Sources of our Constitution

The  Indian  Constitution  is  borrowed  from  almost  all  the major  countries  of  the  world  but  has  its  own  unique features too.  Major  sources  are: 

  1.    Government  of  India  Act  of  1935  -  Federal  Scheme, Office  of  Governor,  Judiciary,  Public  Service Commission, Emergency provisions and administrative  details.

2.    British  Constitution  –  Parliamentary  System,  Rule  of law,  Lagislative  Procedure,  Single  Citizenship,  Cabinet System,  Prerogative  Writs,  Parliamentary  Privileges and Bicameralism.

3.    US  Constitution  –  Fundamental  rights,  independence of  judiciary,  judicial  review,  impeachment  of president,  removal  of  Supreme  court  and  high  court judges and post  of  vice president.

4.    Irish  Constitution-  Directive  Principles  of  State Policy,  nomination  of  members  of  Rajya  Sabha  and method of  election  of  president

5.    Canadian  Constitution-  Federation  with  a  strong centre,  vesting  of  residuary  power  in  the  centre, appointment  of  state  Governor  by  the  centre  and advisory  jurisdiction  of  Supreme  Court.

6.    Australian  Constitution-  Concurrent  list,  joint  sitting of  two  houses of  Parliament.

7.    Constitution of Germany-  Suspension  of fundamental rights  during  emergency.

8.  French  Constitution-  Republic  and  ideals  of  liberty, equality  and fraternity  in  the  Preamble.

9. South  African  Constitution-  Procedure  for amendment  of  the  constitution  and  election  of members  of  Rajya  Sabha.

10.  Japanese  Constitution-  Procedure  established  by Law.

11.  Constitution  of  former  USSR:  Procedure  of  five-year plan,  fundamental  duties,  ideals  of  justice  in Preamble.