Malcolm Rivera
The Indian Constitution, which came into effect on 26 January 1950, was inspired by a variety of sources. The leaders who framed it borrowed from different constitutions around the world, including the US, British, Irish, and Russian constitutions. They also drew from historical events such as the French and Russian Revolutions, and the Indian independence movement. The Indian Constitution is an amalgamation of legislation and determinations that define the workings of the government and the relationships between various components of the public council, administrators, law-making bodies, and governments.
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What You'll Learn
- The Indian Constitution is an amalgamation of legislation and determinations that define the workings of the government
- The Indian leaders borrowed ideas from foreign constitutions, including the US, British, Irish, and Russian constitutions
- The Indian Constitution was inspired by the French Revolution and its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity
- The Constitution was drafted by a diverse group of leaders, including freedom fighters, politicians, and social activists
- The Indian Constitution became effective on 26 January 1950, replacing the Government of India Act 1935
The Indian Constitution is an amalgamation of legislation and determinations that define the workings of the government
The Indian Constitution is an extensive amalgamation of legislation and determinations that define the workings of the government. It is a unique constitution that draws inspiration from various sources, both foreign and domestic. The constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950, replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the country's fundamental governing document. It is worth noting that while India borrowed elements from other constitutions, it adapted them to suit the country's specific needs and conditions.
The Indian Constitution was heavily influenced by the constitutions of other countries. For instance, the concept of parliamentary democracy was adopted from Britain, along with the Rule of Law, Legislative Procedure, Single Citizenship, and Bicameralism. The Indian Constitution also incorporated the idea of a Parliamentary form of government and a Bill of Rights from the US Constitution. The Fundamental Rights chapter in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the US Constitution, and the provision of directive principles of state policy was borrowed from Ireland. The impeachment process for the President and the preamble were also inspired by the US Constitution.
The Indian leaders also drew inspiration from the French Revolution and its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Russian Revolution influenced the inclusion of socialism and socio-economic equality in the constitution. Additionally, the Indian Constitution was influenced by previous Indian legislation such as the Government of India Acts of 1858, 1919, and 1935, the Indian Councils Acts of 1861, 1892, and 1909, and the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
The constitution-making process was a collaborative effort involving many notable figures. Sir B. N. Rau, a civil servant, was appointed as the assembly's constitutional advisor in 1946 and played a crucial role in shaping the constitution's structure. The Constituent Assembly, elected by the members of the provincial assemblies, was responsible for drafting the constitution. Notable leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Mahatma Gandhi, and Abdul Ghaffar Khan also played significant roles in India's independence and constitution-making process.
Overall, the Indian Constitution is a comprehensive framework that defines the workings of the government and ensures the protection of fundamental rights and liberties. It is a living document that has evolved through amendments and court interpretations, reflecting the country's changing needs and aspirations.
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The Indian leaders borrowed ideas from foreign constitutions, including the US, British, Irish, and Russian constitutions
The Indian Constitution is an amalgamation of legislation and determinations that define the workings of the Government of India. Its framers borrowed features from various sources, including foreign constitutions, while keeping in mind India's specific needs and conditions. The Indian Constitution is unique in its essence and quantity, with several salient characteristics that set it apart from the constitutions of other countries.
The Indian Constitution also drew inspiration from historical events such as the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity from the French Revolution and the ideas of socialism and planned-based economy from the Russian Revolution influenced the Indian leaders. It is important to note that these provisions were not blindly incorporated but were thoroughly discussed, debated, and modified to suit India's specific conditions.
In addition to foreign constitutions and historical events, the Indian Constitution was also influenced by previous legislation such as the Government of India Acts of 1858, 1919, and 1935, the Indian Councils Acts of 1861, 1892, and 1909, and the Indian Independence Act of 1947. The Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, which was elected by the members of the provincial assemblies. It took the assembly almost three years to draft the constitution, holding eleven sessions over a 165-day period. The final document, with 395 articles and 8 schedules, became effective on January 26, 1950, marking India's transition to a sovereign, democratic republic.
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The Indian Constitution was inspired by the French Revolution and its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity
The Indian Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, was inspired by various sources, including the ideals of the French Revolution and other foreign constitutions and political philosophies. The leaders who framed the Indian Constitution selectively adopted positive aspects and ideas from different constitutions worldwide, including those of Britain, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and France.
The Indian Constitution's commitment to the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity can be traced to the influence of the French Revolution and its aftermath. The French Constitution of 1791, created by the National Assembly during the French Revolution, retained the monarchy while transferring sovereignty to the Legislative Assembly, which was elected through a system of indirect voting. This assembly, composed of "active" citizens who paid a minimum sum of taxes, included only around 2-3% of adult men, who had the right to select some local officials directly. While this constitution lasted less than a year, it included a Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen, outlining natural rights such as freedom of speech, the right to life, equality before the law, and freedom of opinion. These principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, enshrined in the French Constitution of 1791, clearly resonated with the framers of India's constitution.
The Indian Constitution also borrowed from the British, adopting parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, legislative procedure, single citizenship, a cabinet system, prerogative writs, parliamentary licenses, and bicameralism from the British Constitution. Additionally, the impeachment of the President in the Indian Constitution is said to be carried over from the constitution of the USA.
The Indian Constitution is an amalgamation of legislation and determinations that define the workings of the government and the relationships between various components of the public council, administrators, law-making bodies, formal administrators, and center and state governments. It is a unique document, with a quantity and essence that sets it apart, and it has several salient characteristics that differentiate it from the constitutions of other countries.
The Indian Constitution is a democratic document, where people express their rights by voting in elections. It is also secular, providing equal protection, respect, and support to all religions in India. The term "sovereign" in the preamble signifies India's independent authority to govern its matters without external domination.
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The Constitution was drafted by a diverse group of leaders, including freedom fighters, politicians, and social activists
The Indian Constitution was drafted by a diverse group of leaders, including freedom fighters, politicians, and social activists. The leaders drew inspiration from various constitutions and adopted foreign ideas and concepts. The Indian Constitution is based on a federal structure of government, with a dual polity system consisting of a central authority and states at the periphery. The Constitution defines the organisational powers and limitations of both central and state governments and is considered supreme, meaning the laws of the nation must conform to it.
The freedom fighters who contributed to the Indian Constitution include those who fought against British rule during the Indian independence movement. These individuals sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of their country. The contributions of these freedom fighters laid the foundation for the Constitution and helped shape the country's future.
Politicians from across the political spectrum also played a crucial role in drafting the Constitution. Despite their differing ideologies, they worked together to create a framework that guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens. The Indian political system, modelled after the Westminster system, consists of the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, with powers vested in the prime minister, parliament, and the supreme court, respectively. The president of India is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, while the elected prime minister heads the executive branch and runs the Union government.
Additionally, social activists and reformers contributed to the making of the Constitution by advocating for specific causes and issues. They played a crucial role in shaping the Constitution's provisions on social justice, equality, and the protection of marginalised communities. The Constitution also guarantees freedom of association and ensures that the government settles inter-state disputes and nullifies any laws that go against it.
Overall, the drafting of the Indian Constitution was a collaborative effort by a diverse group of leaders, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. Their dedication to creating a just and equitable society is reflected in the Constitution's provisions, which continue to shape the country's political and social landscape.
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The Indian Constitution became effective on 26 January 1950, replacing the Government of India Act 1935
The Indian Constitution, the world's longest written national constitution, came into effect on 26 January 1950, replacing the previous governing document, the Government of India Act 1935. This significant date marked India's transition from a dominion of the British Crown to a sovereign, democratic republic. The constitution-making process, led by key figures like B. R. Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru, took almost three years and cost around ₹6.4 million.
The Indian Constitution is an amalgamation of legislation and principles that define the workings of the government and the relationships between various components of the public council, administrators, law-making bodies, and centre and state governments. While framing this comprehensive constitution, India's leaders drew inspiration and adopted positive aspects from different constitutions worldwide. They selectively borrowed features from previous legislation, including the Government of India Acts of 1858 and 1935, the Indian Councils Acts of 1861, 1892, and 1909, the Indian Independence Act of 1947, and the Indian Councils Act of 1919.
The Indian Constitution also incorporated specific concepts from other countries' constitutions. From the British Constitution, they adopted parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, legislative procedure, single citizenship, cabinet systems, prerogative writs, parliamentary licenses, and bicameralism. The intents of the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution also inspired the Indian leaders. Additionally, the impeachment process for the President and the preamble of the Indian Constitution were influenced by the Constitution of the USA.
The Indian Constitution is unique in its way, with its quantity and essence. It has salient characteristics that set it apart from other countries' constitutions. For instance, it espouses constitutional supremacy instead of parliamentary supremacy, as it was created by a constituent assembly rather than Parliament. This feature demonstrates the Indian Constitution's commitment to democratic principles and the recognition of the importance of a representative body in shaping the country's fundamental laws.
The Indian Constitution, with its 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules, laid down the fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions. It also outlined the fundamental rights, directive principles, and duties of citizens. This comprehensive constitution has been celebrated annually as Republic Day in India since its enactment, with grand parades showcasing the country's military might, cultural heritage, and diversity.
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Frequently asked questions
The Indian Constitution's concept of constitutional supremacy was inspired by the fact that it was created by a constituent assembly rather than Parliament.
The Indian Constitution was inspired by the French Revolution and its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It also borrowed concepts from the US Constitution, the Irish Constitution, the Russian Constitution, and the British Constitution.
Some of the key figures involved in framing the Indian Constitution include Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Louis Mountbatten, B. N. Rau, and B. R. Ambedkar.
