- 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.
Sources of Indian Constitution
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?