The Preamble describes India as a 'Republic'. Which feature is the legal essence of that expression?
AThe country is governed by a written constitution adopted by the people themselves
BThe country has a federal distribution of legislative powers between the Centre and States
CThe judiciary is independent of the executive in matters of public service classification
DThe head of State is an elected functionary and not a hereditary monarch
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. The head of State is an elected functionary and not a hereditary monarch
1. 'Republic' in constitutional theory means a polity where the head of State is ELECTED, not hereditary.
2. Articles 52 to 54 of the Constitution establish an elected President as the head of State.
3. Written constitutionalism describes 'Constitutional Government' generically, not specifically 'Republic'.
4. Federalism and judicial independence are separate features, not the definitional core of 'Republic'.
_Source: Constitution of India (Bare Act, updated to 105th Amendment Act 2021), Govt. of India Legislative Dept., Preamble; Articles 52-54_
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