What is the significance of the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976?
The significance of the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976, is that it made several substantial changes to the Indian constitution. Among these were:

1. A reaffirmation of the socialist and secular character of the Indian Republic.
2. Strengthening the executive branch by extending the term of office for Prime Ministers, Presidents, Governors and Speakers from five years to six years.
3. Making the office of President largely ceremonial with powers limited to certain specified areas like rejecting advice of Council of Ministers in certain cases, power to declare emergency, etc.
4. Providing for a nomination of members of Parliament and State Legislatures by the President from amongst eminent persons in fields like art, literature, science, social service, etc.
5. Modifying the powers of judiciary, particularly with regard to their authority over matters concerning constitutional interpretation.
6. Enhancing the power of Parliament to amend or repeal certain types of laws through an explicit acknowledgement that Parliament has power to amend or repeal any law made by it or by the legislatures of states.
7. Allowing for the imposition of a state of internal emergency in cases of armed rebellion, economic chaos and other grave crises affecting the sovereignty and integrity of India.
8. Clarifying that only the Parliament can legislate on certain matters pertaining to foreign affairs, inter-state trade, etc., thereby limiting the powers of states.