Sources of the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of various sources drawn from several countries and past governance systems. It is the longest written constitution in the world and reflects both indigenous elements and foreign inspirations. Here's a list of the major sources of the Indian Constitution:
📜 1. Government of India Acts (1919 & 1935)
Government of India Act, 1935:
🔹 Largest single source.
🔹 Federal structure, administrative details, and emergency powers.
🔹 Provincial autonomy and public service commissions.
Government of India Act, 1919:
🔹 Dyarchy at the provincial level.
🔹 Bicameral legislature.
🌍 Foreign Constitutions
🇬🇧 British Constitution
Parliamentary system of government
Rule of law
Legislative procedures
Cabinet system
Bicameralism (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)
Concept of a nominal head (President as symbolic head like the British monarch)
🇺🇸 U.S. Constitution
Fundamental Rights
Independence of the Judiciary
Judicial Review
Impeachment of the President
Removal of Supreme Court and High Court judges
Written constitution with a preamble
🇨🇦 Canadian Constitution
Quasi-federal structure
Strong central government
Residual powers with the Centre
Appointment of governors by the Centre
🇦🇺 Australian Constitution
Concurrent List
Freedom of trade and commerce between states
Joint sitting of the two houses to resolve deadlocks
🇮🇪 Irish Constitution
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
Nomination of Rajya Sabha members by the President
Election of the President (indirect)
🇩🇪 Weimar Constitution of Germany
Emergency provisions
🇷🇺 (Former USSR) Russian Constitution
Fundamental duties
Ideals of justice in the Preamble (social, economic, and political)
🏛️ Other Influences
🏛️ Indian Independence Movement
Experiences from the freedom struggle
Local self-governance concepts
Demand for fundamental rights and civil liberties
📑 Constituent Assembly Debates
Shaped various provisions and reflected Indian realities and diversity
✅ Summary Table
| Source | Borrowed Features |
|---|---|
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Federal structure, emergency provisions |
| UK | Parliamentary system, Rule of Law |
| USA | Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review |
| Canada | Federation with a strong Centre |
| Ireland | DPSPs, President’s election |
| Australia | Concurrent List, trade freedom |
| Germany | Emergency powers |
| USSR (Russia) | Fundamental duties |
| France | Republic, Liberty-Equality-Fraternity |
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