List Of 10 Countries That Influenced The Indian Constitution And Its Laws- USA, UK, Canada And Others

Countries That Influenced The Indian Constitution: The Indian Constitution stands among the most detailed constitutions in the world. Every year, on 26 November, people observe Constitution Day to celebrate the principles, freedoms and structure that shape the country. The Indian Constitution was drafted in 1949 and its creators studied the world’s best democratic nations to build it stronger while also making it suited to India’s diversity and future needs. Rather than copying, the creators selected some of the most important laws and systems from different countries and adapted them to the Indian Constitution.

This created a fair structure- keeping people's freedoms safe, ensuring justice, fostering unity across regions, while boosting democracy. Nations such as the US, Britain, Canada, Ireland, Australia, France, Japan, Germany and South Africa influenced certain aspects of India’s constitution and laws. Smart ideas from them got mixed into a strong framework, now guiding the world’s largest democratic nation.

We can better appreciate how carefully the Constitution was drafted and why it has endured for more than 70 years when we are aware of these influences.

1. United Kingdom (UK)

Countries that contributed to the Indian constitution (Image: Canva)

India took its Parliament-style governance from the UK, along with laws that apply to everyone. The cabinet system came from there, too, one citizenship for each person instead of multiple. A strong Prime Minister role was also adopted from Britain’s model.

• Parliamentary system
• Rule of Law
• Cabinet system
• Office of the Prime Minister
• Single citizenship
• Lawmaking structure of Parliament

2. United States of America (USA)

The Indian Constitution adopted ideas such as Judicial Review, fundamental rights and the Supreme Court system from the US system. It also borrowed the system of an independent judiciary. Basic rights were also shaped by American examples, although they were adapted locally rather than copied fully.

• Fundamental Rights
• Judicial Review
• Structure of the Supreme Court
• Impeachment process
• Written Constitution

3. Canada

India took inspiration from Canada’s federal system- featuring a powerful central authority, sharing of responsibilities between national and regional governments, while also adopting the concept of a residuary list.

• Federal system with a strong Centre
• Distribution of powers between the Centre and the States
• Residuary powers with the Centre

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4. Ireland

The Irish Constitution served as the model for the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). India also adopted Ireland's presidential election system.

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
• Nomination of Rajya Sabha members
• Method of Presidential elections

5. Australia

Countries that contributed to the Indian constitution (Image: Canva)

The Concurrent List, the concept of free trade and commerce, and clauses about joint sessions of Parliament were all borrowed by India.

• Concurrent List
• Freedom of trade and commerce
• Provision of joint sitting of both Houses

6. France

India adopted the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity found in the Preamble of the French Constitution and the French Revolution.

• Ideals of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity in the Preamble

7. Russia (Former USSR)

The USSR served as an inspiration for both the concept of a welfare state and the ideas of fundamental duties.

• Fundamental Duties
• Idea of a socialist and welfare state
• Five-Year Plans (influenced planning process)

8. Germany (Weimar Constitution)

India borrowed the concept of Emergency provisions, especially the suspension of rights and federal structure adjustment during a crisis.

• Emergency provisions
• Suspension of Fundamental Rights during a crisis

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9. Japan

India adopted the Japanese Constitution's process for enacting constitutional amendments.

• Procedure for amendment of the Constitution

10. South Africa

India adopted the Rajya Sabha election process, as well as the constitutional amendment process for elections and the judiciary.

• Procedure for electing Rajya Sabha members
• Provisions related to Constitutional amendments