Constitution have been made from time to time to bring any dynamic change. India has successfully continued to demonstrate to the world how the Constitution can efficiently guide and govern the country, keeping in view her social, cultural and religious diversity. This paper highlights the Constitutional perspective on the notion of good governance and functioning of government as established by the Constitution. The paper also examines the role of Indian Constitution in context of the present democratic governance and public administration.