Which of the following country s constitution did not significantly influence the framers of the Constitution of India during the drafting process?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: The Constitution of the USSR

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The framers of the Indian Constitution studied many foreign constitutions to borrow useful features and adapt them to Indian needs. For example, the US Constitution influenced fundamental rights, and the Irish Constitution influenced the Directive Principles of State Policy. This question asks which of the listed constitutions did not significantly influence the original drafting of the Indian Constitution, even though some later amendments might have drawn from other models.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The focus is on influences during the framing and adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949 1950.
  • Options include the constitutions of the USA, USSR, Canada, and Ireland.
  • The question is about substantial influence on the original text, not on later amendments.


Concept / Approach:
The American Constitution influenced the chapter on fundamental rights and the structure of judicial review. The Canadian Constitution influenced the federal structure with a strong central government and provisions like the residuary powers of the centre. The Irish Constitution influenced the Directive Principles of State Policy. The Soviet or USSR Constitution later influenced some ideas like fundamental duties that were introduced by the 42nd Amendment, but this happened after the original Constitution was framed. Therefore, during the main drafting phase, the USSR Constitution was not a significant direct influence.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that fundamental rights and judicial review in India have clear parallels with the United States Constitution. Step 2: Remember that the federal system with a strong centre and certain emergency provisions drew from the Canadian model. Step 3: Note that Directive Principles of State Policy were explicitly inspired by the Irish Constitution. Step 4: Recognise that the USSR model did influence some later socialist oriented amendments, particularly the addition of fundamental duties, but not the core original structure. Step 5: Therefore, conclude that the USSR Constitution did not significantly influence the fathers of the Indian Constitution at the drafting stage.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard civics and polity texts on the Indian Constitution list the main sources of different provisions and hardly ever cite the USSR Constitution as a primary source for the original articles. Instead, they focus on the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, and others, which confirms this conclusion.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The USA clearly influenced fundamental rights and the Supreme Court. Canada influenced the federal structure and the appointment of governors. Ireland influenced Directive Principles and some electoral provisions. All these had a documented impact on the original Constitution, unlike the USSR model.



Common Pitfalls:
Some students may think of fundamental duties, which were added later and had Soviet inspiration, and mistakenly extend that influence backward to the original drafting period. Always distinguish between the Constitution as adopted in 1950 and later amendments.



Final Answer:
The Constitution that did not significantly influence the framers of the original Indian Constitution was that of the USSR.

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