The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country and provides the basic framework for its political system, institutions, rights and duties. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950. It reflects the ideals of democracy, justice, equality and liberty and provides important constitutional safeguards for women and other disadvantaged sections of society. India has a written and detailed Constitution. It clearly defines the powers and functions of the legislature, executive and judiciary and establishes the relationship between the Union and the States. Its detailed provisions have helped accommodate India's vast social, cultural, linguistic and regional diversity. The Constitution establishes India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. Sovereignty means that India is free from external control. The democratic system gives citizens the right to participate in government through elections, while the republican form ensures that the head of the state is elected rather than hereditary. A major feature is the provision of Fundamental Rights under Part III. These include the right to equality,