Indian Constitution: Features, Drafting, and Governance Structure
Key Features of the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution is renowned for its comprehensive nature and unique characteristics. Here are its salient features:
- Length and Detail: It is the longest written constitution in the world, comprising 395 articles (now expanded to 448) spread across 22 parts and 12 schedules.
- Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic: The Preamble declares India a sovereign entity, where socialism ensures equality and secularism guarantees freedom of religion.
The 1855 Spanish Railroad Act: Development and Impact
Introduction to the 1855 Railroad Law
This document provides a fragment of a legal text for citizens, explaining the construction of the railroad following the acceptance of the corresponding law. It also highlights advantages for investors. Drafted by the Cortes with the support of Queen Isabella II on June 3, 1855, the law was officially published in the Gaceta de Madrid three days later.
Spain’s Political Landscape Under Isabella II
Upon Isabella II’s ascension to the throne, the Spanish government
Read MoreGlobal Challenges: Climate, Pollution, and Technology’s Impact
Climate Change: Predictions and Impacts
Some experts predict that by the year 2020, there will be about seven billion people on Earth. If these predictions hold true, it will lead to an increase in factories, vehicles, and intensive farming. This, in turn, means more harmful gases, increasing the greenhouse effect. These gases absorb the sun’s heat, making the Earth hotter.
Projected Global Warming
If current trends persist, some scientists predict that by 2030, Earth’s temperature will rise by 2ºC
Read MoreEU Democracy Deficit: Unpacking Challenges and Reforms
The European Union’s Democracy Deficit
The notion of a democracy deficit within the European Union has been widely used, referring to a variety of factors affecting the European democratic process. Before moving forward with a critical assessment of these factors, it is worth mentioning the origins of the concept of democracy and how the European Union has approached it since its inception.
Democracy: Origins and EU’s Representative Model
The term democracy comes from the Greek term demos (=people)
Read MoreCánovas Restoration Era: Political Structure and Electoral Practices
Features of the Cánovas Restoration System
The Cánovas Restoration system, a copy of the British model, was based on several key pillars:
The Monarchy: A Permanent Institution
For Cánovas, the King was a permanent institution whose role could not be questioned. His function was to act as a referee in political life, ensuring proper understanding and the peaceful alternation of power between political parties.
The Cortes: Backbone of the Nation
The Cortes (Parliament) were also considered a permanent
Read MoreKey Aspects of Spanish Constitutional History
Spanish Constitutions: A Comparative Analysis
The Constitution of 1812 is a summary of liberal ideas from the early Spanish period. It was created by individuals fighting the French, inspired by French principles. Key ideas include:
- The principle of national sovereignty.
- Division of legislative power between the courts (Cortes) and the king.
- The Cortes would be composed of representatives of citizens and organizations in a single chamber.
- Elections held by universal male suffrage, with income requirements