GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Comparison of the Indian Constitution with other countries
Source: IE
Context: Gabriel Attal is the new Prime Minister of France, succeeding Elisabeth Borne. He is known for banning abayas, proposing mandatory school uniforms, and addressing bullying. Attal is France’s first openly gay Prime Minister and left the Socialist Party in 2016 to support Emmanuel Macron’s presidential bid.
Similarities and differences between the Indian Constitution and the French Constitution:
| Aspect | Similarities | Differences |
| Preamble and Fundamental Rights | Both constitutions have a preamble emphasizing fundamental principles.
India’s preamble emphasizes justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, mirroring France’s commitment to liberty, equality, and fraternity |
French Constitution emphasizes secularism (negative secularism: Complete separation between State and Religion); India adopts a more positive approach accommodating diverse religious practices (state promotes all religions). |
| Fundamental Rights are enshrined in both constitutions. | ||
| Parliamentary System | Both countries have a parliamentary form of government with a President or Head of State and a Prime Minister as the Head of Government. | The Indian President holds a more ceremonial role with limited powers, while the French President possesses more substantial executive authority. This reflects the semi-presidential system in France. |
| Directive Principles and Social Justice | Both constitutions include Directive Principles of State Policy (India) and Objectives of the Republic (France), guiding the state in matters of social and economic welfare. | India’s Directive Principles are more detailed and comprehensive; France focuses on broad principles without detailed specificity. |
| Federal Structure | Both constitutions provide for the division of powers between the centre and the states (India) or regions (France) | India has a federal system, while France has a unitary system |
| Amendment Procedures | Both constitutions allow amendments to accommodate societal needs. | India follows a rigid amendment procedure requiring a special majority; France has a more flexible approach allowing amendments through a joint session of the Parliament. |
| Influence | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other constitutional makers | Montesquieu’s influence |
Conclusion
Thus, the Indian constitution is longer, and more elaborate and aims to bring about social change. The French constitution is more open to interpretation and focuses on upholding republican ideals.
Comparison of the Indian Constitution with other countries:
| FEATURE | INDIA | UK | USA | RUSSIA | JAPAN | FRANCE | GERMANY |
| Written/ Unwritten | Written | Unwritten | Written | Written | Written | Written | Written |
| Flexible/ Rigid | Both | Flexible | Rigid | Rigid | Rigid | Rigid | Rigid |
| Unitary / Federal | Federal with unitary bias | Unitary | Federal | Unitary | Unitary | Unitary | Federal |
| Parliamentary / Presidential | Parliamentary | Parliamentary | Presidential | Semi-Presidential | Parliamentary | Quasi-Presidential | Parliamentary |
| Sovereignty of Parliament | Supremacy of Parliament | Supremacy of Constitution | Supremacy of Constitution | Parliament with limited powers | |||
| Supremacy of Constitution | Supremacy of Parliament | Supremacy of Constitution | Supremacy of Constitution | ||||
| Republic / Monarch | Republic | Constitutional Monarchy | Republic | Republic | Constitutional Monarchy | Republic | Republic |
| President | Ceremonial | Ceremonial | Executive | Executive | Executive | Ceremonial | |
| Fundamental Rights | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Insta Links:
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries
