- The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India, establishing the framework for political principles, procedures, and government powers.
- It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly and adopted on November 26, 1949, coming into effect on January 26, 1950.
- Indian Constitution is known for being a blend of the best features from other world constitutions.
- From the Government of India Act, 1935, India adopted the federal scheme, office of the Governor, judiciary structure, and emergency provisions.
- The British Constitution inspired the parliamentary system, rule of law, legislative procedures, single citizenship, and cabinet system.
- The United States Constitution contributed to the concepts of fundamental rights, judicial review, impeachment process, and a written constitution.
- The Canadian Constitution inspired the federal system with a strong center and residuary powers in the central government.
- The Irish Constitution influenced the Directive Principles of State Policy, nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha, and the method of presidential election.
- From the Australian Constitution, India adopted the concurrent list, provisions related to the freedom of trade and commerce, and the joint sitting of Parliament.
- The Weimar Constitution of Germany contributed to the provision of suspension of fundamental rights during emergencies.
- The South African Constitution inspired the amendment process and election of members to the Rajya Sabha.
- The Japanese Constitution influenced the concept of procedure established by law.
- The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world, with 448 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules (originally 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules).
- It incorporates a blend of rigidity and flexibility in its amendment process.
- The Preamble reflects the objectives of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- The Indian Constitution ensures a secular state, meaning no state religion, and treats all religions equally.
- It upholds the principle of sovereignty, ensuring India’s independence and authority in internal and external matters.
- The Constitution divides powers between the Union and States through three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent.
- It provides a quasi-federal structure, blending federalism with unitary features during emergencies.
- The judiciary is an independent body, ensuring checks and balances within the governance structure.
- Part III of the Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights, safeguarding individual freedoms and equality.
- Part IV outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the state in achieving social and economic justice.
- Part IX and IX-A focus on the empowerment of Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies.
- The Constitution establishes constitutional offices such as the President, Vice President, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and Election Commission.
- Provisions for emergency powers allow for safeguarding the nation during crises.
- It emphasizes the protection of minority rights and cultural diversity.
- The Constitution enshrines the fundamental duties of citizens in Part IVA.
- It adopts the concept of judicial review, enabling courts to review the constitutionality of legislative acts.
- The election process in India ensures a democratic setup through free and fair elections.
- The Constitution provides for an integrated judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts.
- The principle of checks and balances ensures the separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
- Provisions for social justice include the abolition of untouchability and prohibition of discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender.
- The Constitution supports economic equality through land reforms and other socio-economic measures.
- The Union Territories are directly administered by the President through appointed Administrators.
- Special provisions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes are incorporated to promote their welfare.
- India adopts a dual citizenship policy with special privileges and responsibilities for citizens.
- The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to constitutional remedies, ensuring the enforcement of fundamental rights.
- The document promotes the concept of a Welfare State, focusing on public welfare and development.
- The Finance Commission ensures equitable distribution of financial resources between the Union and States.
- The Constitution allows for the establishment of special autonomous regions, such as the Sixth Schedule areas.
- It provides for the inclusion of new states and changes to the existing boundaries through a constitutional amendment.
Questions
- Which country’s Constitution inspired the concept of the Rule of Law in India?
- The idea of a single citizenship in India was borrowed from which country?
- The parliamentary system in India is inspired by which nation?
- From which country was the concept of Directive Principles of State Policy taken?
- The idea of Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution was adopted from which country?
- The concept of a written Constitution was borrowed from which nation?
- The emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution are similar to which country?
- The federal structure of the Indian Constitution was influenced by which country?
- The procedure for amendment of the Indian Constitution was adopted from which country?
- The concept of Judicial Review in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from which country?
- From which country did India adopt the idea of a concurrent list in the Constitution?
- The idea of impeachment of the President in India comes from which country?
- The principle of liberty, equality, and fraternity in the Indian Constitution is inspired by which country?
- The concept of residuary powers in India is influenced by which country?
- Which nation’s Constitution influenced the idea of independent judiciary in India?
- The concept of Council of Ministers in India is inspired by which country?
- From which country did India adopt the idea of a preamble in the Constitution?
- Which country’s Constitution influenced the idea of Public Service Commissions in India?
- The electoral system in India was influenced by which nation?
- The idea of separation of powers in the Indian Constitution comes from which country?
- The provision of Fundamental Duties was inspired by which country?
- From which nation did India borrow the concept of Bicameral Legislature?
- The process of Presidential elections in India is influenced by which country?
- The concept of Panchayati Raj in India was inspired by which country?
- The idea of a federal court in India was inspired by which country?
- The concept of fundamental rights in India ensures protection against whom?
- The principle of collective responsibility in the Indian polity is derived from which country?
- The provision of direct elections to the Lok Sabha is inspired by which nation?
- The concept of equality before the law in India is borrowed from which country?
- The idea of parliamentary privileges in the Indian Constitution comes from which country?
- The system of a written Constitution and its supremacy in India is influenced by which country?
- The concept of Money Bill and its procedures in India is borrowed from which nation?
- The provision of advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in India is influenced by which country?
- Which country’s Constitution influenced the concept of Habeas Corpus in India?
- The provision of single integrated judicial system in India is inspired by which country?
- The concept of a State List in India was influenced by which country?
- The system of parliamentary democracy in India is derived from which country?