The statement "Constitutionalism is the concept of limited government under a Fundamental Law" accurately captures the essence of constitutionalism. While a 'Constitution' refers to the fundamental law of a state, constitutionalism is a broader philosophical and political idea that emphasizes the adherence to the spirit of that constitution, particularly in limiting governmental power. It's about how power is exercised, not just how it's structured. A constitution is a tool, while constitutionalism is the principle guiding the use of that tool.

Constitution: A Constitution is a document or a set of fundamental principles and established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organization, or other type of entity, and commonly determine how that entity is to be governed. It is the supreme law of the land, providing the framework for the government, defining its powers, and outlining the rights and duties of citizens. It is the 'body' or the 'blueprint' of a state's governance.

Distinctive Features of a Constitution:

1. Legal Document/Framework: It is a tangible legal instrument (written, like India's, or largely unwritten, like the UK's) that establishes the structure, powers, and functions of government organs (legislature, executive, judiciary).
2. Source of Authority: It is the ultimate source of legal authority, from which all other laws and governmental actions derive their legitimacy. All laws must conform to its provisions.
3. Defines Powers: It delineates the powers of different branches of government and often specifies the limits of those powers, creating a system of checks and balances.
4. Rights and Duties: It typically enumerates the fundamental rights of citizens and sometimes their duties, providing a legal basis for individual liberties.
5. Amendability: It includes provisions for its own amendment, reflecting its dynamic nature and ability to adapt to changing societal needs.
6. Supremacy: It is generally considered supreme, meaning all other laws must conform to it, and any law inconsistent with it is void.
7. Form vs. Substance: A constitution can exist even in authoritarian regimes (e.g., North Korea has a constitution), but it may not necessarily embody constitutionalism. It is the form of governance, a set of rules, regardless of how they are actually implemented.

Constitutionalism: Constitutionalism, on the other hand, is a political philosophy that advocates for a government that is limited by a constitution. It is the idea that governmental power should be legally constrained and that the exercise of power should be subject to checks and balances, ensuring that it does not become arbitrary or oppressive. It is the spirit behind the constitution, the actual practice of limited government.

Distinctive Features of Constitutionalism:

1. Limited Government: The core principle is that governmental power is not absolute but is limited by law. No organ of the state, however high, is above the law, and all actions must be within constitutional bounds.
2. Rule of Law: It mandates that all individuals, including those in power, are subject to and accountable under the law, which is publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. It implies predictability and fairness in governance.
3. Separation of Powers: It advocates for the distribution of governmental powers among different branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent concentration of power and provide effective checks and balances, ensuring no single entity becomes too powerful.
4. Protection of Rights: It emphasizes the protection of individual liberties and fundamental rights against potential governmental overreach, ensuring that the state respects and upholds human dignity.
5. Accountability and Transparency: It requires that government actions are transparent and that those in power are accountable to the people, often through democratic processes, free and fair elections, and public scrutiny.
6. Independent Judiciary: An independent judiciary is a hallmark of constitutionalism, as it acts as the guardian of the constitution, interpreting its provisions and striking down unconstitutional laws or actions, thereby enforcing limits on governmental power.
7. Democratic Governance: While not strictly synonymous, constitutionalism often thrives in democratic systems where popular sovereignty and periodic elections ensure governmental accountability and responsiveness.
8. Substance over Form: It is concerned with the actual practice of governance and whether the spirit of limited government and protection of rights is upheld, irrespective of whether a formal constitution exists. It is the substance of governance, the living reality of constitutional principles.

Differentiation between Constitution and Constitutionalism:

| Feature | Constitution | Constitutionalism | | :------------------ | :------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------- | | Nature | A legal document or a body of fundamental laws. | A political philosophy or a set of principles and practices. | | Existence | Can exist even in authoritarian states (e.g., a constitution that grants absolute power). | Implies a commitment to limited government and rule of law; absent in authoritarian states. | | Focus | Defines the structure, powers, and functions of government. | Focuses on limiting governmental power and protecting individual rights. | | Scope | Describes how government is organized and its powers are distributed. | Dictates how government power should be exercised (i.e., within limits and justly). | | Tangibility | Tangible (written document) or identifiable (unwritten conventions and statutes). | Intangible; a spirit, an ideology, a practice, a culture of governance. | | Relationship | A necessary but not sufficient condition for constitutionalism. It provides the framework. | The ideal or goal that a constitution aims to achieve. It is the actualization of the constitution's spirit. | | Example | The Indian Constitution (a specific document with articles and schedules). | The practice of judicial review, fundamental rights enforcement, free and fair elections, and checks and balances in India. |

In essence, a constitution is the 'body' or the 'blueprint' of a state's governance, while constitutionalism is the 'soul' or the 'operating system' that ensures that the government functions within prescribed limits, respects individual liberties, and adheres to the rule of law. A country can have a constitution without having constitutionalism, but true constitutionalism cannot exist without a foundational legal framework, whether written or unwritten. The Indian experience, with its detailed written Constitution and an active judiciary, strives to embody both the form and the spirit of constitutionalism, ensuring a government that is not only structured but also limited and accountable.