A written constitution, a dual government (Centre and States) and an independent judiciary are characteristic features of which system of government?

A written constitution, a dual government (the Centre and the States), and an independent judiciary are characteristic features of a federal system of government.

Meaning of federalism:

• Federalism is a system in which power is divided between a central government and the governments of the constituent units (states or provinces), each of which is independent in its own sphere.
• The word comes from the Latin "foedus", meaning "treaty" or "agreement".

Federal features of the Indian Constitution:

• Dual polity: There is a government at the Centre and a government in each state, with their own powers.
• Written constitution: The Constitution is written, and defines the powers of the Centre and the States.
• Division of powers: The legislative powers are divided between the Centre and the States by the Constitution.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land; the laws of both the Centre and the States must conform to it.
• Rigid constitution: The provisions dealing with the federal structure can be amended only by a special majority of Parliament together with the approval of half of the state legislatures.
• Independent judiciary: The Supreme Court settles disputes between the Centre and the States, and protects the Constitution.
• Bicameral legislature: Parliament has two Houses; the Rajya Sabha represents the States.

Examples of federations:

• The USA is the classic example of a federation.
• Other federations include Switzerland, Germany and Brazil.

"Coming together" and "holding together":

• The USA and Switzerland are "coming together" federations, formed by independent states joining together.
• India, Spain and Belgium are "holding together" federations, in which power was shared among the units of a large country.

NCERT on federalism:

NCERT notes that India is a "holding together" federation, and that the Constitution declared India as a Union of States.

Why not the other options?

• ✗A unitary government has power concentrated at the centre; parliamentary and presidential systems relate to the relationship between the executive and the legislature.