Democratic Politics

5. A Secular State : The new Constitution has declared India to be a secular state where all the citizens enjoy equal rights irrespective of their cast, colour, creed, religion or sex Anybody in India can practise any religion he or she chooses and no distinction would ever be made on this account. The State has no religion of its own and such no one would either suffer or enjoy special rights on the basis of his or her religion. Everybody is equal before law and enjoys equal rights no matter to which faith, caste, colour and sex he or she belongs.
6. A Socialist State : The word ‘Socialist’ was added to the Preamble later on to lay stress on the resolve of the nation to strive for socialism that envisages equitable distribution of national income to all sections of the people. The 24th Amendment lays down that the term “Socialism,” means that there is freedom from all forms of exploitation - social, political and economic.
7. A Sovereign Democratic Republic : India is not responsible to any foreign power either for its internal policy or for its external affairs and so it is Sovereign or an Independent State. Similarly, it is a Democratic State because the real power emanates from the people. Likewise, the Executive Head of India i.e., the Queen or King of England, but an elected one and so India has been described a Republic. Thus the Constitution of India established a Sovereign Democratic Republic in the country.
8. Universal Adult Franchise : Right to express one’s choice by vote is called franchise. When the right to vote or franchise is given to every adult, it is called the Universal Adult Franchise. In India, this right is given to every Indian citizen who has completed 18 years of age. He has right to take part in elections and vote for any candidate of his choice standing for the Central, State or local governments.