Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability is an offence punishable in accordance with law. Article 14 guarantees equality before law, Article 19 guarantees freedom of speech, and Article 21 protects life and personal liberty.

The concept of Judicial Review — the power of courts to examine the constitutionality of laws — has been borrowed from the United States of America. India borrowed several other features from different countries: Parliamentary government from UK, Concurrent List from Australia, and Fundamental Duties from the USSR (now Russia).

The 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1985 added the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, which contains the Anti-Defection Law. This law disqualifies members of Parliament or State Legislatures who defect from their party. The 42nd Amendment (1976) is known as the "Mini Constitution," and the 44th Amendment (1978) restored some provisions changed by the 42nd Amendment.

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are contained in Part IV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 36–51). Part III contains Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35). Part IVA was added by the 42nd Amendment and contains Fundamental Duties (Article 51A). Part V deals with the Union Government.

The Right to Property was originally a Fundamental Right under Article 31 but was removed by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978. It is now a legal right under Article 300A but not a Fundamental Right. The six current Fundamental Rights are: Right to Equality (Art 14–18), Right to Freedom (Art 19–22), Right against Exploitation (Art 23–24), Right to Freedom of Religion (Art 25–28), Cultural and Educational Rights (Art 29–30), and Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art 32).

The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (Vidhan Sabhas) and the Legislative Assemblies of Union Territories with legislature (Delhi and Puducherry). Nominated members of Parliament and State Legislatures do NOT vote.

The Writ of Prohibition is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent it from exceeding its jurisdiction or acting contrary to the rules of natural justice. Certiorari is issued to quash an already-passed order. Mandamus directs a public body to perform a duty. Quo Warranto questions a person's right to hold a public office.

The idea of a Preamble was borrowed from the Constitution of the United States of America. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic (the words Socialist and Secular were added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976). The Preamble is considered the key to unlock the minds of the framers of the Constitution.

Article 200 deals with the assent to bills by the Governor. When a bill is passed by the State Legislature, the Governor may give assent, withhold assent, return the bill for reconsideration, or reserve it for consideration of the President. Article 201 deals with bills reserved for Presidential consideration. Article 213 deals with the Governor's power to promulgate ordinances. Article 356 deals with President's Rule in a state.

The Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) for states and union territories. The First Schedule lists the names of states and union territories. The Second Schedule deals with salaries and allowances of constitutional offices. The Third Schedule contains forms of oaths and affirmations.

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 added the words "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. This amendment, passed during the Emergency period under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is often called the "Mini Constitution" due to the large number of changes it made. Before 1976, the Preamble described India as a "Sovereign Democratic Republic."

Article 280 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of the Finance Commission. The Finance Commission is constituted every five years by the President to recommend the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Centre and States, and the principles governing grants-in-aid. The 16th Finance Commission is currently constituted for the period 2026–31.

Maharashtra is one of the six states in India with a bicameral legislature. The upper house of the Maharashtra Legislature is the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council), and the lower house is the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly). Only six states currently have a Vidhan Parishad: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

The Basic Structure Doctrine was established by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala case (1973). The court held that while Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution, it cannot alter its "basic structure." Features considered part of the basic structure include supremacy of the Constitution, republican and democratic form of government, secular character, separation of powers, and federal character.

Article 356 provides for the imposition of President's Rule (also called State Emergency or Constitutional Emergency) in a state when the constitutional machinery in the state has failed. Article 352 deals with National Emergency. Article 360 deals with Financial Emergency. The suspension of fundamental rights during emergency is covered under Article 359.

The Delimitation Commission is a statutory body established under the Delimitation Commission Act to redraw the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on census data. Its orders have the force of law and cannot be questioned in any court. The Election Commission of India administers elections but does not delimit constituencies.

There are currently 11 Fundamental Duties listed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution. Originally 10 Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) based on the Swaran Singh Committee recommendations. The 11th Fundamental Duty — to provide opportunities for education to children between 6–14 years — was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment (2002).

Article 315 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of Public Service Commissions for the Union and for States. The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) is established under this article. Article 316 deals with the appointment of the Chairman and members of Public Service Commissions. Article 317 covers the removal and suspension of members. Article 320 covers the functions of Public Service Commissions.

Article 21A, inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002, makes the Right to Education a Fundamental Right for children between 6–14 years of age. The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children in this age group. Article 21 guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Article 45 (DPSP) originally contained the provision for free and compulsory education before it was elevated to a Fundamental Right.

The MPSC Rajyaseva Examination is conducted to recruit candidates for Group A (Gazetted) and Group B (Gazetted) state government posts in Maharashtra. These include positions like Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Assistant Commissioner of Sales Tax, and other senior administrative roles. Group C and D posts are recruited through different examinations.