Constitutional Bodies

Bodies whose existence and powers come directly from the text of the Constitution itself.

๐Ÿ“– What makes a body "constitutional"?

A constitutional body is one created directly by a provision of the Constitution โ€” its existence, composition and core powers cannot be changed without a constitutional amendment. This is different from a "statutory body" (created by an ordinary Act of Parliament) or an executive resolution body โ€” covered in the next topic.

๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Election Commission of India (Article 324)

Superintends, directs and controls elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. Composition: one Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as the President may fix.

๐Ÿ“š Union & State Public Service Commissions (Articles 315-323)

Conduct examinations for appointments to civil services and advise the government on service matters, including disciplinary cases.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Comptroller and Auditor General โ€” CAG (Articles 148-151)

Often called the "guardian of the public purse," the CAG audits all receipts and expenditure of the Union and State governments and submits reports that are placed before Parliament/State Legislatures.

๐Ÿงฎ Finance Commission (Article 280)

Constituted by the President every five years (or earlier if needed) to recommend how tax revenues should be distributed between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves.

โš–๏ธ Attorney General & Advocate General (Articles 76 & 165)

The Attorney General is the Union government's chief legal advisor; the Advocate General performs the equivalent role for a State.

๐Ÿ’ก Key Facts

  • Constitutional bodies are created directly by the Constitution โ€” changing them needs a constitutional amendment.
  • Election Commission: Article 324. CAG: Articles 148-151. Finance Commission: Article 280.
  • CAG is called the "guardian of the public purse."
  • Finance Commission is constituted every 5 years.

๐Ÿ”– 60-Second Revision

  • Constitutional body = created directly by the Constitution's text.
  • ECI (Art 324) โ€” conducts elections.
  • UPSC/State PSCs (Art 315-323) โ€” civil service exams & appointments.
  • CAG (Art 148-151) โ€” audits government spending.
  • Finance Commission (Art 280) โ€” recommends tax devolution, every 5 years.

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