Balanced institutional design
Topic: Making of the Constitution: Constituent Assembly, Sources and Salient Features · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "Constitution: Why and How?"
Meaning
Balanced institutional design means building a constitution so that power is divided among the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and independent bodies (bodies that do not take orders from the government). Because of this, no single group can capture the whole system. NCERT treats it as one source of a constitution's authority. A good design keeps core values fixed but allows changes when needed. A constitution that is too rigid breaks. One that is too flexible gives no security.
Example
In India, the Election Commission conducts elections independently of the ruling party, and courts can strike down laws. Parliament can amend most parts of the Constitution, but some parts need special majorities.
Don't confuse with
- Separation of powers: separation of powers only divides the three organs. Balanced design is wider. It also includes independent bodies and the right mix of rigidity and flexibility.