Explanation
The correct answer is option A: 1, 2, and 3.
The federal nature of the Indian Constitution refers to the distribution of powers between the central government and the state governments.
The following characteristics contribute to the federal nature of the Indian Constitution:
Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution is a written constitution that clearly defines the powers and functions of the central government and the state governments. This helps to establish a clear demarcation of powers between the two levels of government and contributes to the federal nature of the Constitution.
Independent Judiciary: The Indian Constitution provides for an independent judiciary that can interpret and uphold the Constitution without any interference from the executive or legislative branches of government. This helps to ensure that the federal nature of the Constitution is maintained by providing a mechanism to resolve disputes between the central government and the state governments.
Dual Polity: The Indian Constitution provides for a dual polity, where the central government and the state governments have their own separate powers and functions. This ensures that the state governments are not subservient to the central government and contributes to the federal nature of the Constitution.
Integrated Audit Machinery: While an integrated audit machinery is an important feature of the Indian Constitution, it does not contribute to its federal nature.
Therefore, option B: 2 and 4, and option C: 3 and 4 are incorrect, and option D: 1, 3 and 4 is partially correct but does not include all the correct characteristics.