The Constitution of India was enacted (adopted) on 26th November 1949. It came into full force on 26th January 1950.

The Drafting Committee consisted of seven members. The Chairman of the committee was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Article 1 describes India as a "Union of States". This means that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement by the units (states) and no state has the right to secede from the union.

Residuary powers refer to the authority to legislate on subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists (Union, State, or Concurrent). In India, these powers are vested in the Union Parliament.

The Government of India appointed the commission in 2007. The Chairman was Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, former Chief Justice of India.

The Union Government is constituted of the Executive (President, Vice-President, PM, and Council of Ministers), the Legislature (Parliament), and the Judiciary (Supreme Court).

The Vice-President of India presides over the Rajya Sabha. There are 543 elected members in the Lok Sabha.

The Speaker is elected by the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves by a simple majority of members present and voting.

Judicial review is the power of the Judiciary (Supreme Court and High Courts) to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders. If found in violation of the Constitution, they can be declared null and void.

Is it Rigid? The Indian Constitution is not purely rigid nor purely flexible. It is a synthesis of both. While basic structure and federal provisions are hard to change (requiring state ratification), many other articles can be amended by a simple or special majority in Parliament.

Fundamental Rights: These are basic human rights guaranteed by Part III of the Constitution to all citizens. They are essential for the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of individuals and are protected by the courts.

Six Fundamental Rights:

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Equality before law and prohibition of discrimination.
2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Freedom of speech, assembly, and protection of life/liberty.
3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits forced labor and child labor.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Right to practice and propagate any religion.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protection of minority interests.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of rights.

Nature of Indian Federation: India follows a federal structure with two sets of governments, a written constitution, and division of powers. However, it has strong unitary features like a single citizenship, unified judiciary, and the power of the center to appoint governors.

Quasi-Federation: Yes, K.C. Wheare described India as a "Quasi-federal" state. It is federal in form but unitary in spirit, meaning it can transform into a unitary system during emergencies.

Legislative powers are distributed into three lists under the Seventh Schedule:

Election Procedure: The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of:

• Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (LS & RS).
• Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of States.

Appointment: The PM is appointed by the President. Usually, the leader of the party having a majority in the Lok Sabha is appointed.

Powers and Functions:

• Head of Council of Ministers: He selects ministers and can ask for their resignation.
• Link between President & Cabinet: He communicates all decisions of the cabinet to the President.
• Leader of the House: He determines the agenda of the Lok Sabha and makes major policy announcements.
• Chairman of Bodies: Ex-officio Chairman of NITI Aayog and NDC.

Composition: The Lok Sabha (Lower House) has a maximum strength of 550. Currently, it has 543 elected members representing territorial constituencies based on population. The term is 5 years unless dissolved earlier.

Functions:

• Legislative: Passing bills on Union and Concurrent subjects.
• Financial: It has exclusive power over Money Bills.
• Executive Control: It controls the executive through the No-Confidence Motion.
• Constituent: Amending the Constitution jointly with Rajya Sabha.

Composition: Currently, the Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and 33 other judges appointed by the President.

Jurisdiction:

1. Original Jurisdiction: Disputes between Centre and States or between two states.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction: Hearing appeals from High Courts in civil, criminal, and constitutional cases.
3. Advisory Jurisdiction: President can seek its opinion on matters of law.
4. Writ Jurisdiction: Issuing writs (Habeas Corpus, etc.) for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Composition: It is the executive body of the village. It consists of a Sarpanch (President) and Ward Members elected directly by the people of the village for a term of 5 years.

Functions:

• Maintenance of village roads, wells, and sanitation.
• Implementation of government schemes (like MGNREGA).
• Promoting primary education and healthcare in the village.
• Levying and collecting local taxes/fees.

The Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)) provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Key Features for Dima-Hasao & Karbi-Anglong:

• Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): These districts have their own councils with powers to make laws on land, forest, and inheritance.
• Administrative Autonomy: The ADCs have the power to collect land revenue and taxes.
• Judicial Powers: They can constitute village courts to try cases between tribal members.