Sources of Indian Constitution
The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on 26 th November 1949, which
came into effect on 26th January 1950, declaring India a sovereign, democratic, republic.
The drafting of the Constitution was largely influenced by the Government of India Act
1935, along with other sources that shaped the key features of Indian Constitution.
Key sources of the Indian Constitution include:
Government of India Act 1935: This act was the longest act passed by the British
parliament and served as the starting point for the drafting of the Indian Constitution. It
provided the framework for the government of India, including the establishment of a
Federated Union, a bicameral legislature, a clear separation of powers, and a Federal
Court.
British Constitution: The Indian Constitution draws heavily from the uncodified British
Constitution, adopting principles such as parliamentary democracy, rule of law, cabinet
system, and the relationship between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
United States Constitution: The Indian Constitution was influenced by the US Constitution,
particularly the concepts of a written constitution, fundamental rights, judicial review, and
the establishment of independent institutions such as the Election Commission.
Irish Constitution: The Irish Constitution of 1937 significantly influenced the drafting of the
Indian Constitution, particularly the directive Principles of State Policy and the
Fundamental Duties. It also inspired the framers of the Indian Constitution to adopt the
method of election of the President by an electoral college.
Canadian Constitution: The Canadian Constitution influenced the Indian Constitution in
terms of the federal structure, distribution of powers, and the appointment of Governor-
General, which served as the model for the Indian President.
Australian Constitution: The Australian Constitution provided guidance on legislative
powers, particularly the concept of concurrent lists, which enabled the Indian Constitution
to have a threefold distribution of powers.
Weimar Constitution: The Indian Constitution adopted the emergency provisions from the
Weimar Constitution, which provided for the suspension of fundamental rights during a
national emergency.
,South African Constitution: The Indian Constitution was influenced by the South African
Constitution in terms of the amendment procedure, the procedure for the removal of the
President, and the method of appointment of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok
Sabha.
In conclusion, the Indian Constitution is a unique document that draws from various
sources, reflecting the nation’s diverse history and constitutional principles
Key Features of Indian Constitution
Constitution and Constitutional Assembly
Drafting of the Constitution was done by the Constituent Assembly, which was a body
composed of elected representatives from all over India.
The Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January
1950, a date since celebrated as Republic Day in India.
Rule of Law and Separation of Powers
The Constitution establishes the principle of Rule of Law, which means that the law is
supreme and all individuals, including the government, are subject to it.
The Constitution also provides for the separation of powers between the legislature,
executive, and judiciary, to ensure a system of checks and balances.
Sources of Indian Constitution
• The Constitution draws inspiration from various sources, including:
• Government of India Act, 1935
• British Constitution
• US Constitution
Indian Polity and Democracy: South African Constitution’s Amendment Procedure
The South African Constitution’s amendment procedure is a complex process that requires
a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
, Rule of Law and Separation of Powers
The rule of law is the principle that all individuals, including those in power, are subject to
the law.
Separation of powers is the principle of dividing governmental powers into distinct
branches to prevent the concentration of power.
Constitution and Constitutional Assembly
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles and laws that govern a nation.
A constitutional assembly is a body of representatives tasked with drafting or revising a
constitution.
British Constitution and Indian Constitution
The British Constitution is unwritten and based on legal precedent, tradition, and
convention.
The Indian Constitution is written and inspired by the British Constitution, but includes
unique features suited to India’s diversity and history.
British Constitution’s Influence on India
The Indian Constitution was heavily influenced by the British Constitution, particularly in its
parliamentary system of government and the role of the judiciary.
Australian Constitution’s Legislative Powers
The Australian Constitution divides legislative powers between the federal and state
governments.
Weimar Constitution’s Emergency Provisions
The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on 26 th November 1949, which
came into effect on 26th January 1950, declaring India a sovereign, democratic, republic.
The drafting of the Constitution was largely influenced by the Government of India Act
1935, along with other sources that shaped the key features of Indian Constitution.
Key sources of the Indian Constitution include:
Government of India Act 1935: This act was the longest act passed by the British
parliament and served as the starting point for the drafting of the Indian Constitution. It
provided the framework for the government of India, including the establishment of a
Federated Union, a bicameral legislature, a clear separation of powers, and a Federal
Court.
British Constitution: The Indian Constitution draws heavily from the uncodified British
Constitution, adopting principles such as parliamentary democracy, rule of law, cabinet
system, and the relationship between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
United States Constitution: The Indian Constitution was influenced by the US Constitution,
particularly the concepts of a written constitution, fundamental rights, judicial review, and
the establishment of independent institutions such as the Election Commission.
Irish Constitution: The Irish Constitution of 1937 significantly influenced the drafting of the
Indian Constitution, particularly the directive Principles of State Policy and the
Fundamental Duties. It also inspired the framers of the Indian Constitution to adopt the
method of election of the President by an electoral college.
Canadian Constitution: The Canadian Constitution influenced the Indian Constitution in
terms of the federal structure, distribution of powers, and the appointment of Governor-
General, which served as the model for the Indian President.
Australian Constitution: The Australian Constitution provided guidance on legislative
powers, particularly the concept of concurrent lists, which enabled the Indian Constitution
to have a threefold distribution of powers.
Weimar Constitution: The Indian Constitution adopted the emergency provisions from the
Weimar Constitution, which provided for the suspension of fundamental rights during a
national emergency.
,South African Constitution: The Indian Constitution was influenced by the South African
Constitution in terms of the amendment procedure, the procedure for the removal of the
President, and the method of appointment of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok
Sabha.
In conclusion, the Indian Constitution is a unique document that draws from various
sources, reflecting the nation’s diverse history and constitutional principles
Key Features of Indian Constitution
Constitution and Constitutional Assembly
Drafting of the Constitution was done by the Constituent Assembly, which was a body
composed of elected representatives from all over India.
The Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January
1950, a date since celebrated as Republic Day in India.
Rule of Law and Separation of Powers
The Constitution establishes the principle of Rule of Law, which means that the law is
supreme and all individuals, including the government, are subject to it.
The Constitution also provides for the separation of powers between the legislature,
executive, and judiciary, to ensure a system of checks and balances.
Sources of Indian Constitution
• The Constitution draws inspiration from various sources, including:
• Government of India Act, 1935
• British Constitution
• US Constitution
Indian Polity and Democracy: South African Constitution’s Amendment Procedure
The South African Constitution’s amendment procedure is a complex process that requires
a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
, Rule of Law and Separation of Powers
The rule of law is the principle that all individuals, including those in power, are subject to
the law.
Separation of powers is the principle of dividing governmental powers into distinct
branches to prevent the concentration of power.
Constitution and Constitutional Assembly
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles and laws that govern a nation.
A constitutional assembly is a body of representatives tasked with drafting or revising a
constitution.
British Constitution and Indian Constitution
The British Constitution is unwritten and based on legal precedent, tradition, and
convention.
The Indian Constitution is written and inspired by the British Constitution, but includes
unique features suited to India’s diversity and history.
British Constitution’s Influence on India
The Indian Constitution was heavily influenced by the British Constitution, particularly in its
parliamentary system of government and the role of the judiciary.
Australian Constitution’s Legislative Powers
The Australian Constitution divides legislative powers between the federal and state
governments.
Weimar Constitution’s Emergency Provisions
