Question

From which of the following countries has the Indian Constitution borrowed the concept of the Concurrent List?

• A. Australia
• B. Russia
• C. USA
• D. Ireland

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Australia

Borrowing Features in the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is often described as a borrowed constitution due to its adoption of various features from different constitutions around the world. This approach was taken to incorporate the best practices and governance models available.

Concurrent List: Origin and Significance

• The concept of the Concurrent List, which allows both the Union and State governments to legislate on certain subjects, was borrowed from the Constitution of Australia.
• This feature is outlined in Article 246 of the Indian Constitution, which divides the legislative powers between the Union and the States.
• The Concurrent List is one of the three lists (Union List, State List, and Concurrent List) provided in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
• Subjects in the Concurrent List include marriage and divorce, education, forests, and trade unions. In case of a conflict between a Union law and a State law on a subject in the Concurrent List, the Union law prevails.

Other Borrowed Features for Competitive Exams:

• United Kingdom (UK): Parliamentary form of government, Lawmaking procedure, Rule of Law, Cabinet system, Bicameralism.
• United States of America (USA): Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary, Judicial Review, Impeachment of the President, Removal of Supreme Court and High Court judges.
• Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy, Election of the President, Method of nomination of members of Rajya Sabha.
• Canada: Federation with a strong Centre, Vesting of residuary powers in the Union, Appointment of State Governors by the Union Centre.
• Soviet Union (erstwhile USSR): Fundamental Duties, Ideals of justice (social, economic, and political) in the Preamble.
• France: Republic and the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble.
• Germany (Weimar Republic): Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency.
• Japan: Procedure Established by Law.
• South Africa: Procedure for constitutional amendment, Election of members of Rajya Sabha.

Understanding these borrowed features is crucial for competitive examinations as questions frequently test knowledge of their origin.