Sources of the Constitution Practice Questions
40 free Sources of the Constitution practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following features of the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the Government of India Act of 1935?
- A Fundamental Rights
- B Directive Principles of State Policy
- C Parliamentary Government
- D Office of Governor
Correct answer: Office of Governor
The Government of India Act, 1935 served as the main blueprint for the Indian Constitution. It provided the framework for the Office of the Governor, the Federal Scheme, and the Public Service Commissions.
The concept of 'Procedure Established by Law' in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from which country?
- A United Kingdom
- B USA
- C Japan
- D Canada
Correct answer: Japan
Under Article 21, the Indian Constitution uses the Japanese concept of 'Procedure Established by Law'. This differs from the American concept of 'Due Process of Law', though judicial interpretations have brought them closer over time.
From which Constitution did India adopt the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
- A Irish Constitution
- B Australian Constitution
- C US Constitution
- D Canadian Constitution
Correct answer: Irish Constitution
The Directive Principles of State Policy, contained in Part IV, were borrowed from the Irish Constitution. Interestingly, the Irish themselves had borrowed this concept from the Spanish Constitution.
The 'Concurrent List' in the Seventh Schedule was inspired by the Constitution of which country?
- A South Africa
- B USA
- C Germany
- D Australia
Correct answer: Australia
The provision for a Concurrent List, where both the Union and States can legislate, was borrowed from the Australian Constitution. Provisions for joint sittings of the two Houses of Parliament were also inspired by Australia.
The ideals of 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution were borrowed from:
- A The Russian Revolution
- B The American War of Independence
- C The British Glorious Revolution
- D The French Revolution of 1789
Correct answer: The French Revolution of 1789
The French Revolution (1789–1799) popularized the slogans of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. The Indian Constitution adopted these ideals in the Preamble to reflect the democratic and social aspirations of the nation.
The method of election of the President of India is borrowed from which country's constitution?
- A Ireland
- B USA
- C South Africa
- D UK
Correct answer: Ireland
While the existence of the President's office is similar to the US, the specific method of electing the President through an electoral college is borrowed from the Irish Constitution. Ireland also inspired the nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha.
Which country provided the inspiration for the provision of 'Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency'?
- A The Soviet Constitution
- B The American Constitution
- C The Canadian Constitution
- D The Weimar Constitution
Correct answer: The Weimar Constitution
The Weimar Constitution of Germany influenced the Indian provision that Fundamental Rights (except Articles 20 and 21) can be suspended during a National Emergency. This ensures the state can act decisively during crises.
The concept of 'Judicial Review' and 'Independence of the Judiciary' in India is primarily influenced by:
- A The American Constitution
- B The British Constitution
- C The Canadian Constitution
- D The Irish Constitution
Correct answer: The American Constitution
The US Constitution is the source for Judicial Review and the Independence of the Judiciary. It also served as the model for Fundamental Rights and the removal process for Supreme Court and High Court judges.
The 'Federation with a strong Centre' and 'Residuary Powers' resting with the Centre are features borrowed from:
- A Canada
- B USA
- C Australia
- D France
Correct answer: Canada
Unlike the US federation where states are more powerful, India adopted the Canadian model of a strong Central government. This includes the Centre's power to appoint State Governors and holding the residuary legislative powers.
The system of 'Parliamentary Government' and 'Rule of Law' were adopted from:
- A British Constitution
- B US Constitution
- C Canadian Constitution
- D Irish Constitution
Correct answer: British Constitution
India followed the British (Westminster) model for its parliamentary system, including a nominal head (President) and a real executive (Cabinet). The concepts of Rule of Law and single citizenship also come from the UK.
The procedure for the 'Amendment of the Constitution' was borrowed from which country?
- A South Africa
- B United Kingdom
- C Canada
- D Australia
Correct answer: South Africa
Article 368, which outlines the formal process for amending the Constitution, was inspired by the South African Constitution. The method for electing members of the Rajya Sabha was also borrowed from South Africa.
The concept of 'Fundamental Duties' in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Constitution of which former entity?
- A USSR (Soviet Union)
- B The United States
- C Germany (West)
- D The Former Yugoslavia
Correct answer: USSR (Soviet Union)
Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A) were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, inspired by the Constitution of the former USSR. Most democratic constitutions (like the US or Canada) do not explicitly list duties for citizens.
The 'Republic' nature of the Indian State mentioned in the Preamble is a feature borrowed from:
- A Britain
- B USA
- C France
- D Russia
Correct answer: France
The term 'Republic' implies that the head of state is elected and not a hereditary monarch. This concept, along with the ideals of liberty and equality, was borrowed from the French Constitution.
The provision of 'Single Citizenship' in India is a departure from the federal model of the USA and was borrowed from:
- A Canada
- B Britain
- C Australia
- D Ireland
Correct answer: Britain
To promote national integration and a sense of unity, India adopted 'Single Citizenship' from the British Constitution. In contrast, countries like the USA and Switzerland offer dual citizenship (National and State).
The 'Joint Sitting' of the two Houses of Parliament (Article 108) was inspired by:
- A The Government of India Act 1935
- B The Australian Constitution
- C The US Constitution
- D The British Constitution
Correct answer: The Australian Constitution
The mechanism to resolve a deadlock between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha through a joint sitting was borrowed from the Australian Constitution. Australia also influenced provisions regarding freedom of trade and commerce.
The concept of 'Social, Economic, and Political Justice' in the Preamble was inspired by:
- A The French Revolution
- B The American Revolution
- C The Russian Revolution
- D The Irish War of Independence
Correct answer: The Russian Revolution
The ideals of social, economic, and political justice mentioned in the Preamble find their roots in the Russian Revolution of 1917. These ideals emphasize the welfare state and egalitarianism.
Which feature is NOT borrowed from the British Constitution?
- A Cabinet System
- B Prerogative Writs
- C Bicameral Legislature
- D Fundamental Rights
Correct answer: Fundamental Rights
While the Cabinet system, Writs, and Bicameralism are British imports, Fundamental Rights are borrowed from the US Bill of Rights. Britain does not have a codified bill of rights in the same constitutional sense as India.
The 'Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court' (Article 143) is a feature inspired by:
- A The US Constitution
- B The Canadian Constitution
- C The British Constitution
- D The Japanese Constitution
Correct answer: The Canadian Constitution
The power of the President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on matters of law or fact (Advisory Jurisdiction) is borrowed from the Canadian Constitution. This helps the executive gain legal clarity on complex issues.
The Office of the 'Comptroller and Auditor General' (CAG) has its roots in which source?
- A The United States Constitution, 1787
- B The Irish Constitution
- C The Government of India Act, 1935
- D The French Constitution
Correct answer: The Government of India Act, 1935
The administrative details and the structural office of the CAG, which ensures financial accountability, were largely derived from the Government of India Act, 1935, which itself was based on British auditing practices.
From which country did India borrow the provision for the nomination of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha by the President?
- A United Kingdom
- B United States
- C Ireland
- D Canada
Correct answer: Ireland
The Irish Constitution is the source for the provision that allows the President to nominate members to the Rajya Sabha for their special knowledge in literature, science, art, and social service.
The concept of 'Due Process of Law' is often compared with the Indian 'Procedure Established by Law'. From which country did India specifically adopt the latter?
- A USA
- B Japan
- C Britain
- D Canada
Correct answer: Japan
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution uses the expression 'Procedure Established by Law', which is a feature borrowed from the Japanese Constitution. This differs from the 'Due Process of Law' found in the American Constitution.
The provision of 'Public Service Commissions' at both the Union and State levels finds its structural origin in which source?
- A The unwritten British Constitution
- B Government of India Act of 1935
- C Irish Constitution
- D US Constitution
Correct answer: Government of India Act of 1935
The Government of India Act of 1935 provided the blueprint for the administrative setup of the Public Service Commissions, which was later adopted into the Indian Constitution.
Which specific feature of the Indian federal system is a direct borrowing from the Canadian Constitution?
- A Fully Written Constitution
- B Bicameral Legislature
- C Centre-Appointed Governors
- D Financial Emergency Powers
Correct answer: Centre-Appointed Governors
The appointment of State Governors by the Central Government is a Canadian feature. It reflects the 'Centripetal' nature of the Indian federation where the Centre maintains oversight over the States.
The power of the Parliament to enact laws on subjects mentioned in the Concurrent List was inspired by the Constitution of:
- A South Africa
- B Australia
- C USA
- D Germany
Correct answer: Australia
The Concurrent List, along with the freedom of trade and commerce and the provision for joint sittings, was borrowed from the Australian Constitution.
The impeachment of the President and the removal of Supreme Court and High Court judges are procedures inspired by the:
- A British Parliamentary system
- B Canadian Constitution
- C American Constitution
- D Irish Constitution
Correct answer: American Constitution
The American Constitution provided the basis for the removal of high constitutional authorities, including the President (impeachment) and judges of the higher judiciary.
The 'Preamble' of the Indian Constitution begins with 'We, the People of India'. This phrase is a localized version of a phrase found in the Constitution of:
- A United Kingdom
- B United States
- C French Republic
- D Soviet Union
Correct answer: United States
The concept of having a Preamble and the specific focus on popular sovereignty ('We the People') were inspired by the US Constitution, which was the first to begin with such an introduction.
The 'Rule of Law' and 'Cabinet System' are pillars of the Indian Polity borrowed from:
- A British Constitution
- B American Constitution
- C French Constitution
- D Swiss Constitution
Correct answer: British Constitution
The British Constitution is the source for the parliamentary form of government, the rule of law, legislative procedure, and the cabinet system of governance.
The election of members of the Rajya Sabha is conducted according to a procedure borrowed from:
- A Ireland
- B South Africa
- C Canada
- D United States of America
Correct answer: South Africa
While the nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha is from the Irish Constitution, the procedure for the 'election' of Rajya Sabha members is borrowed from the South African Constitution.
Which administrative feature was NOT taken from the Government of India Act, 1935?
- A Federal Scheme
- B Office of Governor
- C Fundamental Rights
- D Emergency Provisions
Correct answer: Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Rights were inspired by the American Bill of Rights. The Federal Scheme, Office of Governor, and Judiciary were taken from the 1935 Act.
The concept of 'Vestiges of Sovereignty' or 'Residuary Powers' being allocated to the Union Government is a feature of:
- A The US Model
- B The Canadian Model
- C The Australian Model
- D The Swiss Model
Correct answer: The Canadian Model
In Canada, residuary powers belong to the Centre, unlike the USA where they belong to the States. India followed the Canadian model to ensure a strong Central government.
From which country did India borrow the 'Parliamentary Privileges' enjoyed by the members of Parliament?
- A USA
- B Australia
- C Britain
- D Japan
Correct answer: Britain
The privileges of the Houses of Parliament and their members and committees were modeled after the British House of Commons.
The 'Emergency Provisions' in the Indian Constitution are largely based on the Government of India Act 1935, but the 'suspension of Fundamental Rights' during emergency is from:
- A Weimar Constitution
- B Soviet Constitution
- C French Constitution
- D South African Constitution
Correct answer: Weimar Constitution
While the structural part of emergency comes from the 1935 Act, the specific provision regarding the suspension of fundamental rights was influenced by the Weimar Constitution of Germany.
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) were borrowed from the Irish Constitution. From which constitution did the Irish borrow this concept?
- A Spanish Constitution
- B French Constitution
- C American Constitution
- D German Constitution
Correct answer: Spanish Constitution
The Irish Constitution had itself copied the Directive Principles from the Spanish Constitution. India then adopted them from Ireland.
The provision for a 'Vice-President' to act as the ex-officio Chairman of the Upper House is a feature borrowed from:
- A United Kingdom
- B Canada
- C Ireland
- D United States
Correct answer: United States
In the United States, the Vice-President serves as the President of the Senate. India adopted this model for the Vice-President's role in the Rajya Sabha.
The idea of 'Freedom of Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse' within the territory of India was inspired by:
- A The United States Constitution
- B The British Common Law
- C The Canadian Constitution
- D The Australian Constitution
Correct answer: The Australian Constitution
Provisions relating to trade, commerce, and intercourse (Articles 301-307) are primarily based on the Australian Constitution.
The 'Prerogative Writs' (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, etc.) used for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights are a gift of the:
- A American legal system
- B Roman Law
- C French legal system
- D British legal system
Correct answer: British legal system
The writs are a feature of English Common Law, known as 'Prerogative Writs' in the UK, and were adopted into the Indian Constitution via the British legacy.
Which of the following elements of the Indian Preamble was NOT inspired by the French Revolution?
- A Liberty
- B Equality
- C Fraternity
- D Justice
Correct answer: Justice
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity are from the French Revolution (1789). However, 'Justice' (Social, Economic, and Political) was inspired by the Russian Revolution (1917).
The procedure for the 'Election of the President' (Proportional Representation) was borrowed from:
- A Ireland
- B USA
- C Britain
- D South Africa
Correct answer: Ireland
The method of presidential election through an electoral college using the system of proportional representation is an Irish feature.
The concept of 'Single Citizenship' ensures national unity and was adopted from:
- A The Canadian federal model
- B The American federal model
- C The British unitary model
- D The Australian model
Correct answer: The British unitary model
Unlike the USA or Switzerland which have dual citizenship, India adopted single citizenship from the British model to promote national integration.
The 'Advisory Jurisdiction' of the Supreme Court (Article 143) is a unique feature borrowed from the constitution of:
- A Canada
- B USA
- C Australia
- D Japan
Correct answer: Canada
The Supreme Court of India's power to provide advisory opinions to the President was inspired by the similar power held by the Canadian Supreme Court.