RAS question
The federal scheme with a strong centre in the Indian Constitution was influenced by:
Correct answer: (D) Constitution of Canada.
The Indian Constitution's federal scheme with a strong Centre was influenced by the Constitution of Canada.
Explanation
The Constitution of Canada is the relevant influence because the Press Information Bureau, Government of India lists "Federation with a strong Centre" under the Canadian Constitution. India's Constitution adopted a federal structure but tilted it towards the Union, with residuary powers placed in the Centre and state Governors appointed by the Centre. The expressions "Union" and "Union of States" are also connected with this Canadian influence. Therefore, the question is not asking about federalism in general; it is testing the specific borrowed feature of a federation designed with a powerful central authority.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The Constitution of Switzerland is not identified as the source for a federal scheme with a strong Centre.
- (B) The Constitution of France is not linked to India's strong-Centre federal structure.
- (C) The Constitution of the USA represents federal influence in general, but the specific strong-Centre design with residuary powers in the Centre is attributed here to Canada.
Concept
This tests the Indian Polity syllabus area on sources of the Constitution and borrowed features. It recurs in RAS because questions often ask candidates to match a constitutional feature with the country from which it was drawn.