The concept of fundamental duties in the Constitution of India was taken from:
- A.USSR
- B.USA
- C.Germany
- D.Australia
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is USSR. The idea of writing citizens' duties into the Constitution was taken from the Constitution of the former Soviet Union, which listed duties alongside rights. Most democratic constitutions, such as those of the USA, Canada and Australia, contain no such list, which is why the Soviet source is the one to remember. The USSR is also the source of the ideal of social, economic and political justice in the Preamble.
The other countries gave India other features. The USA gave the Fundamental Rights (inspired by its Bill of Rights), judicial review, the impeachment of the President and the removal of Supreme Court judges. Germany's Weimar Constitution gave the suspension of Fundamental Rights during an emergency. Australia gave the Concurrent List, freedom of trade and commerce, and the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament. A simple memory pair: rights from the USA, duties from the USSR.
Read the full article: Fundamental Duties (Article 51A): All 11 Duties, Notes and PYQs
Practice Questions
View allFundamental duties are mentioned in which of the following part of Indian Constitution?
- A.Part II
- B.Part III
- C.Part V
- D.Part IV A
Show answer
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 inserted a new Part IVA into the Constitution, with a single Article, 51A, that lists the Fundamental Duties of every citizen.
Read the full explanation →Which Constitutional Amendment added Fundamental Duties in the Constitution?
- A.Forty - Second Amendment Act, 1976
- B.Forty - Seventh Amendment, 1984
- C.Forty - Fourth Amendment Act 1978
- D.Fifty - Second Amendment, 1985
Show answer
Passed during the Emergency on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee, the 42nd Amendment inserted Part IVA and Article 51A with ten Fundamental Duties.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following committees recommended inclusion of fundamental duties?
- A.Tarapore Committee
- B.Radha Krishnan Committee
- C.Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
- D.Swaran Singh Committee
Show answer
In 1976 the government set up a committee under Sardar Swaran Singh to suggest changes to the Constitution. It recommended a separate chapter on Fundamental Duties, arguing that citizens should be conscious of their duties as well as their rights.
Read the full explanation →How many Fundamental Duties are there for citizens of India?
- A.8
- B.6
- C.10
- D.11
Show answer
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 added ten Fundamental Duties in Article 51A, clauses (a) to (j).
Read the full explanation →Under which amendment act, article 51A (k) of the Indian constitution was inserted in the constitution?
- A.Eighty - second amendment Act
- B.Eighty - sixth amendment Act
- C.Eighty - first amendment Act
- D.Eighty - fourth amendment Act
Show answer
The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 inserted clause (k) in Article 51A: "who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years." The same amendment made free and compulsory education for children…
Read the full explanation →