Sources of the Indian Constitution

Elaboration

India's Constitution is often called a "bag of borrowings". Ambedkar defended this: there is nothing to be ashamed of in borrowing; nobody holds a patent over the fundamental ideas of a constitution. Borrowings were adapted, not copied.

Source	Features borrowed
Government of India Act, 1935 (most)	Federal scheme, Governor's office, emergency powers, Public Service Commissions, judiciary, administrative details
Britain	Parliamentary government, rule of law, single citizenship, cabinet system, prerogative writs, bicameralism, Speaker, law-making procedure
USA	Fundamental Rights, judicial review, independence of judiciary, impeachment of President, removal of SC/HC judges, Vice-President as Rajya Sabha chairman, written Constitution, Preamble
Ireland	DPSP, nomination of Rajya Sabha members, method of Presidential election
Canada	Federation with strong Centre, residuary powers with Centre, appointment of state governors by Centre, advisory jurisdiction of SC
Australia	Concurrent List, freedom of trade and commerce, joint sitting of Houses, preamble language
Weimar Germany	Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency
USSR	Fundamental Duties, ideal of justice (social, economic, political) in Preamble
France	Republic, ideals of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
South Africa	Amendment procedure, election of Rajya Sabha members
Japan	Procedure established by law

Key points to remember

DPSP = Ireland (Irish nationalist movement influenced by Spain).
Fundamental Duties = USSR (inserted by 42nd Amendment).
Concurrent list = Australia; Residuary powers = Canada.
Emergency provisions = Germany (Weimar) + GoI Act 1935.
Procedure established by law = Japan (versus US due process of law).

PYQ / MCQ

1.The idea of Directive Principles of State Policy was borrowed from:

(a) USA

(b) Ireland

(d) Germany

Answer: (b)

2. Which of these is NOT borrowed from Britain?

(a) Rule of law

(b) Parliamentary system

(d) Single citizenship

Answer: (c) (from the USA)