Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Different Sources of the Indian Constitution

“The Indian Constitution draws inspiration from several countries and legal systems to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive framework of governance.”

Major Sources of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is a blend of various features borrowed from constitutions of different countries. These features were adapted to suit the Indian context.

  • Government of India Act, 1935: Federal scheme, office of Governor, public service commissions, emergency powers
  • United Kingdom: Parliamentary system, rule of law, bicameralism, cabinet system
  • United States: Fundamental Rights, independence of judiciary, judicial review, preamble
  • USSR (now Russia): Fundamental Duties, ideals of justice (social, economic, political)
  • Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy, nomination of Rajya Sabha members
  • Australia: Concurrent list, freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse
  • Canada: Quasi-federal structure, residuary powers with center, strong central government
  • France: Principles of liberty, equality, fraternity
  • Germany (Weimar Constitution): Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency
  • South Africa: Procedure for Constitutional amendments and election of the President
  • Japan: Procedure established by law

Why Multiple Sources?

India's vast diversity and complex social structure required a Constitution that combines the strengths of many democratic systems. The framers adopted and modified features to create a unique Indian model of governance.

Adaptation to Indian Context

  • Although inspired by foreign constitutions, the Indian Constitution is not a mere copy—it reflects Indian traditions, needs, and values.
  • The structure ensures balance between flexibility and rigidity, centralization and decentralization, individual rights and national unity.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2021: From which country has the Directive Principles been borrowed?
  • Ireland
  • HSSC 2020: Judicial Review in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from which country?
  • USA
  • RRB NTPC 2019: Which act is the main source of Indian federal structure?
  • Government of India Act, 1935
Did You Know? The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest written constitution in the world with over 450 articles and 12 schedules!

Conclusion

The Indian Constitution’s strength lies in its ability to incorporate the best elements from global governance models while staying rooted in the Indian ethos. It is a living document capable of evolving with the needs of the people.

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