Constitutions of Other Nations: A Comparative Study

The Constitution of India incorporates several features from other countries’ constitutions. Notable borrowed elements include:

• Government of India Act, 1935: Federal scheme, emergency provisions, and the office of the Governor.
• British Constitution: Parliamentary government, rule of law, and single citizenship.
• US Constitution: Fundamental rights and judicial review.
• Irish Constitution: Directive principles of state policy.
• Canadian Constitution: Strong central federation and residuary powers.
• Australian Constitution: Concurrent list and freedom of trade.
• German Weimar Constitution: Suspension of fundamental rights during emergencies.
• French Constitution: Ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity in the preamble.

Similarities and Differences with the US Constitution

The Indian and US constitutions share similarities and differences:

Similarities –

1. Both have written constitutions.
2. Both feature a federal structure.
3. Both protect citizens’ rights through judicial review.
4. Bicameral legislature exists in both countries.
5. Both are republics with elected heads of state.

Differences –

1. The Constitution of India is longer and more detailed.
2. India’s constitution is quasi-federal, allowing for more central control.
3. Indian citizenship is single, while the US allows dual citizenship.
4. India has a parliamentary system; the US has a presidential system.
5. The Indian Parliament can alter state boundaries, while the US cannot.

Similarities and Differences with the UK Constitution

The Indian and UK constitutions also have points of comparison:

Similarities –

1. Both have a parliamentary system of government.
2. Bicameral legislature is present in both countries.
3. Both ensure judicial independence.
4. Ministers are responsible to the legislature in both systems.

Differences –

1. The UK has an unwritten constitution, while India has a written one.
2. India does not allow dual citizenship; the UK does.
3. Parliamentary sovereignty exists in the UK; India’s powers are limited by its constitution.
4. In the UK, the head of state is a monarch; in India, it is an elected president.

Similarities and Differences with the French Constitution

The Constitution of India shares similarities and differences with the French Constitution:

Similarities –

1. Both are written constitutions.
2. Both have a bicameral parliamentary system.
3. Both establish a federal structure.
4. Both include emergency provisions.

Differences –

1. France has a semi-presidential system, while India has a parliamentary system.
2. The Indian President has limited powers, while the French President has substantial authority.
3. India promotes religious diversity, whereas France maintains strict secularism.
4. India does not allow civil society involvement in governance, while France does.