by extramarks - Academics - November 26, 2020June 29, 2021 Sources of the Indian Constitution. Constitution Day of India is celebrated on the 26th of November each year. Also known as the Samvidhaan Diwas in Hindi, it marks the day of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly – which functioned as the first parliament of independent India. It was on 26th November 1949 that the Indian Constitution was finally adopted, after close to 3 years of intense debates and discussions among the members of the Constituent Assembly, and it came into force on 26th January 1950. The Constitution of India is a unique document influenced by the Constitutions of many nations. The country’s founding fathers were wise enough to borrow good features from others and mould it in a way that suited Indian aspirations and challenges. Indian Constitution is unique in its way as it is the most detailed constitution across the globe. It originally consisted of 395 articles which have now increased to 448. In contrast, the American Constitution has only seven articles, and the Australian Constitution has 128 articles. It is drafted considering the geographical diversity of India, the historical perspective of Indian Nationalist struggles, and its traditional and characteristics, unlike any other nation. Let’s take a quick look at the way Constitutions of different nations have influenced our own. Here is a table to help you remember. Major Sources of Indian Constitution Constitution Features Constitution of the United States of America Fundamental Rights Federal Structure of Government Electoral College Independence of the Judiciary and separation of powers among the three branches of the Government Judicial Review President as the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces Equal Protection Under Law British Constitution Parliamentary Government Single Citizenship Rule of law Writs Speaker and his/her role Law Making Procedure Procedure established by Law Canadian Constitution A Quasi-Federal form of government, with the following features — A Federal Structure with a Centre Distribution of powers between the Central Government and state governments Residual Powers retained by the Central Government Irish Constitution Directive Principles of State Policy Nomination of members to Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Method of Election of President French Constitution The ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity Australian Constitution Freedom of trade and commerce within the country and between the states Power of the National Legislature to make laws for implementing treaties, even on matters outside normal Federal Jurisdiction Concurrent List Constitution of the Soviet Union (USSR) Fundamental Duties under Article 51-A A Constitutionally mandated Planning Commission Constitution of South Africa Procedure for Amendment Election of Rajya Sabha (Upper House) members Constitution of Germany Emergency Provisions Constitution of Japan Procedure Established by Law The celebration of the Indian Constitution Day helps us become mindful of the principles and fundamentals upon which post-independence India was envisioned. Let’s use this day to revisit our core and vow to become responsible citizens of the country.
